Midi/CV converter

thewaag · Post by **thewaag** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 3:54 pm

I have got a Moog Source and I use the arpegiator, the Sample and Hold, and the sequencer in my music. Of course it is impossible to get it in sync with my other MIDI instruments and drum machines. I usually put the sequence in Ableton Live and tap the metronome in sync to MIDI from there. Backwards, huh?

Anyway, it is probably time to get a MIDI to CV converter. Encore has a nice looking one that also adds to my presets. It looks like a good item but it costs $250 and must then be installed by a service person. More money yet, plus I can't use it on my Minimoogs (Model D's), and I don't really need lots of presets......

Kenton makes the Pro Solo MKII. That looks like a nice item that does not have to be professionally installed, so it can be used on different synths which is a plus. It only runs in the $160 range before shipping, duties, etc.

Any recommendations out there? Mostly I want it to do the above stated things with my Source, but if I can use it to control other things on the Source and on a Model D, it is all gravy.

I am not one of those smart analogue guys, so I need a unit that is reliable and simple. I have enough problems in my life without having to battle a quirky MIDI to CV converter in my "down time".

Thanks,

Dale

Drew · Post by **Drew** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:38 am

get the kenton pro solo imo it is the best midi to cv coverter on the market for mono synths.

suthnear · Post by **suthnear** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:27 am

I have the kenton pro 2000 and am very happy with it. I would definitely get a separate unit rather than an installable kit...

pelican1 · Post by **pelican1** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:19 am

I have a pro2000 also. It's compact and nice w/ 2 output channels.

thewaag · Post by **thewaag** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:37 pm

Thanks for the input guys.

While most MIDI/CV converters will do standard note on/note off stuff, I am still not sure that any MIDI/CV converter will sync the arpeggiator, the S&H, and the sequencer with a MIDI time clock.

I talked to Analogue Haven and they were not sure that a Doepher converter would work. The Encore converter will sync to the arpeggiator, but they are not sure whether it will sync to the S&H or the sequencer (they hopefully will check and get back to me). I have an email in to Kenton but have not heard back.

Anybody have any experience with specific MIDI/CV converters on a Source when trying to control the above functions?

I don't know if I mentioned it but I have the older model Source.

Thanks,

Dale

kb · Post by kb » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:45 am

Ploytec makes a tap tempo MIDI clock that can sync multiple MIDI setups.

ebg31 · Post by **ebg31** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 8:52 am

Does Kenton actually make MIDI / CV converters that can add patch memory programs to a synth without memory? I know about the retrofit that gives the Source 512 patches, but can any of them add memory to a Prodigy, Rogue, or Liberation?

nicholas d. kent · Post by **nicholas d. kent** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:20 am

ebg31 wrote:Does Kenton actually make MIDI / CV converters that can add patch memory programs to a synth without memory? I know about the retrofit that gives the Source 512 patches, but can any of them add memory to a Prodigy, Rogue, or Liberation?

No. By an large all you get is the ability to play notes via MIDI with a MIDI to CVinterface. Note the connections. You generally get a CV signal and a gate signal - that's 2 voltages, no fancy digital signals or magic control of your synth in there. You get a voltage for pitch and one to turn the note on and off. You usually get at least one controller output. That means it takes one MIDI controller - like say the Mod Wheel and turns it's value into a simple voltage you can use like any other voltage - if you have a synth with voltage inputs. Some simple synth models have very limited inputs compared to a modular with numerous choices to connect a control voltage to.

If you have an external sequencer or arpeggiator or computer that outputs MIDI by all means you can use your CV interface to send it's performance to your synth.

As for adding memory storage to synths without memory, there is no practical way to do that. The Source was designed from the get go to have memories so it's a relitively trivial operation to expand on what's already there.

As for LFOs. Just about all the better interfaces throw in an onboard software generated LFO (and portamento) within the interface. There is no interfaceing with the synths's own LFO, S&H, clock etc. The interface's LFO alters it's CV output incorporating the LFO's signal. One great advantage is the interface can use incoming MIDI tempo to sync the software LFO's rate.

drawtippy · Post by **drawtippy** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 1:37 am

The Kenton stuff is great. I use the Pro Solo with my Sequential Pro-One. I don't think you can control the ARP speed with it, but why not send it from another modern keyboard? (Just be sure to turn off "local control" on the new keyboard!) The Pro Solo has it's own LFO and you can sync that with the ARP speed. With the aux sends on the Pro One, the pro solo can even add portamento and pitchbend. S&H--I have no clue. Sadly the Pro-One doesn't have it. That's what my Voyager is for!

Hope this helped a litlle,
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