Writing the Basic Software: For the Arduino, I wrote some software that listens for the messages coming in from the MIDI port. My fully-assembled device for converting MIDI Clock to CV Triggers. Usually, this is not recommended approach, and you should be aware that it is a bit challenging to do (notice the tight space in the picture below) but it did work for me. So, I chose to solder some wires to the pins that connect the MIDI shield to the Arduino. Unfortunately, there are no solder holes on the Arduino or on the MIDI shield for attaching jacks or wires. After the shield was assembled, I then needed to attach my two audio jacks to convey the trigger signals out to my synths. The components in my MIDI Clock to CV Trigger Converter.Īssembling the Hardware: The MIDI shield comes as a kit that you need to solder together yourself, which is pretty direct and easy. I chose to include two audio jacks so that I can drive two arpeggiators at the same time (ie, both my Mono/Poly and my Polysix) because, if one arpeggiator is good, two must be even better! Finally, to get the trigger signals out of the Arduino and headed towards my synth, I chose to buy some 1/8' stereo audio jacks ($1 each), though any jacks will do (1/8' or 1/4' or whatever). Very nice! To physically connect the MIDI shield to the Arduino, I also had to buy some stackable headers ($1.50). Helpfully, the MIDI shield also includes two potentiometers and three push buttons. To enable it to receive MIDI messages, I used a Sparkfun MIDI Shield ($20) that has the female MIDI connectors and the associated electronics to get the MIDI messages into the Arduino. The Shopping List: The heart of my MIDI-to-Trigger converter is an Arduino Uno ($30).

That's what my MIDI-to-Trigger converter does. So, if I want to keep my Kaossilator in sync with my Mono/Poly or my Polysix, I need a device to listen to the MIDI messages and to issue trigger pulses at the right times.

Instead, it sends out a MIDI clock signal. My Korg Kaossilator, however, is much newer and it does not output trigger signals. As a result, you can keep the arpeggiator in sync with old drum machines that have trigger outputs (such as my old TR-707). If you send a voltage pulse into this jack, it will cause the arpeggiator to step to the next note. Both of these synths have a built-in arpeggiator and both synths have a jack on the back for 'Arpeggio Trig In'.

What Does the Converter Do? I have two old synths - a Korg Mono/Poly and a Korg Polysix.

Drum machine midi out