PatchPierre Wishes you Happy Holidays!

From the bottom of my heart, i would like to wish all frequent and/or accidental readers of PatchPierre.Net very Happy Holidays!

Thank you for all your support throughout the last year.

I will take a break until the 1st of January 2013, and hope to return with my regular 1-post-every-3-days schedule.

Is Christmas the season of sharing for you?

Feel free to donate any amount to PatchPierre by clicking HERE

and/or visit http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/p/patchpierre-donors.html for info.

Thank you very much in advance!

Doepfer's Christmas wishes from their website

Doepfer A-167 Comparator Tutorials by Raul Pena

Time for a new Raul Pena tutorial video series.

This time all about the A-167 Analog Comparator module.

Here are the first 3 episodes... i will add new ones every Thursday.

Video 1: Doepfer A-167 Basics

" Description of the Basic Features of the Doepfer A167 Comparator. Sound and Audio by Raul Pena. Sound Demonstration begins in next segment."

Video 2: Doepfer A-167 Offset and Outputs Part One

" A closer look at the output and offset options on the Doepfer A-167 Comparator. Part One of two. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A-167 Offset and Outputs Part Two

" A closer look at the output and offset options on the Doepfer A167 Comparator. This is Part Two of Two. Includes Oscillocope views of waveforms using the Dave Jones Design O'Tool. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A-167 Offset and Free ADSR Part One

" A continued exploration of the Doepfer A167 Comparator. Includes sound examples of Offset and Oscilloscope views. Free Running ADSR example found in next video."

Video 5: Doepfer A-167 Offset and Free ADSR Part Two.

"Part Two of the Doepfer A167 Offset and Free ADSR segment. A continued exploration of the Doepfer A167 Comparator. Includes sound examples of Offset and Oscilloscope views. Free Running ADSR example found in next video. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Check out Raul's latest survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3Z9PVF

Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web

raulsworldofsynths on YouTube

raulsworldofsynths on Vimeo

raulsworldofsynths on SoundCloud

raulsworldofsynths at iTunes

raulsworldofsynths at CDBABY

Doepfer A-197-2 / Velleman VPS10 Oscilloscope Kit

In the early days of the A-100, Doepfer also sold the A-197-2 LCD Oscilloscope Front Panel Kit.

This kit is no longer available, and was not a module manufactured by Doepfer but only a 34HP wide front panel kit to mount the one-channel Velleman Panelscope VPS10 LCD Oscilloscope into an A-100 frame.

The kit consisted of the plain front panel (punched for VPS10, without printing), an A-180 Multiples PC board (mounted crosswise below the scope) and all wires necessary to connect the VPS10 to the A-100 bus (power supply) and the A-180 board (signal input). 

A-197-2 Kit with Velleman VPS10 Oscilloscope
installed plus manual and mounting screws

The connecting lines between the sockets were made with black, waterproof felt pen. 

A little bit of mechanical skills and soldering was necessary to put this all together. 

Three wires had to be soldered to the VPS10 (GND, +12V, signal). 

One hole had to be drilled into the plastic case of the VPS10 for the passage of the wires, and the VPS10 had to be mounted to the front panel with 4 screws and nuts. 

A detailed mounting and soldering description was added to the panel kit. 

A-197-2 Kit with Velleman VPS10
Oscilloscope installed

No special measuring cable (BNC - 3.5 mm jack) was necessary as the four right sockets were internally connected to the VPS BNC input (the BNC input was connected to the right four sockets of the A-180 board) . 

The four left sockets built a second multiple without connection to the VPS10 (same as A-180).

It was also possible to run the VPS10 with an external power supply to save the "high quality" current/voltage of the A-100 bus. 

The VPS10 did not require an exactly adjusted and highly stabilized supply voltage.

Back-side of the A-197-2 Kit with Velleman VPS10
Oscilloscope installed

So... Why did Doepfer offer only the front panel kit ?
Doepfer mentioned on their website: " We do not get a better price for the VPS10 than a normal end user but have to take on the warranty and to calculate the dealers rebate into the final price.
I.e. we have to add at least the dealers rebate and the handling charges to the VPS10 price to obtain a zero profit !
This would extremely increase the price of the module and we think that this is not in the sense of the customers."

You can find the full description and support files for the Vellemann VPS10 HERE
The assembly and wiring manual is available for download from the Doepfer website: A197_2_man.pdf

The price of the A-197-2 was 40 Euro (only for the front panel kit, the VPS10 had to be ordered seperately by the customer e.g. from an electronic shop for almost 200 Euros)

Remark: We are not responsible for the features of the VPS10. 

Mounting/wiring the VPS10 may affect the warranty. 

Pictures via MATRIXSYNTH

RMS No.2 - A Simple Self Generating Patch

I'm usually not a big fan of self generating patches, but here's a nice one.
Plain and simple, slightly dark...

Uploaded by Simon Pott, who says he is new to the world of the modular synthesizer, opened a Vimeo channel yesterday and already uploaded two fine modular videos.
(subscribe at http://vimeo.com/randommodularsnippets)

RMS No.2 - A Simple Self Generating Patch from Random Modular Snippets on Vimeo.
" Featuring:- Doepfer A-110, A-114, A-124, A-143-1, A-143-4 a few utility modules and a Strymon El-Capistan."

Follow Simon Pott on Twitter @SpoiltVictorian

A-171-2 Voltage Controlled Slew Limiter II Announced

Great news again this morning from the Doepfer Yahoo Usergroup.

The A-171-2 Voltage Controlled Slew Limiter II will be Doepfer's next new module with a lot of additional features beyond a simple slew limiter.

A-171-2 Prototype

It's mostly a licensed copy of Ken Stones VCS which is in turn based on the Serge VCS. (from the POLL earlier, remember?)
Dieter announced that negotiations with Serge and Ken Stone are nearly finished, and that they decided to publish the preliminary info page about the planned module on their website: www.doepfer.de/a1712.htm

The main features:
- Manual control of the Slew-Up time
- CV control of the Slew-Up time with polarizer
- Switch for linear/exponential shape of the rising section of the response curve
- Manual control of the Slew-Down time
- CV control of the Slew-Down time with polarizer
- Switch for linear/exponential shape of the falling section of the response curve
- CV Up and CV Down sockets are normalled
- Signal input (the "to-be-slewed" signal)
- Trigger input
- V/Oct input
- End output
- Cyle on/off (when "on" the End output is internally connected to the Trigger Input)
- Output
- LED display

Doepfer also mentioned that they will add some features so that 3-position switches can be used (e.g. log/lin/exp instead of log/lin only and two different cycle modes), but these decisions depend upon the results with the first prototype which he expects in January 2013.

Modular Wild Presents...

Besides his excellent video tutorials and his recent 12 days of modular series, Raul Pena also seems to have time for other analog-video-projects.

He just began a new show called Modular Wild. 

He already released 6 videos there, but one segment that may interest most readers of this blog is probably the one with Doepfer Modules. 

Its a live narrated patching example with about 12U Doepfer modules only.

Video: Modular Wild Presents...Patch it-Frequency Modulation

" Patch It. A segment with a medium to large format modular system, with minimal planning to create a complex patch. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. © 2012 Raul Pena"

Check out all 6 videos (and subscribe) at http://www.youtube.com/modularwild

Twelve Days of Modular 2012 by Raul Pena

Just like last year, Raul Pena is also treating us this year with a new "12 days of Modular" series.
A nice extra series of 12 different short scenes from the Modular World of Raul's World of Synths.

12 Days of Modular 2012 - Day 1 - Ring Modulation

" Day 1: A look at Ring Modulation. Video series of 12 different scenes from the Modular World of Raul's World of Synths. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. © Raul Pena 2012"

12 Days of Modular 2012 - Day 2 - Sample and Hold
" Day 2: A look at Sample and Hold.Video series of 12 different scenes from the Modular World of Raul's World of Synths. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. © Raul Pena 2012"

12 days of Modular 2012 - Day 3 - Track and Hold

" Day 3: A look at Track and Hold.Video series of 12 different scenes from the Modular World of Raul's World of Synths. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. © Raul Pena 2012"

Random Video: Random Melody #121227

I found this one on a new YouTube channel today,
a nice random sequence on a large eurorack synthesizer with mainly Doepfer modules.
Very cool...
The channel promises "Electronic Synthetic Music, Bleeps & Noise.", and i'm already looking forward to more videos.

Video: Random Melody #121227

" Late night random melody patch."

Uploaded by AsteroidKillerMusic

A-136 Pre-amp Modification

I discovered another nice light-weight DIY-project on the Doepfer DIY-page.

Locating the R2 resistor

It seems that the A-136 Distortion/Waveshaper module contains an internal pre-amplifier that is used to amplify the input signal by about 3.5 before it is processed by the A-136.
Especially for low level audio signals (e.g. output from a VCF) this is useful.

But for all signals with a level beyond ~ 7V this causes clipping before the internal processing takes place. 

Especially for the processing of LFOs or unfiltered VCOs this may cause a problem.

The wiring, additional pictures
on the PatchPierre Facebook page

To totally bypass the internal pre-amplifier, resistor R2 can be removed (e.g. by pinching off).

R2 is the resistor in the upper third of the pcb which is very close to the rear edge.
When R2 is removed the amplification of the internal pre-amplifier becomes "1" (which means that it does no longer amplify).

Finished modified A-136 

Because i love to keep myself busy (I'm slightly ADD-ish), i decided to add a switch to the module, so i can switch between pre-amplifier on and off modes.
It looked like an easy project, so... what could go wrong? ;-)

Besides the front-panel it was a pretty easy job;
I desoldered one side of the R2 resistor, bent it over towards the switch, and wired it with black wire.
After that i soldered another wire (red) from the switch to the hole where R2 used to be. Easy as that.

Now i can manually switch the internal amplifier on and off when required.
The clipping did annoy me at times and now i prevent that and try the un-amplified signal with alternate settings*.
it's not a groundbreaking project, but a nice extra.

* In addition one has to pay attention that the knob positions may vary a bit from the front panel printing because of mechanical tolerances of the potentiometers and knobs (i.e. "0" is not always exactly the neutral position for "A", "+A" or "-A")

The modifications described on this site will most likely void any warranty and, if not done carefully, can damage the circuit board, IC chips, and faceplates.
PatchPierre can not be held responsible for any damage.

How NOT to Modify

The rail is still visible through the
new hole i drilled

Okay... sometimes you have to learn the hard way.

I made a slight mistake while drilling a new hole in a front panel for my latest DIY-project.
(blogpost will follow soon)

Although i knew there was not a lot space where i had to drill, i did not calculate that the rail would still be visible.

Hardly visible, but i had to scrape almost
one mm. off the module's PCB

I am glad that i didn't have to put a mini jack connector but only a switch there, but that didn't even fit here.
Okay, maybe I should have drilled a smaller hole in the first place.

My bad... but still very annoying.
On the other side of the hole there's the module's PCB, so i couldn't put the switch higher without also modifying the PCB board.

Luckily i could solve the problem with an extra large ring.
It has not trned out to be my most successful modification.
More info on what i was working on will follow later this week.

Finished switch, with extra large ring

Sadly i also damaged the front-panel a little bit (bottom left and under the D from Doepfer)

I should be more careful next time, and take a little bit more time for my modifications... 

Make a plan first... and work step-by-step.

That would spare me a lot of trouble.

New Doepfer Announcements

Doepfer released preliminary information about two new modules.

The A-190-8 is a MIDI/USB to Sync interface.
Basically this module divides the incoming MIDI or USB clock messages into smaller steps.
You could see it as a modular version of the MSY2 MIDI-to-SYNC Converter that was announced in December last year, but with multiple simultaneous outputs and added USB support.
Funny that i already posted my idea for a module like this in late 2010 (Read that blogpost HERE)

A-190-8 Prototype 1

The main application of the module is the control of clocked A-100 modules like sequencers, sequencer controllers, trigger divider, trigger sequencer and similar units, but also to trigger/reset LFO's, envelope generators and more.

The A-190-8 will have 10 available outputs which are not yet fixed. 

Preliminary info can be found HERE, and if the users think other combinations of clocks or start/stop/reset outputs would be better, Doepfer can change that because the outputs are generated by the firmware of the processor.

Read some of the user suggestions at the Doepfer Yahoo Usergroup.

Doepfer left out the usual DIN SYNC socket because to create that you only need clock and start/stop on two pins of the DIN socket. 

If there are sufficient inquiries Doepfer may offer a special cable with two 3.5 jack plugs on one side and a DIN plug on the other. 

(For example to synchronize a TB-303)

A-180 Multiples and
a 2 HP blindplate,
the size of
the new A-180-2

For early in 2013 also a slim version of the A-180 Multiples module is planned.

This will be called A-180-2 and will be half the size of a regular A-180.

Because of the only 2 HP width nuts cannot be used to mount the pc board by means of the socket nuts at the front panel. 

Instead of that the PC board is mounted by screws and spacers at the front panel.(pic)

Personally i don't think i want one of those in my system because of how a nut-less module looks, but i can imagine there are people who applaud space-saving modules like this.

There were also a few other announcements/updates:
In December the A-192-2 (Dual CV/Gate-to-USB/Midi interface) will be available and even the hardware of the Polyphonic CV/Gate interface A-190-5 is ready.
"Christian (Assall) is about to program the firmware. But it takes longer than expected  and so the A-190-5 will be available early in 2013."

Special thanks to Bakis Sirros in the Doepfer Usergroup for sharing parts of this info.
Bakis can be found via multiple ways, support him and his band(s) to help the Greece economy a bit:

www.parallel-worlds-music.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Parallel-Worlds/192093934136476
www.myspace.com/interconnectedmusic
www.myspace.com/memorygeist
www.DiN.org.uk
www.vu-us.com

Doepfer A-106-1 Xtreme Filter Tutorials by Raul Pena

Raul Pena is back with a new video tutorial series, this time all about the A-106-1 Xtreme Filter.

Here are the first two, of four... 

Video 1: Doepfer A106-1 Xtreme Filter Basics

" A brief description of the features and functions of the Doepfer A106-1 Xtreme filter.
This filter is similar to the filter in the Korg MS20 but has its own unique character. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Doepfer A1061 Xtreme Lowpass/Highpass Filter Audio Demonstration

"A look at an audio demonstration of the basic features of the Doepfer A106-1 Xtreme Lowpass/Highpass Filter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A106-1 Xtreme Lowpass/Highpass Filter Modulation and Resonance Part One

" Audio Demonstration of Modulation and using the resonance insert of the Doepfer A106-1 Xtreme Lowpass/Highpass Filter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4:
Doepfer A106 Xtreme Lowpass/Highpass Filter Modulation and Resonance Part Two

" Part Two of an Audio Demonstration of Modulation and using the resonance insert of the Doepfer A106-1 Xtreme Lowpass/Highpass Filter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Check out Raul's latest survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3Z9PVF
Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web
raulsworldofsynths on YouTube
raulsworldofsynths on Vimeo
raulsworldofsynths on SoundCloud
raulsworldofsynths at iTunes
raulsworldofsynths at CDBABY

Doepfer Usergroup Poll: Voltage Controlled Slope Module

Recently Dieter Doepfer ordered a new poll in the Doepfer A-100 Usergroup.
It looks like he is seriously considering a 'Serge Voltage Controlled Slope' -inspired A-100 module.
If there is enough positive feedback it will be manufactured with the license of the copyright owners of the Serge module ( and it may also have the additions that Ken stone has designed).
Because of the license fee, the module's price will be a bit higher than standard A-100 modules.

Bananalogue Serge VCS PCB

In the early 1970s, Serge Tcherepnin developed the Positive Slew and Negative Slew modules for the original Serge synthesizer.
In time these merged into the classic Dual Universal Slope Generator.(Vimeo link with video)

For example;
The Serge VCS module, (re-)released in conjunction with bananalogue.com was/is an extremely versatile control voltage generator and audio source.
The Bananalogue VCS and CGS75 are both an adaptation of Serge's original circuit with a few new features.
At first glance it seems to be a VC slew limiter but after a closer look you can discover a very versatile module which can be used as a VC-LFO, VCO, AR-envelope, VCF, envelope follower, waveshaper, subharmonic and a trigger delay.

That's nine functions in one module!
It is not sure which functions the Doepfer module will have, but i guess they will try to get the most out of it.

So, the question in the Usergroup is:
" Would you buy a Doepfer A100 'Serge Voltage Controlled Slope' inspired module? "

The poll will remain open for one month, until 19th of December.
Voting is possible at http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Doepfer_a100/surveys?id=13160415 (for Usergroup members)

Find more info at:
http://web.archive.org/web/20080224013413/www.bananalogue.com/vcs.html
For those interested in the theory of operation, I recommend Tim Stinchcombe's page on this subject.

Doepfer MCV-24 Battery Replacement

Zoë Blade's partner Nina Richards has made an interesting short video demonstrating how to replace the Doepfer MCV-24's internal battery.

Video: Doepfer MCV-24 battery replacement

" Nina's short guide to replacing the internal battery of a Doepfer MCV-24"

Uploaded by Zoë Blade

The following Doepfer devices are (or have been) equipped with a rechargeable battery like this for memory backup:
2.4V rechargeable battery: LMK3/LMK3+
3.6V rechargeable battery, grid 10 x 20 mm.: used in d3c, MCV24, A-112 VC Sampler /Wavetable Oscillator, Schaltwerk and Regelwerk.

Find more info on Doepfer batteries at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/2011/09/quick-tip-vii-battery-check.html

Eurorack String and Bow Interface by Peter Speer

As most of you know i have a special interest in alternative controllers and modules.
Earlier this year i posted the Guitar-module for example (can be found HERE)
Although there is not very much innovation in the Eurorack space lately, there are still enough DIY-ers with interesting ideas.

Check out Peter Speer's eurorack String and Bow interface for example.
It consists of a hollow laser cut MDF enclosure, with a guitar string pulled across two zither pins and a contact mic underneath (connected to the front jack).

The bow is homemade (2x4 + horsehair).

The video shows a nice demonstration.

" Pressure Points and the Wogglebug's Stepped Out (triggered by the Pressure Points) are controlling the frequency on the DPO, as well as the pitch shift on the Echophon.

The envelope out from an A-119 is opening the low pass gate on the output and controlling the modulation index on the DPO."

Video: Euro bow interface prototype

Check out Peter's 'Leisure Cove' blog at http://theshamblers.blogspot.com
And subscribe to his videos via Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/53649008

Avoiding Hum From Power Supplies

If you are buying a second-hand rack, or if you already have a Doepfer modular rack with a cheap alternative (non-Doepfer) power supply you should be aware of how to avoid the (minor) transformer hum that cheap PSUs generate.

In the area near those power supplies (bottom right) no modules should be assembled that are sensitive to transformer hum.
Doepfer recommends to assemble only control voltage modules in this area (e.g. LFO, ADSR, trigger delay, clock divider/sequencer, sequencer, slew limiter, MIDI interfaces and so on)
,but no audio modules (VCO, VCF, VCA, VCP, frequency shifter, ring modulator, spring reverb and so on)
Also don't put the A-178 Theremin modules near the power supply.

Doepfer Power Supply I ( PSU I )

This matters for some of the cheap alternative non-Doepfer power supplies, and for the old Doepfer versions with PSU I 
For new A-100G3/G6 cases (with original PSU II) this does not apply. 

Find out how to distinguish the old transformer (PSU I) from the new version (PSU II) at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/2012/07/doepfer-power-supplies.html

More info at http://www.doepfer.de/a100p_e.htm#A100P6

A-143-9 Demo by Hawklord2112

Video: A-143-9 Demo

" Simple runthrough of the Doepfer A143-9 VCQLFO"

Uploaded by hawklord2112
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hawklord2112

Doepfer A-117 Digital Noise/808 Source Tutorials by Raul Pena

Yay!
Raul Pena is back with a brand new series, this time all about the Doepfer A-117 Digital Noise/808 Source.

Here is part one, the rest will be added here when they are published (every thursday).

Video 1: Doepfer A117 DNG Basics and Percussion
" Brief Description and Demonstration of the Doepfer A117 Digital Noise, Random Clock and 808 source. Demonstrations of how to create percussion sounds with this module.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Doepfer A117 Playable Noise and Special FX

" Demonstration of "playable" noise using the Doepfer A-117 DNG. There is also a short demonstration of a Special Effect from the manual for the A-117. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Check out Raul's latest survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3Z9PVF
Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web
raulsworldofsynths on YouTube
raulsworldofsynths on Vimeo
raulsworldofsynths on SoundCloud
raulsworldofsynths at iTunes
raulsworldofsynths at CDBABY

250th PatchPierre Post

Whooohooo...
Okay, it might seem a bit unnecessary to write a celebratory blogpost every 50th post, but it does feel like another milestone again.

I am happy to say the blog is still going strong after a relatively bad year for me personally, and glad that working on new blog-posts kept/keeps me distracted from all the negativity surrounding that.
Thank you so much again for all the support and the positive feedback.

I would like to share a few PatchPierre numbers with you about the PatchPierre universe:

- PatchPierre blog will reach the 75.000 pageviews this month, in a little over 2½ year.
- an average of around 5.000 pageviews per month lately, and this number is still climbing.
- Almost 1.100 people follow PatchPierre on Twitter

- Patchpierre.Net welcomed visitors from 126 countries


Top 10 countries  /  Pageviews

United States               17483

Netherlands                 10184

Germany                      6566

United Kingdom            5961

Russia                          4338

France                          2634

Italy                             1604

Canada                          806

Slovenia                         796

Ukraine                          522

Top 10 most visited posts                                               Date published

150th PatchPierre Post                                                     Dec 11, 2011

DIY Modular Case Ideas                                                     Jan 1, 2012

100th PatchPierre Post                                                    May 22, 2011

Vactrol Basics                                                                  Feb 21, 2011

Dark Energy II Announced                                                 Feb 7, 2012

MusikMesse 2012 Dark Energy II and A-157 News and ... Mar 24, 2012

50th PatchPierre Post                                                        Dec 7, 2010

Florian Schneider - Electronic Poem                                 Feb 19, 2012

200th PatchPierre Post                                                     May 6, 2012

CEM chips in Doepfer Modules                                        Feb 28, 2012

- Also more than 10.000 people downloaded and installed my free PatchPierre Mobile - Nokia app
  (more info at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/Apps)
- Almost 15.000 views of my YouTube videos at http://www.youtube.com/netpierretv (subscribe!)

- I could use more likes on my Facebook page
- and donations (big or small) are still welcome via PayPal

  (info at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/p/patchpierre-donors.html)

Donations will keep PatchPierre ad-free

Finding new topics is getting harder as i have already reviewed most of the Doepfer modules i own, but i hope i can keep the blog interesting enough in the future with a wider range of eurorack related posts.

If you have any suggestions / questions etc... feel free to contact me.

Thanks again for the support, regular posting returns this thursday with the start of a completely new Doepfer tutorial video series by Raul Pena!

Glow In The Dark Patch Cables

A nice way to pimp your eurorack;
Glow-in-the-dark patch cables by Expert Sleepers, the people who brought you Silent Way and more...

Video: Glow-in-the-dark patch cables

Available in 300mm, 500mm and 800mm lengths.
Order at http://expert-sleepers.co.uk/accessories.html

via @expertsleepers

Quick Tip X : The Warm Up

Good performances need a good preparation and a warm-up.
That does not only count for sports-prestations, but also for your (eurorack modular) analog synthesizer.

2 Doepfer VCOs that could use a good warm up

If you are looking for getting the best out of your Doepfer A-100, understand that you need to give your system at least 20 to 30 minutes to warm up.
If you don't give it that amount of time, the tuning can/will probably be (slightly) off.

To be clear, it's not a question of the "A-100" warming up, but of the modules installed.
In some cases, the warm-up period of a module is mentioned in the manual or on the web-page of the module in question.

Especially VCOs like A-110, A-111-1, A-111-5, A-143-4 need a warming-up to become stable and reliable.
If no warm-up period is mentioned the VCO is stable very soon (like the CEM3340-based A-111-1).

The PSU type (Doepfer power supply I or II) has no influence.

Random Video: Kids on the Eurorack Modular

An 'oldie'... uploaded by machinate before i started my blog.

A combination of Eurorack (i see a lot of Doepfer) and kids.
Simply adorable...

Video: My kids on the EuroRack modular


Uploaded 27 aug 2009 by machinate

Synovatron CVGT1 Eurorack-to-Buchla Converter

If you want to control a Buchla modular synthesizer with your Eurorack (or your Eurorack with a Buchla!) you should know that Buchla uses a different Volts-per-octave ratio as the Eurorack synthesizers, that work on a standard 1 Volts/Oct.
Buchla's pitch CV scaling conforms to neither the common 1V-per-octave or Volt-per-Hz (Roland) standards.

Buchlas generally conform to 1.2V/Octave (100mV/semitone) but older systems have 2V/octave scaling e.g. 258.

The other voltages lie in standard regions. 

Control voltages and timing pulses of the Buchla are +5V (signals with sustain) and +10V (transients only), and should be compatible with most other manufacturers' devices.
Besides that, Eurorack uses 3.5mm mini jack sockets and Buchla uses 4mm banana sockets.

Synovatron's latest module is a Eurorack format Eurorack/Buchla translator called CVGT1.
It was launched a few months ago at the Brighton Modular Meet at the University of Sussex just outside Brighton UK.

The 8 HP wide module allows Eurorack and Buchla synths to interact with each other, as the name suggest it provides a CV and a Gate/Trigger interface.

The module is an active module; The CV amplifiers use precision 0.1% resistors to set the scaling plus very fine adjustment by trim pots to achieve even better accuracy.
Trim pots (on the board) can be adjusted for trigger widths between 0.5ms and 5ms.

Not only does it provide the correct format connectors (and adheres to the Buchla color code) but it also deals with the CV scaling and offsetting and the gate/trigger and timing pulse conversion required to allow control in both directions.
CVGT1 can also be used to adapt to other banana connector synths e.g. Serge or Bugbrand which have 1V/octave using the "1" scale position.

More info at http://synovatron.blogspot.com

Watch the CVGT1 in action below (although it is hardly visible in the video, but i do like the soundscapes):

Video: Mutipatch 1 by Eldancer (Buchla and Eurorack)

mutipatch 1 from Eldancer on Vimeo.

Tony (from Synovatron) mailed me today that he can't make them fast enough, and that he's just over half way through my pre-order waiting list.
He underestimated the demand, initially he only bought enough components, pcbs and front panels for 20 modules (big mistake).
He will be building another ten or so but have negotiated with a local company to build the rest for him.

RIP Joop Stokkermans

The Magic Of The ARP-Synthesizer (1970)
Orchestra conducted by Bert Paige.

Last week on the 25th of October, Dutch composer, piano player and (ARP) synth-pioneer Joop Stokkermans died at the age of 75

Stokkermans was an extremely important contributor to Dutch TV music, radio music and commercials from the early 60s into the late 90s.
Although he is mainly known as a pianist, but he also had a great interest for synthesizers since they first appeared.

In 1970 he recorded a full album on the only working ARP available in Europe at the time, together with help from technician Roddy de Hillster who programmed most of the sounds.

The album contains re-arrangements of standards from classical Bach (Air) and Tchaikovsky (The Swan) compositions, re-arrangement from Bacherach, Paige and Becaud and some compositions of his own.
Together with a full orchestra conducted by Bert Paige this turned out to be a very interesting and maybe even groundbreaking album in Dutch synthesizer-music.

Video: Joop Stokkermans - Blij zijn zolang het nog kan (B.Paige)

Wikipedia in Dutch: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joop_Stokkermans
Fragments of tracks at Fonos
http://www.fonos.nl/winkel/product/joop-stokkermans-magic-arp-synthesizer

Random Video: Doepfer A-118

" Listen what a 118 Noise Module sounds like !"

Video: Doepfer A-118


Uploaded by fifteenarts

Doepfer and Vostok Live Modular Music Part 1 and 2

A pair of fresh random videos from YouTube again.
I picked these 2 today, sadly without live-video, but with great soundtracks.
Composed with Doepfer and Vostok modular systems... and much more*.
Watch the slideshows.

Video 1: Doepfer and Vostok Live Modular Music Part 1

Video 2: Doepfer and Vostok Live Modular Music Part 2

* After posting these videos, the creator of these tracks (Marvin Wilson) mailed we with some extra info:

" I made the two tracks using just the modular stuff, recorded live as i always do.

On part one the dark energy's produce the drum sounds... sounds a little like the old roland TR77 or 55... while the a100 did the bass and top line, the vostok also producing the mid sounds plus the ems style fx...

Part two the vostok does some processing of voices from tape while the dark energy's do the high resonating sounds and finally the a100 the squelchy bass, both make heavy use of the analog sequencers run in tandem. 

Thought i would put two contrasting tracks up,anyway glad you like the music, all the best, Marvin"

Uploaded by TAPEHEADS2600
http://www.alextronicrecords.co.uk/artist-pages/marvin-wilson.htm

Doepfer MS-404

In December 1994, Doepfer released the Doepfer MS-404
The MS-404 is a MIDI analog synthesizer with a 24db resonant filter that Dieter Doepfer intentionally created for his own personal pleasure earlier that year.

MS-404 close-up - Picture via Matrixsynth

In the summer of 1994 he created a monophonic analog synthesizer in a 19-inch rackformat / 1 unit high.
Although his module could do so much more than reproducing the sound of a TB-303, most consumers looked at it as an extended clone of the classic Roland TB-303 bassline.

Its two LFOs (that can modulate the single VCO) add a lot extra to the original 303 functionality.
Other extra features include a full ADSR envelope generator, noise, FM and PWM capabilities, an external filter input, CV/GATE interfaces, MIDI implementation and a glide effect.
The MS-404 can be played via MIDI but all parameters are controlled manually only.
The slide and accent effects from the TB-303 are possible on the MS-404 via glide control and it uses MIDI velocity for accent.

MS-404 Picture via Matrixsynth

The price was around 300 Euros (598 DM) and the module was released in a time when the demand for 303-clones was huge and many different manufacturers were building those; Future Retro 777, Syntecno TeeBee, Control Synthesis Deep Bass 9, and MAM MB33 were  few competitors, to only name a few. (A large list of 303-clones can be found on Wikipedia)

In the beginning Doepfer only planned to launch 50 to 100 modules, but they received almost 500 orders in the first two months in 1995.
At the end of 1997 Doepfer had sold more than 3000 MS-404 units.
The last MS-404 was sold in March 2001, as the amount of inquiries was falling (from 100 items per month to hardly 10 items per month at the end of 2000).

The few differences between the 2 regular versions of this module are minor.
There were always rumors that the different versions of the MS-404 sound different, but there were never any changes in the MS-404 hardware.
Version 1 can not use MIDI sustain, but this doesn't have any effect on the sound.

The rare green version of the MS-404
(Picture via Marc C Young)

In 1997 approximately 100 limited edition synths (with a green faceplate and a printing 'Music Store') were sold as a 25th anniversary special for Music Store of Cologne, Germany.

Doepfer still offers technical support for the unit and the manual is still available online.

Video: Doepfer MS-404

" Smooth synthpop demo made with the Doepfer MS-404.
This is really a little 1 VCO beast. Multitrack + external FX. "
Uploaded by SyntheticMachines

More:
http://www.doepfer.de/ms404_e.htm
http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/ms404.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-404

New BNC Connectors For A-178 Theremin Antenna

It's good to see that Doepfer also keeps improving the older modules.
I already complained in July 2011 about the lousy connector of the A-178 Theremin antennas
(read the post HERE), and look now what they recently announced:

" From August 2012 an improved version for the antenna connector is used.

A so-called BNC connector is used to connect the antenna to the module (same type of connector as used in measuring equipment like oscilloscopes)."

The old A-78 antenna with mini-
jack connector

The new version of the module is so brand new that it still has to be sent to Doepfer's photographer for taking pictures.
The new model seems to have a completely different front panel and pc board.

If you are experienced with DIY you may replace the 3.5 mm socket by a BNC socket yourself and increase the diameter for the new connector in the front panel, but you can also place it parallel to the original antenna socket at the same height, but more to the right where there is more space behind the front-panel (at the other side of the PCB).

Doepfer wrote to me:
" We never tried it but it should be possible to remove the old miniature jack socket and widen the hole asymmetrically (i.e. not drilling it but using a rasp) so that the BNC socket can be mounted and manually wired to the pc board.
But I cannot guarantee that it works as I have no old A-178 available to try it out.
But you may also connect the BNC socket in parallel to the miniature jack socket.
Pay attention that an isolated version of the BNC socket is required
(no electrical connection to GND/front panel is allowed) ! "

The connectors are not available via Doepfer, but i did already place an order today for 2 new antennas (for 20 Euros each).
You can probably read more about this project next month...

SiteTip: Waveform City

Another interesting site that i only recently discovered is WaveForm City.

Waveform City produces and publishes interviews with synth-manufacturers and influential people in the field of analog synthesizers.
Pretty interesting stuff... so far they published 14 episodes since the beginning of this year.
They have already posted interviews with Harvestman, WMD, Make Noise, Mark Verbos, Richard Devine, Tom Erbe and many others, i hope they will interview Dieter soon...

You can find all interviews at: http://waveformcity.blogspot.com



You can also follow Waveform City on SoundCloud via
https://soundcloud.com/blz

Doepfer A-154 Sequencer Controller Videos by Raul Pena

After Raul Pena's A-155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer videos from last month,
the only logic follow-up to that series had to be about this next module.

The A-154 is an expansion module for the A-155 that offers a lot of extra features that are not available in the basic control unit of the A-155.
Up to 2 A-155 modules can be controlled by this module.

Video 1: Doepfer A155/A154 Analog/Trigger Sequencer and Sequencer Controller Basics

" Sound and Description by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Doepfer A155/A154 Analog Trigger Sequencer Demonstration

" Sound and Description by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A155 and 154 Sequential Controller Modulation Part One

" Video Demonstrates Basic Modulation of Doepfer A154 sequential controller when used with the Doepfer A155. Sound and Description by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A155 and 154 Sequential Controller Modulation Part Two

" Part Two of a demonstration of Modulation of the Doepfer A154 Sequential Controller when used with the Doepfer A155. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Check out Raul's latest survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3Z9PVF
Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web
raulsworldofsynths on YouTube
raulsworldofsynths on Vimeo
raulsworldofsynths on SoundCloud
raulsworldofsynths at iTunes
raulsworldofsynths at CDBABY

YouTube Tip: MrWogie's Channel

Okay... i was kind of excited when i accidentally landed on THIS obscure YouTube channel, and to be honest... i still am (a bit).

Screenshot of MrWogie's setup

There is not a lot of info accompanying the videos, but YouTuber MrWogie (Wolfgang Giesecke) uploads a lot of analog/modular studies, soundscapes, drones, very cool modular synth improvisations and other interesting analog compositions.
A bit weird for some perhaps, but sonic p*rn for some.

All uploads are mainly audio, but a lot of his videos have a slow slideshow showing some pictures of (assumably) his setup.
His latest videos seem to involve a very nice system (A-100, Dark Energy, Yamaha EMP100 effects, and several PC's running virtual synths).
It sounds like MrWogie is a classically trained musician, you will also find orchestral music in his YouTube stream.

The weirdest thing in my opinion is that these videos hardly have been viewed or played.
I'm sure you'll like them if you're an analog music fan like me.
Here's a preview...one of the least weird ;-)

Video: Sequenc1 by MrWogie


The video above is totally not representative of the the rest... there are weirder, more obscure pieces of art on this channel.
Check out the rest at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrWogie
and his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolfgang.giesecke.5

Dark Energy II Coming Soon

It looks like the long-awaited Dark Energy II will almost see the daylight.
Doepfer receives the first batch of pre-serial Dark Energy II models any time now...

After these models are tested and checked (and no major flaws are discovered), the first production-order will be placed and Doepfer can start distributing the first modules.*
A part of that first production-batch is reserved for people who pre-ordered their DEII.

Dark Energy II

To fresh you up, the main differences between the Dark Energy II and the original Dark Energy are:

- 12dB multimode filter with lowpass, notch, highpass and bandpass (instead of 24dB lowpass of Dark Energy I)
- the previous LM control of the filter becomes the filter type control (continuous crossfade lowpass - notch highpass - bandpass)
- the LM function of the filter is no longer available
- the waveform switch is used to select between saw and clipped/distorted saw (in the center position the saw is off)
- the basic waveform of the VCO is saw (not triangle like the Dark Energy I).
- because of the pure analog circuit and the temperature control it takes about 30 minutes until the VCO is in tune.
- the VCA has a exponential scale (not the combined linear/exponential scale of Dark Energy I)

*Via StromKult.de

Random Video: First Stage of a Modular Synth

I found this informative and interesting video on the web about basic rack/case-building... enjoy!

Video: First Stage of a Modular Synth

" Just started building my Eurorack modular synthesizer. I wanted to demonstrate that building your own "Frankenstein" system is easy to do. This video demos, the set up of the power supply and bus board, and a single VCO module."

Uploaded by kj6bbs (Chris)

Nokia App-Update

Although the platform seems to be slowly dying (i recently made the last changes to it...ever) my FREE PatchPierre app for NOKIA phones ( S40, S60, Symbian ) is still available.

Basically this PatchPierre Mobile application is an RSS-feed(s) reader plus NetPierreTV YouTube videoplayer.

Over 6600 downloads/installs already in 157 countries...
(and more than 1000 downloads of the latest version in the last two weeks)

The app will soon be available for the latest NOKIA Asha Touch devices; the Asha 305/306/308/309/311

You can find all versions of the PatchPierre app in the NOKIA store at

http://store.ovi.com/search?q=patchpierre

Screenshot small

N8 Screenshot by @wonderhelm

Don't worry if you don't own a NOKIA device.

PatchPierre.Net also looks good on your Android, iOS and Windows phone or tablet via the special mobile version of the app at http://oviappwizard.com/mip/plus/list.jsp?&id=184288 (for as long as it lasts), 
or the original mobile version of the blog via http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/?m=1 , or keep on track with the the RSSfeed in your favorite RSS-reader or applications like Flipboard.

Modular In A Picture Frame

A great idea for a nice modular case can be found on http://groanmaster.blogspot.nl/

This project by Andrew Dobbels involves a real picture-frame and a 208 HP Eurorack with various modules.
You can find the making-of pictures on his site with explanatory texts, so you can build your own.

More pics HERE

(via MATRIXSYNTH)

Doepfer USB/CV/Gate/MIDI Converters Update

A little bit more info (by Dieter himself) on two upcoming Doepfer modules popped up in the Yahoo Doepfer Usergroup today.

It said that the A-192-2 Dual CV/Gate-to-MIDI/USB Interface is in the starting blocks and will be included with the next (fall 2012) production series.
Module A-192-2 contains two independent CV/Gate-to-Midi/USB interfaces.
Another product that almost reached the production stage is the A-190-5 four voice polyphonic Midi to CV/Gate interface that will probably be included in the last production series in 2012.

The A-190-5 will have 12 CV and 4 Gate outputs, and different modes (e.g. unisono, four-fold monophonic, different four voice polyphonic modes)
The hardware of the A-190-5 module is ready and Christian is working on the firmware.
Though it was planned to use 12 bit DA converters Doepfer thinks about 8 bit converters to reduce the price a bit.
"12 bit converters don't seem to have any advantage because the module only converts 7 bit midi data into CV (no software LFOs or software envelopes or software glide) and in this case 12 bit DACs

are wasted money because the last 5 bits are not used.", according to Dieter.

The estimated price for the A-192-2 is approximately 130 Euro, expect to pay around 300 Euro for the A-190-5.
Price and release date are still without obligation

Find the latest updates on new Doepfer modules HERE

Doepfer A-155 Video Tutorials by Raul Pena

Last week Raul Pena celebrated one year of Doepfer demo-video-creating with a nice video.
Today he is back with a new series, this time all about the A-155 Analog Trigger Sequencer.

Video 1: Doepfer A-155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer Basics

" Discussing the Basics of the Doepfer A155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer. Sound and Video by Raul Pena"

Video 2: Doepfer A155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer Basics-Notes and Triggers Part One

" Demonstration of Sequencing Notes and Triggers with the Doepfer A155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer Basics-Notes and Triggers Part Two

" Demonstration of Sequencing Notes and Triggers with the Doepfer A155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer- Frequency Modulation Tutorial

" A demonstration of Frequency modulation of a sequence on the Doepfer A 155 Analog/Trigger Sequencer with low rate CV signals and audio rate signals. Sound and Description by Raul Pena."

Check out Raul's latest survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K3Z9PVF
Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web
raulsworldofsynths on YouTube
raulsworldofsynths on Vimeo
raulsworldofsynths on SoundCloud
raulsworldofsynths at iTunes
raulsworldofsynths at CDBABY