Doepfer MCV4 Midi CV/Gate Interface - Manual (Page 2)

MCV4 User's Guide - Page 1
INTRODUCTION
MCV4 is a MIDI-to-CV/GATE-Interface to control vintage analog synthesizers equipped with
CV and Gate/Trigger inputs via MIDI. MCV4 is suitable for synthesizers using voltage control
characteristics of 1V/Octave and gate voltages from +5V to +12V or switched trigger (S-Trig).
MCV4 is eqipped with a standard control voltage output (CV1) to control the VCO's (Voltage
Controlled Oscillator) and a Gate/Trigger output to control the Envelope Generators (e.g. of
ADSR type). On top of it MCV4 is equipped with additional 3 control voltage outputs
(CV2...4) to control other parameters of the synthesizer connected to MCV4 (like VCF
frequency, loudness, modulation depth and so on) provided that it the regarding control
voltage inputs are available. The 3 additional CV's are controlled with the MIDI events After-
Touch, Volume (Ctr. #7) and a free adjustable MIDI controller. In addition the MIDI velocity
can be used as a factor to multiply the values of the CV's controlled by Volume and the
selectable controller. The MIDI channel, the reference note for 0V CV1 and the MIDI
controller for CV4 can be adjusted.
If you want to control more than one synthesizer or syntesizer module or if you need more
control voltages we recommend the MCV24. The MCV24 is equipped with 24 CV/Gate
outputs and additional SYNC/Clock/Start/Stop outputs. The MCV24 will be probably
available end of 97.
CONNECTIONS
The MCV4 does not have a built-in power supply. Instead it uses a plug-in type EXTERNAL
POWER SUPPLY (AC adapter). The power supply is NOT included with the MCV4 and must
be purchased locally by the user.
We recommend a VDE approved AC adapter but MCV4 will work with every AC adapter
beeing in accordance with the following specifications. The adapter must be able to deliver 7-
12 V DC unstabilized or stabilized voltage, as well as a minimum current of 100 mA. The
POLARITY of the low voltage plug connected to the MCV4 must be pin = +7...12V and ring =
GND. If the polarity is incorrect, MCV4 will not function. However, there is no danger of
damage to the circuitry since it is protected by a diode. If the MCV4 is used in Germany the
external power supply must be VDE approved due to security and product liability reasons.
The MCV4 is turned on by plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet and connecting it to the
appropriate jack "9V DC" on the MCV4. There is no separate ON/OFF switch.
Connect MIDI IN of the MCV4 to MIDI OUT of the MIDI transmitter (MIDI sequencer,
synthesizer, masterkeyboard,....). The MIDI THRU of the MCV4 may be connected to the
MIDI IN of other MIDI devices (optional). If this is not required the MIDI THRU connector
remains not connected.
The GATE output of the MCV4 is a monophonic 1/4" jack socket. The Gate/Trigger signal
appears at the top of a jack plug connected to the Gate output of the MCV4. If your
synthesizers uses a 1/4" jack socket for Gate/Trigger input a monophonic 1/4" cable can be
used for the Gate connection between MCV4 and your synthesizer.
The CV outputs of the MCV4 are stereophonic 1/4" jack socket. The CV's of each jack are
available at the tip and the ring. At the socket located near the Gate output the control
voltages CV1 (MIDI note controlled) and CV2 (MIDI after touch controlled) are available. At
the other CV socket CV3 (MIDI volume controlled) and CV4 (controlled by an adjustable
MIDI controller) are available. The sketches at the top of the MCV4 housing show the
connections.
If you want to use both CV's of one connector you probably need a special cable with one
1/4" stereo jack plug on one side (MCV4) and two 1/4" mono jack plugs on the other
(synthesizer). We offer such a special cable for the MCV4 and you should order it together
with the MCV4 because of the additional shipment and money transfer costs. But you may