The Befaco MIDI Thing V2 is a configurable MIDI-to-CV converter in 6HP Eurorack format. It is built for modular users who want to play and sequence their system from MIDI keyboards, hardware sequencers, USB controllers or a computer running a DAW, and it also links to VCV Rack. Beyond converting notes, it can generate envelopes, LFOs and a simple oscillator, and it can translate almost any MIDI message into a control voltage.
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12 assignable ports: each output has its own MIDI channel, its own range (0/+10 V, 0/+8 V, 0/+5 V or -5/+5 V) and a Learn function
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TRS and USB MIDI: TRS Type A in and out, a front-panel USB host for controllers and USB device mode for a computer
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Up to 12 voices: pitch CV, gate, ADSR, velocity, drum trigger, LFO and oscillator per voice, with glide and voice-stealing options
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Clock handling: follows MIDI clock or an internal BPM, with per-output PPQN division and multiplication or free-running rates
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Screen and encoder: on-module configuration, MIDI and note monitors, presets and memory slots
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Web editor and VCV Rack bridge: back up and edit settings over SysEx, and send control signals from VCV Rack into the module
Setup happens on the module itself with a single encoder and a display; a long press opens the global menu. Quick macros map related outputs in one step, for example note, velocity and gate onto consecutive ports. Seven starting configurations cover common jobs: four-voice polyphony on one channel, four-channel multi-timbral use, 12 CCs, 12 pitch bends for the VCV bridge, two drum modes and a blank template. The display can be flipped 180 degrees if you prefer to mount the module with the jacks at the top.
Each voice's envelope offers pre-delay, amplitude scaling and linear or exponential shapes, and it can be shared across a MIDI channel or set per voice. Attack, decay, sustain and release respond to standard CCs. The LFO can be triggered by notes or run freely, and the oscillator is a heavily filtered, bass-oriented source whose level can follow the envelope or LFO. Further conversion options include pitch bend with a set semitone range, CC with clipping, channel pressure, NRPN and RPN, program change, start/stop and note-based drum gates.
The MIDI output merges the TRS input, USB host and USB device streams, or it can act as a thru. A routing matrix sets in, out, thru, clock and SysEx behaviour for each connection. The USB host works through a powered hub with up to four devices. The computer connection uses the rear USB port through the included expansion panel or a Befaco 7U case. Firmware can be updated, and the module is designed and assembled in Barcelona.