Inspired by harmonically rich boutique amp tones, the Silk Drive goes beyond the amp-in-a-box category to offer a truly flexible valve overdrive pedal. The all-analogue signal path and Nutube allow for genuine boost and overdrive tones with the feel of a real tube amp, while internally boosted voltage gives greater headroom and dynamics.

The Silk Drive valve overdrive pedal offers the dynamic clean and creamy overdrive tones of classic boutique amps in a compact pedal format, powered by Nutube for warm and responsive amp-like tones.

Inspired by harmonically rich boutique amp tones, the Silk Drive goes beyond the amp-in-a-box category to offer a truly flexible valve overdrive pedal. The all-analogue signal path and Nutube allow for genuine boost and overdrive tones with the feel of a real tube amp, while internally boosted voltage gives greater headroom and dynamics. Plus, the OLED display shows an oscilloscope while the pedal is active or bypassed, allowing you to understand exactly how your signal is affected.

Three output modes allow you to use this as a standard pedal, a line-level preamp, and a direct amp-sim using the built-in analogue cabinet simulator. Use STANDARD mode with your normal guitar rig to totally transform your amp, or use PREAMP or CAB-SIM mode while recording directly into your audio interface. In each mode, the all-analogue design and active EQ allow you to perfectly dial in the sound you need in any situation.

The Channel Link feature allows you to chain two or more Valvenergy pedals together, through the Link jack of each pedal. Using a with a standard 1/8” stereo cable will link 2 pedals, and using a stereo 1/8” splitter will link 3 or 4 pedals. This allows you to turn one pedal on while bypassing the others, as if you were switching between channels of a guitar amp.

These pedals are equipped with a high-contrast OLED display showing an oscilloscope, a visual indication of how the waveform is affected by the knob settings. This display shows which mode you are currently using.

• Valve overdrive pedal with all-analogue signal path
• Harmonically rich boutique overdrive tones
• Powered by Nutube
• Three output modes for use as a pedal or preamp
• Selectable analogue cabinet simulator
• OLED display with oscilloscope
• Active EQ to shape your signal

What is the Nutube? Nutube is a new vacuum tube that was developed by KORG Corporation in conjunction with Noritake Itron Corporation as an application of vacuum fluorescent display technology. Like a conventional vacuum tube, a Nutube has an anode grid filament structure, and operates as a complete triode tube. It provides the same rich overtones and response that are distinctive of conventional vacuum tubes.

Analogue circuit design with ample headroom The Valvenergy series is made of all analogue circuits with the 9V power supply voltage boosted to 15V internally. This allows for greater volume and headroom, and delivers an even more dynamic sound. It’s a circuit design that fully utilises the potential of the Valvenergy series.

Three connection modes that you can switch according to your situation You can switch modes as appropriate for the way in which you’re using the pedal. STANDARD: The pedal outputs an instrument-level signal. Connect to the input of your guitar amp in the same way as when using a conventional pedal. PREAMP: The pedal outputs a line-level signal. Connect to the return jack of your amp or to the input of your power amp to then use with a guitar cabinet. CAB-SIM: The pedal outputs a line-level signal with an analogue cabinet simulator. Connect to your mixer or DAW for direct guitar tones.

Equipped with a channel switching function You can chain two pedals together with a standard 1/8” stereo cable through the CH-SW (channel switch) jack of each pedal. This allows you to turn one pedal on while bypassing the other, using the system as if you were switching between channels of a guitar amp. By using a split Y-configuration 1/8” stereo cable you can link three pedals.

OLED display provides visual confirmation of the sound These pedals are equipped with a high-contrast OLED display showing an oscilloscope, a visual indication of how the waveform is affected by the knob settings.

INPUTS/OUTPUTS INPUT jack, OUTPUT jack, DC9V jack, LINK jack

CONTROLS GAIN knob, VOLUME knob, TREBLE knob, MIDDLE knob, BASS knob, BRIGHT switch, MODE switch

POWER SUPPLY * 1 x 9V alkaline battery or 9V center negative AC adaptor

*: The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.

CURRENT CONSUMPTION 95 mA

BATTERY LIFE Approx. 2 hours (When using the alkaline battery. This figure will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.)

DIMENSIONS (W X D X H) 72 mm x 120 mm x 55 mm/2.83″ x 4.72″ x 2.17″ (Including the knob and foot rubber)

WEIGHT 350 g/12.35 oz. (Including the battery)

INCLUDED ITEM 1 x 9V battery for checking operation

ACCESSORIES (SOLD SEPARATELY) AC adaptor

Taken from https://www.voxamps.co.uk/products/ve-sd on 21 May 2024

Product specs

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Vox Silk Drive require?

The Vox Silk Drive requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is commonly used for guitar pedals. It does not include a battery compartment, so an external power source is necessary.

Is the Vox Silk Drive suitable for genres other than rock?

Yes, the Vox Silk Drive is designed to emulate the smooth overdrive of a classic tube amp, making it versatile for various genres like blues, jazz, and pop, in addition to rock.

How does the Vox Silk Drive integrate with other pedals on a pedalboard?

The Vox Silk Drive integrates seamlessly with other pedals, thanks to its compact design and buffered bypass, which maintains signal integrity when the pedal is off, ensuring compatibility with complex pedalboard setups.

Can the Vox Silk Drive be used as a preamp directly into a power amp or mixer?

Yes, the Vox Silk Drive features a Cab-Sim output that allows it to be used as a preamp, enabling direct connection to a power amp or mixer for a full amp-like sound.

What are the standout tonal characteristics of the Vox Silk Drive?

The Vox Silk Drive offers smooth, dynamic overdrive tones reminiscent of classic British tube amps, characterized by warm harmonics and a natural, responsive feel.