unique tube saturation

You´re about to explore the unique sound of tube saturation. Cassiopeia & Lyra are composed around vacuum tubes to add that missing bit to your productions. In order to do so, the vacuum tubes are driven out of spec, which means in a mode of saturation or non – linear. The resulting effect is the creation of overtones and harmonics, which are different from transistor or digital approaches; they are less sharp but more pleasing. The saturated signal benefits from adding overtones and harmonic distortion in a way that its sound becomes richer, warmer, and fuller. A nice side effect is that the signal will be slightly compressed. 

The inspiration for Cassiopeia & Lyra came from the fact that vacuum tubes tend to create a variety of pleasing overtones, especially when the tube is driven into saturation. This has been done by guitarists ever since the introduction of electric amplifiers in the 1950s, operating their amplifiers with a ton of gain. Especially these days, more than half a century later, a majority of productions run strictly “in the box” and are described as “cold” or without the analogue feel that we all have come to enjoy. Cassiopeia & Lyra will add that missing link, adding overtones and harmonic distortion in a subtle yet pleasing way, which in the mix will make these tracks shine more or give them the analog character they deserve.

saturation

This control brings the vacuum tube from a “normal – linear” operation into the state of saturation. This is achieved by restricting the tubes’ possible range of operation, or in other words limiting the headroom. The magic happens when the incoming signal clips while running through the tube. This type of soft clipping is very forgiving when done with tubes. The outcome is a THD rich but not harsh-sounding signal.

intensity

The intensity knob is basically a dry-wet control that blends the raw signal with the processed signal. This control operates from 0 % to 100 %.  This function is very useful when the output signal should just partially benefit from the processed signal.

output

The output control ranges from +/- 12 dB

custom tube socket

custom tube socket

put any triode tube you like. From NOS to modern to get the flavor you enjoy.

tube backlight

tube backlight

the tube backlight is used to give a visual feedback of the applied saturation amount.

Signal Flow

Simplicity is the key, and looking at the signal flow, Cassiopeia & Lyra reveal a simple yet effective design. Three knobs – SATURATION – INTENSITY – OUTPUT. Elegant and straightforward and shows that sometimes the simplest circuitry is the best.

Technical details:

This unit comes in two different forms. Cassiopeia is a stereo unit that makes it easy to create the sound needed on stereo channels. Furthermore, the level matching between both channels is guaranteed since these stereo units are level matched by default.  

Lyra is the mono version and features the exact circuitry as Cassiopeia.

The Sound

Check out our demos that range from subtle to extreme. From beats to vocals and rock.

Introduction

Demo Smash

Rock

Vocals

Beat

Introduction

Demo Smash

Rock

Vocals

Beat