Midi2CV

Introduction

Here’s a utility module that lets me control my analog synth with a MIDI controller. It’s based on Elkayem’s design on Github.

Outputs

V/Oct or Note

Standard volt-per-octave output used by Eurorack synths. It has a total range of 88-keys (+7 volts).

Velo

0-5V output based on the velocity parameter sent through MIDI. Usually controlled by how hard a key is pressed on a MIDI controller.

Gate

5V whenever at least one key is active/held down. 0V if no key is being pressed.

Trigger/Trig

Short 5V pulse whenever a new key is pressed, regardless of how long is held down.

CLK/Clock

Standard clock pulse based on the BPM set by the MIDI controller.

Pitch and Ctrl/Control

CV outputs based on the wheel controls on a MIDI controller.

Note Priority

This MIDI2CV module is meant to be used for mono synths. The Note Priority toggle on the side selects which note to send out of the v/oct output whenever multiple keys are pressed.

Set it to HIGH to chose the highest note being pressed, LOW to chose the lowest, and LAST to always prioritize the latest note that was pushed down.

A sketch of the Midi2CV build in pedal form

A fully assembled Midi2CV module

Schematics

I have tested this circuit both on +9V as a pedal an on +12V with my modular synth system.

My schematics for the Midi2CV v1.0. Click image for larger view.

Conclusion

Some additonal features such as MIDI channel selection and polyphone can probably be explored in the future.

Let me know if you’ve built it. Tag me on Instagram @benjiaomodular.