Doepfer

Hi Ele

> can someone maybe recommend a midi to cv interface?
If you are looking for an separated interface there are several 
interfaces which might be interesting:

Kenton Pro-2 and Pro-4
Kenton Pro 2000
Harms MAC-16
EES MCV-7
Doepfer MCV-24
(Doepfer MCV8)

Only the MCV-24, and the Pro 2000 are still in production.


Each of them has good D/A-converters.
Each of them has software LFOs which can run synchronized to the 
MIDI-Clock, so you can synchronize it to a rythm machine too, whithout 
using a computer! (exception MCV8).


I own a Harms Mac 16.
pros:
- 16 Outputs, each with 16Bit D/As, so there is no restriction what to 
do on what output.
- has also software ADSR-envelopes; together with VCOs, VCF, VCAs and a 
mixer you can use it as programmable monophonic synthesizer.
- MIDI-Clock to DIN-Sync Interface included
contras:
- velocity can be used only additive to Envelopes not controlling the 
amount.
- Userinterface is ok, but there could be better solutions.
- The userinterface sometimes hangs, but this does not affect the 
interface function itself.

I bought the Harms in '96, because the engineer Hauke Harms promised to 
fix the problems I mentioned in the "contras"; but he had to quit his 
business due to economical reasons. If the bugs were fixed, it would be 
the best interface.



I have experience with the EES, the Kenton Pro4 and the MCV8

The EES MCV7 is similar to the Harms. 14 outs, but only seven for CVs
pros:
- very, very good syncable LFOs
- very good mix combination algorithms of control signals already on the 
digital level
- best user interface of all interfaces
- polyphonic control is possible.
contras:
- only seven outs for CVs (controler or note) the other seven outs ar 
only for Gate-Signals (where the Harms could do 16 Control-CVs)
- No DIN-Sync
The best interfaces I know, but I do not know all.


Kenton Pro4, four channels for CV and Gate
pro:
- very good DAs
- rich parameter sets
- several polyphonic and monophonic algorithms
contra:
- worst userinterface you could think of (no menue structure, all 
parameter in one "horizontal" row)
- fixed CV and Gate outs
- sometimes hangs.


Doepfer MCV8, eight CV-Outs, eight Gate-Outs
pro:
- very easy to use
- several polyphonic and monophonic algorithms
- very stable
- low prize
contras:
- no Software LFOs




Kind regards, Florian