Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $62

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Description

Harness the power of authentic tube driven tone with the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor. This dynamic overdrive pedal uses real tubes operating at amp-level voltages, providing an unparalleled richness and depth to your sound. Whether you're chasing a thick, clean boost or searing leads, the Tube Factor's dual channels and intuitive controls for Drive, Voicing, and Output allow you to customize your sound effortlessly. Experience the ultimate in touch-sensitive, amp-like overdrive with the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor.

Key Features:

  • Real tubes operating at amp-level voltages for authentic tube driven tone
  • Two channels for a versatile range of sounds from clean boost to blistering leads
  • Intuitive controls for Drive, Voicing, and Output for easy sound customization
  • Offers touch-sensitive, amp-like overdrive for a unique playing experience

Product specs

Brand Hughes & Kettner
Model Tube Factor
Finish Silver
Year 2000s
Made In Germany
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals, Preamps

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor?

The Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor offers warm, tube-driven overdrive tones with a smooth character. It's designed to enhance your guitar's natural sound, providing both subtle boosts and rich, saturated overdrive suitable for blues, rock, and classic rock genres.

Does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Tube Factor is versatile and works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, delivering consistent tonal quality and dynamic response across different guitar types.

What type of power supply does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor require?

The Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor requires a 12V DC power supply. Ensure you use the correct voltage to avoid damaging the pedal or affecting its performance.

Is the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Tube Factor is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and reliable performance. Its dynamic range and tonal flexibility make it an excellent choice for gigging musicians seeking tube-driven overdrive sounds.

How does the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Tube Factor stands out due to its real tube circuitry, which provides authentic tube warmth and dynamics. Unlike many solid-state overdrive pedals, it offers a more natural and organic sound, closely mimicking the characteristics of tube amplifiers.

Reviews

PROS

  • Can mimic tube amp sound even on solid state amps

  • Versatile tone shaping with the tone knob

  • Both gain stages offer a wide spectrum from clean to high gain

  • Compatible with dirt pedals similar to a tube amp

  • Useful for silent practice setups with cab sim

  • Owner's manual provides a range of sound combinations

  • Larger size appreciated by those not concerned with pedalboard space

  • Superior tone quality compared to many similar pedals

CONS

  • Not ideal for use directly into a tube amp's front end

  • Two gain stages may have significant volume disparity

  • Requires a non-standard power supply

  • Large size may not fit on all pedalboards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor.

User experience

  • Owners highlight the Tube Factor's capacity for producing a thick, warm overdrive, making it suitable for achieving a rich, tube-like sound.

    Source
  • The Tube Factor is reportedly getting harder to find, as they are discontinued, prompting urgency in potential buyers.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Tube Factor fits well within a comprehensive pedal setup, indicating compatibility with a wide range of guitar models and effects pedals.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal's robust construction and size are made for durability, although some users wish for a slightly larger pedalboard to accommodate its size.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for those seeking a combination of analog warmth and modern pedalboard integration, especially in classic rock and blues styles.

    Source
  • Jimmy Herring’s exclusive use of the Tube Factor suggests its capability to achieve professional-quality tones in live settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners feel using the Tube Factor with Hughes & Kettner amps may be redundant compared to switching to the amp's dirt channel.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
florian_tennstedt

Nice sound at different volumes

The tube factor is a two stage overdirve/distortion pedal, you can switch between two kinds of drive sets. The main issue for me with this one was, that i could not get both settings to be at the same volume or even close to another. Maybe the one I had was malfunctioning but I read about similar problems elsewhere. The sound was quite good, but with the volumes of the channels so far apart it is just no use to me.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robert Smith uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

In a studio photo, Robert Smith's Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor can be seen alongside the EHX DEM, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Lee Ranaldo uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

According to the Sonic Youth website, Lee Ranaldo was using a Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor in Sonic Youth in 2009. It is shown in the picture and also in the list of his gear on Sonic Youth's website.

Full article here

See how Alex Skolnick uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor

Alex Skolnick

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Scolnick uses the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor pedal.

See how Jimmy Herring uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor

Jimmy Herring

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an interview with Premier Guitar, Jimmy Herring discusses using the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor overdrive pedal. He prefers the green channel with the gain set at noon and places the pedal on top of his amp, operating it via a remote switch. The pedal is designed with a jack for this purpose, eliminating the need for special MIDI switchers.

See how Davey Johnstone uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor

Davey Johnstone

Guitarist

Fire Inc.

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In an exclusive interview with MusicRadar, Davey Johnstone discusses his use of the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor overdrive pedal as part of his gear setup during his career with Elton John.

See how Louis-Jean Cormier uses Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor

Louis-Jean Cormier

Guitarist

...
Verified via Funksheet

Can be seen on his pedalboard (with Karkwa).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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