R-57

METASONIX R-57

DUAL VCA

Apparently, some people are not happy with the sound of Metasonix modules.
Which “aren't loud enough”. Or something
So, we created the R-57. It's loud enough.
It replaces the R-51 VCA. However, if the R-51 could be compared to a rose-scented roll of premium extra-soft serviettes, by comparison the R-57 is a double wall of 20-grit sandpaper. Rose-scented, even.
“This goes to eleven” my ass. This goes to heaven, and hell.
It's a dual VCA. Each channel can also be used as an instrument/mic preamp with up to 50+ dB of gain available. It can be set for a sweet and happy clean sound, it can do some meaty tube distortion, or it can be set to rip your scalp off and pound your balls into a nice sausage meat to add to your lovely omelette. Plus, the INVERT switch sets channel 2's CV to operate its VCA oppositely to channel 1. That allows the R-57 to be used as a lovely stereo panner/crossfader. 

Beware. This is not intended to be a nice, neat, clean, sweet and virginal VCA. It is what it is. It has a few warts and it will not reward idiotic usage. Big hug!
Power requirement: +-12v dc, 300 mA after warmup (800-850 mA cold startup is required for 3-5 seconds). Tiptop uZeus and "Happy Ending" power supplies cannot run the R-57 and are not recommended. Most Doepfer(tm), Monorocket(tm), Analogue Systems(tm) and other third-party cabinets should have no trouble powering the R-57.

The Metasonix R-series of vacuum-tube modules is intended for use in any "Eurorack" standard modular synthesizer system. Most R-series modules are 22HP (112mm) wide and fit in any Doepfer(tm), Analogue Systems(tm), or other compatible cabinet. The R-57 is 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 25mm (1 inch). All 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 tubes protrude from the panel for visibility and cooling, less than 38mm (1.5 inches), and should fit inside a Doepfer A-100 suitcase cabinet lid. 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 95v 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 R-module is fully protected against reverse supply voltage, overvoltage, undervoltage, or incorrect hookup to external equipment. As with all our products, the R series is totally handcrafted in Northern California, USA.