Aries Archive [sdiy] how to build a cv keyboard

[Seb Francis]

Hi,

> > Some of us would rather use the analog cicuitry found in the
> > Aries type - true Control Voltage  keyboards, than the newer
> > midi to control voltage converters mainly available today.  The
> > way the keyboards feel and play are completely different.
>
> I've heard this observation before.  Having never played a MIDI keyboard, I don't
> really know what it means.  What is different between the two?  My keyboard has
> low-note priority, for instance - is it related to note priority?

Perhaps one of the "nice" things is the fact that the notes are not exactly in tune with each other?  With a MIDI-CV with a decent DAC the notes really are exactly equal temperament, probably not so for an analog keyboard.

However, I personally wouldn't advise anyone just starting out to build their own keyboard right away.  It's a big project, and you might be better off spending your time making some VCOs + VCFs and things :)  You can pick up a second hand MIDI keyboard really cheap.  MIDI to CV converter will set you back a bit more (e.g. £100 for a basic pre-built Kenton).  There's a good kit here: http://www.oakleysound.com/mididac.htm (PCB + uController £27).

Cheers,
Seb