5U synth maker Synthesizers.com has introduced the Q170 MIDI Gates module, a new module that’s designed to provide flexible MIDI-to-gate conversion.

The Q170 MIDI Gates module produces gate signals from a stream of MIDI messages, from a keyboard, a DAW or any MIDI source. Each of the 8 outputs can be programmed for one or more MIDI note messages or Continuous Controller messages.

The module also provides a MIDI Thru and MIDI Out. The MIDI Out is a version of the incoming MIDI signals but with the programmed gate filtered out. This means you can set aside certain notes on your controller to trigger gates and modular functions, and still use the rest of the keyboard to play your modular or other synth.

To program an output, you press the Set button and send MIDI note or CC messages. MIDI channel numbers are recognized. Notes sent once cause the output to follow the note on/off messages and operate like a simple keyboard gate signal. Notes sent twice cause the output to toggle On then Off as note On messages are received.

A special mode allows gate outputs to be programmed to respond to MIDI real-time messages, sometimes called sync – start, stop, continue, clock. The clock output can be programmed with a division of /1,/2,/3,/4,/6,/8,/12,/16,/24,/32.

Pricing and Availability

The Q170 MIDI Gates module is available to pre-order for US $170.00.