ES-3 Lightpipe/CV Interface
Introduction
The ES-3 is a Eurorack format module which converts eight channels of ADAT Lightpipe input to DC coupled outputs on 3.5mm jacks, for the ultimate convenience in connection of a DAW directly to analogue synthesizers.The outputs can be used as control voltages (CVs), for example with software such as Expert Sleepers Silent Way, and can also be used as audio outputs at high, modular synth-compatible levels.
With the ES-3, a single optical cable is all that is need to bring direct CV control from your DAW right into the heart of a modular system.
Reviews
Silent Way and the ES-3 got a great review in Future Music Magazine, Issue 239 (May 2011) - read it here.“Silent Way is a no-brainer”
“Incredible options for controlling modular synths”
“... one of the most friendly plug-and-play pieces of hardware you'll ever have the pleasure to use.”
Specifications
The ES-3's specifications are as follows:- Panel width: 8HP
- Module depth: 53mm
- Input connection: optical, ADAT Lightpipe standard
- D/A conversion: 24 bit, 105dB SNR typical
- Output connections: 8x 3.5mm jacks, DC-coupled
- Maximum output voltage: approximately ±10V DC
- Indicators: LED for ADAT clock sync; 2 LEDs per channel indicate output voltage (+ve/-ve)
- Current draw: 145mA on the +12V rail, 45mA on the -12V rail (190mA total)
The front panel is drilled for both Doepfer and Analogue Systems mounting holes (using a 'slot' rather than a single round hole). The power connector is a Doepfer standard 16 way IDC, with -12V furthest from the top of the board.
The module is available as standard with a black aluminium or translucent black acrylic front panel. There was also a limited edition of 25 individually numbered modules with an orange acrylic panel to match the ES-1/ES-2-2 modules. The module has previously been available with an orange aluminium panel - which may be available again in future, according to demand.
ES-3 mk2
From January 2012, ES-3s are shipping marked "ES-3 mk2". These units have an identical specification to the orignal ES-3, but also include a couple of expansion headers. The first expansion module to make use of these will be the ES-5, expected mid March 2012.96kHz compatibility
The ES-3 produces 8 outputs as normal when the ADAT interface is operated at 44.1/48kHz. In double speed mode (88.2/96kHz), the ES-3 outputs 4 channels, duplicated across pairs of outputs (ES-3 outputs 1/2 carry ADAT channel 1, outputs 3/4 carry ADAT channel 2 etc.).However, users of Silent Way can take advantage of the Silent Way SMUX plug-in to interleave CVs on the 96kHz stream, restoring the number of usable CV outputs to 8. (See the video below.)
Pricing & Availablity
The ES-3 is available now.For purchasing links, please see the store.