What Interfaces Have Response Down to DC for Use with Analog Synthesizers?

[Craig Anderton]

This is about being able to control control voltage-based synthesizers from Studio One. I believe the Thunderbolt Quantums go down to DC, and some or all of the Studio series units do as well (for example, the 1824c has DC-coupled outputs). The only other mainstream interfaces I can think of that go down to DC are the MOTU Ultralite AVB, RME Fireface UCX II, and Expert Sleepers ES-8.

However, looking at the specs for the Quantum ES line, it appears the output goes down only to 20 Hz. Can anyone confirm which PreSonus interfaces have response down to DC? Or if there are other interfaces that do?

 

[js1]

At least some of the Arturia interfaces do, such as this expander: https://www.arturia.com/products/audio/audiofuse-x8/audiofuse-x8-out. Makes sense, given their synth focus.

The first generation Presonus Quantum interfaces (which I have) do not.

 

[Craig Anderton]

The first generation Presonus Quantum interfaces (which I have) do not.

Thanks for the Arturia mention, that's helpful. ChatGPT says PreSonus introduced DC-coupled outputs with Quantum 2 Thunderbolt interfaces, and that the ES series interfaces do not have DC-coupled outputs. Oddly, I didn't get those answers the first time I asked... ...nor did ChatGPT mention Arturia.

 

[ianaeillo]

The quantum 2632 has it, as does the quantum 2. Not sure about the 2626.

 

[Resonant Serpent]

The new Bitwig interface will do CV on several jacks. Not sure how well it works with other DAWs.

"Dedicated 3.5mm jacks facilitate a straightforward connection to modular systems"

Bitwig Connect 4/12 4x12 USB-C Audio Interface

4-in/12-out USB-C Audio Interface with CV/Gate, MIDI, Monitor Controller, Direct Input Monitoring, Loopback, and DAW Transport Control - Mac/PC/iOS

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Craig Anderton]

Thank you! That one flew under my radar. With DC-coupled outputs, I don't see any reason why it couldn't work with Studio One's CV/Gate capabilities.

 

[ianaeillo]

Metric Halo ULN-8 and LIO-8

 

[Craig Anderton]

Thank you, I'm trying to track down as many of these as I can.

 

[js1]

This might help: https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/which-audio-interfaces-are-dc-coupled/

 

[Crossinger]

I remembered this page: https://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/siwacompatibility.html
Might also serve as a good starting point.

EDIT: The Sweetwater list seems to be actively maintained and more complete.