The Top 5 MIDI to CV Converters in 2018

The MIDI Association

If you want to use MIDI with either pre-MIDI analog synths or with modular Eurorack analog synth systems, you need to convert digital MIDI signals into analog voltages. Fortunately, there are lots of options.

We’ve selected the top 5 MIDI to CV convertors, but there are tons of choices. The first three are Eurorack solutions. So you’ll need to a Eurorack to use them. The Kenton PRO SOLO Mk3 MIDI To CV Converter is a standalone box so it can be used with pre MIDI monophonic anlaog synths as well as in other studio situations.

Polyend Poly MIDI and USB to CV/Gate Eurorack Module

The Polyend Poly module is a polyphonic MIDI to CV converter Eurorack module and is one of the most complete MIDI to CV converters on the market. It has USB and 5 Pin DIN MIDI inputs and lots of CV outputs

It has three performance modes. First and Next mode are designed for use with an external controller while Channel mode is designed for use with external sequencers or your DAW

Polyphonic universal MIDI to CV converter Eurorack module
Supports the MPE standard for use with innovative controllers like the LinnStrument, the Seaboard series, and more
Inputs include MIDI DIN, USB A (5-volt), and USB B
8 Gate outputs (0–12 volts)
8 Pitch outputs (0–12 volts, V/oct)
8 Velocity outputs (0–12 volts)
8 Modulation outputs (0–12 volts, CC value can be set 0–127 via dip switches on back panel)

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms MIDI 3 Eurorack MIDI-to-CV Converter Module

The Midi 3 Midi to CV converter has mono and duophonic midi response modes, assignable CC and dedicated velocity outputs. Monophonic has several different keyboard modes – Last note priority, low note priority, and high note priority and all are available with and without gate retriggering.

Ir also has a built-in Arpeggiator that can be clocked using tap tempo, midi clock, or external gate.with lots of features. . Speaking of the clock, the Midi 3 Module has 3 Clock Modes:

Internal Clock – The Midi 3 clock has a tap tempo button to change the tempo of the internal clock.

External Midi Clock – The external midi clock responds to midi start/stop messages and midi tempo from an external midi clock source.

External Gate Clock – The external gate clock responds to gate signals patched into the CLOCK jack. The external gate clock is used to clock the arpeggiator.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THE MIDI 3:

Assignable Midi Channel – The Midi 3 can be assigned to respond to all channels or any individual midi channel.

Assignable Pitch Bend Range – The range of pitch bend can be set to +/- 2 notes, +/- 5th, +/- 1 octave, +/- 2 octaves.

Control Change Output – CC response of 0-5v.

Assignable Control Change Channel Assign – Assign the midi CC channel the Midi 3 responds to.

Velocity Output – Velocity response of 0-5v based on active note.

Doepfer A-190-4 Eurorack USB/MIDI to CV/Gate/Sync Interface Module

The A-190-4 module offers MIDI In, MIDI Out, USB, CV1, CV2, Gate, Clock, and Reset ports.

Kenton PRO SOLO Mk3 MIDI To CV Converter

If you are looking for something standalone that doesn’t need a Eurorack ( for example if you just want to control and pre MIDI mono analog synth. The Kenton PRO SOLO Mk3 may fit the bill.

Here are the features from the Kenton website.

Designed to control all types of mono-synth
Super-fast response time
Rugged brushed aluminium case
CV output uses high specification 16 bit D/A converter for rock-steady pitches
Runs from standard 9 volt power supply, 2.1mm centre positive
CV/Gate/Aux outputs on 3.5mm jack sockets (3.5mm to 1/4″ cables are available in our cables section)
MIDI IN socket
MIDI THRU socket can be switched to become Sync 24
Any MIDI channel can be selected
Switchable for V/oct & Hz/V & 1.2V/oct scaling systems
Fine tune & scale are controllable using the edit buttons & settings can be stored
Transpose (coarse tune) – up & down 12 semitones
Adjustable pitchbend range
Programmable Gate V-trig (up to 15v) or S-trig (with or without pull-up)
Multiple and single trigger modes
Note priority selection – newest / lowest / highest
Old notes are remembered to facilitate trill effects and increase playability
Portamento – fixed rate or fixed time modes
Auto Portamento mode selectable (where legato playing turns on Portamento)
Portamento Controller is selectable
Three programmable Aux variable analogue outputs, controllable by any MIDI controller
Programmable LFO – 9 wave shapes inc. random
LFO can modulate pitch &/or Aux 1 output
Separate Controllers for LFO to CV and LFO to Aux 1
LFO can be synchronised to MIDI clock
LFO sync point can be selected
Key-on can reset LFO
Aux outputs can output clock, with two individual dividers to choose from
All parameters are controllable in real-time by SysEx
32 setups can be stored in non-volatile memory for easy recall
MIDI Analyser mode – for easy MIDI troubleshooting
Power supply included – UK / EU / USA / Australian types available

What’s new or different about the Mk3?

Aux 2 & Aux 3 are now continuously variable analogue outputs and are presented on 3.5mm jack sockets
Expanded selection of Controllers available for the Aux outputs
The Aux outputs now have adjustable slew rate (rise/fall time) to enable you to smooth out any controller jumps
Built-in ADSR envelope generator (the controls for which can be assigned to MIDI CCs)
Drum Trigger mode – Aux outputs can be set to produce a velocity-variable trigger pulse for drum synths, each with its own dedicated trigger note
Dual clock dividers, which can be used simultaneously on different outputs, including the DIN socket when not used as MIDI out
Variable gate-off time for re-trigger (multiple trigger)
32 program memories which can store and recall setups
MIDI Program Changes can be used to recall setups
Pre-loaded setups for many of the most popular synths
Pitchbend range increased to 48 notes up & down
Flash upgradable using SysEx when updates become available
32 bit ARM processor
Brushed aluminium case with black text

DIY MIDI to CV

If you want the least expensive MIDI to CV option and you’ve got some DIY chops, you can build one yourself. There are many DIY MIDI to CV projects on Maker and other DIY sites, but we found this DSP synth site from Jan in Sweden.