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A high-specification, multi-functional MIDI-to-CV converter and USB MIDI interface designed to bring legendary analogue monosynths into the modern production era
An Essential Tool for Modern Musicians
Modern musicians are increasingly integrating vintage hardware with DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), so the need for stable, high-resolution control has never been greater than it is today. The USB Solo mk2 from Kenton addresses this by acting as both a MIDI-to-CV converter and a dedicated USB MIDI interface, with MIDI over USB and 5-pin DIN. Indeed, it converts MIDI data from USB or 5-pin DIN into CV/Gate signals in ‘Standard Mode’, and also allows for simultaneous data transmission between a computer and other MIDI hardware, while still converting MIDI to CV, in ‘Interface Mode’.
Precision and Compatibility
Being built to support almost any monophonic analogue synthesiser ever made, USB Solo mk2 features adjustable scaling from 0.92V/Oct to 1.62V/Oct — above and beyond standard 1V/Oct and Hz/Volt systems, ensuring perfect tuning for rare instruments such as those from Buchla or EML. USB Solo mk2’s primary CV output is driven by a high-specification DAC, providing rock-solid pitch tracking and eliminating the ‘stepping’ often found in lower-quality converters.
Enhanced Modulation and Control
- More than just a simple converter, USB Solo mk2 serves as a powerful modulation source. It features:
- Three AUX (auxiliary) outputs that are now continuously variable on 3.5mm jacks — can be mapped to MIDI CCs, pitchbend, velocity, or aftertouch to control filter cutoff, VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) volume, clock signals, and more.
- Built-in LFO and ADSR: an internal, MIDI-syncable LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) and ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release) generator can be routed to CV or auxiliary outputs, adding new layers of movement to synths that may lack those features natively.
- Sync24 support: the MIDI THRU port can be reconfigured to output Sync24 (DIN Sync), allowing users to perfectly synchronise vintage Roland drum machines and sequencers with their DAW clock.
Updated Hardware and Design
Conveniently housed in a rugged, brushed aluminium case, USB Solo mk2 has been updated for modern workflows with USB-C connectivity for both power and data. It is comfortably configurable via the clear three-character LED display or the new USB Solo mk2 Configuration Manager app. Users can store and recall up to 32 program memories for different synth setups.
Says Kenton founder John Price proudly: “This new mk2 version of our USB Solo takes all the features of the Pro Solo mk3, such as Volt/Octave and Hz/V modes, Gate and S-Trig, built-in LFO, and ADSR, plus three continuously variable auxiliary outputs, and makes them available over USB, whilst retaining the 5-pin DIN MIDI ports to enable it to convert between USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI at the same time as converting to control voltages.”
USB Solo mk2 is available now, priced at £199.80 GBP (£166.50 GBP, excluding VAT) through the Kenton website (kenton.co.uk) and its growing global network of authorised dealers (kenton.co.uk/dealers/).
For more in-depth information, including technical specifications, and to order, please visit: kenton.co.uk/product/usb-solo-mk2/
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