New Synthetic Sound Labs 2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate Eurorack Module

"The Russians Are Coming!

What happens when you apply 1950's era Soviet technology to a modern analog
synth? You get the new SSL 2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate module - 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 2530 uses miniature pencil-sized vacuum tubes that were developed and refined by the Russians over 60 years ago. They are exceptionally low current and low voltage devices - so there's no need to generate the traditional high-voltage power supplies that are required for most other vacuum tubes. Very cool stuff!

While it’s a surprisingly good VCA, it really shines when it’s over-driven - rounding and folding the input waveforms like nothing else available. In some modes, it’s prone to whacky self-oscillation that can be made to lock onto the harmonics of the input waveform in cascading howls. Totally adjustable and controllable.

In conjunction with and licensed by Ken Stone (CGS), Synthetic Sound Labs has further expanded on Ken's designs to include several other circuit enhancements to make your Russian dreams "Come True".

SSL has added LEDs behind the tube to visually emulate the warm glow of the filament, and pulsating blue LEDs that simulate tubes as they are being driven by control voltages. A custom acrylic window shows off the effects in true retro fashion.

SSL uses quality fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards, precision automated robotics and meticulous hand-crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.

Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the analog synthesizer business since 1973. The 2530 is yet another in SSL’s growing line of new synthesizer modules. Proudly made in the USA.

Pricing is $295 US.

You can find a demo of the MU version here.


2530 Specifications at a glance:
Model Function
Switches (x2)
Outputs Panel
Power Size
2530 Tube VCA / Timbral Gate
Tube VCA / Timbral Gate – Eurorack format Module
- FeedBack (On/Off) - Bias (Dist/Clean)
- OUT – Audio Output (AC Coupled)
High quality 0.062” fiberglass. Black w/ white screen printed graphics.
- Current draw: +12V @ 24 ma. and -12V @ 32 ma.
- 10 pin shrouded & keyed Euro standard. Cable included. - 8 HP
- 1.5" behind panel

Controls
- DRIVE 1 – Drive 1 attenuator
- DRIVE 2 / FB – Drive 2 and normalized feedback attenuator
- INIT GAIN – Manual CV gain input
- CV AMT – CV Input gain attenuator
Inputs
- DRIVE 1 – Variable gain Signal input
- DRIVE 2/FB – Variable gain Signal input – Input switch selectable feedback from output
- CV IN – Controls output gain. Attenuation control"