Use a few inputs to multitrack your voices while also sending CV to control parameters in your DAW (and vice versa), or process full projects through your modular effects and route them right back in your session.

With a plethora of ins and outs, you can use your computer setup as an integrated part of your instrument and you can save rackspace by delegating certain duties to the computer. If you have a large collection of modular gear, the Optx is also quite useful as a high quality case connection tool. Using only two optical cables, you can send and receive CV/audio easily and neatly. Expand the flexibility and capability of your case with Boredbrain Music's Optx.

OPTX FEATURES

• ADAT lightpipe converter
• 8 channels of inputs and outputs
• DC-coupled outputs
• AC-coupled inputs (cutoff at ~1Hz)—great for audio and some CV
• Internal and external sync

  optx

  ADAT OPTICAL CONVERTER

  $329.00

  • Encodes 8 analog inputs into ADAT Lightpipe
  • Decodes ADAT Lightpipe into 8 analog outputs
  • DC-coupled outputs support both CV and audio signals
  • Selectable 44.1/48 kHz internal sample clock or external sync
  • Dual LED indication of output signal strength and polarity
  
  

  Straightforward ADAT conversion

  Optx is a compact and bi-directional ADAT lightpipe converter for eurorack synthesizers. The module provides 8 channels of input and output expansion to many pro audio interfaces, and may be used standalone to interconnect eurorack systems.

  
  

  ADAT Encoding & Decoding

  Some computer audio interfaces are equipped with one or more pairs of  expansion ports allowing for additional input and output channels. Optx takes full advantage of these often unused ports, providing multi-channel connections directly to and from eurorack systems.

  The module accepts any 8-channel ADAT encoded digital signal at the Rx  jack (via lightpipe optical cable) and converts it into 8 discrete analog signals available at the OUT 1-8 jacks.

  Conversely, Optx accepts 8 discrete analog signals at the IN 1-8 jacks and converts them into an 8-channel ADAT encoded digital signal available at the Tx jack.

  
  

  DC-Coupled

  The module’s analog outputs are DC-coupled, meaning signals can be AC (audio) or DC (control voltages). So when used in conjunction with software such as  or , Optx becomes an interface for outgoing control voltages like 1V/oct pitch and gate signals, or LFOs, ADSRs and other modulators. The amount of creative potential here cannot be overstated.

  technical specs

  • Width: 8 HP
  • Depth: 1.5 in (38 mm)
  • Weight: 3.7 oz (105 g)
  • Resolution: 24 bit, 44.1/48 kHz
  • Max I/O Level: ± 10 V (20 Vpp)
  • Power:  12 V 78 mA, -12 V 78 mA

  
  

  
  

  patch tips

  CV/GATE/MOD & AUDIO RETURNS – Use CV capable software such as Bitwig Studio or Ableton CV tools to send pitch, gate, and modulation signals to Optx outputs. Patch them respectively into a 1V/oct oscillator, envelope gate input, and filter cutoff control. Then patch the audio signal(s) back to the Optx inputs to mix within the DAW software. Instrument tracks can then contain both the sequence data and audio returns for simple and powerful integration with your eurorack synth.

  NOTE: 1V/oct signals will require calibration within the software.

  DRUM TRIGGERS & AUDIO RETURNS – Using a drum rack in one of the aforementioned CV capable softwares, send up to 8 drum triggers to Optx outputs. Patch them into trigger inputs of drum modules, envelopes, etc. Now patch their respective audio signals back to Optx inputs to mix and process within the DAW.

  NOTE: Some drum modules are responsive to varying trigger voltage. If the trigger CV output level is modulated using velocity/etc in the software, then Optx will dynamically produce trigger voltages based on velocity!

  
  

  resources

   

  Sample Clock Synchronization

  The module has three options for sample clock sync, selectable using the 3-way switch.

  44.1	Generates and syncs to internal clock of 44.1 kHz
  EXT	Syncs to external clock from ADAT signal at Rx
  48	Generates and syncs to internal clock of 48 kHz

  With the switch set to EXT, the blue EXT SYNC LED will illuminate when a valid sample clock is detected at Rx.

  
  

  
  

  Signal LEDs

  Optx also provides visual signal indication of the 8 decoded ADAT channels feeding the OUT 1-8 jacks. Each pair of WHITE LEDs indicates the polarity (-Ve left, Ve right) and relative strength of the signal (± 10 V).

  Audio-rate signals will generally light both LEDs continuously, whereas LFOs will alternate more apparently between the two. Gates, triggers and positive-going envelopes will generally light only the right LED ( Ve).