All Modules

MIDI/CV

utility

MIDI/CV

Purpose

Converts incoming MIDI data (from the rear panel MIDI IN or USB MIDI port) into control voltages for driving Cascadia's oscillators, envelopes, and other modules. This is the primary interface between a MIDI controller and the analog signal chain.

What Makes It Special

Unlike a simple MIDI-to-CV converter that outputs just pitch and gate, Cascadia's MIDI/CV section provides 8 independently assignable outputs. The MIDI LFO output is particularly unusual -- it generates an LFO synchronized to the incoming MIDI clock with selectable waveform shapes and rate divisions, giving you tempo-synced modulation without patching an external clock. The CC and MOD outputs use a learn mode, making it trivially easy to assign any MIDI CC or aftertouch to a CV output for real-time control.

Controls

ControlTypeRangeNotes
PITCH buttonButtonPush / Long-pushPush: Channel Learn Mode. Long-push: MIDI Panic (All Notes Off)
MIDI CC buttonButtonPush / Long-pushPush: CC Learn Mode for CC OUT. Long-push: MOD Learn Mode for MOD OUT
MIDI LFO buttonButtonPush / Long-pushPush: Cycle through rate divisions (16th to breve). Long-push: Cycle LFO shapes (Sine/Square/Ramp/Saw)
MIDI CLK buttonButtonPush / Long-pushPush: Tap tempo (Tap mode) or cycle clock divisions (MIDI mode). Long-push: Toggle MIDI/Tap clock mode

Patch Points

JackTypeNormalled ToNotes
MIDI PITCH OUTOutputVCO A PITCH, VCO B PITCH, VCF FM 21V/oct, 10-octave range (+/-5V). Also summed with EXT CV PITCH
MIDI CC OUTOutputNoneCV from user-selected MIDI CC or aftertouch. Default: CC 2 (Breath)
MIDI LFO OUTOutputNoneBipolar LFO synced to MIDI clock with selectable shape and division
MIDI CLK OUTOutputS&H TRIG INClock output from MIDI clock division or internal tap tempo
MIDI VEL OUTOutputENV A CTRL IN0-5V proportional to last note velocity
MIDI MOD OUTOutputNoneCV from user-selected MIDI CC or aftertouch. Default: CC 1 (Mod Wheel)
MIDI GATE OUTOutputENV A GATE, ENV B GATE+5V when note held. Summed with EXT CV GATE
MIDI TRIG OUTOutputENV A RETRIG5V trigger on MIDI note-on. Default 5ms length (configurable via Config App)

LEDs

Each of the 8 output jacks has a corresponding LED. Brightness indicates voltage level. For bipolar outputs (CC, LFO, MOD), green indicates positive voltage and red indicates negative.

Normalled Connections

  • MIDI PITCH normalled to VCO A PITCH input, VCO B PITCH input (when PITCH SOURCE switch = PITCH A+B), and VCF FM 2 input
  • MIDI VEL normalled to ENV A CTRL input (scales envelope amplitude or time depending on CTRL SOURCE switch)
  • MIDI GATE normalled to ENV A GATE input and ENV B GATE input
  • MIDI TRIG normalled to ENV A RETRIG input
  • MIDI CLK normalled to S&H TRIG input