Synthetic Sound Labs‘ Doug Slocum let us know that their SSL 2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate, a module based on 1950’s era Soviet vacuum tube technology, is now available in Eurorack format. It was introduced in MU format at the end of 2020.
The module can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from VCA tasks to adding analog warmth to extreme distortion effects and more.
Slocum describes the module as “a wild blend of vacuum tube warmth and distortion, along with an incredibly useful VCA that is so much more than the sum of its parts”.
The module uses miniature pencil-sized vacuum tubes that were developed and refined by the Russians 60+ years ago. They are low-current and low-voltage devices, so they don’t require the high-voltage power supplies that are required for most other vacuum tubes.
The module is designed in conjunction with Ken Stone (CGS), creator of a wide range of DIY projects for synthesists. SSL has expanded on Ken’s design, adding LEDs behind the tube, to visually emulate the glow of the filament, and pulsating blue LEDs that simulate tubes as they are being driven by control voltages.
Here’s a demo of the module in MU format via John L. Rice:
Pricing and Availability
The SSL 2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate is available now in both MU and Eurorack formats for $295 USD.
Hi! The MU version was announced last November. The NEW one that is out is in eurorack format. 🙂
https://steamsynth.com/shop/euro-modules/tube-vca-timbral-gate-model-2530/
John – thanks for the feedback, we update the post to reflect this!
Love it but seems to only be available in the US.
Getting some GAS here! Love the sounds in the demo with gentle distortion, sounds very unlike anything I can get from my system currently.
I’d take one without the blue LEDs as solid vacuum tube guy. Why add needless part cost or gimics?
I also prefer simplicity. But I doubt it’s a big cost and it’s a helpful visual indicator. Even the Neutron has a drive led.
This is the only non metasonix tube euro that I have seen. Sounds dirty in an awesome way. I like blue LED as well.
Check trogotronic, Erica Synth and ADDAC, Also plankton electronics with the korg nutube is worth to mentioning and there are allot of other boutique “hard to find” VCA modules (search google)
There’s the Erica Fusion line, and several others — search ModularGrid for “tube”
Ohhh awesome! thanks for the pointers @gadi and @Starthief ! Will check those out!
So what are the differences between this and the L1 TUBE VCA? They seem identical.
Looks like they’re both based on the Ken Stone project, but this one offers more control on the panel and to my eyes looks way nicer.