The Fryette S.A.S. Real Tube Discharge (model SAS-PG) is a distortion pedal from Fryette built around a real preamp tube rather than solid state clipping. Fryette describes it as a high-voltage pentode tube design, using an EF86 tube instead of the 12AX7 triode found in most tube pedals, which the company says produces greater dynamic range than a typical pedal. The sound it is after, in Fryette's words, is "real amp distortion sounds similar to that which you would experience with a cranked, low powered vintage tube."1
It sits in the distortion camp but covers ground that overlaps with overdrive and fuzz: the Bias control sweeps from the cleanest setting through progressively heavier territory, so the same pedal can lean in several directions depending on where it is set. Fryette also notes it works with instruments beyond guitar, including bass and keyboards.1
Controls
The S.A.S. keeps its panel simple: three controls and a footswitch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of signal level that drives the tube; turning it up provides additional sustain and distortion1 |
| Bias | Affects the operation of the tube; fully left (marked BLISS) is the least distorted setting with the most clean headroom, and turning right produces greater degrees of fuzz, distortion and overdrive1 |
| Volume | Sets the output level1 |
| Footswitch | Activates the true bypass internal relay; the LED is amber in bypass and changes to a bright red behind the tube vent grill when the effect is active1 |
The Bias control is what separates the S.A.S. from a conventional gain-and-level distortion pedal. Because it changes how the tube itself is operated rather than just how hard it is driven, the character of the distortion shifts with it, from the cleanest BLISS setting through overdrive-like textures into fuzz territory.1
Power and Specifications
The Real Tube Discharge is a distortion pedal built around a real tube, which Fryette describes as "unique among distortion pedals in general and tube distortion pedals in particular"1. On the footswitch side, pressing it activates the true bypass internal relay: the LED glows amber in bypass and changes to a bright red behind the tube vent grill when the effect is active1. Its electrical and physical specifications are listed below1.
The pedal carries two controls: GAIN, which is "the amount of signal level that drives the tube," where turning it up provides additional sustain and distortion, and VOLUME, which sets the output level1. Its input impedance is 1M ohm and its output impedance is 100K ohm1. Physically it measures 5" W x 4.75" D x 1.25" H and weighs 1.5 pounds1.
The tube at the heart of the circuit is what sets the Real Tube Discharge apart, since the signal level that drives it is what produces the sustain and distortion, and the LED behind the tube vent grill shows at a glance whether the effect is active or in true bypass1. Players comparing it with conventional distortion pedals should weigh its impedance figures, 1M ohm in and 100K ohm out, alongside its compact 5" W x 4.75" D x 1.25" H footprint and 1.5-pound weight1.
Tube life and warranty
The EF86 tube is shock-mounted inside the pedal, and Fryette states it "will last typically 2-3 years depending on usage and other conditions."1
The warranty is only valid if the factory recommended EF86 tube is used.1
Warranty and compliance details from Fryette's manual:1
- The pedal is warranted by Steven Fryette Design, Inc. against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for five (5) years from the date of purchase
- Tubes, fuses and speakers carry a 90 day warranty
- Compliant with EU Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS)
- Compliant with EU Directive EC1907/206 (REACh)
- Complies with the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
Videos
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Questions
What tube does the Fryette S.A.S. Real Tube Discharge use?
It uses an EF86/6267 preamp tube or an equivalent. The EF86 is a pentode, and the S.A.S. runs it in a high-voltage design that Fryette says produces greater dynamic range than a typical pedal. The tube is shock-mounted inside the pedal, and Fryette states it will typically last two to three years depending on usage and other conditions. The warranty is only valid if the factory recommended EF86 tube is used.
Can the Fryette Real Tube Discharge run on 9V or a battery?
No. The S.A.S. is powered externally with a 12VAC power supply, with an operating voltage of 12VAC and a maximum of 14VAC, drawing 500mA through a 2.5mm x 5.5mm barrel connector. Because it needs AC rather than the 9V DC that most pedal power supplies deliver, it will not run from a standard daisy chain or a battery.
Is the Fryette S.A.S. Real Tube Discharge true bypass?
Yes. The footswitch activates a true bypass internal relay, so the pedal removes itself from the signal path when off. It also bypasses automatically if power is lost. The LED glows amber in bypass and changes to a bright red behind the tube vent grill when the effect is active.
How long does the EF86 tube last in the Real Tube Discharge?
Fryette states the EF86 tube is shock-mounted and will last typically two to three years depending on usage and other conditions. Note that the five year warranty on the pedal is only valid if the factory recommended tube is used, so replacing the EF86 with the recommended type matters beyond just keeping the pedal working.
Does the Fryette Real Tube Discharge work with bass?
Yes. Fryette's manual says the S.A.S. will work well with any instrument, naming bass and keyboards specifically, and that it even makes a great vintage blues harp tone. The pedal's 1M ohm input impedance is suited to passive instrument signals.
Sources (1)
- SAS Booklet_Cvr, Fryette (Steven Fryette Design, Inc), 2021
