Audio-based CV Interface Modules
'Direction' below uses 'Out' to indicate CVs sent out from the computer, and 'In' for the reverse. 'Software calibration' refers to the functionality of the Silent Way Voice Controller plug-in, or where relevant to the equivalent feature of the FH-2 module.
Analogue connection
These modules all connect to a computer audio interface, in order to generate CVs from the audio data sent from the computer, or to encode CVs as audio data to send back to the computer.
These modules connect to the audio interface via its analogue inputs/outputs. They have been largely superceded by the digital modules, below.
| Module | Direction | Connection to audio interface | Number of channels | Hardware calibrated voltages | Usable with software calibration | Usable for audio | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES-1 | Out | Balanced audio cable (x8) | 8 | No | Yes | Yes in its DC-coupled configuration | Can be used with AC- or DC-coupled interfaces |
| ES-2 | In | Balanced audio cable (x2) | 2 | No | N/A | No |
Digital connection (to audio interface)
These modules all connect to a computer audio interface, in order to generate CVs from the audio data sent from the computer, or to encode CVs as audio data to send back to the computer.
These modules connect to the audio interface via a digital connection, either S/PDIF or ADAT.
| Module | Direction | Connection to audio interface | Number of channels | Bit depth | Max sample rate | Hardware calibrated voltages | Usable with software calibration | Usable for audio | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES-3 | Out | ADAT (TOSlink) | 8 | 24 | 48kHz | No | Yes | Yes | 96kHz supported via Silent Way SMUX plug-in |
| ES-4 | Out | S/PDIF (coaxial) | 5 | 8 | 192kHz | Yes (2 channels) | Not recommended | Yes if you like the "8 bit" sound | |
| ES-40 | Out | S/PDIF (coaxial) | N/A | N/A | 192kHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| ES-6 | In | ADAT (TOSlink) | 6 | 24 | 48kHz | No | N/A | Yes | Requires a connected ES-3 or ES-8 |
Digital connection (to computer)
These modules connect to a computer directly.
| Module | Direction | Connection to audio interface | Number of channels | Bit depth | Max sample rate | Hardware calibrated voltages | Usable with software calibration | Usable for audio | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES-8 | In/Out | USB 2.0 | 12 in, 16 out | 24 | 96kHz | No | Yes | Yes | 4 in, 8 out analogue 8 in, 8 out ADAT |
| ES-9 | In/Out | USB 2.0 | 16 in, 16 out | 24 | 96kHz | No | Yes | Yes | 14 in, 12 out analogue 2 in, 2 out S/PDIF |
MIDI/CV Modules
MIDI/CV conversion is one of the primary functions of the FH-2.
The disting mk4 and disting EX also provide MIDI/CV conversion.
CV/MIDI Modules
The General CV, FH-2, disting mk4 and disting EX all provide CV/MIDI conversion, with the most simultaneous channels being provided by the General CV.
Expansion Modules
These modules connect to one of the above modules to provide enhanced functionality.
Though not listed below, the ES-3 and ES-6 can be viewed as expansion options for the ES-8 (using the ES-8's ADAT ports).
| Module | Direction | Connects to | Number of channels | Bit depth | Hardware calibrated voltages | Usable with software calibration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES-5 | Out | ES-3, ES-8, ES-9 or disting EX | 8 gate outputs and 6 expansion headers | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| ES-7 | In | ES-4, ES-40 or ES-6 | 2 | 24 | N/A | N/A |
| ESX-8GT | Out | ES-4, ES-40, ES-5 or FHX-8GT | 8 gate outputs | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| ESX-4CV | Out | ES-4, ES-40 or ES-5 | 4 | 12 | Yes | Yes |
| ESX-8CV | Out | ES-4, ES-40 or ES-5 | 8 | 12 | Yes | Yes |
| ESX-8MD | Out | ES-4, ES-40 or ES-5 | 8 MIDI/ DINsync | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| FHX-8CV | Out | FH-2 or disting EX | 8 | 14 | No | Yes |
| FHX-8GT | Out | FH-2 or disting EX | 8 gate outputs | 1 | N/A | N/A |