Polarity of CV inputs on OS?

Tips and techniques for Minimoog Analog Synthesizers
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Iamthesky
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Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:55 pm
Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC

Polarity of CV inputs on OS?

Post by Iamthesky » Wed Dec 08, 2010 5:03 pm

I'm planning to run a homemade box into the CV inputs of the Voyager OS, but I can't find anywhere that specifies as to whether T or S on the TS connector (or is it TRS?) is the positive. Specifically I'm looking right now at the envelope gate input (0/+5v, right?), although I might be using others later. Is the polarity an industry standard, or do any of the other synth makers switch it (my concerns would be primarily Doepfer or MFB)?

Second question, how precise does that +5v on the envelope gate trigger need to be? At what point is there the risk of damage?
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HowardJones
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Joined: Thu Jun 17, 2010 7:01 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Polarity of CV inputs on OS?

Post by HowardJones » Wed Dec 08, 2010 6:37 pm

AFAIK the T (tip) is always +

Envelopes - you don't need precise 5v, I've had some EGs trigger at anything over about 1.5v, others over 3v. It just depends on the design.
I've built a few 'homemade' CV controllers over the years and never had a problem with blowing things up, as I always source from a regulated 5v. (edit) - to clarify, I'm not saying "any voltage over 3v is OK" - just make sure you are using 5v regulated supply, always check your polarity and voltage with a multimeter before plugging in to expensive equipment ...

Far from blowing things up the only problem I've had has been sourcing enough power: getting voltage droop when trying to send one CV into several different modules at once for frequency control, but for just triggering gates you should be right.
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