Kenton have announced the launch of the USB Solo Mk2, a new and improved version of their compact MIDI to CV converter and interface. Said to be the ideal solution for anyone wanting to incorporate an analogue synth into their MIDI setup, the unit combines MIDI to CV conversion with a USB MIDI interface and is capable of transmitting MIDI simultaneously over its five-pin DIN and USB connections.
A pair of five-pin DIN sockets offer MIDI In and Thru connections, and the latter can be configured to output a Sync24 signal for hooking up vintage Roland equipment. Dedicated CV and gate outputs are joined by a trio of assignable Aux outputs, all of which are presented on 3.5mm TRS sockets and are driven by a high-quality 16-bit D-A converter — flexible CV and gate configuration options mean that the unit will play nicely with just about any synth. Any of the Aux connections can be used to output an analogue clock signal, and Aux 1 is capable of transmitting clock start/stop messages.
The device also boasts an onboard LFO, which can be used to modulate the CV and/or Aux 1 output, and by default, is routed to the CV output to provide a vibrato effect in response to mod wheel (CC1) messages. a built-in ADSR envelope generator that can be routed to any of the Aux outputs is present too, and its stages can be controlled via MIDI CC.
In addition to its flexible conversion options, the USB Solo Mk2 also functions as a USB MIDI interface. Two modes of operation are provided: Standard and Interface. When using the former, MIDI received via the USB or DIN connections is converted to CV — with the DIN input also routed to the Thru socket — and opting for the latter allows MIDI data received over USB to be sent to the DIN MIDI Thru, and data received over the DIN MIDI IN is sent to USB.
What’s New?
The USB Solo Mk2 features a number of upgrades that bring it in line with the spec of the Pro Solo Mk3. Here’s a quick look at what the device has gained compared to its predecessor:
- Aux 2 & Aux 3 are now continuously variable analogue outputs and are presented on 3.5mm jack sockets.
- Expanded selection of Controllers available for the Aux outputs.
- The Aux outputs now have adjustable slew rate (rise/fall time) for smoothing out controller jumps.
- Built-in ADSR envelope generator (the controls for which can be assigned to MIDI CCs).
- Dual clock dividers, which can be used simultaneously on different outputs, including the DIN socket when not used as MIDI out.
- Drum Trigger mode: Aux outputs can be set to produce a velocity-variable trigger pulse for drum synths, each with its own dedicated trigger note.
- Variable gate-off time for re-trigger (multiple trigger).
- 32 program memories which can store and recall presets.
- MIDI Program Changes can be used to recall presets.
- Pre-loaded presets for many of the most popular synths.
- Pitchbend range increased to 48 notes up & down.
- Flash upgradable using SysEx when updates become available.
- 32-bit ARM processor.
Pricing & Availability
The USB Solo Mk2 is available now, priced at £199.80 including VAT.
