Rear panel: Kenton Pro-2000 Midi to CV converter


Photos taken while the unit was open for repairs (main PCB is resting above the relevant rear panel sockets):


From left to right: IEC mains (there is an internal voltage selecter switch, Midi In Out and Thru, Sync 24 aka Din Sync, clock out on a 3.5 mm jack


Channel A CV and Gate outs on 3.5 mm jacks, replicated for Channel B. Then 6 auxiliary voltage outputs also on mini-jacks. Above the main channels is an "optional expansion port" (seen here is the DCB option on a daughterboard PCB).


Kenton make great converters! Versatile and solid. I've owned this one since the late nineties and it just does its job day in day out (until last week! more on that later). Particular features of this unit: the Midi Out allows channelizing and filtering of midi messages for old synths (e.g. DX7, JX3P, Jupiter 6) that receive in Omni or only channel 1. I use it for my old Yamaha CS-01 that has been retro-fitted with a  Highly Liquid midi interface that is prone to picking up stray note messages from other channels. 

The Sync 24 and the clock out provide the usual 5 volt clock pulses, synced to incoming midi clock. The former is spec'd at the Roland standard of 24 PPQN (pulses per quarter note), with a Start/Stop voltage on pin 1, also 5 volts. The mini-jack clock rate is adjustable in software, allowing rates of 48, 24, 12, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2 and 1 PPQN. This is handy for triggering old drum machines (e.g. TR-77) or arpeggiators. A nice touch is that the polarity can be inverted (e.g. for the Korg Monopoly and the Akai AX-60)

The main channel outs do what you would expect, with the programmable options of Hz/V and S-trig. The gate voltages can be 5 or 15 volts - some synths need that extra grunt or they won't trigger! 

The auxiliaries can go from - 12.6 to + 12.6 volts (negative control voltages can be handy sometimes - I use one of these to control the - 9 volt breath control input on the CS-01, which gives this pre-midi hybrid synth extra dimensions of expressiveness). The auxiliaries have all sorts of options available in software, including midi-syncable LFOs and midi note and CC control.

A note on the repair:
The unit recently started switch off after an hour or so, or occasionally re-boot. But always normal function from a cold start. Tests showed the primary side of the transformer was failing at times when hot, and it wasn't the usual problem of thermally-stressed dry joints. As the transformer was soldered to the main PCB, and was a very snug fit (see below), I needed the exact part replacement, and Kenton had one to me within a few days.







Measured voltages during normal operation:

Fuse 3 = 23 volts AC
Fuse 2 = 23 volts AC
Fuse 1 = 6 volts AC

BR1 = 11.6 volts DC , supplies the 7805 with large heatsink near the transformer
BR2 = 26.3 v DC supplies the three regulators at the other end of the board, 7805, 7815 and 7915


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