Tube Convolution Filter?

[NekoAudio]

Coming off the HQPlayer thread, does anyone know of a convolution filter that might be used to simulate a tube amplifier? I'm primarily thinking about the added harmonics, as rolling off high-frequencies and adding some frequency response variation can be done using PEQ.

 

[nicoff]

In the owner’s manual (it is included when you download the software) there is a list of the names and description of all of the filters that are available. The description explains what the filter does.

Some filters seem to work well with certain types of music. I personally have not seen specific references to filters that are tube sounding, but others might.

 

[NekoAudio]

Yeah, I took a quick look at the included filters and unless I missed something I didn't see anything specifically designed to add a tube-like sound. Thanks.

 

[mep]

Why not add a real tube amplifier? Even SS guitar amps that claim they can model the sound of famous tube guitar amps are a joke.

 

[Randy Myers]

Why not add a real tube amplifier? Even SS guitar amps that claim they can model the sound of famous tube guitar amps are a joke.

Was actually thinking the same thing... or to add a bit of the tube appeal add a tube pre-amp. I prefer tubes in my pre more than in the amp anyway... but tube headphone amps are a pure joy!

 

[NekoAudio]

I'm exploring the issue because of a situation where we explicitly do not want to use a real tube amplifier. There are various reasons behind it, but ultimately being able to model the tube sound and ignore the interactions between the amplifier and different speaker loads would be extremely helpful. A filter will also let us play with some of the parameters to emphasize or de-emphasize specific aspects (e.g. harmonics, frequency response fluctuations).

None of this can be done efficiently or cost-effectively with a real tube amplifier, or rather the many different amplifiers you'd need to individually measure and experiment with using a specific speaker or set of speakers.

Edit: Basically, some example filters would be helpful as a starting point and to at see if the approach makes sense.