CV Tools: Overview & Technical FAQ
Where can I learn more about specific CV Tools devices?
Like all packs, CV Tools comes bundled with built-in lessons that contain detailed information on each device.
What is CV?
CV is an abbreviation of "Control Voltage"; an analog method of controlling synthesizers, drum machines, and other similar equipment.
What is CV Tools?
CV Tools is a free pack of CV-enabled instruments, synchronization tools, and modulation utilities that enable users to seamlessly integrate Ableton Live with various devices in the Eurorack format.
Requirements for CV Tools
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Live 12, 11, or Live 10 Suite (version 11.2.11 or later)
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Live 12, 11 or Live 10 Standard + Max for Live (version 11.2.11 or later)
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A DC-coupled audio interface (for CV hardware integration)
- Some understanding of Ableton Live Packs
- Some understanding of how to use CV-enabled hardware with Live
Best Practices & Safety
- Never send CV directly to your speakers. (Direct voltage can cause damage to your speakers/hearing).
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Modular systems can be especially sensitive to latency & timing issues. To optimize your system for modular integration, please refer to the articles below:
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Remember - Eurorack signals are up to 5x louder than line-level audio! Before connecting your modular system to a digital audio interface, be sure to reduce the signal down to line level using a dedicated output module.
What is a "DC-coupled" audio interface? Why do I need one?
DC-coupling enables hardware devices to send (and, in rare cases, receive) a Direct Current.
However, since audio interfaces are optimized for audio-rate signals, most manufacturers opt for AC-coupled inputs/outputs. AC-coupling filters out ultra-low frequencies, including the types of sustained voltage inherent required for modular synthesis, making them an unreliable method of transmitting CV. For a more comprehensive list of DC-coupled interfaces, please refer to this article from Sweetwater, or this article from Expert Sleepers.
Tested DC-coupled interfaces:
- Expert Sleepers ES-3 & ES-8
- Motu Ultralite (mk3 or mk4)
- UAD Apollo Series (with some exceptions)
- RME M-32 DA Pro (via optical & coaxial MADI connectors)
- Komplete Audio 6 (2V output only)
- Metric Halo ULN-8 / LIO-8
- Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core
Note: Although there are several interfaces on the market with DC-coupled outputs, the only known interface that also contains DC-coupled inputs are the ES Series interface modules made by Expert Sleepers and the Orion Studio Synergy Core by Antelope Audio.
I do not have a DC-coupled interface. Can I still use CV Tools?
Yes, even if you are not a modular user, there are interesting things to get out of CV Tools!
- The Rotating Rhythm Generator outputs MIDI, and works great with Drum Racks in Live.
- CV Clock / CV Clock Out / CV Triggers all work without DC-coupled interfaces since binary events do not generally require exact voltage values.
- The CV In device has a “Pitch” mode, which converts an oscillator’s pitch to CV in real-time (without the use of a DC-coupled input).
- If you have a Eurorack MIDI interface, you can achieve similar results by using Live's External Instrument device.
Can I use CV Tools without any hardware at all?
Yes, CV Tools can be used in many creative ways that do not require hardware.
- Most devices in CV Tools have secondary mapping functions that can map to any parameter within Live.
- With the help of a virtual audio bus such as Soundflower (Mac) or VB-Cable (Windows), CV Tools can offer some flexible options for integration with "virtual modular" programs that use CV, internally (such as VCVRack/Max/Reaktor/et cetera).