Syncing a Moog DFAM with Ableton

[_peoplecanfly_]

Hi folks,

I have a Moog DFAM which I want to sync with Ableton.
the thing is, that Moog DFAM expects to receive an analog DC coupled clear signal (0>5V) in its ADV/Clock inputs. (unfortunately Moog DFAM does not have a MIDI input).

My Focusrite 4i4 3rd gen does not have any DC coupled output, and I was not able to trigger it via Ableton. (I tried so many workarounds, nothing helped).

So, I'd probably need a MIDI to CV box for the following setup:

Ableton Live Midi Clock --> Focusrite 4i4 MIDI out --> Midi to CV --> Moog DFAM input

My questions are:

1. Any cheap recommendation for a MIDI to CV box?

2. My main question: would you prefer buying a sequencer (i.e Doepfer Dark Time) instead of a simple MIDI to CV box (i.e Doepfer Darklink), since a sequencer has much more functionality and also has MIDI in + CV gate out so I can sync my Moog DFAM through the sequencer:
Ableton Live Midi Clock --> Focusrite 4i4 MIDI out --> Sequencer with MIDI in + CV out --> Moog DFAM input


Thank you very much.

[BertKoor]

I don't think the DarkTime can do what the DarkLink does: simply convert midi note on (& off) messages to CV+Gate.
And simple sequencing is what most DAWs natively can do, or at least with the help of a free plugin should be able to do.

[sin night]

I have a Dark Time, I think it outputs CV when it’s stopped and it also tracks any transposition coming via midi notes, but I’m unsure about the gate out… that would be a serious limitation as a “midi to cv” interface (but the Dark Time is a step sequencer…).
Hopefully I will check in the evening after work.

You may also consider something like a Korg SQ-1, it works as a 2 channel midi to cv when the sequencer is stopped. The sequencer has a major limitation, it can’t be transposed via midi, but it works as a midi to cv. You’ll probably need a usb isolator to connect it to the computer (the midi in is only over usb), otherwise it’s noisy…


I recently bought a Dark Link as well, but it has one major limitation (depending on how you use it, with some synths it can be a plus): notes and pitch bend are on two separate cv outputs. Just yesterday I modded mine by adding a small mixer inside for those two cv (and a small switch to change the behavior of cv1 out).

The Kenton Pro Solo is a nicer (and more expensive alternative).

On the cheap, you could buy a Keystep.


I think it’s nice to have access to cv (not just gate) with the DFAM, because then you can play it in tune.
I would probably use a gate to trigger the DFAM or to sync the sequencer, rather than a clock. This way you can make whatever rhythm you want, you can swing…

In any case, please mind the gate output level (some devices output a 12V gate).

[acitizen]

roland a01 most versatile synth and interface midi cv Bluetooth din usb back and forth!

[acitizen]

this unit makes it possible to send bTLE midi -from apps on iPhone- and route that to cv gate and or din usb etc, also has cool own sequencer 16 st

[vitocorleone123]

Nome II could generate clock via an audio input from your interface and has a cv output to send clock to hardware that don't have MIDI in.

[machinesworking]

Beatstep Pro is a great choice for CV connections, can be had used for cheap.