Dark Link is a Midi/USB-to-CV/Gate interface to control vintage monophonic synthesizers via Midi or USB. Dark Link is nothing but the USB/Midi interface of the Dark Energy. It has available 4 analog control voltage outputs (CV1...4) and one Gate output.

In/Outputs and controls:

• USB
• Midi Input
• Learn button
• Gate Out (with LED for Gate display and learn function)
  Important Note for all units with serial number up to 112700 concerning the gate voltage:
  • The gate output is not suitable for devices that require a gate voltage more than +5V ! But the Dark Link can be modified for +12V gate voltage. The modification should not be carried out by the customer because in this case the warranty is void (it is necessary to interrupt the +5V track and install a wire to +12V). We will publish soon details about the modification in case that customers want to carry out the modification despite the warranty loss.
  • The gate output is not suitable for devices that require a so-called switched trigger. In this case we recommend to order the additional S-Trig cable. Details are available on the FAQ page of our website: S-Trig conversion.
  Important Note for all units with serial number beyond 112700 concerning the gate voltage:
  • Inside the unit is a jumper available that is used to set the gate voltage to +5V or +12V. If the jumper is removed the gate output has S-Trigger function. 
• CV1: controlled by Midi note messages, 1V/Octave, 0...+5V
• CV2: controlled by Midi pitch bend, ~ -2.5...+2.5V or ~ 0...+5V (can be selected by an internal jumper)
• CV3: controlled by Midi velocity, 0...+5V
• CV4: controlled by Midi control change messages, free assignale controller in learn mode
• Glide control (portamento function for CV1)
• power supply (12V AC/min. 400mA)
• CV1...CV4 and Gate are 3.5 mm miniature jack sockets

Other Features: 

• Midi channel, reference note and Midi control change number for CV4 are adjusted by means of a learn button and LED
• Dark Link is nothing but the interface of Dark Energy
• Metal case, made of 1 mm steel, black coated with white printing
• Dimensions: about 145 length x 35 height x 60 depth (all measures are in mm)
• Weight: about ?? kg
• These parts are included (worldwide): one USB cable (type A-B), user's guide
• These parts are included (only within Europe): power supply (12 AC/min. 400mA) for 230V mains voltage with European mains plug, please ask the Doepfer representative in your country if a power supply is included if you from other countries
• Please order suitable patch cables in addition if required (Midi, A-100 patch cable in the required length, adapter cable 3.5 mm - 6.3 mm /1/4" jack plug)
• Powering the device via USB is not possible, because the analog circuits require a dual voltage (+/-12V).
• If you want to connect the Dark Link gate output to devices that use S-Trig a special S-Trig cable is available (only necessary for units manufactured before 2012). For details please refer to our FAQ page.

A modular version of the Dark Link is also available: A-190-3

User's manual: Dark_Link_Manual.pdf

Additional note (not mentioned in the first version of the user's manual):
Jumper on JP12A = pitch bend voltage -2,5...+2,5V
Jumper on JP12B = pitch bend voltage 0 ... 5V