CP Technology Missing Link MIDI-CV Converter; Intrinsic Technology Plus48 MIDI Port Expander

CP Technology Missing Link MIDI-CV Converter

If you have an old analogue monosynth, and require some means of playing it over MIDI other than through sampling the synth's sounds, a separate MIDI-to-Control Voltage (CV) converter is probably the best way to go, as this does not damage your treasured antique, as does a MIDI retrofit. There are the multi-channel Roland MPU101 and Kenton Pro 2 (and now Pro 4) converters, but if you only have one synth to MIDI up, and resent paying for channels you will never use, what do you do? This is where the Missing Link comes in.

The Missing Link is a beautifully simple single-channel MIDI-CV converter made by a small Dorset company called CP Technology. To say that the casework is minimal is an understatement! The device measures a mere 140 x 80 x 34mm, and there is very little to set up other than the MIDI channel. It has just one MIDI In socket, one CV output, and two 3.5mm jack Gate outputs -- one V-Trigger output for ARP, Roland and Sequential synths, and an S-Trigger output for Moogs. This means that virtually any old monosynth can be connected -- except old Yamaha and Korg synths, which don't use the 1-volt-per-octave CV system (a special version of the Missing Link is currently being developed to drive these synths). A tiny front-panel rotary switch sets the MIDI channel for the unit. After that, assuming that suitable leads are plugged into the Missing Link and your synth, there's nothing to do! The CV provides the pitch information (there is a small front-panel trimmer pot to tune the octave if your synth is less than accurate) and the Gate switches the synth's envelope generators on and off. Pitch bend information is also carried down the CV line, so no extra connection is necessary. Pitch bend is set at +/- 1 octave, but as I always use a pitch bend range of two semitones, I contacted the company prior to ordering to see if this could be changed, and my unit came shipped with pitch bend set at two semitones. Thanks to CP Technology for reacting so quickly to my needs.

Inside the unit is a high-speed RISC processor which ensures minimum note-on delay. I wasn't equipped to measure it, but I certainly couldn't notice it either, and sequenced analogue basslines sit with authority and precision against drums and other parts.

In conclusion, if you have an old monosynth that you want to drag out of retirement, or are thinking of buying one, at a mere £90, the Missing Link scores high for value and simple functionality. Dealers like DIN who specialise in supplying vintage gear would do well to get a stock in to supply as standard issue. Highly recommended! Steve Howell.

£ Missing Link £89.50 plus £3 p&p.

A CP Technology, Red Lion Yard, Market Place, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 76B

T 0202 885592.

F 0258 454417.

Also part of the package is a floppy disk containing a new MROS driver for the Plus48; place this, along with MROS 3.33 (which is also provided, in case you don't have it), into the MROS folder of Cubase 3.01. The Plus48 won't work with ordinary Export drivers with Cubase, but it will work with Emagic software straight away.

A really neat feature of the Plus48 is the three-way switch provided on the front for selecting between three different modes. One is, of course, Plus48 mode -- providing an extra three MIDI ports, with 16 MIDI channels each. The other two options are RS232 (the through connector lets the modem port behave normally), and 'Plus 16' mode (the interface now emulates any one of the popular single MIDI port expanders that are on the market, one of which happens to be called Plus16). No special drivers are needed for this mode, and IT's device works perfectly with Hollis Trackman and Software Technology's Breakthru. To set your mind at rest that everything within the box is working, the interface also has three LEDs to show MIDI activity on each of the three outputs.

The Plus48 comes with a comprehensive manual -- you wouldn't think there would be all that much to say about such a simple device, but there you go. The manual also goes into detail regarding data and timing limitations, both of the interface and the ST, reiterating several interesting points that arise in IT's Cubase Power User book. If you have any tendencies to paranoia, you may never use more than eight MIDI channels again!

Like Cimple Solutions' device reviewed last month, IT's Plus48 does its job simply and elegantly. It's hard to recommend one above the other, and both products having virtually the same price doesn't help matters. If your computer system always has a modem patched into it, then the Plus48 is the one for you -- it's got both a through connection and a switch for its various modes. Personally, I also found the Plus16 position to be rather useful, since I often use Plus16-compatible sequencers (Trackman, Breakthru and Sweet 16, for example). To sum up, Plus48 is a great little device which deserves to do well. Derek Johnson.

£ Plus48 £69 inc VAT and UK p&p.

A Intrinsic Technology Ltd, PO Box 907, London SE27 9NZ.

T 081 761 0178.

F 081 761 0178.

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