Universal Audio UAFX Ruby '63 (2024)

Classic British sounds in a pedal

The Ruby '63 is a modelling amplifier housed in the compact format of Universal Audio's UAFX pedal series. The pedal's sub-name, "Top Boost Amplifier", is a clear statement of intent from the manufacturer: To emulate a classic British tube combo that has become known as "the sound of the British Invasion". To be more precise, the pedal incorporates both a Top Boost model from 1963 and an older version from 1961, as well as the corresponding vibrato channel. What is more, the Ruby '63 includes customised boost circuits, the distinctive tremolo effect of the original amplifier, and a matching speaker simulation that allows the player to choose between two variations of the archetype's famous "Blue Bulldog" speaker as well as an additional 12" speaker as preferred by none other than Brian May. Alongside its stereo inputs and outputs, the pedal features a live mode and allows the user to store their settings as a preset. It can also be controlled via the dedicated app, which makes additional functions available.

Universal Audio UAFX Ruby '63 (2)

Three in one

The pedal's user interface comprises six rotary controls and three switches, which provide quick access to a wide range of different sounds. The "Alt" function, for instance, can be used to configure the room simulation and the tremolo effect. Universal Audio is known for its high-quality modelling solutions, and the Ruby '63 accordingly delivers an astonishingly accurate emulation of the rare originals on which it is based, with authentic sounds, convincing dynamics, and a realistic playing feel - true to Universal Audio's mission to deliver sounds that can be recorded and used for live performance. The Normal channel delivers the original's characteristic tone and features a simulation of a sought-after treble booster that was integral to the sounds of Rory Gallagher and Queen legend Brian May, while the Brilliant channel takes that sound and enhances it by adding the preamp sound from a legendary tape echo unit. The Vibrato channel, by contrast, features a neutral boost.

Universal Audio UAFX Ruby '63 (3)

Small, intuitive, and powerful

With the Ruby '63, Universal Audio has packed the sounds of a classic amp into a compact, practical device that is ideal for use both on stage and in the studio as well as in combination with real amplifiers. The pedal is not only suitable for guitarists, however: Its stereo inputs and outputs also make it great for keyboard players, and the configuration is automatically identified based on which sockets are occupied. The direct nature of the controls means that the Ruby '63 is intuitive to operate, and an additional preset can be stored for use alongside the user's current settings. The corresponding app, which is available free of charge, lets the user harness the Ruby 63's enhanced functions and communicates with the pedal via Bluetooth. It is thus possible to select alternative configurations for the two footswitches, access the history of all presets that have ever been stored, and download artist and manufacturer presets which include sonic options that cannot be created using the pedal alone.

Universal Audio UAFX Ruby '63 (4)

About Universal Audio

Few manufacturers can draw upon a wealth of audio engineering experience comparable to that of Universal Audio. The company’s founding father Bill Putnam, along with his friend Les Paul, have an admirable reputation as trend-setting music producers and developers of legendary analogue studio technology. Putnam recorded Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Sarah Vaughan, and was Duke Ellington’s favourite sound engineer. He developed the famous 1176 Peak Limiter and distributed the Teletronix LA-2A level amplifier. This earned him a posthumous “Technical Grammy Award” in 2000. In 1999, Putnam’s sons, Bill Putnam Jr. and James Putnam, re-founded Universal Audio, transferring their father’s analogue vision and craftsmanship to the digital music world. Their product range includes audio interfaces, dedicated DSP farms, and a variety of plug-ins, as well as analogue hardware devices.

Vintage amp sounds with digital flexibility

The Ruby '63 is the ideal tool for studio sessions, live performances, and demo recordings, and also provides a perfect safety net during concerts. The pedal can also be combined with real amplifiers (provided that they have an effects loop) using four cables. At the same time, Universal Audio has taken care to ensure that the Ruby '63 works well with other pedals and can be used to good effect in a range of different setups. The pedal's features are nothing short of opulent: Three channels, the same specific controls as the originals, integrated boosters, tremolo, and customised speaker simulations that are based on the popular Ox Amp Top Box's circuitry. Upon product registration, the user also gets three additional matched speaker simulations. Put it all together and you get a highly practical and variable solution with a level of sound quality that is quite astonishing given the pedal's compact dimensions.

Universal Audio UAFX Ruby '63 (5)

In the spotlight: Modelling - made by Universal Audio

Universal Audio is one of the market leaders in the field of modelling-based studio technology and effects units. Even classic tube amplifiers are emulated based on the circuit diagrams of the sometimes rare originals, right down to their individual components - including the specific values and characteristics. This minute attention to detail allows a virtual image of the original to be made digitally, which includes the latter's tonal characteristics and the variations that can be made to them using the controls provided. Simulations of sought-after boosters, the appropriate speakers, and supplementary effects are also included to enhance the basic sounds. And even though you wouldn't think it to look at the pedals, their stereo signal path means that two simulations are independently at work at the same time. It goes without saying, of course, that a master volume control is provided - so that signature tube saturation can be achieved at any volume level.

Universal Audio UAFX Ruby '63 (2024)

FAQs

How to save a preset on Ruby? ›

You can store a preset you've created with your own settings by holding down the ALT/AMP/STORE switch until the green PRESET footswitch LED blinks rapidly (about 0.5 seconds).

What happens when you underpower a pedal? ›

The most important factor here is to not underpower a pedal with too few milliamps. For example, putting a 500mA pedal on a 100mA power tap would cause it to act erratically and probably shut down — it might even damage the pedal. Conversely, sending more milliamps than needed to a pedal is fine.

How do you save presets in Uafx? ›

To save the preset, hold down the pedal's Store switch until the Preset LED blinks rapidly.

Can I use 500ma instead of 100ma? ›

You cannot go higher on VOLTS, which will damage your gear. The pedals will draw as much amperage as they need, up to the stated limit. if your pedal needs only 100ma, then that is what it will pull, even if plugged into a 500ma outlet.

Can I use 500ma instead of 200ma? ›

A few extra mA will not hurt anything, and having a PSU that can supply a little extra never hurts. Just make sure your pedals can handle the extra current supply without any problems...

Can you run a 9v pedal with 18v? ›

YOU CAN'T DO THIS WITH MOST 9V PEDALS! Some pedals are designed to accept 9-18v, and it will say on the pedal or in the manual. But most 9v pedals are not designed to handle voltages higher than 9v. You may or may not destroy the pedal, but it won't work properly.

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