19" Stereo Bus Triode/Pentode Saturator RSE RTS1908 (preorder)

The RTS1908 is a stereo bus tube saturator in a 19” rack format (1U standard). Each channel has its own input & output transformers and two tube stages — triode and pentode — making four tube stages in total. All tube stages are powered by a high-voltage supply, ensuring authentic tube behavior and wide dynamic range.

Calibration screws for each channel allow precise stereo balance. Input gain, output trim, and a final dry/wet mix control are provided. Unity gain is achieved when the input knob is fully counterclockwise and the output knob is fully clockwise. Bias controls for both the triode and pentode stages, plus a mix knob to blend the two tube characters (or isolate one of them when turned fully).

An Emphasis EQ section (inspired by the Goodhertz Tupe plugin) shapes how the tubes react to different frequency bands: low shelf, mid bell, and high shelf before the tubes, and their inverse after the tubes. At 12 o’clock all bands are flat. Turning counterclockwise reduces saturation in that band while preserving level; clockwise increases tube emphasis for that band.

Technical Specifications

• Input/Output signal level: +22 dBu (20 Hz)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Size: 19” rack, 1U
• Number of channels: 2 (stereo)
  
• Transformers: RSE amorphous-core (optional Tesla / permalloy for more coloration)
• Tubes: 6Ж32П (EF86) & 6Н2П (ECC83)
• Indicators: Analog VU meters (in/out) + clip LED
• Controls: Smooth potentiometers
• EQ: Emphasis (low shelf <200 Hz, mid bell ~1 kHz, high shelf >2 kHz)
• Power: Internal or (optional) external linear PSU