elysia karacter qube Dual-Channel Analog Desktop Saturator

Signals can be processed as either separate mono channels or one stereo channel, while the integrated M/S matrix allows the karacter qube to process the middle and sides of a stereo signal separately, imparting thick color to the center while leaving the sides of the stereo field intact, or the other way around and anything in between. The convenient qube enclosure combines a 500 series karacter rack unit with the form factor of a desktop chassis, providing versatility and a compact frame for the traveling engineer or those with limited space. Whether looking for a powerful and portable desktop processor to color your mixes or something truly different from the norm, the elysia karacter qube provides saturation galore.

The qube Series

What happens when you combine one of elysia s 500 series rack units with a convenient and portable desktop chassis? You get the qube series, designed for maximum flexibility and made for the modern, traveling engineer. The qube enclosure is made of durable aluminum and easily transportable, weighing in at only around 3.3 lb. Not only does the qube design come with all the guts of the karacter 500 saturator, it also features enhanced I/O, including two extra 1/4 TRS inputs and two extra 1/4 TRS outputs, as well as an included 18 VDC power supply for minimal circuit interference. qube units can even be stacked, ensuring minimal usage of precious surface real estate.

Class-A Electronics

The karacter qube features high-quality, Class-A topology for its discrete electronics, resulting in minimal distortion and zero turn-on time. This provides a very low noise floor and ensures high-quality sound, even when massive distortion is applied to the signal. The unit s PCB even comes with a special sixth layer dedicated to acting as a ground shield, avoiding any unwanted noise interference. Every unit is rigorously tested and calibrated to the highest standard using in-house, computer-aided testing devices, and custom tools.

Oodles of Saturation, with karacter

At the heart of the karacter qube are a series of circuits designed to add color to your signal through separate saturation, distortion, and destruction functions. The saturation circuit adds unobtrusive thickness and coloration to your music through the application of symmetrical clipping on the uneven harmonics. By switching on the FET shred button (indicated by an LED light), the clipping changes to an asymmetrical scheme, which imparts musical, tube-style drive to the even harmonics. To take things further, simply press the turbo boost button and the distortion circuitry will shift its operating point resulting in an even more asymmetrical signal structure. This setting is great for truly mangled samples, industrial-style distortion, and brutal guitar sounds.

Stereo Linking and M/S Matrix

With dedicated left and right XLR inputs and outputs, the karacter qube is able to operate either as two mono processors or linked for a true stereo device, making it as comfortable processing a single track as it is for an entire mix. Two extra 1/4 inputs and outputs are also offered for extra routing options. A unique M/S matrix is also available in both mono and stereo link modes, allowing for a completely internal reproduction of stereo microphoning. A dedicated M/S encoder and decoder allow you to process the sides and middle of a stereo signal separately, creating interesting opportunities such as applying high saturation to the middle while leaving the sides completely untouched, or the other way around and anything else in between.

Intuitive and Powerful Controls

The karacter qube features four stepped potentiometers per channel (drive, color, gain, wet/dry mix) with 41-steps each and the ability to easily recall precise settings instantly. These professional-quality pots are complemented by four push buttons per channel, which allow for channel activation/hardwire bypass, FET shred mode (distortion), turbo boost (destruction), and stereo link respectively.

Paint your Tones

Rather than adding a common roll-off filter, elysia chose to add a unique, complex filter network controlled by a single knob. This color filter is more flexible and deeply integrated into the saturation circuits than many other processors, and alters the essential THD generation rather than changing the frequency response. This provides a wide range of coloring options and several useful sweet spots ranging from dubby growl to steely punch.