Create your own Legacy with the VLD1 Legacy DRIVE tube pedal. The VLD1’s tube technology with simple, yet comprehensive and modern features delivers the sound of Steve Vai’s Legacy amplifier in a preamp pedal. Incorporate the VLD1 in your rig as a preamp, a pedal or by going direct.

Steve Vai wanted his Legacy tube tone in a format he could pack in a carry-on. Take your tone anywhere with the versatility and portability of the VLD1 Legacy DRIVE.

The ability to reproduce the true Legacy sound could only come from real 12AX7 tubes, utilizing the full Legacy preamp circuit. The four gain stages and tone stacks are faithfully incorporated, running at the same operating conditions as they do in the full Legacy 100-watt amps.

The passive BASS, MID, TREBLE, and PRESENCE tone controls are the same tube driven tone circuits used in the Legacy amplifiers. The great range of these controls comes from the use of high impedance 1 Meg-ohm sealed potentiometers. The Drive channel’s PRESENCE control is designed to adjust the “edge” on your sound. Its range allows for warm, thick sounds at lower settings or turn it up to cut through. The Clean channel’s PRESENCE switch adds sparkling clear highs to clean tones.

Precision machined all metal chassis with easy to see recessed control knobs and solid foot switches. Tour Ready the way Steve needs it, in your rig.

Legacy Design The Legacy DRIVE is designed to feed any power amp to drive guitar speaker cabinets with the Legacy sound. If you already have a favorite guitar amp and want to add a new sound, the Legacy DRIVE also works as a pedal into the front of your amp with a true hard wire bypass. Even if you are playing without an amp, Carvin Audio’s third generation Cabinet Voicing circuit emulates the frequency response of a guitar speaker cabinet, so you can send Legacy tones direct to headphones, effects, recording inputs or live PA without having to mic a speaker.

Two channels plus high gain Steve Vai’s trademark “VAI” hieroglyph symbol will glow different colors to indicate which channel the Legacy drive is in. Green is for the classic Legacy clean channel, red is for the sweet harmonic rich Vai drive channel, and amber-yellow is when the drive channel is in GAIN mode. Steve liked the extra GAIN switch from the Legacy 3 so much, we included it in the Legacy DRIVE. Why add another pedal for over-the-top solos when you can footswitch in more gain at the tube circuits?

Vai Carvin Audio Legacy Steve Vai began his journey with Carvin Audio very early in his career, with Frank Zappa’s recommendation to use the X-100B. In 1999, Carvin Audio worked very closely with Vai to develop the Legacy series amplifiers which he has been using ever since.

Legacy Input This is the Legacy input as it is on the input of all three versions of the Legacy heads - straight into the first tube stage.

Master volume and Output The Legacy DRIVE can be plugged right into the input of your guitar amp, your guitar amp’s power section using the Effects Return or Power Amp In jacks or any power amp like the TS100, DCM200L, or DCM1000L. The Master volume lets you adjust your output level to match the front end of a guitar amp or crank it up for the input of a power amp.

Remote Control The Legacy DRIVE has 3 top mounted footswitches for Drive or Clean, Gain mode and true Bypass. Rear jacks allow you to access these functions from external footswitches like our FS22, or from relay control outputs on MIDI switchers.

Equip your rig with the Legacy tone.

Product specs

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1?

The Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 is a signature tube preamp pedal designed by Steve Vai, featuring a seafoam green finish. It offers classic overdrive and boost capabilities with authentic tube-driven sound, making it ideal for achieving Vai's signature tones.

Is the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 is designed for both studio and live use, providing robust tones that can easily cut through a mix, making it a great choice for live performances.

How does the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 enhance a guitarist's tone?

The VLD1 enhances tone by utilizing real tubes to deliver warm, dynamic overdrive and boost sounds, capturing the essence of Steve Vai's signature sound with precision.

Can the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 be used with any guitar amplifier?

Yes, the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 is compatible with most guitar amplifiers, allowing guitarists to integrate it into their existing setups to enhance their tonal palette.

Does the Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 require a specific power supply?

The Carvin Legacy Drive VLD1 requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for many guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into most pedalboards.