MI Audio Tube Zone

Before you resign into submission lamenting the non-existence of a fantastic, tube-voiced pedal (knowing the tube-equipped units offered out there aren’t quite on par with the amps), you should give MI Audio’s Tube Zone an intensive audition.

The sheer presence of the TZ means business; housed in a chrome-finished housing, this pedal isn’t as hefty as one would expect. The surface of it stains easily, so it would be no surprise that at the end of the day, the TZ becomes a fingerprint hub. 6 knobs- that’s how many control options you get here, arguably more than other pedals have to offer. Other than the obligatory volume/ drive knobs, the TZ has a peculiar frequency selection- it doesn’t offer a bass knob per se. In lieu of this omission, lower end frequency manipulation can be had from the ‘tone/ character’ controls. The latter functions like one found in Ibanez’s Turbo-Tubescreamer (mode knob); adding bass while trimming the midrange/ treble simultaneously.

In use

It’s all about drive with this pedal. The TZ offers a versatile drive sweep, from very mild to very intense; it’s self-sufficient, so to speak. The volume knob here contributes significantly to the drive engagements, turn it up & you’ll get more drive in the mix. Players should also be warned that the TZ can get very loud even at low amp volume levels.

Still on drive- the midrange & high knobs has a wide sweep, do adjust them incrementally while playing and hear the drive differences as you do so. It seems overtly done but that is how the drive containment works here, it’s not merely controlled by the ‘drive’ knob.

The TZ will do blues crunch proudly. Check the relevant frequencies & you’ll get the smooth Tubescreamer-like voicing you had always admired. Metal isn’t an estranged genre with the TZ, palm muted chugs & soaring leads are the pedal’s specialty. Enough said…

Parting words

It wouldn’t be a biased opinion on this reviewer’s part to conclude that MI Audio has introduced to the drive-inclined players out there one of the most versatile overdrive/ distortion pedal in the market. The fact that it’s voiced to sound tube-like would be a ready acceptance for many of us who are excessively fed with solid-state type pedal tone. If you are fanatical enough, owning a decent pre-amp & likewise speaker cab are all the essentials you need to manifest the TZ’s superb tonal versatility. However, be informed that this pedal isn’t as forthcoming when run on battery as it is kept alive with a PSU. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9/10

Likes:
• A very versatile tonal palette
• Durable exterior
• Bright LED
• True bypass

Dislikes:
• Complete removal of base plate for battery access
• No dedicated bass knob
• Price

To Conclude...

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