Metasonix Introduces TS-23 Tube-Based VCO
January 26, 2001Yes, that’s right. The TS-23 uses TUBES, not transistors.
It is the world’s first tube voltage-controlled oscillator.
It uses two thyratron tubes, giving two VCO pitches simultaneously.
Range is approximately 4 octaves, following a V/Hz control voltage
response.
TS-23 is compatible with all existing solid-state analog synthesizers.
This circuit gives a unique waveform--a distorted exponential sawtooth,
unique to thyratron tubes and reminiscent of the vintage (and rare)
“Mixturtrautonium” electronic instrument of the 1930s.
And, the TS-23 contains a 6BN6 tube acting as a waveform clipper.
This obscure and special tube was used in FM radios as a detector.
Its highly nonlinear characteristic gives a very soft wave clipping
effect, which is unique in electronics, previously unknown in audio design,
and not available in software simulators or in solid-state devices.
For more information, visit their web site at www.metasonix.com. | 
