The GATE BOOST amplifies +5V gate, trigger and clock pulses so that they can be used with older synth equipment that requires higher voltage signals. While it was designed to complement my CV.OCD MIDI to CV box, it can be used to amplify 5V gate signals from other equipment too.

The module can be powered using a supply of 7-15V DC with a 2.1mm centre negative plug and a 100mA or higher rating, such as a 9V effect-pedal type supply. Dual parallel power sockets allow you to power both the GATE BOOST and CV.OCD from the same power supply using a male-to-male power cable (supplied). Power supply is not included.

Use standard 3.5mm mono patch cables to connect the four inputs to your CV.OCD (or other equipment) gate outputs, and the corresponding four output sockets to your synth inputs.

The output voltage for each pair of channels (1/2 and 3/4) can be selected to use an internally generated +10V reference, or the power supply voltage, if higher (e.g. 12V, 15V). Two DIP switches on the front of the unit select the output pulse voltage for each pair of channels.

Four LEDs show the input signal status on each channel and work whether the device powered or not. This enables the GATE BOOST to be used as a tool for simple checks on gate and CV signals.

Each channel's input signal passes through a circuit that applies a voltage threshold and “hysteresis” to determine when the output should be ON or OFF. This ensures crisp rising and falling rising edges on the output even when the input is a non-square wave form or is noisy.

This device is only needed for synths that need more than +5V to trigger them. It works only for "V-Trig" inputs not "S-Trig" (shorting) inputs. Please make sure you check the requirements of your synth before ordering.

Module is approx 9 x 4 x 2.5 cm Hand-made in Brighton, UK