Cupwise has released three Tube FM libraries for Acustica Audio Nebula.

The sound characteristics of 4 table-top tube radios and 2 tube tuners were captured to be reproduced through Nebula. Sampled at 96khz.

These radios date to the 1950s. Two different FM transmitters were used, to get the signal into the radios. In some cases though, instead of transmitting the signal, it was directly injected into the radios’ circuitry. The tuners have RCA outputs which were used, but the table-top radios don’t. For those, the signal was taken from the speaker leads, after they were disconnected from the speakers.

Tube FM libraries for Nebula

  • Tube FM 1 – Four table-top tube radios. Two tube tuners. Two FM transmitters. Direct outputs.
    In all cases, the signal used to sample the radios was taken from them by a direct electrical connection. This means the speakers were bypassed. This provides the cleanest method of capturing the characteristic behavior of the radio’s circuitry. Each radio leaves a unique fingerprint on any audio ran through it, and these ‘colors’ were captured for use with Nebula.
  • Tube FM 2 – The same radios/tuners were used as with Tube FM 1, but this time their sound was captured with microphones. The overall sound is distinctive, yet each effect is different.
  • Tube FM 3 – Vintage Reverb – Custom reverbs made using tube radios, to add a vintage touch.

Tube FM 1 and 2 are available to purchase for $16 USD each; Tube FM 3 is $15 USD. Some free demo programs can be downloaded from the product pages.

More information: Cupwise