Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2025 10:07 pm Post subject:
8 CV to MIDI converters Subject description: Control MIDI equipment with analog sequencers
Hello everyone,
I was asked to build this for integrating an analog ratcheting sequencer into a studio’s MIDI equipment setup by a friend, the author of the Formant MSS2000 book.
So I decided to build this as a set of eight independent microcontroller controlled CV/GATE/CLOCK to MIDI converters.
Each converter consists of a pair of inputs (CV and CLOCK) and a corresponding CLOCK display LED.
At the top of the module you find three switches (again with indicator LEDs, because I just love LEDs) to select one of eight programs the module runs with.
Currently implemented is "Program 0" which was requested by my friend, but further functions are in development.
Fun
Here a video which shows the module converting an analog sequence with ratcheting into MIDI based ratcheting for my MIDI controlled Oberheim SEM clone as a feasibility test:
Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 1497 Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 45
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 5:00 am Post subject:
Re: 8 CV to MIDI converters Subject description: Control MIDI equipment with analog sequencers
analogmonster wrote:
Hello everyone,
So I decided to build this as a set of eight independent microcontroller controlled CV/GATE/CLOCK to MIDI converters.
Each converter consists of a pair of inputs (CV and CLOCK) and a corresponding CLOCK display LED.
Wow, that is a beautiful build and very useful module, indeed! Thanks for the video. _________________ -- Kevin http://kevinkissinger.com
Joined: Nov 13, 2009 Posts: 120 Location: Sunny Alberta
Audio files: 2
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:05 am Post subject:
Re: 8 CV to MIDI converters Subject description: Control MIDI equipment with analog sequencers
analogmonster wrote:
So I decided to build this as a set of eight independent microcontroller controlled CV/GATE/CLOCK to MIDI converters.
Each converter consists of a pair of inputs (CV and CLOCK) and a corresponding CLOCK display LED.
Very nice, please keep us updated of your progress. Do you plan on making this available to others?
Take care,
Doug _________________ The Electronic Peasant
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 10:58 am Post subject:
Re: 8 CV to MIDI converters Subject description: Control MIDI equipment with analog sequencers
The Peasant wrote:
Very nice, please keep us updated of your progress.
Yes, I do. I've already started with the implementation of the next function, which will make the module being able to act as stand-alone MIDI sequencer additionally. When finished it can be selected by the top row switches.
Joined: Nov 13, 2009 Posts: 120 Location: Sunny Alberta
Audio files: 2
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:36 pm Post subject:
Hi again everyone,
I finally was able to make a recording of the tube synth modules, including the new VCF design which is still only on breadboard. Once I get that module built I will work on making an actual video of everything so far.
To make the recording I just set up a sequence and let it play while I changed settings. I also added some reverb, since everything sounds better with reverb!
The first part is just the VCO module through the VCA, then the noise module is added for a while, then the VCF is included for the last part. Enjoy!
Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 1497 Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 45
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:37 am Post subject:
Power Supply Bus and CAN Channel Project
Years ago, when I began expanding my synthesizer system, I needed to add an additional power supply and the associated wiring in the new cabinet. Wanting to ensure reliability, I chose to use larger 18 AWG wiring and robust TE connectors. This became the new standard for all added modules, and I built distribution cables to supply power accordingly.
Over time, however, I became less satisfied with the loose cable runs — they weren’t as secure as I’d like, were vulnerable to vibration, and didn’t look particularly neat. Still, redesigning the bus system was one of those "I’ll get around to it later" projects.
As I started adding microprocessor-based modules, I wanted to integrate a CAN bus to support global inter-module functions. That provided the push I needed. I realized I could use my 3D printer to create custom channel segments that support both the existing TE power connectors and new Molex CAN connectors.
The snap-in feature of the TE connectors made it relatively easy to design 3D-printed mounting holes to accommodate them securely. Since my printer's bed is only around 12" wide, I chose to print 3" channel segments (matching the Aries 3" module width), then arrange them end-to-end to form a continuous channel along the cabinet.
This is still a work in progress, but I recently completed the first cabinet channel and took a photo to show a before-and-after comparison — the top cabinet still has the original loose power cables, while the bottom cabinet uses the new channel. I’ve also included a picture of a few channel segments as they come off the 3D printer. For efficiency, I print them three at a time per batch.
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Power supply buss installation in progress to compare old and new
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Channel pieces from the 3d printer
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I've made what I call a DRONER, It's a standallone module around an Arduino UNO, programmed as a native midi device ( google HIDUINO) for sending Midi over USB.
You can choose a note, change velocity and pitch in real time.
The noteOn is sent when the ON button is pressed while the noteOff is sent when the OFF button is pressed.
When noteOn is active, I can change Pitch with a rotary encoder, and the Velocity can be set with the potentiometer.
Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 1497 Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 45
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:19 pm Post subject:
Re: Formant++; Subject description: UCVM - repair of a veteran
analogmonster wrote:
My first microcontroller based module, an 8 channel MIDI2CV/GATE - interface (UCVM) from 2004 did not boot any more. Reason was a dead ISP connector.
So I did what I was afraid of, I opened it after several years and entered the guts.
Good troubleshooting! Seems that problems are caused by loose connections more often than not. Rare when it is some exotic problem! _________________ -- Kevin http://kevinkissinger.com
Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 1497 Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 45
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:21 pm Post subject:
Grumble wrote:
I've made what I call a DRONER...
That's a fine application for an Arduino-based device and a cool-looking case for it. Thanks for the video! _________________ -- Kevin http://kevinkissinger.com
Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 1497 Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 45
Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2025 5:02 am Post subject:
The Peasant wrote:
I have completed the VCF module, 14 tubes in this one. Working on a video now.
Take care,
Doug
Indeed -- definitely want to hear your filter. 14 tubes? Wow. I don't think old TVs had that many tubes! _________________ -- Kevin http://kevinkissinger.com
Great, I love tube stuff.
Although I learned electronics during the tube periode/start of transistor era (think oc71 etc.) I never build anything using tubes…. _________________ my synth
Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 1497 Location: Kansas City, Mo USA
Audio files: 45
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:40 pm Post subject:
Fix for Aries AR-334 Sequencer Reset Behavior Subject description: A single component change solved a long-standing problem
Well, I don't have a photo for this fix. However, I enjoy finding ways to make vintage modules work "better than new".
I recently solved a long-standing quirk in my vintage Aries AR-334 sequencer. When it received simultaneous clock and reset signals, it would jump to step #2 instead of starting cleanly at step #1.
Digging into the circuit, I found that the clock-in path included a 0.1 µF capacitor to ground in parallel with a 39 kΩ resistor. This RC combination slightly delayed the clock pulse compared to the reset pulse. When clock and reset arrived at the same time, the reset would trigger first, then the delayed clock edge would immediately advance the sequencer to the second step.
The fix was straightforward: I removed the 0.1 µF capacitor, leaving the 39 kΩ resistor in place. With the capacitor gone, the clock signal is no longer delayed, and the sequencer now resets and starts properly on step #1, matching the behavior of my other sequencers and clock dividers.
This will allow me to fully integrate the vintage Aries sequencer with my Klee and other sequencers (particularly Wren sequencers and the Elektron Octatrack sequencer). _________________ -- Kevin http://kevinkissinger.com
My daughter was trying to make a little animal with buttons out of paper, but was having difficulty with the buttons. I suggested wood as a better option. Since I had to be involved anyway to cut the wood, I offered to make the buttons beep when pressed.
My daughter drew the shape and painted it. I cut it out and added the electronics.
I kept it as simple as possible. It is four 40106 oscillators with fixed resistors values for different pitches, and a single amplifier chip (LM386), all running off a 9V battery.
Your buttons reminds me of a device I made for a brother of mine: It works like a bass guitar and the buttons are arranged accordingly.
With the black and red buttons one can set the octave for the lowest snare ( the yellow buttons).
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_________________ my synth Last edited by Grumble on Thu Aug 21, 2025 6:33 am; edited 1 time in total
Your buttond reminds me of a device I made for a brother of mine: It works like a bass guitar and the buttons are arranged accordingly.
With the black and red buttons one can set the octave for the lowest snare ( the yellow buttons).
That's awesome! A very unique layout. Nice work _________________ JacobWatters.com
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LEDs) to select one of eight programs the module runs with.
