Synthetic Sound Labs overdrive Soviet tubes for the Tube VCA Model 2530
The deliciously warm Tube VCA / Timbral Gate from Synthetic Sound Labs is what happens when you blend Soviet-era tubes with modern analog technology.
Tube VCA / Timbral Gate
Also known as the Model 2530 it uses miniature pencil-sized vacuum tubes that were developed in Russia over 60 years ago. They have some really gooey overdriven qualities that can bring everything from a solid warmth to a screaming self-oscillation of howling awesomeness. Drive it, drive it again and enjoy the ride.
The valve doesn’t actually glow blue like that but SSL decided it would look nice if it did and so fitted it with some background LEDs that glow in response to the gain – nice!
The first input goes to Drive 1 and can enjoy either a clean or distorted route through the module. The second input to Drive 2 or if it’s not present can be used as a feedback route at the flick of a switch.
It was originally made as a MU modular module called the Model 1530 whereas the Model 2530 is for Eurorack. The video below is of the 1530 but it’s essentially the same technology.
While being useful as a VCA in any situation it’s the overdrive and harmonic explosions that really set this module apart.
The Tube VCA / Timbral Gate is available now for $295.
More information
Video
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.