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 They have been largely superceded by the digital modules, below.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

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