MIDI To Expression Translator

Realizing matching gaps in the market and their friends’ workflows, Old Blood Noise Endeavors unveils their newest utility device, the MIDI to Expression Translator (MTET). MTET is a simple device for complex workflows.

It receives MIDI CC messages and turns them into expression outputs, allowing players to unlock MIDI control over their expression-enabled devices.

Where once there was only a foot, now there is envelope control, LFO control, snapping to preset positions: any MIDI shape can express an OBNE (or similar) device.

Main Features:

• MIDI to TRS Expression interface
• Translates MIDI control change messages to TRS Expression
• 4 individual expression outputs
• Expression compatibility with any TRS expression enabled device where tip is connected to wiper
• CC control over LSB for 8-bit resolution from a 50K digital potentiometer
• MIDI Thru jack for easy daisy chaining
• Powered by (opt) regular 9 V DC PSU
          (centre -, 2.1 mm, 50 mA current draw)

Language is hard: let’s start at the start. Communication is complex, beautiful a real thorn in our sides. Many languages, dialects, standards.  Some similar, some vastly different. A linear sweep, a barrage of Bits.

Music, of course, is meant to be the universal language, but our devices don’t see it that way. One could argue even we don’t see it that way – tonal and microtonal, EAST+WEST, free jazz and bubblegum pop. But we’re not here to argue. We’re here to blame the devices.

The MIDI To Expression Translator (MTET) does exactly what it says on the tin. It receives MIDI messages from external MIDI devices and uses those MIDI messages to create four separate Expression outputs for use with external expression enabled devices.

MTET uses a 50k digital pot, wired for TRS connection with the tip active (connected to the wiper). It is assumed the external expression-enabled unit will apply to the sleeve and reference voltage to the ring. It is configured to communicate with other devices using this standard. Its primary purpose is to interface with Old Blood Noise Endeavors pedals and serve as a communicator between them and a MIDI controller. However, it will work with many other units that use the same expression setup as OBNE.