Expert sleepers ES-9 & Abelton Live CV Tools - basic setup

I just got this module from Expert Sleepers.

This is a basic set up guide for myself.

As I learn more about it, I'll update.

Do let me know if there are any mistakes.

In order to use Abelton's CV tools, you will need Abelton 10 or 11 and a DC coupled Audio interface.

CV tools is a Max for Live pack. You can download this from the Abelton website.

Its made up of 10 Max for Life devices

It sends DC signals through via your audio interface.

You also need floating ring cables (unless you are using a ES-9).

These have a 1/4 inch plug (6.3mm) on one side and a 3.5mm plug on the other side.

The side connected to the audio interface is the 6.3mm TRS jack, the ring is not connected, it's "floating".

BTW, abelton isn't  the only CV generating software:

Other's include 

• Softube Modular
• Native Instruments Blocks
• Reason
• Max/MSP
• Bitwig Studio
• Silent Way (Expert Sleepers)

As far as DC coupled audio interfaces:

I have a MOTU 828 mk3. Works great at sending CV out to the modular.

The  UA (Universal Audio ) Apollo 8 also works well.

Most interfaces are good at sending CV out to the modular but not great at receiving them from a modular

as they have filters that try to remove CVs as they enter the interface (for protection).

In this post, Im using the expert sleepers ES-9

https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/es9.html

The Main instrument of CV tools is a Max for Live device called "CV Instrument".

You will find it under "Places/packs" in your abelton menu

When installing the ES-9 as an audio interface  in Windows, you need to download a driver.

(not needed for Macs or Linux).

These are the abelton settings.

Audio tab under preferences

Inputs -- all 1 - 16

outputs 1-8 on the ES9 module correspond to 9-16 in Abelton

Outputs 1/2 are for the headphones. Be careful you dont send CV to these outputs or you will destroy your headphones.

Do some VCO calibrations

Press the calibrate button

Plug the output of your VCO into input 1.

You will see the input light up.

Set up the input on the right of the screen

I'm using an Erica Synths Pico system III.

and the abelton level for the CV instrument will also indicate a audio signal.

connect the ES-9's output 1 to V/oct input of your VCO

(This corresponds to output 9 in abelton)

This is the left green cable.

Remember, on the ES-9 module, all the black sockets are outputs.

The white ones are inputs.

So you have the possibility of 14 inputs on this module.

Tune to C3

You might have to do this a few times.

If the VCO pitch range/scale is to low, CV tools may not be able to calibrate.

Just repeat

Should go something like this:

Once you have done this pop a midi clip into the CV instrument 

and press play.

You should hear the notes being played.

There are quite a few other CV tools to use under abelton, such as:

CV Triggers

Rotating Rhythm Generator

CV envelope followers

CV in

Clock in'

clock out

CV Utility