Univer Inter

Univer Inter is an MPE-compatible 8-output MIDI-to-CV converter and USB MIDI interface for Eurorack synthesizers.

Univer Inter is an 8-output MIDI-to-CV converter designed for use with Eurorack synthesizers. Its outputs can be configured in a huge variety of ways, making it an excellent way to control gear with MIDI devices. Monophonic, polyphonic, and MPE note outputs can be configured depending on the voices in a user’s system, and sync outputs can also be used to control sequencers and effects that require analog clock and reset signals. If eight outputs arent’ enough, two Univer Inters can be chained through their front-panel MIDI ports. Univer Inter can be easily configured with the simple and intuitive Noise Engineering Customer Portal web interface via a USB connection.

Due to its highly configurable outputs, Univer Inter can interface virtually any MIDI device with analog hardware, whether it be as a MIDI clock translator to keep sequencers of different resolution in sync and phase, controlling multiple voices with expressive MPE control, or simply playing a nice melody from a sequencer on a monosynth. While other MIDI-to-CV Eurorack modules exist, Univer Inter is both the most flexible and the easiest to configure.

Voltage-controlled synthesizers have a variety of control needs when it comes to playing notes. For timing control, some need gate signals the length of a desired note; others need short triggers to avoid unwanted artifacts. Univer Inter can provide either of these signals, as well as variable voltage gate signals to provide velocity control on modules that can utilize such signals. Univer Inter’s pitch CV outputs have an adjustable pitch bend range, and a note and octave start offset – Eurorack does not have a standardized note standard, so this makes it easy to unify multiple synth voices from different manufacturers. Velocity, release velocity, and aftertouch options add dynamic options to patches for those who want to use expressive MIDI controllers with their synths.
Note outputs are configurable to be monophonic or polyphonic (with automatic note distribution), or respond to MPE controllers, further expanding the possibilities for sequencing and control.

Since CC messages are a common output for a variety of controllers, Univer Inter can translate CC messages to voltage. Both standard and 14-bit MSB/LSB messages can be configured for use on any outputs.

The clock and reset needs of different hardware sequencers varies greatly, so Univer Inter has a huge variety of output options to accommodate any device with an analog clock input. Divisions from 24 PPQN to 4 PPQN solve the needs of most devices, and musical divisions from 32nd notes all the way through whole notes allow for creative sequencing options as well.
Keeping sequencers in phase is straightforward, too: triggers can be generated from MIDI start, stop, and continue to allow for transport and reset control. A DIN-sync style run gate can also be generated, allowing for MIDI timing control of DIN sync devices via adapter cables.

All outputs have a variable output delay from 0ms to 25ms to compensate for any latency issues that may occur in other devices.

Univer Inter brings gear together in ways that artists may not have thought possible: with its plethora of connections, a user can simultaneously connect a hardware MIDI controller, a DAW, and multiple voltage-controlled devices to the Univer Inter, then configure the device to translate signals back and forth however suits their workflow best. One of our favorite uses we’ve seen has been using the Roland Aerophone Pro as a MIDI controller to send breath out to control a modular synthesizer ( https://youtu.be/jkMMAuse5HA?si=oouYRHjMhTDXFzrw&t=1099 ).

Univer Inter features a USB B port as well as a TRS MIDI in jack, and a configurable TRS out or thru jack. It can be used with any USB host device, such as a computer or a tablet, and is compatible with almost any MIDI software like a DAW or other software controller. It can also connect to any other DIN/TRS MIDI devices, and send their MIDI signals to software via USB, or translate messages from MIDI hardware to voltages on its configurable outputs.

Univer Inter was conceived of before the pandemic depressed parts availability. Although we had a working prototype by 2020, we were unable to put it into production until we were able to get the parts required to build it. We released it in June 2023, with subsequent configuration website updates.

Univer Inter is currently available through the Noise Engineering website, as well as our network of authorized retailers, with shops in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

We have several feature updates in the works. A firmware update coming this year will allow rear-panel chaining of Univer Inters. We also plan to incorporate support for alternate tunings, and add further features to the configuration interface.