The RK2 XS-VCA is the ultimate vacuum-tube VCA. It isn't merely a tube VCA, in fact. It's also:
* a TUBE preamp with gain of approximately 30 dB
* an inverting/non-inverting amplifier for stereo and signal-canceling effects
* and/or an extreme distortion effect.
It can be set to simply be a plain vanilla VCA, with moderate tube distortion. Overdrive it for beautiful slow-onset clipping distortion. Or turn up the FEEDBACK control and beware.
What does it sound like? Imagine a slightly tubby tube amplifier, suddenly turning into a screaming chainsaw. And flying around the room to break your sappy bleeps and bloops. A bulldozer on fire crushing your nads. Strange tentacles of doom rise up from the bottom of the ocean and slap your mother's asscrack.
Or you can have anything in between. All voltage controllable with one CV input.
Trigger and CV inputs have 100k ohm impedance. The maximum audio output is "hot" (up to +10 dBu) and able to drive a 600-ohm load. The CV input may be anywhere in the -10v to +10v range – the effective range is -2v to +10v.
The Metasonix RK-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any "Eurorack" standard modular synthesizer system. All RK-series modules are 8HP (40.7mm) wide and fit in any Doepfer(tm), Analogue Systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. They are powered entirely from the cabinet's internal +-12v dc power supplies, using Doepfer compatible 16-pin power connectors. Their circuits protrude behind the panel less than 31mm (1.2 inch). The RK-2 uses a 15LE8 special dual pentode intended for television applications; it is very commonplace and easy to get. All our vacuum tubes are NOS (new old stock) types from classic American and European manufacturers that are run very conservatively for long life, and are readily available from distributors. The RK2's tube protrudes from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 60mm (2.4 inches), and is known to fit under a Monorocket case cover without removal. All audio inputs and outputs and CV inputs/outputs are 100% compatible with other synthesizer modules. Plate voltage is provided by a tiny switching supply producing clean 48v regulated at low current, which is very safe and will not injure the user. Potentiometers are top-quality Alpha RK12L types, and 3.5mm phone jacks are special Kobiconn vertical-mount types, much better quality than the cheap ones usually seen in Euro modules. Each RK-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. So don't worry! As with all our products, the RK series is totally handcrafted in Northern California, USA.
