Modernizing the Legend: The Deft Audio USB CMI Lightpen Interface
For owners of the iconic Fairlight CMI Series I, II, and IIx, the original lightpen is both a badge of honor and a point of failure. These vintage optical pens are increasingly rare and prone to hardware fatigue. Enter Deft Audio, a boutique hardware creator dedicated to keeping vintage synths alive. Their USB CMI Lightpen interface is a specialized adapter that allows you to replace (or augment) the finicky original lightpen with a standard modern USB mouse.
Overview
The Deft Audio USB CMI Lightpen interface acts as a bridge between modern HID (Human Interface Device) technology and the proprietary video/timing hardware of the Fairlight CMI. Unlike the broader “USB2CMI” keyboard adapters, this specific device is hyper-focused on lightpen emulation. It intercepts the CMI’s video signal and injects the necessary timing pulses to make the mainframe “think” a lightpen is touching the screen, all while you simply move a mouse on your desk.
It is a “must-have” for Fairlight users who want to draw waveforms on Page 4 or Page 5 without the jitter and inaccuracy of 40-year-old optical sensors.
Key Features
- Plug-and-Play Mouse Support: Use any standard class-compliant USB mouse (optical or laser) to control the CMI cursor.
- Dual Operation Mode: Can be used in conjunction with an original lightpen. When the mouse is moved, the virtual cursor appears; when the physical lightpen touches the screen, the mouse cursor yields priority.
- Video Pass-Through: Includes high-quality video buffering to ensure your CMI’s monochrome display remains sharp and artifact-free.
- Compact Form Factor: Designed to sit discreetly between the VDU (monitor) and the CMI mainframe using standard 5-pin XLR connectors.
- Visual Status LEDs: Integrated LEDs indicate video signal sync and USB device connectivity for easy troubleshooting.
- No Software Required: The emulation happens at the hardware level, meaning no changes to the Fairlight’s OS or software are needed.
Pricing
The product is typically sold through the Deft Audio store and Reverb. Prices may fluctuate based on component availability and batch runs.
| Currency | Estimated Price* |
| USD | $285.00 |
| EURO | €265.00 |
| GBP | £225.00 |
| AUD | $440.00 |
*Prices are estimates based on current exchange rates and typical retail listings; excluding shipping and import taxes.
Product Summary Table
| Specification | Details |
| Compatibility | Fairlight CMI Series I, II, IIx |
| Input | USB Type-A (for Mouse) |
| Video Connection | 5-pin XLR (In/Out) |
| Power Source | External 5V DC or internal (depending on version) |
| Emulation Type | Optical Lightpen Signal Generation |
| Build Quality | Assembled PCB with robust enclosure |
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