tube synths

[Eric Barbour]

>I'm interested in playing around with the odd tube, but no doubt like others
>with a mostly silicon based synth, I don't want to have to start a totally
>independant project. Tube modules that were compatible with existing synths
>would raise interest level,

Ken, my tube circuits only use 150v and are directly compatible with
solid-state CVs.

>>though availability of tubes,

I have a list of Australian dealers who carry tubes.
Start here, and don't forget Farnell:

Electronic Valve and Tube Company
PO Box 381
Chadstone Centre
Victoria 3148
phone (61) 3-9571-1160
fax (61) 3-9571-1160
e-mail evatco at mira.net

EDS Pty. Ltd.
27 Buckley St.
Marrickville
Sydney NSW 2204
phone (61) 2-9550-2288
fax (61) 2-9517-1406
e-mail sales at edsi.com.au
Web site http://www.edsi.com.au

INNES Pty. Ltd. 
120 Macpherson St., Cremorne NSW 2090
(PO Box 127, Mt. Kuring-Gai, NSW 2080)
phone (61) 2-9953-2793
fax (61) 2-9953-7607
Web site http://www.innescorp.com.au

Also see the following websites:
http://www.werple.net.au/~kiewavly/audio1.html
http://www.wagga.net.au/~retrovox/valves.html
There are others............

>>and worse still, the dirty great chokes that are often used with them
>>has so far discouraged me from going any further.

"dirty great chokes"???? I don't use chokes in ANY of my
tube synth circuits.............

>>The high voltages are also a put off, so a "low
>>voltage" high tension would be appropriate.

150 volts will not kill you--at most it is a slightly painful
jolt--less painful than a bee sting. If you are careful you will
never come into contact with it. Most of my circuits
(except the VCO) can be operated on as little as 50-60 volts.


>When I say availability, I mean easy access. Mail ordering from overseas is
>not really an option for me.

See above........what's wrong with mail order overseas? Our distributor
in Arizona, Antique Electronic Supply, routinely handles order shipments
to Australia (and everywhere else).

>Perhaps a simple bandpass filter based on a 12ax7 series tube would make an
>interesting entry point for some.

I have a nice little bandpass VCF. It does not use a 12AX7, it uses
a Svetlana EF86. It has a major advantage over other designs:
voltage-controlled Q.

if you want the schematic, just ask me. (Its scheduled to appear on the
Engiineering Musician website soon anyway.....)