VOX / VE-SI　Valvenergy SMOOTH IMPACT

Clear tone with a gentle touch. First pedal-style tube compressor

SMOOTH IMPACT is a full-fledged vacuum tube compressor that utilizes gain changes caused by fluctuations in Nutube's power supply voltage. It is a pedal-type vacuum tube compressor that achieves a unique and natural playing feel not found in other types of compressors. Instead of the conventional VCA, optical, or FET method, it utilizes the nonlinear region of the vacuum tube and features harmonics uniquely obtained from the vacuum tube, which is distinct from clipping.

With an emphasis on compression effects, this compressor delivers a solid sound with a light touch, not only in cutting tones, but also in settings where compression nuances are not apparent. This makes it very effective for players who are not fans of compressors, as well as for modern clean tone backing and tapping. We also recommend connecting it to a solid-state amp or digital device to bring in the nuances of a vacuum tube. The mini-switch allows you to select the character.

VTG (Vintage) mode
This mode emphasizes attack and produces a classic sound with long sustain. This mode is effective when you want to create an impactful sound with cutting techniques.

NAT (Natural) mode
As the name suggests, this mode avoids the feeling of "obviously using a compressor pedal" and provides a natural stomping feel. While achieving a natural playing feel, it brings out subtle nuances in the treble strings, making it ideal for modern backing and tapping performances.
Compared to the vintage mode, the NAT mode works faster, applies compression from the attack, and features a shorter release. It is effective for achieving natural sustain control without unnatural sustain control, or when you want to improve the grain of the sound or increase the volume.

SAG mode
This mode reproduces the sag (SAG) that occurs when playing a vintage tube amp at high volume. It provides the natural compression and distortion you get when playing a tube amp, and is ideal for bringing out the essence of a tube amp in combination with a transistor amp or digital modeler. The sag you experience when playing a guitar amp is a phenomenon caused by a drop in power supply voltage, and includes not only compression but also power tube distortion. This mode actively utilizes Nutube distortion to reproduce sag through a combination of distortion and compression.

Compressors with numerous controls can be difficult to adjust in terms of sound. Therefore, you can easily achieve your desired sound by selecting one of the three modes according to your situation and preference, adjusting the Tube Gain and Comp knobs, and finally adjusting the volume with the Output knob.

Controls
TUBE GAIN: Adjusts the amount of signal sent to the Nutube. As you turn it, distortion by the Nutube is gradually added.
COMP: Controls the compression level. Through interaction with TUBE GAIN, the compression texture can be adjusted.
OUTPUT: Adjusts the output volume.
Mini-Switch: Provides three modes that can be selected according to preference or situation.
VTG (Vintage): In this mode, attack time is fast and release time is slow. Compression starts from the attack and is the most powerful compression mode. It provides the typical sound of a compressed guitar.
NAT (Natural): With a slower attack time and faster release time, this setting adds compression while maintaining the attack feel, resulting in more natural nuances.
SAG (Sagging): This mode provides natural compression and distortion, similar to the experience of playing through a tube power amp. It is ideal for adding a tube amp-like quality to solid-state amps and digital devices.

■Connections
INPUT jack (mono phone jack), OUTPUT jack (mono phone jack), DC.9V jack

Power Supply
9V alkaline battery (6F22/6LR61) x 1 or AC adapter
The use of an AC adapter is recommended due to the relatively high power consumption of this unit. If you wish to use batteries, please use alkaline batteries.

Dimensions (W x D x H)
72mm x 120mm x 55mm

Weight
300 g (excluding batteries)

■Accessories
Accessories (sold separately): AC adapter KA181 (9V)