Showing posts with label A-138. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A-138. Show all posts

Sunday, January 08, 2017

Doepfer A-138p/o Performance Mixer Combo

The latest addition to my modular system is the A-138p/o Performance Mixer set of modules...

Modules A-138p/o are a simple performance mixer that I use as and end-mixer for all the signals coming out of my A-100, and for merging my TB-303 audio, before it all goes into my mixing-desk.

Module A-138p is the 4-fold input module, A-138o is the output module that can be combined with one or more A-138p.
I read somewhere that the module didn't start off as commercial product, but as a personal hobby-project of Dieter Doepfer who just needed this module for himself... It did go through quite a few prototype stages before it was released in this final form.

The A-138p has 4 input channels, with separate controls and a mute
switch for each channel.
A-138p/o in my current setup, with
the aux send/return patched through
the Qu-Bit RT-60 DSF Multi fx
The controls are for Gain (control to adapt different audio levels -also for external signals), Level (the main volume control), Aux and Panning
An internal jumper for each channel lets you choose between Aux pre/post main Level control.
There is an internal connection to the output module and to other A-138p modules
The A-138p requires the A-138o Output module (no stand-alone use)

The A-138o Output module features level controls for Left, Right and Aux,  and output sockets for Left, Right and Aux (3.5 mm mono sockets), it requires at least one A-138p (no stand-alone use)

I must say that I am extremely happy with these new modules. It's just what I needed to create an easier workflow in my system.
I especially like the Aux send/return function, which makes it a perfect companion for my Qu-Bit RT-60 DSP multi-effects module, but you can also use it for sending audio to a BBD-module, a filter or spring reverb for example.
Alternatively the Aux send can be used for pre-listening in combination with a headphone.
Like any other Doepfer module this one is easy to use too, the controls are very basic and straightforward. These modules are now the heart of my A-100 system.

About a week after I ordered mine, the word got out that Doepfer was working on another version of this module (A-135A/B/C) with dedicated CV inputs for each parameter and a Quad Envelope follower module with attack and release controls for each of the 4 channels.
Some prototypes of these modules are already touring through the world, I did see one in the Alex4 rack at the Amsterdam Dance Event in October of last year.
You can read more about that in my next blogpost, but I must say it looks promising.
At the moment I don't really need such a module or have the HP space for all of them. but I do see some exciting possibilities in these modules.

Source: http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Doepfer A-138 On/Off Switches Modification by Philippe Beaubrun

A-138 Mod by
Philippe Beaubrun
Philippe Beaubrun posted a few pictures on Facebook about his small Doepfer A-138 modification.
He added 2 HP wide breakout panels with 4 switches next to the A-138, to turn the individual channels on or off.


The pictures are quite clear, so re-creating this mod will be a piece of cake...

Personally I would prefer my switches on a 4HP wide panel for cosmetic reasons, but this doesn't look too bad.


More pictures HERE

Thursday, October 10, 2013

SiteTip: Mheontube YouTube Channel

It looks like another Eurorack fan has hit YouTube...
Mheontube started to upload interesting short Eurorack snippets since yesterday, basic patches made with a small setup of only 4 Doepfer modules (so far)...

Check the full playlist (the last 7 videos were uploaded in one day) HERE

Video 1: Chirp Chirp Analogue by mheontube

-no description available

Video 2: Android's Talk by mheontube

-no description available

Video 3: Grumpy Android by mheontube

-no description available
Uploaded by mheontube (subscribe!)

Monday, November 28, 2011

A-138 Linear/Exponential Mixer


Module A-138 is a simple four channel mixer that can be used for either control voltages or audio signals. (although i hardly ever use one for CV)
Each of the four inputs has an attenuator, and a master attenuator, so that the mixer can be used to interface directly with an external mixer, amplifier, etc.

There are two versions of this module:
A-138 a: potentiometers with linear response, especially suitable for control voltage mixing.
A-138 b: potentiometers with logarithmic/exponential response, especially suitable for audio signal mixing.

The latest version from April 2004 is an improved version of the module A-138b.
For the revised versions control In1 works as a DC offset generator (about 0...+5V) provided that no patch cord is plugged into socket In1.
If this feature is not required it can be deactivated by removing a jumper on the pc board.
In the summer 2004 the A-138a was introduced with this improvement.

In the summer of 2007 Doepfer also released a mix expander module A-138x, that increased the number of inputs of the A-138 by five.
That module was discontinued last year...