Question 1

How much power supply voltage is required to properly operate the product?

Accepted Answer

The operating voltage is from 5V to 80V. Please see the datasheet (https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubedatasheetrequest1e)for more details.

Question 2

Can it replace a standard 12AX7 tube? Are they interchangeable?

Accepted Answer

As the power supply voltage and pin assignments are different between this product and a 12AX7, they cannot be used interchangeably.

Question 3

What are the voltage and current of the heater?

Accepted Answer

0.7V and 17mA for each channel. Please see the datasheet (https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubedatasheetrequest1e)for more details.

Question 4

Why is the directly-heated type tube used instead of indirectly-heated one?

Accepted Answer

We decided to adopt the directly-heated type tube as it significantly reduces power consumption and also suppresses heat generation.

Question 5

Can the Nutube be affected by vibrations (i.e., microphonics)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as the Nutube is a directly-heated type tube, it can be affected by vibrations. Suppressing the microphonic effect can be done more easily than with a conventional vacuum tube, as ‘Nutube’ does not generate heat.
We are also planning on offering accessories that can be used to suppress any microphonic effect.

Question 6

Why does the Nutube have such a unique shape while a conventional vacuum tube is usually round-shaped?

Accepted Answer

This unique shape is a result of the product adopting Noritake Itron Corporation’s vacuum fluorescent display (“VFD”) technology. With the application of this technology, we have been able to achieve higher product quality and longer service life compared to conventional vacuum tubes.

Question 7

How can a VFD be modified and turned into a vacuum tube?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we are unable to answer this question as it involves various patent issues.

Question 8

How long is the typical service life of the Nutube? What does the term ‘expected service life’ (as mentioned in the product catalogue) mean?

Accepted Answer

The expected service life of the Nutube when used continuously is 30,000 hours. The term ‘expected service life’ means the number of hours for which the Nutube will likely be able to operate continuously under normal use.

Question 9

What kind of sound does Nutube produce?

Accepted Answer

It emits sound that is similar to the sound made a conventional vacuum tube. If you would like to learn more about the characteristics of Nutube, please refer to the datasheet (https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubedatasheetrequest1e)provided. We will be also offering sample boards for evaluation purposes. If you are interested in obtaining them, please send your request using the inquiry form.(https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubecontactus2)

Question 10

I would like to talk with a KORG representative and obtain more technical information. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us first using the inquiry form.(https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubecontactus2) We will contact you shortly after.

Question 11

Will I be able to obtain more detailed product information after I sign an NDA?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us first using the inquiry form.(https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubecontactus2) We will contact you shortly after.

Question 12

Does KORG offer product design service?

Accepted Answer

We will be glad to receive your consultation request. Please contact us first using the inquiry form.(https://form.k3r.jp/korg/nutubecontactus2)

Question 13

What led the company to develop Nutube?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturing equipment that is currently used to produce traditional vacuum tubes for the company has been used for over fifty years. Therefore, the vacuum tubes that are being produced with this equipment contain many defective units as well as significant characteristic variations. They also consume a lot of power. So we decided to apply all the latest technologies that are available to us and developed ‘Nutube’ – a high quality and battery-operable vacuum tube that is energy-efficient and can be handled with ease – hoping that this novel vacuum tube would bring performance and satisfaction to more people.

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