Expert Sleepers Disting NT is the next generation of its best-selling multi-function module with more inputs/outputs and, finally, a big screen.
The Disting Mk4 and EX from the British manufacturer Expert Sleepers are the most popular modules in the Eurorack world. This is mainly due to their absurdly great versatility, flexibility, and endless ES updates.
Oscillators, filters, effects, CV processors, and much more. Disting can do almost everything in one module. A big downside of both modules is the operation and the much too small display. With the Disting EX, there was an attempt to improve it, and later, DIY people added an external display to it. With the new Disting NT, the series moves into the future.
Expert Sleepers Disting NT
Disting NT (22HP) is a new generation built on a new platform. According to Andrew Ostler of Expert Sleepers, he starts from scratch again in this new gen and will try to revise and improve all previous algorithms known from the first Disting modules and make them available again.
The eye-catcher of the new Disting NT is certainly the large display that many people wanted. Now, it is built into the module. Finally, this step is significant to see. Expert Sleepers promises that the operation is more streamlined and simplified.
For example, a disting EX algorithm that offered a polysynth, a chorus, and a delay now has three separate functions in the new NT version. These are sorted top-down in different slots. Plus, it introduces a new bus system, allowing you to create custom signal flows easily.
Like the previous modules, user feedback and requests will be again a big part of upcoming updates.
Alongside the new bigger display, it now hosts 12 DC-coupled inputs, 6 DC-coupled outputs, and two additional via breakout. It is compatible with the Select Bus and offers headers on the backside for various expanders: TRS/DIN/MIDI, ES-5, and i2C.
The interface also includes two infinite push encoders, three potentiometers, four tiny buttons, a microSD card slot, and a USB-C port.
Expert Sleepers Disting NT draws 211mA on the +12V rail and 96mA on the -12V rail.
The basic concept of the module remains the same. It is not a virtual modular Synthesizer in a module but a multi-function module based on algorithms. It can again generate audio/CV output and process audio and/or CV inputs. It also does this continuously and simultaneously.
Also, a neat new feature is the visualization of the CPU meter. It gives you real-time feedback on the amount of CPU each algorithm consumes.
First Impression
Finally, my longtime wish has come true: a Disting module with a solid display and good operation. It looks great at first glance and neat that all the algorithms from former modules will make a comeback.
Expert Sleepers Disting NT is available now for $679 (excl. tax), 699€ (VAT incl), and £599 (with VAT). The box also includes the Tiny MIDI Breakout (TMB) module.
More information here: Expert Sleepers
Available at my partner
Something missing from the product page (and also from manual), which makes it a potential game changer for me, is that in th3 algorithm there is USB audio in (12) and out (8). It’s limited at 48kHz for now, but that should change in the future. And you can use any of the “bus” as in/out included the internal ones.
It means if you don’t need a symmetric line or headphones out, it could replace an es-9, with a lot of added goodies. Compared to other Expert Sleepers modules, it also has a very shallow depth (25mm), and the interface seems intuitive for once!
I already have an ES-9, and I was eying a disting EX, but I’m considering parting with the ES-9 and getting this plus maybe some output module.