What is the Expert Sleepers ES-9?

The ES-9 is a Eurorack-format USB audio interface that allows for 16 channels of simultaneous input and output between a modular synth and a computer.

How many inputs and outputs does the ES-9 have?

It features 16 DC-coupled inputs and 16 DC-coupled outputs, providing extensive routing capabilities for audio and CV.

What does 'DC-coupled' mean in this context?

DC-coupled means the interface can transmit and receive Control Voltage (CV) signals, such as pitch or gate information, in addition to standard audio signals.

Can the ES-9 be used as a standalone audio interface?

Yes, it functions as a streamlined USB audio interface, specifically designed to fit within a Eurorack modular system.

Is the ES-9 compatible with all DAWs?

The ES-9 is designed to work with any DAW that supports standard USB audio interfaces, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Bitwig Studio.

What is the typical price for an ES-9?

The typical price range for this module is approximately GBP 529.

How does the ES-9 differ from the ES-5 MK3?

The ES-9 is a full-featured 16-channel interface, whereas the ES-5 MK3 is a smaller 4HP module typically used for specific gate and trigger expansions.

Does the ES-9 require external power?

As a Eurorack module, it draws power from a standard Eurorack power supply unit (PSU) rather than the USB bus alone.

Is the ES-9 related to the Gibson ES series guitars?

No, despite sharing the 'ES' prefix, the Expert Sleepers ES-9 is a synthesiser interface, while the Gibson ES series refers to Electric Spanish hollowbody guitars.

Can I record my modular synth directly into my DAW with this?

Yes, that is its primary purpose. It simplifies the process of sending individual voices or signals from your Eurorack to your software.

Does the ES-9 facilitate software control of hardware?

Absolutely. You can send CV data from your DAW to your Eurorack modules to control parameters like filter cutoff or oscillator pitch.

What is the main benefit of using the ES-9 over a standard interface?

The ES-9 is designed specifically for Eurorack voltage levels and offers a higher density of DC-coupled I/O in a compact module format compared to most desktop interfaces.

Gear article

Expert Sleepers ES-9

The Expert Sleepers ES-9 is a high-performance USB audio interface in a Eurorack module format designed for seamless integration between modular synthesisers and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). It provides 16 DC-coupled inputs and outputs, facilitating the bidirectional transfer of audio and control voltage (CV) signals.

See live prices

Overview

The Expert Sleepers ES-9 serves as a bridge between the analogue world of Eurorack modular synthesis and the digital environment of a DAW. It is designed to simplify what has traditionally been a complex task: interfacing hardware modules with software. By offering a large number of inputs and outputs in a compact module, it allows users to record multiple sound sources simultaneously or control their hardware using software-generated signals.

Technical Features and Design

The core functionality of the ES-9 revolves around its 16 DC-coupled inputs and 16 DC-coupled outputs. DC-coupling is a critical feature for modular users as it allows the module to pass not only audio but also slow-moving Control Voltage (CV) signals.

Key design elements include: - USB Connectivity: Streamlined connection to computers for high-bandwidth data transfer. - High Channel Count: 16 independent paths for signal routing. - Interface Efficiency: Designed to eliminate the need for external, bulky rackmount interfaces by placing the conversion stage directly within the Eurorack case.

Sound and Character

As a digital interface, the ES-9 is engineered for transparency and accuracy. Its primary role is to ensure that the character of the connected Eurorack modules is captured faithfully within the DAW without unwanted coloration. Because it handles CV, it is capable of extremely precise modulation reproduction, ensuring that software LFOs or envelopes trigger hardware components with minimal latency and high fidelity.

Target Audience

The ES-9 is ideally suited for electronic musicians who utilise a 'hybrid' setup. This includes producers who wish to record their modular performances into a DAW for further arrangement, as well as performers who use software like Ableton Live or Bitwig Studio to generate complex modulation for their hardware modules. It is a vital tool for those seeking a streamlined, all-in-one interfacing solution within a single Eurorack case.

Comparison and Alternatives

Within the Expert Sleepers ecosystem, the ES-9 offers a more integrated, high-density I/O solution compared to smaller modules like the ES-5 MK3, which provides 4HP of specific expansion functionality. While traditional hollowbody guitars like the Gibson ES-335 or Gretsch Nashville share a similar 'ES' prefix, they represent entirely different musical categories. Compared to external audio interfaces, the ES-9 is unique because its DC-coupled outputs are specifically calibrated for the voltage levels required by Eurorack gear.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the Expert Sleepers ES-9?: The ES-9 is a Eurorack-format USB audio interface that allows for 16 channels of simultaneous input and output between a modular synth and a computer.
How many inputs and outputs does the ES-9 have?: It features 16 DC-coupled inputs and 16 DC-coupled outputs, providing extensive routing capabilities for audio and CV.
What does 'DC-coupled' mean in this context?: DC-coupled means the interface can transmit and receive Control Voltage (CV) signals, such as pitch or gate information, in addition to standard audio signals.
Can the ES-9 be used as a standalone audio interface?: Yes, it functions as a streamlined USB audio interface, specifically designed to fit within a Eurorack modular system.
Is the ES-9 compatible with all DAWs?: The ES-9 is designed to work with any DAW that supports standard USB audio interfaces, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Bitwig Studio.
What is the typical price for an ES-9?: The typical price range for this module is approximately GBP 529.
How does the ES-9 differ from the ES-5 MK3?: The ES-9 is a full-featured 16-channel interface, whereas the ES-5 MK3 is a smaller 4HP module typically used for specific gate and trigger expansions.
Does the ES-9 require external power?: As a Eurorack module, it draws power from a standard Eurorack power supply unit (PSU) rather than the USB bus alone.
Is the ES-9 related to the Gibson ES series guitars?: No, despite sharing the 'ES' prefix, the Expert Sleepers ES-9 is a synthesiser interface, while the Gibson ES series refers to Electric Spanish hollowbody guitars.
Can I record my modular synth directly into my DAW with this?: Yes, that is its primary purpose. It simplifies the process of sending individual voices or signals from your Eurorack to your software.
Does the ES-9 facilitate software control of hardware?: Absolutely. You can send CV data from your DAW to your Eurorack modules to control parameters like filter cutoff or oscillator pitch.
What is the main benefit of using the ES-9 over a standard interface?: The ES-9 is designed specifically for Eurorack voltage levels and offers a higher density of DC-coupled I/O in a compact module format compared to most desktop interfaces.