- 8 fully configurable audio/CV outputs, assignable as needed.
- Built-in MIDI to CV function to control, sequence and synchronise a modular system from a USB MIDI controller or device.
- Can also serve as an 8-output USB audio interface for computer, tablet or phone.
- Compatible with Overbridge, USB MIDI class-compliant and many USB audio class-compliant devices.
I closely follow Elektron releases, and the Outbox 8 answers a common request: to expand a machine’s outputs without multiplying converters or giving up CV. This small box combines eight configurable audio/CV outputs, a built-in MIDI to CV converter and a USB audio interface function.
Enough to make a hardware machine, a modular system and a computer talk to each other in a single compact unit. Here’s everything you need to know before adding it to your setup.
With the Outbox 8, the idea is simple: to give more routing freedom to an electronic setup without weighing it down. This compact box extends the possibilities of a compatible machine by adding eight physical outputs assignable as needed, fitting perfectly into a hybrid studio logic, between hardware machines, modular systems, external effects and computer production.
Its design emphasises flexibility: multitrack audio output, MIDI to CV conversion, audio interface extension and integration into a modern USB ecosystem. For musicians wanting to connect several worlds without multiplying converters, the Outbox 8 holds a particularly strategic place.
It supports USB MIDI class-compliant devices, units compatible with Overbridge and many USB audio class-compliant peripherals, with 48 kHz/32-bit D/A conversion.
Technical sheet: Elektron Outbox 8
| Type | 8-output audio/CV interface |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 8 audio/CV outputs on 6.35 mm jacks, impedance balanced and DC coupled · 1 USB-C data/power port (USB 2.0 High-Speed, USB Power Delivery compatible) |
| USB operation | Mode host and device, dual-role management for data and power · 1 status LED |
| Audio and conversion | D/A conversion at 48 kHz / 32 bits · 8-output USB audio interface function · compatible with computer, tablet and phone · routing of individual tracks or submixes |
| CV outputs | Range from −5 V to +5 V · GROUNDED, PITCH V/OCT, PITCH HZ/V, VALUE LIN, TRIG, GATE, CLOCK modes |
| MIDI to CV | MIDI to CV conversion via USB to play, sequence, modulate and synchronise modular systems and CV-compatible instruments |
| Compatibility | Overbridge USB MIDI class-compliant USB audio class-compliant |
| Power supply | 5 V / 0.5 A / minimum 2.5 W |
| Dimensions | 176 × 90 × 28 mm (including feet) · approx. 0.35 kg |
| Verdict | Strengths
To consider
|
An output hub designed for hybrid setups
The Outbox 8 doesn’t try to multiply secondary functions. It does one thing, and it does it well: expanding the output connectivity of an electronic setup. Eight physical outputs, each assignable depending on what you’re playing that night.
Each output is configured independently: pitch in V/oct, pitch in Hz/V, gate, trig, linear value, clock, or grounded mode. So you can mix, on the same unit, audio tracks destined for a console and control voltages for a modular rack.
This dual audio/CV purpose relies on USB connectivity designed for current setups: USB MIDI class-compliant devices, Overbridge-compatible units, and many USB audio class-compliant peripherals. A useful bridge between a MIDI-centred machine and a modular system that thinks in CV.
Operating in USB host and device mode, with dual role management for data and power, allows you to connect the Outbox 8 either behind an Elektron machine or directly to a computer, tablet or phone.
For which musicians and uses?
The Elektron Outbox 8 is aimed at electro, techno, ambient, experimental, synthwave or soundtrack producers who want to get more out of their machines and modular synths. It suits both the seasoned musician wanting to externalise their mix and the sound designer who needs to control several CV voltages from a single compact interface.
- In the studio, it makes sending individual tracks to compressors, delays, reverbs or consoles easier.
- Live, it allows you to separate stems, feed different sound systems or control a modular rack in parallel.
- On the go, it turns a computer, tablet or phone into a multichannel audio source ready to be routed to hardware.
Features and new aspects of the Outbox 8
The Outbox 8 isn’t a synthesizer, but a creative interface dedicated to signal flow. Its architecture is based on eight DC audio/CV outputs, capable of transmitting both audio and control voltages.
Audio and submix
On the audio side, it routes separate tracks or submixes to a mixing desk, external processors or a monitoring system. The D/A conversion runs at 48 kHz, 32 bits, with class-compliant operation that simplifies connection to most computers and tablets on the market.
MIDI to CV and modular
On the modulation side, the Outbox 8 becomes an effective gateway to integrate a modular system, or any CV-controllable device, into a USB MIDI-centred setup. You play, sequence and synchronise your modules directly from a USB MIDI controller or machine, with no extra conversion box needed.
USB connectivity and compatibility
The USB Type-C port handles both data and power, via USB Power Delivery. The Outbox 8 works as both host and device, opening practical scenarios: sending multiple channels from a DAW to external effects, a console or other machines, while generating CV where needed.
Before connecting the Outbox 8 to a modular system, check the output mode chosen for each channel (pitch, gate, trig or clock). This setting, output by output, determines whether you’re sending control signal or audio.
FAQ: Elektron Outbox 8
What is the Elektron Outbox 8 for?
The Outbox 8 expands an electronic setup with eight configurable audio/CV outputs. Depending on the chosen setting, each output sends audio, a control voltage (CV) or a clock, allowing you to mix a modular system and a console within the same unit.
Can the Outbox 8 be used as a standard audio interface?
Yes. Beyond its CV use, the Outbox 8 works as an 8-output USB audio interface, compatible with computers, tablets and phones, featuring 48 kHz / 32-bit D/A conversion.
Do you need an Elektron machine to use the Outbox 8?
No. The Outbox 8 accepts any USB MIDI class-compliant device, with optimised operation for units compatible with Overbridge. It fits just as well behind an Elektron machine as behind another USB MIDI controller.
What is the CV voltage range of the Outbox 8?
The CV output range is from −5 V to +5 V, with several signal types available per output: pitch V/oct, pitch Hz/V, linear value, trig, gate or clock.
How is the Outbox 8 powered?
Via its USB-C port, using USB Power Delivery, with a minimum requirement of 5 V / 0.5 A / 2.5 W. The same port handles both power and data, in host or device mode.
Elektron Outbox 8: a meaningful extension
The Elektron Outbox 8 doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it takes on a clear role: to provide more outputs, more flexibility and more CV to a setup that was lacking them. Compact, class-compliant, designed for both studio and stage, it finds its place whenever a modular system, a console or a computer come into play.
If your hybrid setup is starting to run out of outputs, or if you’re looking for a clean gateway between USB MIDI and CV, the Outbox 8 definitely deserves a look.
