MOTU unveiled a new virtual instrument called Volta that allows users to play and automate modular synthesizers.
According to MOTU, Volta receives conventional virtual instrument input such as MIDI notes, MIDI controller data or high-resolution audio track ramp automation and then responds by outputting a corresponding control voltage signal, which the host software then routes to the outputs of any DC-coupled audio interface connected to the computer. The resulting DC voltage can then drive a standard CV input, such as those found on classic modular synthesizers, modern analog mono synths and even popular effects processors such as Moogerfoogers.
The Volta plug-in displays 24 sockets at the top of the window that represent audio outputs on the audio interface. Control sources (MIDI notes, MIDI CC’s, ramp automation, LFOs, etc.) are displayed as icons across the bottom of the window. Users then drag any desired control source icon onto any output socket they wish to control with it.
Volta will ship as an Audio Unit plug-in instrument compatible with any AU host on Mac OS X. Expected to ship in the first quarter 2009, pricing was not announced for Volta.