Dark Link
is a Midi/USB-to-CV/Gate interface to control vintage monophonic synthesizers
via Midi or USB. Dark Link is
nothing but the USB/Midi interface of the Dark
Energy. It has available 4 analog control voltage outputs
(CV1...4) and one Gate output.
In/Outputs
and controls:
- USB
- Midi
Input
- Learn
button
- Gate
Out (with LED for Gate display and learn function)
Important Note for all units with serial number
up to 112700 concerning the gate voltage:
- The gate output is not
suitable for devices that require a gate voltage more than +5V ! But the
Dark Link can be modified for +12V gate voltage. The modification should
not be carried out by the customer because in this case the warranty
is void (it is necessary to interrupt the +5V track and install a wire to +12V). We will publish
soon details about the modification in case that customers want to carry
out the modification despite the warranty loss.
- The gate output is not suitable for devices
that require a so-called switched trigger. In this case we recommend to
order the additional S-Trig cable. Details are available on the FAQ page
of our website: S-Trig conversion.
Important Note
for all units with serial number beyond 112700 concerning the gate voltage:
- Inside
the unit is a jumper available that is used to set the gate voltage
to +5V or +12V. If the jumper is removed the gate output has
S-Trigger function.
- CV1:
controlled by Midi note messages, 1V/Octave, 0...+5V
- CV2:
controlled by Midi pitch bend, ~ -2.5...+2.5V or ~ 0...+5V (can be
selected by an internal jumper)
- CV3:
controlled by Midi velocity, 0...+5V
- CV4:
controlled by Midi control change messages, free assignale controller in
learn mode
- Glide
control (portamento function for CV1)
- power supply (12V
AC/minimum 200mA, more mA is no problem, a DC supply will not work
!))
- CV1...CV4 and Gate are monophonic 3.5 mm miniature jack
sockets
Other
Features:
- MIDI channel, reference note for CV1 (this is the MIDI note corresponding to 0V
of CV1 and thus the lowest possible note of the analog synthesizer connected to
Dark Link) and the controller no. for CV4 are adjusted via learn function. For this
the learn button must be pressed and the required MIDI messages sent from the
MIDI controlling device (MIDI synthesizer, keyboard, sequencer ...).
- The other
parameters (retrigger, trigger polarity, assign mode ...) are also adjusted in learn
mode via program-change messages.
- Dark
Link is nothing but the interface of Dark Energy
- Metal case, made of 1 mm steel, black
coated with white printing
- Dimensions: about 145 length x 35 height x 60
depth (all measures are in mm)
- These parts are included (worldwide): one USB cable (type A-B),
user's guide
- These parts are included (only within Europe): power supply
(12
AC/min. 200mA) for 230V mains voltage with European mains plug,
please ask the Doepfer representative in your country
if a power supply is included if you from other countries
- Please
order suitable patch cables in addition if required (Midi, A-100 patch cable
in the required length,
adapter cable 3.5 mm - 6.3 mm
/1/4" jack plug)
- Powering the device via USB is not possible,
because the analog circuits require a dual voltage (+/-12V).
- If
you want to connect the Dark Link gate output to devices that use S-Trig a
special S-Trig cable is available (only necessary for units manufactured
before 2012). For details please refer to our FAQ
page.
A
modular version of the Dark Link is also available: A-190-3
User's manual: Dark_Link_Manual.pdf
Additional note (not
mentioned in the first version of the user's manual):
Jumper on JP12A = pitch bend voltage -2,5...+2,5V
Jumper on JP12B = pitch bend voltage 0 ... 5V
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