What type of tube does the Radial Space Heater 500 use for distortion?

The Radial Space Heater 500 utilizes a studio-grade 12AX7 tube for overdrive, providing a warm and rich distortion characteristic.

How does the Heat switch on the Radial Space Heater 500 affect the sound?

The Heat switch allows you to set the plate B+ voltage to 35, 70, or 140 volts, which adjusts the level of distortion and warmth, enabling a range of tonal variations.

Can the Radial Space Heater 500 be used to shape distortion with filters?

Yes, it features variable high-pass and low-pass filters that allow you to focus the distortion on specific frequency ranges for precise tonal shaping.

What is the output characteristic of the Radial Space Heater 500?

The Space Heater 500 has a transformer-coupled output, providing a vintage tone that enhances the warmth and character of the processed audio signal.

Is the Radial Space Heater 500 suitable for use in a 500 series modular rack?

Yes, the Radial Space Heater 500 is designed as a 500 series module, making it compatible with 500 series modular racks for studio integration.

Radial Space Heater 500

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Page last updated Jan 30, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $518

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Radial Space Heater 500 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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Discover the warmth and sonic character of the Radial Space Heater 500, a distinguished addition to any studio's signal processing arsenal. This 500 Series line amplifier harnesses the power of vacuum tubes to infuse your recordings with rich, harmonic distortion that can only come from genuine tube warmth. With its versatile 3-position voltage switch, this unit empowers you to sculpt your sound, from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion, making it a perfect match for musicians and producers seeking that elusive analog magic.

Key Features:

Vacuum tube-driven warmth and distortion, adding harmonically rich textures to your recordings.
A versatile 3-position voltage switch allows for precise control over the level of distortion — from mild to heavily saturated.
Designed to fit perfectly into the 500 Series format, integrating smoothly with your existing setup.
Ideal for dialing in the perfect amount of tube saturation to enhance anything from vocals to full mixes.

Product specs

Brand	Radial
Model	Space Heater 500 Tube Distortion Module
Year	2010s
Categories	500 Series Modules and Frames, Multi-Effect

FAQs

What type of tube does the Radial Space Heater 500 use for distortion?: The Radial Space Heater 500 utilizes a studio-grade 12AX7 tube for overdrive, providing a warm and rich distortion characteristic.
How does the Heat switch on the Radial Space Heater 500 affect the sound?: The Heat switch allows you to set the plate B+ voltage to 35, 70, or 140 volts, which adjusts the level of distortion and warmth, enabling a range of tonal variations.
Can the Radial Space Heater 500 be used to shape distortion with filters?: Yes, it features variable high-pass and low-pass filters that allow you to focus the distortion on specific frequency ranges for precise tonal shaping.
What is the output characteristic of the Radial Space Heater 500?: The Space Heater 500 has a transformer-coupled output, providing a vintage tone that enhances the warmth and character of the processed audio signal.
Is the Radial Space Heater 500 suitable for use in a 500 series modular rack?: Yes, the Radial Space Heater 500 is designed as a 500 series module, making it compatible with 500 series modular racks for studio integration.

Videos

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Reviews

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Critic Reviews

Radial Engineering: Space Heater tube-drive & summing box Space Heater 500 tube-drive module | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Radial Space Heater 500 is a versatile tube-drive module with a robust build and excellent distortion capabilities, making it a valuable tool for adding character to audio tracks. Its ability to deliver both subtle warmth and heavy overdrive, coupled with practical features like sweepable filters, makes it a standout choice for diverse applications from studio to live sound. However, users may find the sensitive Drive control a bit finicky, and the lack of a bypass option for the tube stage in the 500 module is a minor drawback. Overall, its sturdy construction and sound quality make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking analog warmth and color in their mixes.

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