should be out in october
Already available for pre-order. See the modular thread:
Expert Sleepers got there first New module - the ES-10 | Expert Sleepers - News (expert-sleepers.co.uk)
Only a matter of time until we see a ‘Vs’ video…I may wait for that despite the fat I had been waiting for the OPTX…I suspect it may still be better (spec looks great) but having waited this long…
There are already a few +/- for both:
ES-10 does +/- 12V while Optx v2 is +/- 10V
Optx v2 doesn’t require ADAT input for clock while ES-10 does
Optx v2 is 10hp, ES-10 is 12 hp
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Useful, thanks.
The big advantage for me is OPTX also lets you split what you split channels in pairs (audio or CV) and I think ES10 is just all 8 one way or the other with a jumper on the back (so you have to remove the module)
‘‘With Optx v2, when a pair of input channels is switched into CV mode (DC-coupled), it executes a quick self-calibration procedure to detect DC offset and then compensate appropriately. It’s very accurate. The module also has on-board sample clock to which other devices can sync if they don’t have ADAT inputs. Optx v2 allows you to use your +5 V power rail if you so choose (toggled with a rear jumper), which drops the +12 V current draw considerably.’’
I have read the OPTX may have better conversion chips but I don’t knew much about that side…I guess that the ‘test’ we will need to wait for…what does the audio sound like!
My use case is to connect up my PUSH 3 SA to my modular- I suspect there are a few of us!
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My use case as well…
I pulled the trigger on a preorder, I have a feeling the furore around v1 plus the amount of time it’s taken mean it’ll be reliable. Unfortunate for them that ES came out with a new iteration just before release, since really the gap in the market was the fact that 8 in/8 out ADAT was previously a real faff with ES, and that was the only game in town.
For me, switching AC/DC coupling in pairs from the front panel plus the smaller size trumps ES-10, which doesn’t really seem to iterate much on the fundamentals beyond correcting the whole “3 modules to get the full I/O” thing. Will probably have nicer jacks than the nasty loose ones on ES modules too.
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Another benefit for the Es-10, is that all 8 of its inputs can run as either modular or line level by switching jumpers for each channel on the back. Perfect for recording other synths, samplers, drum machines etc. without the need for a separate interface or line level boosting modules in rack.
Es-10 can also do each input as cv or audio through software, as mentioned in the manual.
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Yes, it looks like the ES-10 is more geared for using with a computer as they are saying you can do it ‘with software’, the OPTX can do this (in pairs, so 2,4,6 and 8 via switches on the front not just all 8 via a jumper you have to remove the module to change). OPTX also has a built in filter so you don’t need to use a computer (better for those of us that want to use it with hardware such as the PUSH 3). OPTX is also smaller and can use the 5V rail to draw less current…so far I am only seeing advantages with the OPTX.
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Since Es-10 has jumpers to switch between modular or line level on each of its 8 inputs, that would be better for someone that is planning on using it for integrating line level gear, without the need for another interface or level boosting module. I would say that is definitely a nice advantage over the optx, which is only optimized for modular level signals on its own.
Also, if you already own other expert sleepers modules like the es-5, they can be connected to the es-10 which will add 8 more gate/clock/sync outputs.
About power requirements. If someone can’t use optx’s optional +5 rail power (such as on the recently released erica synths megarack), then the optx is considerably more power hungry:
Optx v2 - +12V 260 mA, -12V 130 mA
Es-10 - +12V 132 mA, -12V 90 mA
Last thing that was already mentioned by pmag is “ES-10 does +/- 12V while Optx v2 is +/- 10V” which is nice, because adat can be easy to clip at the 10v range, so upping it to 12v is definitely a bonus.
Oh, and the es-10 should work with push 3 no problem, just like other adat expert sleepers modules such as es-8.
Regardless of which of these awesome modules someone chooses for whatever reason, I’m sure both are going to be great regardless. 
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The switches on the front of the OPTX swich between Line and Modular level on the 8 inputs (but in pairs to give more flexibility and on the front for easy access)…or am I missing something?
No, they switch between AC coupling (filters DC offset) and DC coupling: generally you want AC coupling if you’re sending audio into your interface and you want DC coupling if you’re sending CV into your interface. You might do the latter if you’re controlling DAW stuff with CV. As ES put on their website, recording something with DC offset isn’t the end of the world since you can filter it out in your DAW, it just requires more fiddling around. AFAIK Optx V2 can’t be set up to expect line level signals.
An ADAT interface module handling line level would be useful with a setup like Push 3 Standalone + more than two line level hardware boxes + Eurorack. You could put one device into Push 3’s onboard input, one device into (say) ES-10, and use the rest of the inputs for Eurorack signals. For me, the Eurorack ADAT interface is connected to an audio interface with a lot of analog inputs (and my Push 3 is already being expanded with half of the 16 ADAT I/O on it) so it’s not something that I’d get much use out of, but I would guess this exact scenario was the thinking behind what’s otherwise a slightly unusual feature for a Eurorack module.
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Adam from BoredBrain is active on Modwiggler. I’ve just asked about line level signals and the Optx v2 there…
This module is looking pretty good, but I think I’ll wait until more of them are out in the wild. I currently have an es-3 and it just works with no extra hassle; if this could do the same I’d consider making the switch since it’s easier to free up space for an extra 2hp than the 4hp the es-10 would require.
let us know!
Here’s Adam’s response re: line level input as posted on Modwiggler:
Sure it will handle line level input although it may come in a little low. Luckily the noise floor is extremely low so you can boost/normalize the signal once digitized in the DAW. If you want to amplify beforehand, you can use one of our other modules such as Xchangr, or something else.
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I think my primary use case will be audio from eurorack to PUSH (sampling/mixing/adding fx) and CV signals from push to eurorack. I guess I may want to send line from PUSH to Eurorack (for fx) but I have those converters in my rack already (for pedals, S.B.G, Injectr etc)
For those of you who were waiting for the Optx v2, it is currently in stock at Perfect Circuit.
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