Thermionic Culture Culture Vulture

Culture Vulture Studio Unit - Unleash Pure Valve Harmonic Distortion

Meet the Culture Vulture Studio Unit, the original and the only studio unit dedicated solely to adding pure valve-produced harmonic distortion to your sounds. With no solid-state components in the way, this unique unit has remained true to its roots since its debut in 1998, and it's here to elevate your audio experience.

Key Features:

• Pure Valve Distortion: Experience the authentic warmth and character of valve-produced harmonic distortion, a hallmark of the Culture Vulture Studio Unit.

• Three Distortion Settings:

  • T: Offers a "musical" effect akin to triode valves, perfect for adding a gentle touch of warmth to your sound.
  • P1: Switches to Pentode mode, introducing odd harmonics that make your sound more aggressive while retaining that distinctive valve character.
  • P2: The "No Holds Barred" setting, offering an unusual configuration for an extraordinary valve, even providing an extra octave at higher bias settings.

• Bias Control: Fine-tune the current through the distortion valve (6AS6 type) using the Bias control, with a millimeter displaying the current. Adjusting the bias affects the Vulture's character, from thin and break-up prone to fat and bloated. Medium current (0.25-0.3 mA) minimizes distortion, ideal for "warming up" your sound.

• Low-Pass Filter: With a 12dB/octave slope, the filter removes unwanted frequencies above 6 or 9 kHz (selectable), resulting in a more rounded sound.

• Drive and Overdrive Control: The Drive control and Overdrive switch grant you precise control over signal boosting before it hits the 6AS6 valve, allowing for various distortion effects.

• Output Level Adjustment: The Output Level control manages the signal sent to the output valve. Set it higher for lower distortion and dial it back when increasing Drive for more distortion, except when P2 is selected.

• Bypass Switch: Easily compare the Culture Vulture's effect to the original by engaging the Bypass switch.

• Dual Inputs and Outputs: Enjoy the flexibility of 2 inputs and 2 outputs per channel, including DI at the front that cuts out LINE at the rear.

• High-Quality Valves: Crafted with long-life high-quality valves, ensuring exceptional performance and durability.

• Made in England: Proudly crafted in England, the Culture Vulture Studio Unit embodies precision and quality.

Technical Specifications:

• Maximum Output Level (M.O.L): +17dBV
• Distortion: Ranges from 0.2% to 99.5%
• Noise: Better than 75dB below M.O.L at typical settings
• Input Impedance: 30kΩ
• Output Impedance: 2kΩ (should ideally drive a 10kΩ+ input impedance)
• Frequency Response: ±1.75dB over 50Hz to 15kHz (at low distortion)
• Max. Gain (Clean): 35dB
• Max. Gain (Overdriven): >60dB

Unleash the pure valve magic of the Culture Vulture Studio Unit and add unparalleled harmonic distortion to your sound.