Showing posts with label Alex4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex4. Show all posts

Friday, January 10, 2020

Doepfer Announcements for NAMM2020

Great news, Doepfer will be at NAMM 2020 again from January 16-19, 2020 at booth # 10302 of their international distributor Alex4. \

Among the brand new A-111-6 mini synth module they will show the prototypes of some planned new modules:

Joystick module A-174-4 outputs three control voltages generated by a spring-loaded X/Y cross potentiometer (so-called joy stick) and a Gate signal. 
The control voltages for X and Y are controlled by the X and Y position of the joystick in the usual way. The third control voltage Z is controlled by the rotation of the spring-loaded joystick knob. 
The offset voltages which are added to the inverting outputs can be adjusted by means of three small potentiometers. That way different kinds of control voltage ranges are possible. 
On top of this the four quadrant voltages Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are available. A quadrant voltage becomes positive when the joystick is positioned in the quadrant in question. Each CV output is equipped with an LED that displays the present voltage

Module A-130-8 contains eight linear voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs). Each VCA features a control voltage input, a signal input and a signal output. In addition three mixers are included for the sum of the output signal 1-4, 5-8 and 1-8.  

Typical applications • any kind of VCA application (e.g. voltage controlled attenuation of audio or control voltage signals) • two voltage controlled mixers with four channels each • voltage controlled stereo mixer with four channels each, for this the control voltage inputs have to be correspondingly patched or internally normalled: CV1=CV5 /CV 2=CV6 / CV3=CV7 / CV4=CV8 • voltage controlled mixer with eight channels • add-on for the planned Joystick module A-174-4


A-133-2 Dual VC VCA/Polarizer/Inverter/Ring Modulator is the slim version of the A-133 but has some additional features and improvements available compared to the A-133.
Module A-133-2 can be used for many applications: e.g. VCA, VC polarizer/attuverter, VC inverter or ring modulator. The module contains special VCAs that allow both positive and negative amplification. 

The overall amplification is defined by the sum of the voltage generated by the Man control, the external control voltage CV and the position of the CV control which works as an attenuator for the external control voltage. 
By means of the external control voltage CV the manually adjusted amplification can be modulated. CV can be both positive or negative to obtain positive or negative amplification values. 
In addition the CV signal can be modulated via the modulation control input Mod by means of another control voltage. '

The current amplification is displayed by a dual color LED Application examples: • voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) • voltage controlled inverter • voltage controlled polarizer/attuverter • DC coupled ring modulator with offset feature, the "classical" ring modulator corresponds to Man=0 and symmetrical audio signals for In and CV • additional effects by means of the modulation feature of the CV signal (using the Mod input)


Module A-183-4 is a fourfold level shifter.
A level shifter is required if the level of a digital control signal has to be increased or decreased. A typical application is the conversion of a gate, trigger or clock signal with +5V voltage level to +12 level.
The output level can be set by means of a jumper to +12V or +5V. The four output signals are displayed by means of LEDs. The outputs and inputs are normalled: the output signal of the upper unit is used as input signal of the unit below provided that no patch cable is inserted into the input socket of the lower unit. That way the module can be used also as clock/trigger/gate buffer or buffered multiple for digital signals. For this the signal that has to be buffered is connected to input 1. The buffered (and possible level shifted) signal appears then at all four outputs. Input voltages below +0,8 V are treated as "low", voltages above +3 V as "high"

Typical applications • Converting the levels of digital control signals (e.g. gate, trigger, clock) to another voltage level (+12V or +5V) • buffering and duplicating digital control signals (e.g. gate, trigger, clock)
It is not yet certain if the module will be manufactured in the 2 HP or 4 HP version (probably 2 HP).
Release dates: spring 2020 (without obligation)

Source: http://www.doepfer.de/home_e.htm, and their NAMM brochure (PDF)

Monday, February 15, 2016

AQA ElektriX at Dancefair 2016

At Dancefair/Musicfair, I had the chance to talk with an engineer from AQA Elektrix, one of the more recent new brands in Eurorack, about their range of Eurorack modules.

Me and the AQA ElektriX engineer 
AQA Elektrix is a Eurorack Modular Synthesizer manufacturer that works closely with musicians. The modules by AQA Elektrix are inspired by classic circuits that get modified and developed further. They are also working on complete new designs with new functionality.
The modules are manufactured in Berlin, look very nice and the knobs feel solid as a rock.

AQA only released a few modules so far;
the TEG-1 / Triple Envelope Generator,
M/S-Matrix, a module that converts a Left/Right-Stereo-Signal into its Mid and Side Components
the QLFO / Quadrature Low Frequency Oscillator and the DUAL SVF / Dual 12 dB State Variable Voltage Controlled Filter

AQA ElektroniX modules
He also showed me their new 21 HP wide Dual VC Delay that produces some very cool and interesting 'dubby' soundeffects.
Used in parallel/stereo-mode it generates voltage controlled modulated spatial effects with it´s own special character.

Features:
- Delays can be routed in parallel or serial configuration (A => B or A II B)internal feedback with a 6dB HP and LP filter in series for each delay, feedback signals are attenuverted
using normalized feedback in and out jacks, the feedback loops can be opened to insert other stuff
feedback can be switched between parallel and cross routing between A and B
- Audio input attenuators for each Delay
each delay time can be independently controlled by knob
each delay time can be independently modulated by an attenuverted external control voltage
each delay time can be independently modulated by an attenuverted external control voltage
- Normalized audio signal Inputs
- Outputs for the delayed signals
- Outputs for the delayed signal and HP+LP filtered delayed signal (for feedback use)
- Normalized feedback-signal Inputs

Check out the video below for soundexamples.

AQA ElektriX new Modular Euro Rack Synthesizer Modules Dual DELAY AQA at Dancefair 2016

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AQAElektriX
AQA ElektriX on YouTube
AQA Elektrix is distributed by Alex4

Sunday, February 14, 2016

DanceFair/Musicfair Pro Audio Summit Impression

Victor Coral
School of House
This weekend I attended the annual DanceFair/Musicfair Pro Audio Summit, the biggest in the Netherlands at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.
A gathering of more than 6000 music makers, industry professionals, 80 record labels and manufacturers of musical instruments, producer and dj gear.
It was the 5th time that Dancefair was held, and the first time that Musicfair joined in.
All together a great event for DJ's, producers and other fanatics for networking, learning and exploring, with inspiring workshops in different rooms and a nice Expo-floor.

We started off our Saturday quite relaxed with an interesting talk about the History of House, presented by Victor Coral from the Dutch School of House.
After that we learned a little more about audio-compression with some interesting views on side-chaining at a Pro Audio session.

DJ Magazine talk at the expo-floor
There was plenty of room for the younger audience and new talents with various production-sessions and workshops for the different styles of dancemusic by Hardwell and Chocolate Puma (amongst others) and a large demo-dropoff zone hosted by national and international record-labels.

The expo floor wasn't huge but filled with a wide variety of exhibitors.
It wasn't too busy on the Saturday, the people in the booths were very accessable for info and plenty of headphones were available for the public to listen to all the new synths and stuff...

Roland Eurorack Modules
Aira Modular, System 500
and Effectors
I had a lot of fun with (finally) playing around with the Moog Mother32, Korg Minilogue, the Novation MiniNova and BassStation 2, plus the modules from the Roland Boutique range JP-03, JX-08, and A-01.
Besides that, Roland showed the whole AIRA-range and a big rack with all their Eurorack modules including the  Aira Modular, System 500 and Effectors...

Arturia showed their Maxibrute for the first time in Europe.
The MatrixBrute is a programmable monophonic / duophonic analog synthesizer, outfitted with three ‘Brute’ oscillators, Steiner-Parker and ladder filters, three envelope generators, analogue effects and a matrix-style modulation matrix.

A short talk with Andy Mac from Akai learned me that they will shoot new MPC-Touch tutorials next week... I hope they will be online soon, as the last 4 Basic Workflow Tutorials that they released (a few weeks ago) were pretty useful for an MPC-noob like me, someone who is totally unfamiliar with the whole MPC-workflow.

One of the 2 Doepfer cases at the Alex4 booth
The most interesting booth (for me) was the one from European Eurorackdistibutor Alex4 that showed a diverse range of Eurorack modules from brands like Doepfer (with most of their new modules), AJH Synth, Verbos, Endorphin.es and Vermona
That last one als showed the prototype Vermona TwinCussion, a percussion module that is capable of very nice 'syncussion' sounds.
DJ/Producer Lucien Foort
The modules from the Austrian Birdkids brand were also on display at the Alex4 booth and the engineer from AQAElektrix showed me their full range of Eurorack modules. More on this in my next blogpost.
Allert from SonarTraffic, who also helped out at the booth  took the time to explain the interesting concept of their studio at Kytopia.

We spent the last hours of the day back at the workshop area from the Herman Brood Academy, where Lucien Foort (from Quadrophonia and more) presented a workshop. He first went through a short history about modular synths, up to the recent Eurorack-boom before he gave an intuitive tutorial on how to integrate modulars in your curent DAW setup.

Overall it was a great atmosphere at the whole event with almost everything you'd expect, including overexpensive drinks and food... and yesssss.... BoothBabes! :)

You can find the rest of my pictures from the Dancefair Saturday at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1103743713004246.1073741844.143124692399491 …

Thursday, March 20, 2014

ALEX4 with Andreas Schneider: the Lightning Tour Messe '14 by cdmblogs

CDMTV uploaded a video with Andreas Schneider presenting a tour through the Alex4 booth at MusikMesse 2014...

Video: ALEX4 with Andreas Schneider: the lightning tour Messe '14

" The legendary Andreas Schneider of ALEX4 (and Schneidersladen) gives us a rapid-fire tour of the latest and greatest goodies in his Messe booth. Like a tradeshow in a tradeshow, this is some of the best new stuff happening in boutique musical instruments right now."

Uploaded by cdmtv
Berlin, Germany and worldwide · createdigitalmusic.com

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

MusikMesse 2014 Alex4 Booth with Dieter Doepfer

Once again, SonicState has made a nice video from the MusikMesse booth of European Distributor of analog synths and Eurorack modules Alex4.

Alex4 Booth, picture by Marko Ettlich
The Alex4 Distribution booth with the big tagline "...you like Synths?" included MFB, KOMA, Doepfer, and Meeblip anodes, amongst other smaller (European) brands.

The SonicState booth-tours are almost an annual ritual, often with owner Andreas Schneider (from SchneidersBuero /SchneidersLaden) showing the whole booth and some of the new goodies...
This time Dieter Doepfer shows the new stuff, focussing on the Dark Flow, the stand-alone version of the A-157 Trigger Sequencer (Mini Schaltwerk) and some of the OEM/DIY products.

Video: MESSE 2014: Dr Doepfer's Dark Flow

" MESSE 2013: Dr Doepfer's Dark Flow - Astronomy inspired trigger sequencer "
Uploaded by

Another nice Alex4-booth impression by Dutch Interface Magazine also popped up on YouTube:

Video 2: Musikmesse 2014 vol 5: Alex 4s Do You Like Synths?

Video uploaded by InterfaceNLvideo

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Deep Inside The Doepfer Booth at MusikMesse

Ah... the first pictures and videos from the Doepfer/Alex4 booth at MusikMesse are popping up on the internet.
This first one, from http://stereoklang.se/blog/ (@steelberryclone on Twitter) shows the inside of the Alex4 booth with a glipse of their new products... 

Video 1: Deep inside the Doepfer booth at MusikMesse

" A quick tour of all the modular stuff you will find in the realms of Doepfer
Nice and bleepy with loads of modules and flashing lights
Get all your electronic music news first here at Steelberry Clones http://stereoklang.se/blog
SBCLive@MusikMesse2013 "

The next video, from CDMblogs / CDMTV shows a little more of new A-157 Trigger sequencer.

Video 2: Doepfer Sequencers at Musikmesse

" Impressions from the ALEX4 booth, modular sequencers, sequencing. "

SonicState gives a nice overview of the whole Alex4-booth in the next 2 videos, with an introduction by Andreas Schneider from Alex4 (+ Schneiders Buro) in video 3, and an interview with Dieter Doepfer in video 4.

Video 3: MESSE13: Alex4 European Modular Synth Distribution

" MESSE13: Alex4 European Modular Synth Distribution Mr Schneider Tells us all about it "

Video 4: Dr Doepfer Introduces New Synth Modules - MESSE 2013
" MESSE13: A Chat With Dr Doepfer New Serge slew, gate sequencer, MAQ16/3 Dark Edition "

More SonicState MusikMesse videos HERE

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

MusikMesse 2012 - Alex4 Booth

This year you will find Doepfer products at the MusikMesse (in Frankfurt/ Germany), that started today, in hall 5.1 at booth D86 of their new distribution partner Alex4.

Alex4 is Doepfer's latest partner that aims to "collect regular products and innovations from smallest manufacturers in Europe, the USA or elsewhere to promote and sell them with specialized retail partners over europe fulfilling all european regulations while trying best to go a „green“ way wherever this could be possible."

They also distribute other (small) analog synthesizer brands like Alyseum, Cwejman, Flame, Kenton, Manikin, MFB, MIDI Solutions, Moon Modular, OTO Machines, Sherman SND, Studio Electronics, Vermona and WMD, so they have a very exciting booth at the MusikMesse

Dark Energy II working prototype,
as shown at MusikMesse 2012
A big A-100-System is on exhibit, and the first working prototype of the Dark Energy II is shown at the booth.
Dieter Doepfer was also there today to tell more about their latest products.
Besides the Dark Energy redesign you could also see the A-157 Trigger Sequencer (or so-called 'Mini Schaltwerk') again, although it is still the same version that was shown 2 years ago at NAMM 2010.
The current state of the A-157 is that the new pcb with 8x16 buttons and LEDs is already made and that Doepfer is about to develop the controller board. There is no release date available yet.

Other newsworthy bit was that the Dark Energy 1 will probably return, because the chipmaker that made the CEM3394 chip has promised to start making those chips again. No (re-)release date yet, but i personally don't expect the return of the DE1 this year...

Most of Doepfer's OEM products, the USB/Midi-to-CV/Sync interfaces and the master keyboards were also shown, and loads of other cool hardware from the other brands.

MusikMesse still lasts until March 24...
More info at
http://musik.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/besucher/willkommen.html

Many thanks to 'special reporter' at MusikMesse: