Hello! I found a nice midi to CV converter on the Paia site, which could give me some additional capabilities with a Freqbox.
http://www.paia.com/proddetail.asp?prod=9700K&cat=12
I’ve got limited experience with CV though.
What type of interface is it? Some look like regular 1/4" TRS plugs, but others look like modular synth patch cords.
Is there a good overview of control voltage that someone can recommend?
Thanks!
T
Kit includes all electronic parts, circuit board, pc mount DIN jacks and keyboard style DIP switch but does NOT include Fracrak panel, transformer, power switch or jacks.
Now what this means is, is you’re ordering a circuit board of a midi to CV converter, but it won’t do you much good without a rack to case it in, a panel to keep dust from getting in it’s internal parts, or any means to power it. You’ll probably need to know a little bit about electronics to assemble it as well, but I might be wrong. If all you need is a cv to midi converter, there’s Kenton who does a good job at those, and you could always get a MF-105M, a Novation BassStation rack (Has built in midi/cv converter), and probably some other CV/midi eurorack modules out there from Doepfer.
If you’re ordering a few Paia modules/rack/power supply, then it’s a decent enough investment, but if you only need the converter, you may want to look elsewhere.
Thanks, Headphones.
Just to make sure, you’re saying the MF-105M converts midi in to CV out? If so, that’s perfect, because the only reason I need CV is to send a signal to my MF-107 freqbox.
Thanks!
T
The MF-105M is NOT a CV/midi converter.
Perhaps the Slim/LittlePhatty/Voyyager is then?
That’s a big price-point difference. The Midi to CV component I started the thread with is $122 and we’re now going up as high as $2,000 for a Voyager. I’m all about getting a voyager in the coming months, but it seems to me that there has to be a more cost effective way to turn my midi signals into CV so that I can send a signal to my Freqbox.
Thanks!
So you might want to look for a old Novation BassStation rack on eBay.
Under $450 currently, but if you’re quick you can grab one for $299.
Then there’s the KentonUk, who has been making them for awhile now. If nothing is in your price range, or it’s too much hassle to order, you might try looking for a used one on eBay.
http://www.kentonuk.com/
And maybe a Slim Phatty might be a possible unit, with a synth built in for $850…
I did a currency converter from Kenton’s site for a USB to MIDI CV converter, and it’d be about $231…
http://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/m-cv/usb-solo.shtml
If you really want the Paia, you can order it, but it still needs a rackmount module power supply, and you might as well start the process of building up a Paia modular if you’re thinking of that one.
Hey! Thanks for all the suggestions. I went out and found a Novation Bass Station for 200 bucks, so I’m very happy. Does the Midi to CV that I need also has some really nice sounds. Not sure why they call it a bass station as it puts out some really good leads as well. So, thanks again for that recommendation (as well as others). Problem solved!
I’m still thinking about getting the Slim Phatty just to have some nice leads when I’m using the bass station for bass. I don’t think it has CV out though. Perhaps I’ll just hold out for a Voyager. Looks like the Voyager has a lot more features (plus a third oscillator). The rack mount is only 2 grand too, so it’s not like I’d be paying 3-5 grand for the synth.
Thanks again for all the advice!
Tom
Not too sure about the SP’s CV Out, but let me check if it’s there…
I/O AC In
Power On/Off
Audio Out
Ext. Audio In: accepts +4dBu line level signal
Pitch CV In (1 V/Oct)
Filter CV In
Volume CV In
Keyboard Gate In
MIDI In
MIDI Out
MIDI Thru
USB: MIDI-over-USB
Headphone Out
Hmmm, I guess not. But if the Voyager rack does, you could do it that way perhaps. It is possible to chain multiple SP/LPs together though for Polyphony, and I understand the Voyager/VG racks do as well. (But who’d have the budget for that?)
Exactly! I don’t really need polyphony from the SP or Voyager, I’ve got a Roland Jupiter for that. I just want some nice, fat leads. I’m wondering if the Voyager is worth the extra $$. They don’t carry them in my local music stores so I can’t get a hands-on with either of them. Sometimes Guitar Center has the Little Phatty in but it’s not in stock currently.
I’ve played a Voyager a couple of times, and it’s like driving a vehicle you’re not used to (in a odd but good way). It’s all laid out in front of you, but it can be a little confusing. I got to try a MF-102 with it, and boy was that fun. The sound was big and beefy as you could expect, but you can sometimes get some odd noises, kind of like a Yamaha DX7 getting raped as it screams! (Even without the ring mod). If you think you can afford one, go for it, but expect a huge learning curve the way they built it.
I’m longing for an MF-102 right now. Got the MF-103 Phaser (for myself) for Christmas, which is fun, but I really want to get into the Ring Mod.
I think the Voyager might be the way to go for me, as it will grow with me, whereas the SP kind of has a ceiling. In any case, thanks for the information!
T
Yeah, I’m with you on the MF-102. I’ve wanted a ring mod for awhile, but they’re not easy to find used, so I guess I’ll have to find a new one. But I don’t mind, because it’ll be able to modulate the MF-101.
Enjoy your Voyager when the day comes…