The Aclam Guitars Dr. Robert is based on the Normal channel of the mythical Vox UL730.
The Vox UL700 amp series were the secret weapon used by The Beatles to achieve the unique guitar tones on Revolver and part of Sgt. Peppers.
Introduced in 1966, these state-of-the-art guitar amps mixed a solid-state preamp with a tube power amp section.
Thanks to the relatively new transistor technology, lots of features could be added.
Top of the line models included two channels with three band eq each, distortion, tremolo and reverb.
Only a small number of UL730 units survived: attaining the title of being the most collectable Vox amps, with prohibitive collector pricing.
Now they are the missing link between tube and solid-state amps!
To accurately replica the amp's soul and character, Aclam Guitars traced the circuit board and measured each component's value in their original UL730.
One of the keys of the UL730's tone is its “Middle” control which is one of the most interesting mid-range EQ ever found in an amp.
By turning it counterclockwise, a great amount of mid-frequencies will be subtracted: creating a scooped sound.
On the other hand, when it's turned clockwise, it will bring out all the mids and the signal will build up in gain.
By tailoring the “Middle” knob you can control both midrange and saturation.
To achieve more distortion, Aclam Guitars added a custom FET saturation engine which mimics the attributes of the tube power amp section.
Aclam Guitars went even further: adding a "Mach Shau!" section.
This section adds saturation to your main sound and includes an independent volume control: allowing you to have a rhythmic and a solo tone.
We’ve found some internet and old schematics but major discrepancies between the published schematic and the real thing were detected. We checked every component type and value so we are 100% sure this is the closest you can get to the rarest Vox amp.
The pedal also works with the same voltage the original amp does, the circuit takes the 9VDC and converts it to 18VDC.
Get more saturation with an independent volume control. Use it in solo parts to raise the volume or just to have more distortion with the same volume.
"Mach Schau!" was shouted by the businessman from one the Hamburg's venueswhen The Beatles resided in Hamburg when energy fell flat, and they had to put on more of a show.
The VOX UL400 series (designed for bass) almost have the same circuitry than the VOX UL730 preamp.
We tunned the FET circuit so Dr. Robert sounds flawless with bass too. No low-end drops resulting in a great preamp and distortion tool to plug directly to the desk or into an amp.
You will find the finest and closest components to the original amp on the Dr. Robert: Carbon comp resistors, Nichicon Fine Gold and Wima caps, Alpha pots and switches...
The original VOX UL730 had a 3 band eq: Middle, Bass and Treble.
Middle control is the one that helps to tailor the tone better, that is why this is one of the main controls. You can access to Bass and Treble controls inside the pedal.
Klaus Voorman, designer of The Beatle’s Revolver album cover sign the artwork for the Dr. Robert.
• Dimensions: 5.4" x 3.4" x 2.2".
• Bypass: True bypass.
• Power: 9V DC.
• Current draw: 100mA minimum.
SHIPPING:
I ship worldwide every working day. Please be aware that eBay's quoted delivery times are widely inaccurate and have no bearing on reality.
PAYMENT:
ABN: 19 227 207 821
Located in Canberra, ToneProShop was originally established in the early 1980’s as a mail order supplier of guitar parts and boutique effect pedals. (PowerHouse Music). In 2003 I established our first presence on the internet, which still functioned as a mail order supplier. In 2005 I started our Ebay store and this shortly followed with the current e-commerce website....My focus is still very much on parts and boutique pedals and accessories. I have also added relic parts and recently moving into boutique amps.
I am a guitarist of over 30 years gigging experience, so I know and understand what you want. Basically, if I wouldn’t use it, then I won’t stock it. Every item I carry, I try and test myself, so that I can give firsthand advice with no BS. I am in regular contact with all my suppliers and have been involved with the design of several these products. Please compare my prices before purchasing anywhere else in the world. I’m sure you will be surprised!
Feel free to email or phone any questions you may have.
Steve