The Rocktron Silver Dragon is a distortion pedal in stomp box format from Rocktron that combines a 12AX7 tube with analog solid state distortion. Rocktron describes it as combining "the best of both worlds: tube and analog solid state distortion," with the tube providing the tube distortion players associate with overdrive and amp-style breakup, and the solid state circuit adding its own character on top12.
It is an all-analog design, and Rocktron's marketing leans on the tube: "For that tube sound you love, the Silver Dragon rams a 12AX7"2. The pedal offers three modes, Clean, Crunch and Lead, plus a second mode called Slayer12.
Controls
The Silver Dragon's control set covers tube drive, tone shaping and the solid state circuit's feel, with a separate output level1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Awaken | Drives the tube sound; Rocktron calls it the initial tube drive: "Here is where you AWAKEN the beast and drive the tube sound." |
| Shreik | Controls the treble |
| Roar | Provides low end control |
| Breath | Sets the symmetry of the solid state distortion, which affects the "feel" of the distortion |
| Slayer Intensity | Changes the character, sustain and attack properties, which together enhance articulation |
| Output level | Output level control |
All control descriptions come from Rocktron's product page1.
Modes and Slayer
Out of the box the pedal gives you three modes: Clean, Crunch and Lead2. Slayer is the pedal's second mode, and Rocktron describes it as "a mixed-in combination of the 12AX7 distortion with the solid state distortion driving the tube together"13. In practice that means both distortion circuits are working at once in Slayer, rather than one replacing the other. The Slayer Intensity knob then shapes how that combination behaves, with Rocktron stating it "changes the character, sustain and attack properties, which together enhance articulation"1.
Power
The Silver Dragon runs on a 13-volt AC adaptor, not the DC center-negative supply most pedals use. Rocktron says the pedal "utilizes a 13-Volt AC adaptor to drive the beast," the tube being the reason12. Check your pedalboard power supply before adding one.
Manual and availability
Rocktron directs players to the Silver Dragon instruction manual in the SUPPORT section of its website, and the manual includes hints and tips the company says help you take advantage of the pedal's wide range of voicings2. The pedal is available for purchase from an online dealer, per Rocktron2.
Related Rocktron distortions
Rocktron has built several other distortion pedals around different circuit ideas, including the Rocktron Metal Planet, the Rocktron Zombie rectified distortion and the Rocktron Third Angel Distortion. The Silver Dragon's distinguishing feature among them is its hybrid tube and solid state approach12. For a wider view of the category, see the site's distortion pedals page.
Videos
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La Guitare X
Tone Works
Questions
Does the Rocktron Silver Dragon use a real tube?
Yes. Rocktron says the Silver Dragon uses a 12AX7 tube for its tube distortion, combined with analog solid state distortion. The two circuits work together, and in Slayer mode the solid state distortion is mixed in while driving the tube, so the pedal is not a tube-only design.
What does Slayer mode do on the Silver Dragon?
Slayer is the pedal's second mode. Rocktron describes it as a mixed-in combination of the 12AX7 distortion with the solid state distortion driving the tube together. The Slayer Intensity control changes the character, sustain and attack properties, which together enhance articulation.
What power supply does the Rocktron Silver Dragon need?
The Silver Dragon uses a 13-volt AC adaptor, which Rocktron says is what drives the tube. That is not the 9V DC center-negative standard most pedalboards are built around, so players should plan a dedicated supply for it.
Where can I find the Silver Dragon manual?
Rocktron points players to the Silver Dragon instruction manual in the SUPPORT section of its website. The manual includes hints and tips for taking advantage of the pedal's wide range of voicings.
Sources (3)
- Silver Dragon, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
- Rocktron, Rocktron (www.rocktron.com), 2024-09-24
- Silver Dragon, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
