Introduced in 2020, the four models of the Vox Valvenergy pedal series reproduced the response and harmonic characteristics of a number of popular tube amps, making them in essence, amp modelers. These pedals were made possible, in part, by the development of "Nutube" technology by Korg in Japan.
Nutube Korg has been a leading manufacturer of portable keyboards since the early seventies. Most modern Korg keyboards incorporate a blue/green vacuum fluorescent display (or VFD) that offers a visual indication of the patch that is loaded and ready to play.
Korg discovered that these fluorescent displays could also be configured to perform the same functions as a traditional vacuum tube, including amplifying an audio signal. After years of research and development, Korg introduced, along with their manufacturing partner, Noritake Itron, the dual triode Nutube 6P1 vacuum tube in 2017 (see photo upper left). The Nutube 6P1 could perform functions similar to a traditional 12AX7 preamp tube.
The Nutube 6P1 offered a number of advantages over the 12AX7. The Nutube 6P1 was significantly smaller than a 12AX7. As it did not require a traditional filament heater, the Nutube 6P1 required a fraction of the current required to power a 12AX7. Unlike the 12AX7, the Nutube 6P1 remained relatively cool to the touch while in operation. Finally, the Nutube 6P1 offered a significantly longer service life than the 12AX7, perhaps never needing replacement.
Prior to its inclusion in the Valvenergy effects pedals, Nutube was incorporated into the circuitry of several earlier Vox products, including the MV and VX series amplifiers and the Continental performance keyboard.
While the Valvenergy pedals are capable of being powered by a 9 volt battery, the use of an external AC adaptor is recommended as the power consumption of these pedals is relatively high. A 9V DC center-negative power supply with a recommended current of at least 95 mA or higher is required. The manufacturer recommends either the Korg KA181 or KA183 AC power adaptors.
The Vox Valvenergy Mystic Edge, Copperhead Drive, Silk Drive and Cutting Edge pedals each had a US manufacturer's suggested retail price of $249.99. Most retailers discounted the actual sale price to $179.99. Country of Origin: Vietnam.
VEME Mystic Edge - Few amps can claim the multi-generational popularity of the Vox AC-30. The Vox Mystic Edge captures the esssence of the AC-30 in an all analog, Nutube powered pedal. Three output modes (Standard, Preamp or Cab-Sim) allow the Cutting Edge to be used either as a pedal tthrough your amp or as a preamp that connects directly to the PA or studio interface. Like an AC-30 Top Boost amp, the Mystic Edge includes a three band EQ with Bass, Treble and Cut controls to tailor your sound. It also features a Bright switch and an OLED display that functions as an oscilloscope to graphically depict your signal. A "Channel Link" feature allows you to chain two or more Valvenergy pedals together. This allows you to turn one pedal on while bypassing the others, similar to channel switching on a two channel amp.
VECD Copperhead Drive - The Copperhead Drive delivers the powerful sounds of a fully dimed British full stack amp in a compact, all analog, Nutube powered pedal. Three output modes (Standard, Preamp or Cab-Sim) allow the Cutting Edge to be used either as a pedal tthrough your amp or as a preamp that connects directly to the PA or studio interface. Volume and Gain controls combine with a three band active EQ with Bass, Middle and Treble controls to dial in your perfect tone. The Copperhead Drive also features a Bright switch and an OLED display that functions as an oscilloscope to graphically depict your signal. A unique "Channel Link" feature allows you to chain two or more Valvenergy pedals together. This allows you to turn one pedal on while bypassing the others, similar to channel switching on a two-channel amp.
VESD Silk Drive - The Vox Valvenergy Silk Drive pedal delivers both the clean and the smooth overdriven sounds of some of the most desired boutique amps in the world.Three output modes (Standard, Preamp or Cab-Sim) allow the Cutting Edge to be used either as a pedal tthrough your amp or as a preamp that connects directly to the PA or studio interface. Volume and Gain controls combine with a three band active EQ with Bass, Middle and Treble controls to dial in your perfect tone. The Silk Drive also features a Bright switch and an OLED display that functions as an oscilloscope to graphically depict your signal. A unique "Channel Link" feature allows you to chain two or more Valvenergy pedals together. This allows you to turn one pedal on while bypassing the others, similar to channel switching on a two-channel amp.
VECE Cutting Edge - The Vox Cutting Edge pedal offers a Nutube powered, all analog signal path that emulates the modern metal sound of American "dual-rectifier" ultra gain amps. Volume, Gain and Tight controls are responsible for saturation and overall level. The Bass, Middle and Treble controls adjust the EQ. Three output modes (Standard, Preamp or Cab-Sim) allow the Cutting Edge to be used either as a pedal tthrough your amp or as a preamp that connects directly to the PA or studio interface. The Cutting Edge also features an OLED display that functions as an oscilloscope to graphically depict your signal. A unique "Channel Link" feature allows you to chain two or more Valvenergy pedals together. This allows you to turn one pedal on while bypassing the others, similar to channel switching on a two-channel amp.
Official Vox Valvenergy Mystic Edge Pedal Video
Video used with permission from Vox Amplification plc
Official Vox Valvenergy Copperhead Drive Pedal Video
Video used with permission from Vox Amplification plc
Official Vox Valvenergy Silk Drive Pedal Video
Video used with permission from Vox Amplification plc
Official Vox Valvenergy Cutting Edge Pedal Video
Video used with permission from Vox Amplification plc
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