ES-6 CV/Lightpipe Interface

Introduction

The ES-6 is the counterpart to the ES-3 Lightpipe/CV Interface, offering up to 8 channels of CV input with output via an optical lightpipe connection. As with the ES-3, the ES-6 also works well for audio signals, with conversion quality on a par with a regular audio interface (see here or here).

The ES-6 itself has 6 input sockets; the remaining 2 channels are provided by an expansion module e.g. the ES-7.

Please note that a connected ES-3 is required for operation. The ES-6 gets its clock signals from the ES-3, which derives them from its lightpipe input.

Specifications

The ES-6's specifications are as follows:

• Panel width: 4HP
• Module depth: 50mm
• Sync input: connection from ES-3 module
• Analogue inputs: 6x 3.5mm jacks, DC-coupled
• Input voltage range: ±10V
• Input impedance: 100k
• Digital output: optical, ADAT Lightpipe standard
• A/D conversion: 24 bit, 103dB SNR typical
• Expansion
  • Header for connecting expansion modules e.g. the ES-7
• Current draw: 103mA on the +12V rail, 52mA on the -12V rail

The front panel is drilled for both Doepfer and Analogue Systems mounting holes (using a 'slot' rather than a single round hole). The power connector is a Doepfer standard 16 way IDC, with -12V furthest from the top of the board.

Note that connection to the ES-3 is by a simple plug-in cable for the ES-3 mk2 and above. The original ES-3 requires some soldering to add the required connections.

For more detail, please see the user manual.

ES-6 mk2

February 2017 sees the launch of the "ES-6 mk2". Functionally equivalent to the original ES-6, the mk2 adds these improvements:

• Illuminated jack sockets
• Less HP
• Less deep