Hardware Setup
Connecting NGEN to other your setup
NGEN can be connected to computers, drum machines and synthesizers via USB, MIDI and CV. These connections can also be used simultaniously.
Connecting via USB
The simplest way to use NGEN is to connect it to your computer via USB.
The USB connection powers the unit and it's capable of sending and receiving MIDI since it works as a Class Compliant MIDI device.
Connecting via MIDI
NGEN can also be connected to other gear via the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT 3.5mm TRS jacks (Type-A).
Please note that NGEN still needs to be powered via USB (check the Powering NGEN section below).
Connecting via CV
NGEN also features 2 pairs of CV + Gate outputs that can be used to sequence 1V/OCT synthesizers / modules.
To enable the CV output ports, set the AUX OUT of any of Tracks to CV1 or CV2.
The CV and GATE outputs on NGEN have a limited range of 3.3V and a resolution of 12bits so we recommend using an external MIDI to CV converter for a wider range and better resolution.
WARNING
The CV and Gate jacks are OUTPUTS only. Do not send any CV signals into them or you may run the risk of damaging your unit.
Please note that NGEN still needs to be powered via USB (check the Powering NGEN section below).
Powering NGEN externally
If you'd like to set up NGEN without a computer, you can power it using a USB power bank / battery or a standard USB wall charger.
NGEN's power consumption is minimal so even a 0.5A charger should work.
I2C Connection
NGEN features an 1/8 TRS I2C connection on it's left side wired with SDA on the TIP and SCL on RING.
We plan on adding I2C-related features in future NGEN firmware updates.
WARNING
Do not connect any CV outputs or other signals via 1/8 to the I2C connection otherwise you may damage your unit.
Setup Examples
NGEN + Computer
graph LR
A[NGEN] ----- | USB | B[COMPUTER];NGEN + Hardware MIDI Synthesizer
graph LR
A["POWER SUPPLY / COMPUTER"] ---| USB | B[NGEN] -->|MIDI| C[SYNTH];NGEN + Modular Synthesizer
graph LR
A["POWER SUPPLY / COMPUTER"] ---| USB | B[NGEN] --->|CV| C[MODULAR SYNTH];
B --->|GATE| C;NGEN + Multiple Gear
%%{ init: { 'flowchart': { 'curve': 'stepBefore' } } }%%
flowchart LR
A["POWER SUPPLY / COMPUTER"] ---| USB | B[NGEN] -->|CV| C[MODULAR VOICE 1];
B -->|GATE| C;
B -->|CV| D[MODULAR VOICE 2];
B -->|GATE| D;
B -->|MIDI| E[MIDI THRU BOX];
E -->|MIDI| F[SYNTH 1];
E -->|MIDI| G[SYNTH 2];