NAMM`s biggest news? Analog meet digital

Paul Norheim · Post by **Paul Norheim** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:56 pm

Some will love this, some will hate it, and some will be indifferent. However, I think "Volta" may be the biggest NAMM news for synth players and moogerfooger owners:

"Analog, Meet Digital: MOTU Volta Connects the Mac to CV Synths, Effects Graphically
By Peter Kirn

What is Volta?
Volta is software; a virtual instrument that turns your audio interface into a voltage control interface. Anything with a control voltage (CV) input can be automated from your DAW with Volta. This includes modulars, analog mono synths and even effects processors like the moogerfoogers.
Volta provides access to the automation system of your DAW through ramps. You can draw in whatever whacky timeline based automation you desire and use this high resolution data to control anything with a CV input. No stair-stepping or zipper noise. You can also route any MIDI controller to control voltages. Volta provides audio-rate rendered software LFOs, step and trigger sequencers."

You can read the rest of the story at Create Digital Music. A video is included on the thread.

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2009/01/1 ... /#comments

EricK · Post by **EricK** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 5:08 pm

Sounds nice, except that I don't have a MAC.

LeRoi · Post by **LeRoi** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 7:45 pm

Holy crap! That is amazing! I can't wait to see more about this. This is a must have for next years purchases!

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 8:28 pm

That would be AWESOME! The Chuck Norris of software!

matt the fiddler · Post by **matt the fiddler** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:40 pm

I am trying to figure this out..

this won't work with my MOTU 828 MKII will it?

toryjames · Post by **toryjames** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:29 pm

This is brilliant, especially for those of us who can only afford VCOs VCFs and VCAs. And with 16-24-bit resolution it throws most of the analog vs digital rhetoric out the window.

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:41 am

toryjames wrote:And with 16-24-bit resolution it throws most of the analog vs digital rhetoric out the window.

Sorry, but close to analog does not equal analog. Still awesome, though.

matt the fiddler · Post by **matt the fiddler** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:49 am

for me.. digital control to analog filters and oscillators is good enough for 80% of what i do..- as long as it aint midi. gosh i hate midi.

i will hard control if i need to otherwise...

i am looking into this.. great post!

MC · Post by MC » Sun Jan 18, 2009 12:28 pm

What if your DAW has AC coupled outputs? You can't generate CV outputs unless your DAW is DC coupled. Kind of defeats the CV concept.

theglyph · Post by **theglyph** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:39 pm

MC wrote:What if your DAW has AC coupled outputs? You can't generate CV outputs unless your DAW is DC coupled. Kind of defeats the CV concept.

The MOTU and apparently the RME gear have DC coupled outs. My Metric Halo does not:(

I've got a 2408 MKII but it's running in OS2.8 (Jaguar) on my G4 with no plans to update that system. Here's hoping Volta will run in it!!

latigid on · Post by **latigid on** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 9:53 pm

I've got an RME Fireface 800, might have to give it a go!

Bryan T · Post by **Bryan T** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:57 pm

Any updated info on this? Being able to program my Moogerfoogers would be awesome!