Load the transformers two different ways with the Mic/Line switch for different sounds Independent input and output amplification stages each add their own characterīring the sound of a Motown era classic to your DAW
Radiator also includes Little Radiator, a simpler single-stage tube pre-amp model based on the Altec 1566A hardware, the little brother of the Altec 1567A. With producers like Matt Wallace of early Maroon 5 fame utilizing the 1567A on their early hits, and now bands like the Black Keys (who had a custom console made from Altec 1567A’s) the demand, and price, for these funky little color boxes have soared. Computer recordists everywhere can now get the Altec tube sound – on every input channel, without the hassles of interfacing to esoteric analog gear, and at a much lower cost.
SOUNDTOYS LITTLE RADIATOR PLUS
Plus we let you decide if the original noise is on or off. Over the past few years, Altec mixers have been picked up by recording studios as an inexpensive way to bring analog color and character to computer-based digital recording. Featuring the modeled bass and treble tone controls from the original unit, a mix control for easy parallel processing, and the saturation and harmonic effects of the original hardware’s input and output amplifiers.Īll of these different circuit elements interacts, allowing a wide range of tones to be created with just a few simple knobs. Radiator brings the classic Altec tube sound to desktop recording rigs, capturing the distinctive warmth and punch of the original hardware. Producer Matt Wallace was a very big fan. Motown Records ChiefEnginner, Russ Terrana (shown here), used the 1567A extensively and it became part of the distinctive Motown sound. After Motown, and after much gear came and went, analog diehards began seeking out the 1566A and 1567A as inexpensive sources for real tube sound. The EQ is as simple as it gets, with one knob for bass, and another for treble. Ahhh, when life was simple. These mic preamps and mixers have a very colored warm sound and are very loud. Songs by greats like The Four Tops, TheMarvelettesand The Supremes went through a 1567A mixer to the massive three-track recorder. The unmistakable green-faced Altec gear, and in particular the 1566A and 1567A, played a big part in shaping the early “sound” of Motown between 1961 to 1964. In its day, it was used on many early Motown hits and found its way into the PA racks of countless churches and school auditoriums across the USA The sound, by today’s standards, is colored and gritty, with a heaping helping of good old-fashioned hardware noise. The original Altec 1567A hardware was a rack-mounted five-input tube mixer with removable transformers, a simple two-knob EQ, an unmistakable green faceplate, and a whopping 97 dB of gain. Check out our Gear Closet on the 1567A for even more info.Introducing Radiator, a dual drive tube input channel and EQ, based on the classic Altec 1567A tube mixer from the 1960s. These mic preamps and mixers have a very colored warm sound and are very loud. Songs by greats like The Four Tops, The Marvelettes and The Supremes went through a 1567A mixer to the massive three track recorder. The unmistakable green-faced Altec gear, and in particular the 1566A and 1567A, played a big part in shaping the early "sound" of Motown between 1961 to 1964. It's the next level in this classic sound with extra control and an extra SoundToys twist.
SOUNDTOYS LITTLE RADIATOR UPGRADE
This upgrade from Little Radiator is based on the Altec 1567A (the 1566A's big brother). Subtle warmth, or driving grit, all the things you need to shake the "clean" off of your computer recording. This was one of the main sounds from the classic Motown mixes, became a secret weapon of boutique producers, and is now a vital part of the sound of bands like the Black Keys. Little Radiator models the classic sound of the Altec 1566A mic preamp, and lets you spread some analog tube magic on your mixes.
Everyone needs a little warmth in their life.