Radial Engineering Ltd.
TankDriver™ 500 Module
True to the Music
®
OVERVIEW
The Radial TankDriver is a unique 500 series module that allows you to convert a balanced
line-level signal from a preamp, recorder or mixing console and drive it through a guitar amp’s
spring reverb tank. You could, for instance blend spring reverb with vocals while recording
or try it with drums tracks to create unique sonic signatures during mix-down. Since you
probably have more than one guitar amp in your studio you can try different reverbs tanks
on different tracks.
The design begins with a low noise output circuit with normal and high-gain settings for new
and vintage spring reverbs. Separate Shimmer and Boom EQ controls allow you to adjust the
treble and bass response of the reverb. Studio quality buffers produce reverb with less noise
and wider bandwidth. A Blend knob gives you full control over the wet/dry mix.
GETTING STARTED
Before making any connections, start by turning off your audio system and turning all
volume levels down. This helps protect equipment from turn-on transients that could damage
loudspeakers and other sensitive equipment. We recommend using a power bar with an
on/off switch as this makes it easy to turn on and off the 500 series rack, monitors etc. using
a single switch. Carefully plug the TankDriver into your 500 series rack making sure to avoid
excessive stress on the card edge connector. Screw the module in to ensure it does not
accidentally get dislodged.
When you plug the TankDriver into your 500 series rack it will automatically route the input
and output to the module. When used with the Radial Workhorse™, this is augmented with
¼” TRS connectors, DSubs and a signal to feed the Workhorse mixer. Using the TankDriver
with the Workhorse also activates the Omniport. In this instance the Omniport turns into an
alternate send and receive I/O that allows the reverb tank to be connected at the rear panel
or through a studio patchbay.
Start by setting up the TankDriver panel controls as follows:
1. Set the BLEND control to the 12 o’clock position.
2. Set the DRIVE switch to normal (switch out).
3. Turn off the Omniport insert (switch out).
4. Set the Shimmer and Boom controls to the 12 o’clock position.
Plugging In The Module
Connect the balanced line output from an instrument preamp, mic preamp or recording
system to the TankDriver’s input. The TankDriver will produce a balanced line output that can
be connected to additional modules for further processing before connecting to the recording
system.
Playback
TankDriver
Recorder
TankDriver
Recorder
Preamp
Mic/Inst.
2
