A4 + Dark Energy - Anybody Using?

Hello All,

Is anybody using an A4 and Dark Energy together? I could really use some help setting up the CV outs properly to drive the Dark Energy!

Warning: I am a CV Noob!

So I have all the proper cables, so 4 CV Outs to control the DE - problem is I am new to using control voltage so I’m not sure what the best settings on the A4 are.

Currently I have:

CV A set to Gate on the A4 and routed to Gate input on the DE
CV B set to Pitch V/Oct (Middle C +3.00 and V/Oct 1.00 v) on the A4 and routed to VCO F on the DE. Also is Middle C 3 too high?

I can get a basic sequence working with this!

What should the A4 be set to control…
VCA A - (LIN?)
VCF F - (V/OCT?)
VCO PW - (LIN?)

I knew it was going to be getting challenging starting to play with CV as I am still learning synthesis!!!

Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi,

I don’t own a DE, but sounds like you’ve got the A4 set up correctly for sending out pitch and gate cv. Your connections on the Dark Energy is however a bit alternative. :wink:

Connect the A4s CV A to the DE’s “Gate 1” (round the back)
Connect the A4s CV B to the DE’s “CV1” (also round the back)

That will be your typical, and most basic, setup for having the A4 control the DE in a meaningful way.

In addition, you can use the A4’s CV C and CV D to control other parameters on the DE. Again, the typical uses would be to have an LFO or an Envelope controlling filter cutoff or to modulate the oscillator’s pulse width.

This is a good read to get you started: http://analog.pen.io

M-Circus - Thanks for your response, it’s good to know that I am on the right track with the setup!

Unless I’m mistaken, the CV ports “round the back” are for sending CV out of the DE. Shouldn’t the CV Outs of the A4 be running into the CV Ins on the top/front of the DE?

Thanks!

fear not, you are right, the rear ports on DE are indeed outs
treat cv track as you would any other in terms of assigning pitch (v/oct)

alternatively take it off-piste by using value lin on the a4 and make your gates or whatever (vac level) with lfos/envs/knobs - experimentation is what you need , not prescription

remember that any tracks can be assigned to cv outs so you could double up an internal voice and do fun stuff with the extra cv pair

anything anywhere, but watch those voltages if you patch into a4 ins, elsewhere yhbw

avantronica - Thanks much for your reply.

I feel like I am dipping my toes in some very deep waters now but I will take your advice… “experimentation is what you need , not prescription…” and experiment with this setup.

Regarding your warning about watching the voltages I think you meant if I feed CV out of DE into audio in of A4? If so I don’t think I’ll be trying that anytime soon.

The Gate and VCO F control is a blast to sequence the DE but I’m not hearing a huge effect from the CV’s modulating VCF F and VCO PW?

Much to learn but so much fun!

I definitely didn’t mean patching any source from the DE into A4 (too hot). I meant a4 cv to a4 ins, just drop the cv voltage to 1v and use whatever you like for extra sound. Click transients can be handy sound sources, Lfos can be tuned /shaped etc.
I find the semi modular DE1 to be just a little restrictive in terms of patch in mods, but its VCO sounds glorious for the money

Sorry, my bad. Was a bit quick glancing at the pictures of this thing. You’re obviously right :wink:
As for experimentation v.s. prescription: wasn’t trying to say this was the only way to patch this thing, but getting a grip of the basics first, is probably a good idea.

Thanks again for all the help!

avantronica: I see, thanks for the clarification… I’ve yet to try routing an A4 CV into an A4 input. I’ve seen that suggested for getting a good kick and look forward to trying!

M-Circus: Not at all, I appreciate your help and knew what you meant but wanted to clarify since I’m new this cv business… Thanks for taking a moment to look the DE up - very cool!

I spent a few hours yesterday setting up patches on the DE and sequencing/tweaking from the A4 via cv and it was a blast so thanks again for the pointers!!!