Let’s crank it up with Metasonix’s Eurorack tubes

These modules can go from subtle to brain-melting, so let’s explore how they’re used in various patches

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Let’s start with a basic synth voice with the RK2 as our VCA. Patch the oscillator’s triangle wave into the RK2 input, then patch envelopes into the CV input. Play with input level, CV offset and feedback for a wide range of tube driven tones.

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Take a guitar into a pre amp module to boost up to eurorack levels and patch into the RK2. Explore the settings for a range of saturation tones. Patch an LFO into the CV input and use the CV offset to create distorted tremolo tones.

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We can use the RK2 as a simple preamp and distortion unit. Patch up your favourite drum sounds (or send in loops and samples) then turn the knobs for subtle warmth to brain-blowing clipping! Experiment with different signals into the CV input for modulation.

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The RK3 spits irregular pulses that try to track the external input pitch. This gives a strange and unique PLL style effect. Patch a sine wave from a VCO into the input and play with the tune and input levels for some ‘out-there’ waveshaping.

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Not content with tube PLL pulse shaping of the input signal, Metasonix have added a Ring Modulator to the RK3. Sticking with a sine wave at the input, add another VCO’s sine wave to the carrier input. Adjust carrier level to control the Ring Mod.

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As with any ring modulation effects, the tuning of the input and carrier signal will have the largest effect. But we can also get pseudo VCA-style effects by patching CV into the carrier input. Try using smooth LFOs or envelopes to interfere with the amplitude.