Modules: Expert Sleepers ES-9

£499

>There’s a time for most modular synth users when the mixer module gets to feel like it’s not quite enough, or the need for more than one mixer becomes all too apparent, so that you can get your music into the computer in a way which allows for recording. A mixer is one possible option but falls short in many ways, most obviously for multitrack recording, where the mix is non-destructive. Or where you want to shape the sound further but not globally.

This is where Expert Sleepers come in, with the ES-9 module, which can be a game changer for many, and fills more than one role.

One-stop shop

Physically it is fairly unassuming, with a simple set of I/Os on the front panel, along with a single volume pot for the headphone out. What you will find is an assortment of jacks; eight 3.5mm outputs and 14 3.5mm inputs, a pair of TRS jacks perfect for sending to a PA or external monitoring, as well as a pair of SPDIF ports. On top of this, you can add expanders for MIDI connectivity or a further set of I/O, via the ES-5. The last port is a USB-C port that allows hookup to your Mac or PC.

It packs a lot of I/O ports onto the front panel but for those with particularly shallow skiffs, keep in mind that it’s chunkier round the back, at 50mm, as dictated by so much connectivity.

I see this as a one-stop shop for using Eurorack with Logic (other DAWs are available) and have set up a preset template for recording my modular, which has transformed the way I interact and record.

The ES-9 is an audio interface at heart, offering a huge array of channels for getting audio into Logic, where I can balance, shape, remix and add effects to tracks globally or locally, spending on what I patch into the ES-9. Not only does it suit this purpose perfectly but eight of the ports are DC-coupled, meaning you have a connection for CV as well. Ableton and VCV rack users rejoice!

There is something quite special about so easily being able to send audio into your modular, without the need to bounce samples, fiddle with memory cards – and that’s assuming you even have a sample player.

No lagging behind

There’s something special about being able to send audio into your modular

None of this would be that useful if the fidelity wasn’t there, so it’s good to 24bit sample depth and up to 96khz bit rate, making for audio that sounds true to source. Having USB-C means lag is also a non-issue.

On top of all this functionality it is possible to use the ES-9 as a mixer and stereo output, so you can take your case live or to a different studio and still get audio into a different setup, via the TRS outs.

Considering its 16hp rack space and simple layout, the ES-9 provides a whole lot of top quality interfacing. The robust module clears physical and mental clutter, allowing you to interact with your music the way you want to. It’s easy to work with, driverless, works well live and in the studio and makes little compromise with sound quality. It may make no bleeps and bloops but is still worthy of a place in any rack.

VERDICT 9.0