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Power and Connections

Powering the T1 and Connectivity with External Gear​

This page covers how to power the T1 and connect it to computers, synths, drum machines, and modular systems. It also outlines the different clocking options and how to combine them in a single setup.

  • Power: USB‑C (5 V), typical draw ≥ 390 mA
  • Connections: USB MIDI, 3.5 mm TRS MIDI (DIN via adapters), CV/Gate, Analog Sync, Wi‑Fi (Ableton Link)
  • Role: Sequencer and clock hub for hybrid rigs

The T1 is a sequencer and does not generate audio. It controls external instruments over MIDI, CV/Gate, analog sync, and Wi‑Fi (Ableton Link).

Power​

  • Input: USB‑C (5 V), typical current draw ≥ 390 mA
  • Recommended: Stable 5 V / 500 mA (or higher) USB power adapter, hub, or computer port
  • Power switch: None — the unit becomes active when connected
  • Power‑on indicator: Pads illuminate orange on connection

Best practices​

  • Use a high‑quality, data‑capable USB‑C cable for reliable power and USB MIDI.
  • Prefer a dedicated power source (good USB PSU or powered hub) in complex rigs.
  • Avoid long or low‑quality cables that can cause brown‑outs or intermittent resets.

Do not operate the device in wet or excessively hot environments. Use only supported power sources and cables to avoid damage.

USB‑C (Power and USB MIDI)​

The USB‑C port powers the T1 and provides class‑compliant USB MIDI:

  • Connect directly to macOS, Windows, or Linux — no driver required
  • Send notes/CC to software instruments, and/or receive MIDI Clock/transport
  • Record T1 performance into a DAW as MIDI for later editing

If the computer does not recognize the device, try a different USB port/cable and verify the cable supports data (not charge‑only).

MIDI over 3.5 mm TRS (DIN via adapters)​

The T1 provides 3.5 mm TRS MIDI ports for MIDI In, MIDI Out1, and MIDI Out2. MIDI Out2 can be configured in T1 Config as Thru (forwarding input) or as a second independent MIDI Out:

  • Use appropriate TRS ↔ 5‑pin DIN adapters to connect standard DIN‑MIDI gear.
  • For chaining multiple devices, use suitable MIDI routing (e.g., a Thru on downstream gear or a MIDI splitter).
  • Assign a MIDI channel per track so each destination (synth/drum machine) receives the correct part.

If both devices support the same TRS MIDI standard, a 3.5 mm stereo jack‑to‑jack cable can be used between them — no DIN adapter required.

CV and Gate​

Use CV/Gate to control modular and other analog gear:

  • 4 × CV outputs (per‑output role configurable in T1 Config: pitch, velocity, or gate)
  • 2 × Gate outputs (all six CV/Gate jacks can be set as gates in T1 Config)
  • Track assignments, voltage ranges, and scaling are configurable; see Technical Specifications

Always verify voltage ranges, scaling, and polarity with your destination equipment. Consult current device/firmware documentation for exact electrical characteristics.

Analog Sync (3.5 mm clock I/O)​

Synchronize the T1 with analog and modular systems:

  • Clock Out: T1 sends pulse clock to external devices
  • Clock In: T1 follows an external clock source
  • Configure pulses‑per‑quarter‑note (PPQN) and use division/multiplication to match standards

If tempo is doubled or halved, adjust PPQN or use a clock divider/multiplier so pulses per quarter note align across devices.

Learn more about Analog Sync here.

Ableton Link shares tempo and beat phase across devices on the same network:

  • Enable and configure Wi‑Fi/Link via T1 Config: Sync
  • When Link is active, [PLAY] flashes orange; tempo changes in linked apps update the T1 automatically
  • Combine Link with MIDI and Analog Sync to bridge multiple timing domains

Link focuses on tempo/phase; Start/Stop handling may depend on the host app. If strict transport sync is required, use MIDI Start/Stop alongside Link.

Learn more about Ableton Link here.

Clock Conversion and Hybrid Setups​

The T1 can act as a clock bridge:

  • Convert between USB MIDI, DIN/TRS MIDI, Analog Sync, and Wi‑Fi Link
  • Choose one clear master clock (DAW, T1, or external) and let others follow
  • Use the T1 to distribute timing to hardware while staying locked to a DAW or Link session

Learn more about Clock Conversion here.

Related Pages

Important Safety and Regulatory Information