Metasonix Releases Tube-Based Synthesizer

Metasonix has announced the availability of its PT-1 "Phattytron" monophonic analog synthesizer.

The PT-1 is unique in that its entire signal path consists of tubes, rather than semiconductors. The VCO uses tubes, the VCF uses a tube, and the VCA uses tubes. Even the numeric display for displaying the MIDI preset is a vintage gas-discharge "Nixie" tube. This tube architecture makes it sound unlike other electronic music products available.

Even though it uses vacuum tube technology, the PT-1 is modern enough to incorporate MIDI. The PT-1 uses a standard MIDI input for approximately four octaves of pitch, with four presets controlling modulation effects. Auxiliary inputs allow processing of external audio signals, FM synthesis, and filter voltage control. You can even incorporate the PT-1 into a modular system since all of its patch points are on the front panel for easy access.

The PT-1 comes housed in a 2U rackmount chassis, with selectable 120/240V, 60/50Hz power settings. The all tube signal path does come at a price - the suggested list price for the PT-1 is $2400. Some of the available options include a modified Kraft joystick for pitch bends (MIDI-based pitch bend is not possible), balanced XLR output, exclusion of the MIDI interface, and a second VCO (available later this year).