I love the Monotribe CV/Gate upgrade!

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:25 pm

After a bit of stuffing around, I finally bit the bullet and built my own cable to connect the Monotribe to my audio interface for CV/gate control - and I'm glad I did! Being able to control the Monotribe using a sequencer/MIDI keyboard has taken it from being a novel toy to a usable production instrument.

I'm using Expert Sleeper's "Silent Way" to generate CV/Gate signals from my DAW which are relayed to the Monotribe via a Motu 828mk3. Not all audio interfaces are capable of generating the DC signals required to feed the CV/Gate input, but fortunately mine is. I had tried using a video camera cable to connect the Monotribe's sync input to my DAW, but after much trial and error discovered that the ground connections were wired incorrectly. Instead I constructed my own cable.

Huge thanks to Korg to introducing such an amazing and unexpected feature to this great little instrument!

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 5:02 pm

Well done on doing that. And yes - it is a very exciting development. Providing CV and Gate over an ordinary 3/8" stereo jack plug allows for the Monotribe to be controlled as if an ordinary analogue synth, hugely enhancing its integration into extended musical setups. Enjoy!

zululord · Post by **zululord** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:00 am

Hey SeedyLee,

have you tried the miditribe mod? I added midi in to my monotribe and control it via my EMX. It works brilliantly and just outputs Synth 1 from the EMX into the Monotribe (therefore it's not restricted to the 8 beats).

The only CV synth I've got is an old MG-1 and it's output is S-trigger so I don't think the cable you described would work for that

P.S. good to see another member from Perth on here!

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 5:07 am

zululord wrote:Hey SeedyLee,

have you tried the miditribe mod? I added midi in to my monotribe and control it via my EMX. It works brilliantly and just outputs Synth 1 from the EMX into the Monotribe (therefore it's not restricted to the 8 beats).

The only CV synth I've got is an old MG-1 and it's output is S-trigger so I don't think the cable you described would work for that

P.S. good to see another member from Perth on here!

I think there might be a few Perth folk lurking around on here, and yes, it's great to see!

I haven't tried the Miditribe mod yet. I have been tempted to add MIDI in the past, but to do so would involve modifying the Monotribe. I'd rather keep mine in original condition. I think the CV/Gate input keeps the analogue feel of the device, and I can still control it from my DAW/Sequencer using something like "Silent Way". But I think the Miditribe type ugrades are great, and if I had a second one I'd strongly consider doing it.

PB21 · Post by **PB21** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 6:06 pm

SeedyLee wrote:
zululord wrote:Hey SeedyLee,

have you tried the miditribe mod? I added midi in to my monotribe and control it via my EMX. It works brilliantly and just outputs Synth 1 from the EMX into the Monotribe (therefore it's not restricted to the 8 beats).

The only CV synth I've got is an old MG-1 and it's output is S-trigger so I don't think the cable you described would work for that

P.S. good to see another member from Perth on here!
I think there might be a few Perth folk lurking around on here, and yes, it's great to see!

I haven't tried the Miditribe mod yet. I have been tempted to add MIDI in the past, but to do so would involve modifying the Monotribe. I'd rather keep mine in original condition. I think the CV/Gate input keeps the analogue feel of the device, and I can still control it from my DAW/Sequencer using something like "Silent Way". But I think the Miditribe type ugrades are great, and if I had a second one I'd strongly consider doing it.

would the focusrite saffire pro 40 allow this?

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 2:40 am

The Saffire 40 doesn't have DC Coupled outputs, so it can't be used for directly generating a CV/Gate control signal. However it's still possible to use SilentWay with such an interface, but it will require the construction of a simple cable to convert AC encoded control signals to DC signals.

Lots of details as to how to achieve this at:
http://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/siwaacencoder.html

The most basic design requires a single capacitor and a single diode, so it's vey straightforward if you know how to use a soldering iron!