Moon Modular - 553 MIDI to Clock

M553 Midi to Clock Converter . The M553 is a module, which converts a MIDI clock into analog clock and gate-signals, to synchronize, for example, analog step-sequencers to MIDI-hardware- or software-sequencers.

The MIDI clock (MIDI real time message) has a native resolution of 1/96 notes (24 ticks per quarter note) of which the M553 derives the following signals:

Variable Clock
The divider value of the left clock-output can selected among the MIDI original clock (1/96) and these fractions:
* 1/48
* 1/32
* dotted 1/32
* 1/16
* dotted 1/16
* 1/8
* dotted 1/8
* 1/4

Fixed Clock
The right clock-output supplies a fixed clock signal, divided down to 1/16 notes.

Start/Stop
Whenever the MIDI device puts out start- and/or stop/reset-commands, these jacks supply relevant trigger-signals to e. g. ? control an analog sequencer via suitable inputs ? or reset an analog sequencer ? skip notes, trigger switches etc.

Note-on
Both ?Note-on C3? and ?Note-on _C3? jacks supply gate signals, derived from MIDI note-on commands. This way the user can utilize one ordinary MIDI-track in a MIDI (software-)sequencer to create two streams of defined trigger signals, to be used ? via the M553 ? to synchronize/control analog equipment.
The left output generates a gate signal, whenever a MIDI note- on command below C3 (= MIDI note number 1-59) reaches the module. The right output reacts accordingly, if a note-on command of C3 or above (= MIDI note number 60-127) arrives in the M553?s input.
These ?note-on to gate? activities work in parallel to the ?normal? MIDI to clock conversion.

Midi-Channel
To select the MIDI channel (for the ?note-on to gate? function): Dial the rotary switch to the?channel select? position and initiate a MIDI-channel message (e. g. strike a note on a keyboard); the module sets itself to the most recently received MIDI channel (this setting is saved even if the unit is switched off).