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"Magic Eye" tubes are a type of tube common in older radio sets. Consisting of a fluorescent "target" area and a simple deflector electrode, these tube were used as tuning and VU indicators. As they literally operate at the speed of electricity through a wire, they still have application where a device that can indicate instantaneous changes is needed.

"Magic Eye" tubes are a type of tube common in older radio sets. Consisting of a fluorescent "target" area and a simple deflector electrode, these tube were used as tuning and VU indicators. As they literally operate at the speed of electricity through a wire, they still have application where a device that can indicate instantaneous changes is needed.

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[–] • 2 pts

I absolutely love this tech and was thinking of using one of these for the amp I'm building.

[–] • 0 pt

If you want a reasonably priced tube, the 6AL7GT is a fairly low cost tube that has three targets and was designed for AM/FM radio use. The classic round eyes are getting expensive.

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/vacuum-tube-6al7gt-indicator

[–] • 2 pts

I was looking at those and I may use one in my personal amp where cost isn't really an issue -and I would know exactly what it was measuring- but most guitarists don't have a need for a VU meter besides the COOL factor. That's only if I ever get this damn business off of the ground.