Ableton CV Tools

https://www.ableton.com/en/blog/cv-tools-live-coming-soon/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNDQ0ZEBKTI&frags=pl%2Cwn

Exciting news, I’d imagine modular sales can expect quite a spike!

I started thinking about the possibility to sync ableton do elektron divices through a cv clock - since in my experience the only way to get airtight sync is with an external midi clock device that costs a fortune.

Anyone else have some intriguing ideas on this?

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I think the connection is through audio outputs of a DC powered soundcard, I assume that the CV in is only through the inputs of a soundcard… if that’s the case I wish I had gone for a soundcard with more I/O.

EDIT: I just saw that you need “DC coupled outputs” on your interface, I’m not 100% what that means - at first I thought it meant that the audio interface has to be DC powered.)

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Not necessarily https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/usamo.html
Only costs around 120,-
Got my MD and A4 running in sync to Live as tight as can be.

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Damn I’ve never heard about that product. I don’t want to derail too much from the thread but how is that connected to the DAW, audio outputs from soundcard?

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Here’s an article that explains ac coupled and dc coupled interfaces:

And here’s a list of dc coupled interfaces known to work with Experts Sleepers Silent Way
https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/siwacompatibility.html

So maybe you already have one^^

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Thanks for the links, that rules out the Audient id22 I just purchased a week ago :sweat_smile: is there any other workaround for this besides getting one of the interfaces listed by expert sleepers?

I just read the comment on that thread about being able to use the audio inputs of a AC interface for clocking/sync purposes. If that’s the case, does that mean that with a 2 input soundcard, you wouldn’t be able to record audio and send the clock at the same time?

I don’t think that all dc coupled interfaces are listed there…just the ones that work with Silent Way which is Expert Sleepers CV Plugin Suite.

Actually, you can test your interface…or just write an e mail to the company…

http://motu.com/techsupport/technotes/testing-analog-outputs-for-control-voltage-compatibility/view?searchterm=cv control

There are other solutions; Expert Sleepers have modules like the ES-8 and others.

https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/es8.html

Edit;
Your interface has SPDIF and ADAT In/Out, right? You can use those with Expert Sleepers modules to get CV Outs .

This one for example:

https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/es3.html

Usamo comes with a plugin that generates/derives a clock signal which is output to the usamo via one of outputs on your soundcard. Then you connect whatever box you want to have jitterfree sync to the midi out of usamo.
As a bonus usamo also corrects the timing of individual midi notes rather than just clock.

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That sounds amazing, I’m going to do some further research. Thanks for the tip!

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Yes that would be great but I specifically went for the id22 because it has digital audio output. I’m using Genelec DSP speakers so that way I am avoiding an unnecessary round of AD/DA conversion. The SPDIF output that I am using can not run at the same time as ADAT outputs :frowning:

Sync all your shiz with one of these + CV Tools. No DC coupled interface needed if you’re only sending clock pulses. IIRC, you only need DC coupled connectors if you are sending constant signals like CV.

Or one of these and a merger.

http://ladik.ladik.eu/?page_id=861

No modular for you then!? :thinking:

Really like the look of this, especially for synced LFO madness. It may also free up some space in my rack if it can replace control modules like envelope filters and generators. Looks like my 15 year old MOTU 828 Mk2 has a bit more to live for…

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I am a bit worried from this conversation. (But I think its just me being anxious). Does this mean I cant use say endorphin.es shuttle control with ableton cv via the usb port? Am I worrying over nothing?

No modular gear here, but can’t wait to try out the Rotating Rhythm Generator with Drum Racks. Ableton just keeps on releasing these fun Max4Live packs like little presents throughout the year. Very nice!

Has anyone actually tried it yet? (It’s available with the Live 10.1 public beta now for those who didn’t know).

I bought a Motu Ultralite MK4 interface about a year ago, which is a DC coupled interface, I only found out it could (in theory) send Cv after I bought it, problem is I’ve never been able to get it to work. I was hoping this would make it more straight forward but still can’t calibrate my 0 Coast for the life of me, just getting ‘error none or insufficient control voltage’.

I’ve tried out the clocks/triggers side of things with my Focusrite Clarett 8Pre and it worked well. I’m getting an ES-3 on Wednesday and I’ll try out the CV side of things.

For non-modular users - one nice addition with the CV LFO/Shaper is that you can midi map to 8 destinations vs. the one destination in the old Max for Live LFO.

Triggers are fine, it’s just calibration is a nightmare for me.

most practical is to get an additional Audio-Interface from Expert sleepers that you just put into your modular case. wether it will extend your current Interface via ADAT or it will be connected via USB like the ES-8. You will need 8 outputs and 4 inputs even with small patches. And yes, modular is expensive, this is why you see mostly rich white old man doing it :wink:

What is great about abletons CV-tools is the non linear autotuning, that even tunes OSCs correctly, that work non linear in the upper octaves. Silent Way and Bitwig dont do that. Unfortunately, no microscales are supported yet.

Second: You can record and edit CV-Signals just as normal Audio-Signals, use the in samplers etc. this opens up many possibilities.

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