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Maxon Releases Real Tube II Series Compressor, Overdrive, and Overdrive/Distortion

These new models offer significant improvements in design and audio quality while staying true to the spirit of the originals.

Clifton, NJ (August 23, 2011) -- After more than 20 years of loyal service, Maxon is retiring their Real Tube Series models RCP660, ROD880 and ROD881. Replacing these war-worn veterans is the Maxon Real Tube II Series. These new models offer significant improvements in design and audio quality while staying true to the spirit of the originals.

The RTC600 Real Tube Compressor, RTO700 Real Tube Overdrive and RTD800 Real Tube Overdrive/Distortion feature leading-edge analog technology that couples the sonic benefits of vacuum tubes with the convenience of a compact floor effect. Each Real Tube II model combines studio-grade sound quality with road-worthy construction to recreate stunningly realistic tones that rival the most expensive tube gear.



Features common to all Maxon Real Tube II Series models include:
  • Rugged, Lightweight Chassis - Made of cast zinc, lightweight (approximately 1.5 pound) and strong.
  • Internal Tube Power - Each unit features a hand-selected Sovtek 12AY7EH (or equivalent) dual triode vacuum tube. Tube socket is isolated from main PCB for low-noise operation.
  • Mechanical True Bypass Switching – Mechanical 4PDT switch provides transparent bypass.
  • AC Power Operation - Power using Maxon AC2009 Universal 9-Volt DC adaptor (included).
  • 3-Year Limited Warranty
RTC600 Real Tube Compressor
Studio-grade Tube Compressor/Preamp in a compact stompbox format. The RTC600 uses a precision RMS level Detection circuit and high-performance VCA to create a warm yet bold compression sound with ultra-low noise floor.
  • Pre-Compression tube placement adds classic valve warmth without increasing noise level.
  • In-Rush Current control heats tube at low voltage as soon as power is applied to circuit.
  • Internal charge pump runs circuit at 25 volts, providing massive headroom and full-range frequency response.
  • Can be used at amp’s front end, placed in an effects loop, or used as an outboard processor for home recordings.
  • Variable Threshold control between 0-40 dBu selects level at which the compression begins.
  • +30 dB of clean Gain allows user to match effect and bypass levels or use as a clean booster.
  • Variable Ratio of 1:1 thru 1:∞ allows user to control the amount of compression effect.
  • Variable Attack and Release controls to fine-tune compression effect.
  • Street Price - $389

RTO700 Real Tube Overdrive
The RTO700 offers 100% Tube Distortion with no clipping diodes in the signal path. All distortion comes directly from the dual triode preamp tube and hi-gain amp circuit. This design makes the RTO the best tube overdrive pedal for use with clean and semi-clean amps to effectively add a 2nd or 3rd “channel” of pure tube tone.
  • Post-Distortion tube placement creates more authentic tube tone.
  • In-Rush Current control heats tube at low voltage as soon as power is applied to circuit.
  • Internal charge pump circuit bumps incoming voltage to feed the tube with 12.6 VDC.
  • Gain and Master Controls allow the user to dial the amount of distortion and output level.
  • Three completely independent Tone controls with no frequency overlap provide an unprecedented degree of tonal options.
  • Variable VCA Noise Reduction circuit with LED status indicator and On/Off switch.
  • Street Price - $389
RTD800 Real Tube Overdrive/Distortion
The RTD800 Features independent Overdrive and Distortion circuits combined with a noise gate and switchable boost to effectively offer four separate effects in one extremely versatile pedal. The RTD offers a massive array of saturated tones, from traditional tube overdrive through full-on gated metal distortion.
  • Post-Distortion tube placement creates more authentic tube tone.
  • In-Rush Current control heats tube at low voltage as soon as power is applied to circuit.
  • Internal charge pump circuit bumps incoming voltage to feed the tube with 12.6 VDC.
  • Gain and Master Controls allow the user to dial the amount of distortion and output level.
  • Three completely independent Tone controls with no frequency overlap provide an unprecedented degree of tonal options.
  • Variable VCA Noise Reduction circuit, which features an LED status indicator and On/Off switch.
  • Independent and selectable Overdrive and Distortion modes with different clipping configurations.
  • Foot switchable Boost function that can be varied between 3-9 dB via an internal trim pot.
  • Street Price - $435
For more information:
Maxon