This is just a short post about using the EHX 2ube with keyboards since I hadn’t seen much posted on this topic anywhere. The EHX 2ube stereo tube preamp is a good device for use with digital keyboards to warm up the tone and boost the signal. I am using it currently with my Hammond SK2 (stereo output > 2ube > stereo keyboard amp input… organ/pianos etc.) and while the 2ube does not provide the warm overdrive of a real tube Leslie 122 or the like it does provide a nice uncolored boost in volume levels without adding noise. It also gives the keyboard more tonal presence and helps me get more out of my live amplification. It seems to work best with electric piano sounds (Rhodes, Wurlis, Clavinet etc.), giving them a rounder tone with just a touch of warmth. It’s also good at boosting the sound of the “clonewheel” organ and giving it a fuller/richer sound too though I could stand more overdrive – perhaps a different set of tubes might help. I especially like the form factor of the 2ube… there’s not many stereo tube preamps to choose from in pedal form.

The EHX 2ube is not perfect – the AC adapter plug seems fragile and I don’t seem to get much overdrive unless I push the “drive” levels to max – but it is a nice unit for bringing out the full sound of my keyboard and helping it sit firmer in the mix.