Introduction

The disting NT is the latest in the line of modules from Expert Sleepers that started with the original disting in 2014, which performed one of 16 very different functions at the turn of a knob. This concept has evolved through the disting mk3 (2015) - which added the possibility of firmware updates, and so a continually improving selection of functions - and the disting mk4 (2017) - which added a display, and brought the MicroSD card slot onto the front of the module, emphasising its increased importance for functions such as sample playback - to the disting NT’s predecessor, the disting EX (2020).

What does it do?

The module takes audio and/or CV input, runs a bunch of software processing, and generates audio and/or CV output. It does this continuously.

The chunks of software processing are called algorithms. You can think of them much as you would think of plug-ins in your DAW. The module has a number of algorithms to choose from, and you can add the ones you want in a big list and the module will run them all.

What is it not?

The disting NT is not a “virtual modular”. There are no virtual cables flying around. It simply collects together a variety of functions that are useful in the context of a modular synthesizer and makes it possible to use a number of them at once.

It is not a “patch player”. It is not the intention that you do all the complex setup on a computer and then copy it over to the module. The module is designed to be used in a modular, with a UI that makes it fluid to do everything in the module itself.

It is not only useful via MIDI. The large number of inputs (and outputs) makes it possible to use it entirely via CV, interfacing with the rest of your modules in a natural way. (That said, it does also make a really good MIDI polysynth.)

Specifications

The disting NT's specifications are as follows:

• Panel width: 22HP
• Module depth: 25mm
• Current draw: 211mA on the +12V rail, 96mA on the -12V rail
• Inputs: 12, DC coupled
• Outputs: 6 (+2 via breakout), DC coupled
• Expansion:
• • Header for TRS/DIN MIDI via a compatible breakout.
  • Header for connecting an ES-5 expander.
  • Header for an I2C bus connection to compatible devices.
• Compatible with the Select Bus.

In the box

Included in the box are:

• one disting NT module
• one MicroSD card
• one power cable (16 way, indexed)
• one Tiny MIDI Breakout (TMB) module
• 10 DuPont jump wires for TMB

The TMB can be used for the disting NT's MIDI connection, for I2C, and/or for the module's audio connections (typically, for exposing the additional two output channels not available on the disting NT's own front panel).