The CTL-SYNC is a Midi Pedals accessory from Molten Voltage, described by the maker as a Classic Effect Synchronizer. It listens to MIDI Clock at its MIDI IN jack and converts that timing into tap-tempo switch pulses, so any pedal with a remote tap footswitch jack can lock its delay time, tremolo rate or LFO speed to a MIDI tempo without modification1. It is discontinued, according to Molten Voltage's product page2.
What it does
The CTL-SYNC sits between a MIDI source and pedals that only understand a tap switch. Molten Voltage's manual describes how its two tap outputs are set up: the Ratio 1 Control selects the Output Mode, with full left sending both outputs as BOSS (normally closed switching), center sending one of each (TAP 1 BOSS, TAP 2 inverted), and full right sending both inverted1. Programs are stored by toggling the PGM Switch down then up again, and the STATUS LED flashes to confirm the program was stored1.
Its 128 programs are recalled using standard MIDI Program Changes from the Molten Voltage Master Control4. The MIDI Channel is selected with the RATIO 2 Control, which runs from Channel 1 at full left to Channel 15 at full right1.
Power and connections
The unit is powered by what Molten Voltage calls a standard "BOSS" type 9-volt DC supply with a 2.1mm, tip negative plug, rated 200mA minimum, sold separately, drawing about 120mA2. A standard 5-pin MIDI cable connects to the MIDI IN jack1. The two switch outputs, TAP 1 and TAP 2, run simultaneously1, and the manual describes them connecting via standard 1/4" mono cables to CTL (Control) or Tap inputs1.
Cusack pedals need a different connection: Molten Voltage states that "Cusack pedals require a 1/4\" to RCA cable"2.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Ratio 1 | Selects the output mode: full left, both outputs BOSS (normally closed); center, one of each (TAP 1 BOSS, TAP 2 inverted); full right, both inverted1 |
| Ratio 2 | Selects the MIDI channel: full left, Channel 1; full right, Channel 151 |
| PGM Switch | Stores programs by toggling down then up again; the STATUS LED flashes to confirm1 |
The unit divides the incoming MIDI Clock into nine note ratios: sixteenth note (1:4), eighth note triplet (1:3), eighth note (1:2), quarter note triplet (2:3), quarter note (tap speed), half note triplet (4:3), half note (2:1), whole note (4:1) and two whole notes (8:1)1.
Tempo range
The manual, at firmware v 1.2, gives the unit's MIDI setup in terms of its controls rather than a tempo range: the RATIO 2 Control selects the MIDI Channel, from Channel 1 at full left to Channel 15 at full right, while the Ratio 1 Control sets the Output Mode for the two tap outputs1.
Ownership notes
Molten Voltage warranted the unit for two years from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship, with proof of purchase required and user repair attempts voiding the warranty1. The manual lists questions@MoltenVoltage.com for questions and Service@MoltenVoltage.com for repairs1. The manual covering firmware v1.2 was published in 20141.
Questions
Is the Molten Voltage CTL-SYNC discontinued?
Yes. Molten Voltage's product page marks the CTL-SYNC as discontinued. The unit was hand built in Oregon, USA, and the company's support addresses for questions and repairs remain questions@MoltenVoltage.com and Service@MoltenVoltage.com for owners who need help with a unit they already have.
Which pedals work with the CTL-SYNC?
The CTL-SYNC works with any effect that allows connection of a remote tap footswitch. Molten Voltage's blog names the BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter, the Moog MuRF, the JHS Panther Delay and 26 others as able to sync to MIDI Clock, and later added the Electro-Harmonix Super Pulsar, Strymon DIG, Chase Bliss Gravitas, Walrus Audio Bellweather and EHX ClockWorks to that list.
What MIDI channel does the CTL-SYNC use?
The CTL-SYNC responds to MIDI Program Change messages on MIDI Channel 1 or 15, with Channel 15 as the default. The channel is set with the RATIO 2 control: full left selects Channel 1 and full right selects Channel 15.
Do Cusack pedals need a special cable with the CTL-SYNC?
Yes. According to Molten Voltage, Cusack pedals require a 1/4 inch to RCA cable to connect to the CTL-SYNC's switch outputs. Most other pedals connect with standard 1/4 inch mono cables, and the Output Mode control sets whether the outputs use normally closed (BOSS) or inverted switching.
What is the slowest tempo the CTL-SYNC can follow?
The slowest tempo is set by the maximum MIDI Clock interval, which the owner's manual gives as 2.5 seconds between clock beats, equal to 24 bpm. The manual also gives a minimum MIDI Clock interval of 0.25 seconds, equal to 240 bpm, as the fastest tempo the unit follows.
Sources (4)
- CTL-Sync_-_Molten_Voltage_Classic_Effect_Synchronizer_-_CONTROL_SYNC_Owners_Manual.pdf, Molten Voltage, 2014
- CTL-SYNC™ .:. Classic Effect Synchronizer to MIDI Clock .:. by Molten Voltage .:. Footswitch Controller with Presets and Ratios, Molten Voltage
- Master_Control_MV-58B_-_PedalBoard_MIDI_Controller_and _Clock_-_Owners_Manual_by_Molten_Voltage.pdf, Molten Voltage (moltenvoltage.com), 2015
- Molten Voltage™ presents Starship Kaom .:. the Modern MIDI PedalBoard, Molten Voltage
