Doepfer Spring/Superbooth 2026 Announcements

More than a month ahead of the annual Superbooth event in Berlin ( 7-9th of May), my favorite brand Doepfer has announced their latest batch of A-100 modules.
New Doepfer modules get me excited every time, it means spring is coming... ;) 

The overall theme seems to be Micro again, because they released four new ultra-compact modules that pack serious functionality into minimal space.

The A-140-3 Micro ADSR (4 HP) delivers a classic exponential ADSR envelope with voltage-controlled times and dual outputs, but only half the space of the original A-140 ADSR module

Module A-142-3 Envelope Controlled VCA (4 HP) combines a linear VCA with a built-in AD/AR envelope (switchable to LFO mode), making it perfect for quick percussive voices.

The A-180-6 Triple Adjustable Buffer / CV Source (4 HP) offers three buffered channels with individual level controls, ideal for multiples, level matching, or simple adjustable offsets.

Finally, the tiny A-190-9 Micro MIDI-to-CV Interface (only 2 HP) provides basic monophonic MIDI-to-CV/Gate conversion with multiple outputs.

All four modules emphasize Doepfer’s signature reliability and affordability. 

They’re excellent choices for space-saving (portable) compact racks or expanding any Eurorack system without wasting too much HP.

Besides these modules, Doepfer will probably have more news on earlier announced modules like the new A-198-2 Ribbon Controller that was announced last year.. 

It should be ready to ship any time, I guess...

I already pre-ordered mine and can't wait to get my hands on it and replace my old A-198 with this one. The display on the new one, the quantizing options and the additional outputs are a big step forward imho..

I've seen no actual changes announced to the ribbon controller manual though... It could use a better connector instead of that wonky USB connector.

Now that 104HP  (and 7U? high) is becoming kind of a standard case-size (Intellijel), it would make sense for Doepfer to investigate if it is worth to make a 1U high 104HP wide touch sensetive controller strip that would fit into such a case.

It's probably the best use for the 1U high strip after all, 7U never really made sense to me in the first place..

Keep an eye on the Doepfer website for further announcements and details about their Superbooth presence next month... 

New Patch-cables With Angled Plugs From Doepfer

Angled plugs 15,30 and 50cm

Nice... Doepfer now offers patch-cables with angled plugs too... in different sizes.

Completely 'in tune' with their own color coding system the new 15 cm cables are yellow, the black cables are 30 cm and the grey ones are 50 cm. It makes sense...

Angled plugs on Eurorack patch-cables can offer significant advantages for cable management, ergonomics, and portability by reducing the "spaghetti" of cables in dense setups. 

Orange 50cm
Angled on one side

They can keep cables close to the module panel, which keeps knobs, switches, and screens easier accessible.

I noticed that they also also still have the 50cm orange ones with only one angled plug... That one was introduced in 2010.

Details are available on the Doepfer Website in the price list section,
and you can order them at your local Doepfer dealer right now.

More about patch-cables on my website:

 https://patchpierre.blogspot.com/search/label/Cables

Inside the Studio of Dutch Synth Legend Allert Aalders by Modulogue

Another fine video from the team at Modulogue surfaced on YouTube this weekend, continuing their mission to document the stories behind the Dutch electronic music scene. 

These are the kinds of stories that don’t always get told often enough, focusing on the people, ideas, and motivations that quietly shaped a culture around sound.

This time, Modulogue visited Utrecht-based musician and event organizer Allert Aalders of Sonar Traffic, a synthesizer and electronic music studio rooted in hands-on experimentation. The video traces his journey from performing live techno as part of Human Beings to designing presets for industry heavyweights such as Native Instruments, Korg, Arturia, FabFilter, and Kilohearts, a path that bridges underground practice and professional sound design.

Video:
Inside the Studio of Dutch Synth Legend Allert Aalders // Modulogue
" We visited Dutch synth legend Allert Aalders in his studio in the woods near Utrecht. Part of iconic synthesizer act 'Human Beings' and founder of Modular Synth event: 'Modulation' and part of the Dutch Modular Fest crew. Under the name of Sonar Traffic, Allert creates presets for both hardware and software synthesizers such as Arturia, Native Instruments, Korg, Steinberg, Fabfilter and Kilohearts."

Sonar Traffic http://www.sonartraffic.nl/ 
Human Beings https://humanbeings.bandcamp.com/
Modulation / modulationutrecht
Dutch Modular Fest https://www.dutchmodularfest.com/

Bringing modular artists, developers, makers, and creative minds together is at the core of Modulogue’s work. Earlier this year, they also sat down with Tim Nieuwenhuis of MIDI Amsterdam to talk about the early days of Eurorack in the Netherlands. Together, these conversations offer a fascinating glimpse into how a niche format evolved into a vibrant, connected community centered around electronic music and modular synthesis.

Follow Modulogue 👇 https://www.modulogue.com/ 

/ modulogue.events 

/ modulogue 

/ modulogue 

SiteTip: MiniMIDI.world, A simplified guide to TRS MIDI by @audionerd

If you’re diving into the world of hardware synths, drum machines, and (eurorack) modular gear, you’ve probably bumped into the confusing topic of MIDI connections over 3.5 mm mini-jacks.
Unlike traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI, many modern instruments use smaller TRS or TS jacks for MIDI signals but there’s no single universal wiring standard. 

Photo via ExpertSleepers

That means the same cable might work on one device and not at all on another. 

minimidi.world is made and maintained by Eric Skogen, aka “audionerd.”, a Minneapolis-based developer ,and exists to take the mystery out of this by offering a clear, practical breakdown of how these minijack MIDI connections work and which devices use which type, saving you from trial-and-error cable frustration. 

At the heart of the site is a simplified guide to TRS MIDI, explaining how MIDI’s three signal pins map to the Tip-Ring-Sleeve of a 3.5 mm plug.

Here you will find easy-to-follow diagrams and explanations of the most common Type A and Type B TRS standards (and the simpler TS variants), along with examples of manufacturers that use them.
This makes it much easier to understand why a cable works for a Korg device but not for an Arturia, and how to adapt or choose the right cable accordingly.

But minimidi.world doesn’t stop at theory, it also links to community-maintained device lists and GitHub data, encouraging users to contribute updates when they discover new gear or newer wiring quirks.

Whether you’re a synth enthusiast trying to patch together your setup, a gigging musician sorting cables backstage, or a DIY builder crafting custom MIDI interfaces, this site is a go-to resource to demystify minijack MIDI and keep your rig talking smoothly.

minimidi.world, A simplified guide to TRS MIDI by @audionerd

Also check out https://audionerd.com/

More about the MIDI standard: https://midi.org/
Top photo credit and more reference see this Expert Sleepers post on Flickr.

More PatchPierre SiteTips:  https://patchpierre.blogspot.com/search/label/SiteTip