MOTU Readies Viola – Virtual CV Interface
Mark Of The Unicorn (MOTU) is readying Volta, a virtual instrument plug-in that turns your audio interface into a voltage control interface, for its debut. The plug-in will allow vintage synthesizers (pre MIDI) with a control voltage (CV) input can be placed under precise digital control from your digital audio workstation (DAW). MOTU claims you can “play and automate modulars, analog synths – even effects processors.”
Features:
» Standard virtual instrument plug-in that turns an audio interface with DC-coupled outputs into a voltage control interface.
» Lets you control external modular synths or other CV-equipped gear from your computer.
» Works with Digital Performer, Logic Pro, Live and other Audio Unit instrument hosts that support side chain outputs.
» Works with any MOTU audio interface equipped with TRS outputs, including the 24io with 24 TRS outputs, expandable to 96.
» Familiar, easy-to-use instrument plug-in operation within your favorite host software.
» Provides 24 control outputs per plug-in instance. Use as many instances as needed.
» Converts MIDI track data to control voltages to play modulars, analog synthesizers and other CV-equipped sound sources.
» Sample-accurate MIDI playback with supporting host software (such as DP).
» Provides seven different control source types, including MIDI notes, MIDI controller data and audio track automation, plus tempo-synced sources such as LFOs, clock pulses and trigger/pattern sequencers.
» Provides one-click pitch and octave calibration per oscillator using either Hz/V or V/oct tuning standards.
» View at a glance the total calibrated range for each oscillator/interface combination.
» Sync multiple drum machines, arpeggiators and other clock destinations with independent PPQ resolution for each device.
Imagine being able to play and automate your CV-equipped analog gear from Digital Performer, Logic Pro, or Live with the same level of control, precision and convenience as a virtual instrument. Here are just a few examples of what you can do with Volta:
» Perform MIDI sequencing with external modular synths with sample-accurate precision (if your host sequencer supports sample-accurate MIDI).
» Automatically calibrate and tune oscillators with the click of a button.
» Use ramp automation in your host audio software to control filters, envelope generators, effects processors and other voltage-controlled external gear.
» Apply LFOs, step sequencers and pattern sequencers to CV inputs and tempo-sync them to your host software timeline.
This technology is certainly valuable to synthesists who have a significant arsenal of vintage synths, and even musicians who just have a few choice models. However, it’s interesting that MOTU, of all companies, developed this plug-in. Here’s how they put it:
Whether you’re a seasoned modular synthesizer devotee or simply a computer-based studio owner dreaming of adding that rich, coveted sound only true analog synths can deliver, Volta finally enables you to easily incorporate CV-equipped analog gear into your computer-based studio with all the control, precision and convenience of a virtual instrument.
You can learn more about Volta from MOTU’s excellent website.
MOTU’s Volta will cost $249 and be available shortly for the Mac platform. More information on MOTU Volta.
