Showing posts with label Triggers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Triggers. Show all posts

Friday, September 12, 2014

Mutable Instruments Peaks Demo by DivKid

Another lnice and long Eurorack demo by DivKid, demonstrating the multifuncional Mutable Instruments Peaks module.

" Peaks is a multi-function module, but the general rule is that cool things happen whenever a trigger
is received. Its four main functions are:
Envelope generator – the gate/trigger input starts and holds the envelope.
LFO – the gate/trigger input resets the waveform cycle.
LFO with tap-tempo synchronization – the gate/trigger input sets the period of the LFO oscillations. Note that Peaks can “learn” irregular trigger sequences and lock onto them.
Drum generator – the gate/trigger input triggers the drum sound.

Peaks provides two channels of processing – each of them has a gate/trigger input jack, a gate/trigger button with an output indication LED, and an audio/CV output. Both channels provide the same function – the exception being channel 1′s drum generator being a bass drum generator, and channel 2′s drum generator being a snare drum/hi-hat generator.

Both channels can be “synchronized” (aka twin mode), in that they both share the same front panel controls – for example in ADSR envelope mode, the first knob will control both channel 1 and channel 2′s attack time. This can be used not only to create duophonic patches (for which you actually want both channels to behave similarly), but also to obtain two synchronized outputs of the same LFO waveform with different phase shifts…

Another way of controlling the module is the split mode in which the potentiometers 1 and 2 control channel 1′s settings; and the potentiometers 3 and 4 control channel 2′s settings. This mode only gives access to the 2 most essential parameters of each function (for example attack and decay time for an envelope) – the other parameters being set to default “neutral” settings.

Finally, if breaking the one knob per function rule is not a taboo for you, an expert mode allows individual control of channel 1 and 2."

Video: Mutable Instruments - Peaks by DivKidMusic

" Another hugely feature packed module from Mutable Instruments! Peaks has 4 modes with envelopes, LFOs, Tap-LFOs and drums then an additional 4 'hidden' modes which are a mini step sequencer, trigger delay and repeater, trigger stream randomiser and a dual Anushri style synth drum generator.
As always all comments are welcome!

As mentioned in the video here is the Branches overview video so you can check that out as it's used for several patches in the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVKx_..."

Uploaded by DivKidMusic

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Random Video: MDLB by Maria Della Batteria

Now here's something you don't see very often:
YouTuber Maria Della Batteria shows how he triggers his modular synth with his drumset, via 2 A-119 External Input modules...

Video: MDLB

"Working on Drums controlling a modular Synth. Via 2x Doepfer a-119. Triggering Pittsburgh Modular Noise and Waveforms via Darktime and 4ms clock divider."
Uploaded by Maria Della Batteria

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

New Doepfer A-157 Pictures / Dark Flow Announced

Doepfer posted their latest design and a bit more info on the upcoming A-157 (Mini Schaltwerk) Trigger Sequencer Subsystem modules on their website.
Hopefully the finished modules will be shown later at MusikMesse this year (10th-13th of May in Frankfurt, Germany)

A-157-1 Mini Schaltwerk design
The name 'Mini Schaltwerk' seems appropriate now, because it does look a lot like it's larger Schaltwerk brother.

" The LED/button matrix module A-157-1 is the core of the subsystem.
It is used to set or reset the trigger event on each of the 16 steps of each of the 8 rows.
The trigger output module A-157-2 outputs the 8 trigger signals and has an LED display for each trigger.
We will probably add a mute button or mute switch for each row that allows to turn the trigger output off/on independent for each row.
In the final version the modules A-157-1 and A-157-2 will be probably merged into one module only because both modules are essential for the subsystem.

The module A-157-1/2 (or the merged module that will contain both units) can be connected to a simple control module or a more sophisticated control module which is planned for the future (similar to the A-155 and A-154 conceptual design where the A-155 includes a simple control unit that can be replaced by the A-154 which offers a lot of additional functions).

At the beginning a simple control module A-157-3 similar to the A-155 control unit will be available.
It offers only the functions clock, start/stop and reset (both with manual controls and control inputs).
For this standard control unit the tempo (clock) is the same for all 8 rows, the direction is forward and the length of each row is 16.

We also plan a more complex control module A-157-4 that allows additional functions like 128 memories for trigger sequences, different clock/start/stop/reset for 2 or 4 groups of rows (e.g. common for rows 1-4 and 5-8, or in pairs), independent first/last step for each row, independent direction (forward/backward/pendulum/random) for each row, one-shot mode, LC display and so on.
But these ideas are very preliminary and we will have to find out which functions are essential."

Doepfer also mentions that there are also plans for an A-157 stand-alone version adapted to the design of Dark Energy and Dark Time with the same case dimensions and wooden side panels (provisional name "Dark Flow")

Release date: ~ fall 2013 (only A-157-1 ... 3, so far there is no release date available for the planned module A-157-4 and the stand-alone unit Dark Flow !)

Thursday, September 20, 2012

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

Thursday, January 12, 2012

A-165 Dual Trigger Modifier

The A-165 Dual Trigger Modifier contains two separate and identical trigger modifiers for use with logical / digital levels.
In fact it works pretty similar to the A-175 Dual Voltage Converter, only this module works on Gates, Clock and Triggers.

Each half of this module enables signals, generated by the A-100, to communicate with other instruments (such as an external sequencer), or is simply used for reversing a trigger's polarity.
Whatever signal is patched into the input is inverted by the module, and fed out of the Inv. Out (inverted output) socket.
At the same time, a short trigger signal (of roughly 50 ms) is generated every time an edge of the trigger pulse is sensed (negative as well as positive).
This trigger signal is available at the +/- output.
Two LEDs show the level of signal available at the two outputs.

Because the original and inverted trigger signal are often both needed at the same time, it is possible to use these two inputs as a mini-multiple - using one of them to send the original trigger to another module.

The A-165 manual has a few interesting patch-examples, but i use it the most in combination with my A-160/A-161 Clock Sequencer/Divider combo to mess up my rhythms.

If you are only looking for simple trigger inverters, you might want to take a look at the A-166 Dual Logic module which also has two simple inverters, only minus the  +/- pulse that the A-165 has.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Quick Tip IX : A-119 As a Clock Generator

A quick tip that i 'borrowed' from the Yahoo Doepfer A-100 User Group is this next one:

It could happen that you run out of MIDI or other signal-converters to synchronize your A-100 system.
If you have a free channel out on your soundcard you can use the A-119 Ext. Input / Envelope Follower to produce some kind of clock signal as an alternative.

To do this you should create a channel in your favorite sequencer/ sampler/ sound-card that sends out 16th notes of some short sounds like a rim-shot, snare,claves or woodblock for example.
The A-119 can simply turn this audio-signal into a (steady) gate signal, which can be multiplied/divided and used throughout your A-100 system.


Thursday, December 01, 2011

Most Wanted Update - MSY2 Module for A-100 System

Old Version of the MSY2,
the newer ones are in black
Great news...

It looks like the idea that i posted in December 2010 for some kind of extended version of an MSY2 module for the A-100 wasn't that bad.

In the Yahoo Doepfer A-100 Usergroup Dieter Doepfer recently announced that they "...are working on a modular version of the MSY2 with some additional features ( USB interface, several outputs with different clock dividing factors and polarity and some more )."

The MSY2 MIDI-to-SYNC/Clock Interface can be used to convert Midi clock into analog clock signals.

There is no release date or price available so far.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A-157 Trigger Sequencer Update

Here's an update on the long-awaited A-157 (or whatever the module-number will be) Trigger Sequencer module.
I wrote about this highly interesting module earlier, you can find that post HERE

This is what Dieter Doepfer's feedback was, when this step-sequencer got mentioned this week in the Doepfer A-100 Usergroup :

A-157 Prototype(s) , as shown at NAMM 2010
"...it will definitely come !
At present we are waiting for the new PCB prototype with 16 x 8 buttons and LEDs.
Our first plan to use two pc board with 8x8 buttons and LEDs did not work because this would cause a gap between the steps 8 and 9 because of the space required for the PCB connectors.

Our plan is to separate the 16x8 button/LED board from the control unit as it seems that there are two groups of users: those who vote for a simple, easy to use (and soon available) version and those for a "sophisticated" version with additional features (probably with LC display to handle all functions).
The plan for the simple version is to have only two clock/start/stop inputs available (clock #1 for the units 1-4, clock #2 for 5-8) and a simple memory management (similar to the TR808).

For the "sophisticated" version there are plans like independend first/last step for each row, copy and paste functions between rows and memories, right/left shift of complete rows, longer patterns (A, AB, ABCD), maybe intros, fill in's, track programming, more than two clocks and some more.

To handle these additional functions probably an LC display and additional buttons will be necessary.
But this information is very preliminary.
One could use the standard control unit at first and then replace it by the high end version as soon as it is available. "

Saturday, September 24, 2011

A-166 Dual Logic Module

" A Logic Gate is an idealized or physical device implementing a Boolean function.
It performs a logical operation on one or more logic inputs and produces a single logic output. Logic gates are primarily implemented using diodes or transistors acting as electronic switches. "

The A-166 Dual Logic Module is a double logic device that combines digital control / clock signals.
A typical application of this module is the combination of digital signals of the A-100 gates, clocks and triggers to obtain "gated" clocks or rhythmic clock patterns.

It contains 2 identical units with 3 inputs for each unit.
The logical states of the inputs ("1" = high / "0" = low) are linked together in 3 ways: AND, OR, EXOR (exclusive OR).
The input sockets of each triple unit are "normalized", i.e. the switched contact of socket 2 is connected to input 1 and the switched contact of socket 3 is connected to input 2.
The three functions are available simultaneously at three outputs with LED display of the output states.

Additionally two separate inverters ( like the A-165  ) are available that are very useful.
These can even be used to invert a signal before it is fed into one of the two logical units.
All other outputs can be fed back to the module's inputs also... in that way you can create very nice and very complex rhythmic triggers.

More on Logic Gates on Wikipedia
...and on Whatis.com


Saturday, August 13, 2011

CV / Gate Cable Length

A few times I've been asked about how patch-cable lengths ( of CV and/or Gate signals ) can affect signal strength.
I found a few interesting posts in the Yahoo Doepfer Usergroup that might make things a bit clear to you.

First of all;
Gate cables even longer than 10 meters usually are no problem.
Although a gate signal might get slightly weaker when you use extremely long cables, the (simple) gate signal will often stay strong enough to trigger your modules.
CV-Cables of this length may have a slight loss depending on the electrical characteristics of the input and the output.
There are ways to measure it,  but it is very difficult to judge whether a not completely clean octave tracking is caused by long cables.
Real loss of signal quality starts with asymmetric audio cables at such a length, and you have always to keep in mind that electromagnetic and electrostatic influences (hum and sizzle) can affect longer cables more than shorter cables.

" From a theoretical point of view (for anyone interested) the key things are output and input impedance, cable capacitance and resistance.
If you take a relatively standard low-cost coax cable of say 380pF/m and 128 Ohms/km this will not cause any noticeable loss in audio top-end from a 1k Ohm output impedance until you exceed 20m or so but you are more likely to get increased noise and interference.

From a CV point of view the cable resistance is a more important parameter (if your CV is controlling VCOs that is) but even 20m is only 2.6 Ohms so this can be ignored compared to the high input impedance of most VCO CV inputs; again long lengths are more prone to pickup so 50Hz mains can modulate the CV.
( you may also experience hum loops by just connecting gear together that is powered from different power outlets across the room ). " *

( * thanks to Tony Steventon from Synovatron for the 2nd half of this post )

Monday, July 18, 2011

A-162 Dual Trigger Delay

The A-162 Dual Trigger Delay contains two separate delay circuits for trigger signals.
This module makes it possible to delay the onset of trigger pulses.
This is very useful in case you want the modulation to kick in a little after the initial start of a sound (modulation delay) or to create interesting echo-like effects.

Both trigger delays have two controls that can alter the onset time and duration of triggers, standard from 0 up to about ten seconds.
The time range of delay and/or length can be modified very easily by changing the value of a capacitor, e.g. 200 us...1 s or 20 us ... 100 ms or 2us ... 10ms.
That way the module can be used also for audio applications.

If you want to modify the module yourself please read this document: Timing capacitors of A-100 modules.

Locating the A-162 timing Capacitors C2 and C5

Timing capacitors:
C2 (delay time)
C5 (length)
Standard value: 10uF
Polarity: minus = left

Also check out THIS post from navs.modular.blog on how to modify a Doepfer A-162 Dual Trigger Delay for perfect filter pings.

The mods described will most likely void any warranty and, if not done carefully, can damage the circuit board, IC chips, and faceplates.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Doepfer Usergroup Poll: MS-02 Module?

A new Poll at the  official Doepfer Usergroep is about the idea of realizing an A-100 module with the possibillities of the 'classic' Korg MS-02 expander module.
This module was part of Korg's MS series of instruments, which also included the MS-20 Monophonic Synthesizer, the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, and the SQ-10 sequencer. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-03 Signal Processor, MS-04 Modulation Pedal and VC-10 Vocoder.
( MS-02 user manual with detailed info online available HERE )

" In my search for a Korg MS-02 I haven't been successful so far. In building a great A-100 modular synth I was. This got me thinking: It would be great if Doepfer would add a module to the A-100 module list with the functionality of the Korg MS-02. I can imagine more people are interested. I sent the question to Dieter and he suggested to start a poll on this list. So here we go. "

Options:
O - I would be interested in a Korg MS-02 like module as long it's cheaper than 100 euro
O - I would be interested in a Korg MS-02 like module as long it's cheaper than 150 euro
O - I would be interested in a Korg MS-02 like module as long it's cheaper than 200 euro
O - I'm not interested in such a module

To vote, you can go to the Yahoo! Groups Poll HERE.

More info controlling a MS-20 / MS-10 with a Doepfer device HERE

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Most Wanted V - A-100TKB Touch Sensor Keyboard

Perhaps best known for their non-moving touch sensor keyboards were the Electric Dream Plant Wasp and Gnat ( and the Electronic Music Studios EMS Synthi A * ) synthesizers that were produced during the late seventies/ the early eighties.
Doepfer's Touch Sensor Keyboard was announced a loooong time ago.
There have been many prototypes of this , and there have been many suggestions and discussions, but still there is no final design or release-date in sight.

Prototype #1
The first prototype (2005?) was a sequencer + keyboard all-in-one version, that looked like the original Sherman Filterbank, but with a keyboard with metal plates in front of it.
For their second prototype (2007), Doepfer decided to drop the sequencer, to give the buyers the chance to buy their own sequencer ( if they needed one ). This prototype is still my favorite, with it's 25 metal keys... simple and plain.

Prototype #2
In the first two versions of the TKB the hum noise inducted by the sourrounding mains was used as working principle, but they found that this principle did not work perfect in all cases (changing mains intensity, different mains frequencies 50/60Hz, indoor/outdoor, problems with increasing humidity and some problems more).

The Latest prototype, shown at NAMM 2010, was equipped with 16 uniform metal plates. Here is where Doepfer went for another approach, now with capacitive sensing pads.
Still, this was a prototype, and i bet Doepfer got a lot of feedback, but probably not enough (or maybe even too much) to make a final production-model.

From the Doepfer site: 
" The number, shape and dimensions of the pads can be adjusted to the customers wishes but we will be able to manufacture only one or maybe two versions (e.g. one with a keyboard layout like version 1 and 2 and another with a non-keyboard layout like version 3).

Prototype #3
In any case it is planned to separate the control until (i.e. the potentiometers, sockets, LEDs and so on) from the touch section. The touch section could be like a module (i.e. assembled like a module to the frame) or a separate box with a cable that leads to the control module (or external control box for stand-alone applications).
As an option we think about a pressure sensor below the keys that measures the pressure applied to the metal plates. The touch keyboard will be probably equipped with outputs for Gate, CV1 (pitch), CV2 (pressure) and Midi.
Due to the nature of the keyboard velocity measurement is not possible and even the Midi output is monophonic only.
Suitable supports to mount the keyboard case into a 19" rack at different positions and angles are planned for the touch version of the keyboard (not possible for the normal version as the width is more than 19"). We also think about a DIY version of the TKB, i.e. only an electronics without the metal plates that can be used to connect any metal plates that have to be added by the user. "

More detailed info on the whole TKB project HERE

* Thanks Marc

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Using the A-100 for Sound Processing

A-119 External Input /
Envelope Follower
The A-119 External Input / Envelope Follower module allows you to integrate any audio signal (electric guitar, microphone, midi sound module, computer sound card, CD player, tape-recorder ...) into your A-100 system.

Audio inputs of audio-processing A-100 modules (e.g. filter, VCA, phaser, flanger, waveform processor, distortion, wave multiplier, ring modulator, frequency shifter, spring reverb, panning ...) all require line level signals of around 1Vss. , and if the signal source does not have the required level an external pre-amplifier like the A-119 is recommended. 

This module consists of a (pre-)amplifier, an envelope follower and a comparator.
The pre-amp has 2 inputs, one unbalanced (Asymmetric) for line level signals, and a balanced (6.3mm jack /Symmetric) input for inserting low level signals, like microphones or electric guitars.
The module provides two simultaneous audio outputs of the amplified signal.

The envelope follower 'reads' an incoming audio-signal and sends out a proportional voltage as an envelope to its own output.
The brightness of the LED indicates the envelope output level, which is very useful...
The voltage at the output signal can be used to control the filter frequency, loudness or any other voltage controlled parameters such as filter resonance, LFO speed, clipping level, wave multiples, frequency shift, phase shift, delay time and more...

The comparator generates Gate signals out of the incoming signal.
Whenever the audio input exceeds a certain (adjustable) level, a Gate-signal is produced.
This signal can again be used to trigger various other external modules like envelope generators or even voltage controlled switching.

Again, this is a very useful module that i cannot do without anymore because i often use external audio inputs. Most of the times i have a microphone plugged in for vocoder use or for filtering pleasures, but i have used it with my guitar and other audio too.
I do find it a bit strange that it is not included in one of Doepfer's pre-configured basic systems, for me it was a must-have.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Most Wanted IV - A-157 8x16 Step Trigger Sequencer

At NAMM 2010 in Anaheim USA, Doepfer showed a very early prototype of the A-157 8 x 16 Step Trigger Sequencer. There's not much information available about this module, besides the info in the NAMM 2010 News PDF on the Doepfer site. Even Doepfer's own Future/New Modules section doesn't have any info on it.

What we do know ( about the prototype(s) ) is that it will be a 'simple' and affordable trigger sequencer (only 8x8 steps, no preset management).
The final module will be equipped with assigned LEDs (arranged in 8 rows with 16 steps each), 8 trigger outputs and clock/start/stop/reset inputs.
It generates 8 trigger signals that are set by the buttons. The LEDs are used to show the active steps and the external control signals clock, start/stop and reset are used to sync the unit to other A-100 modules (or via suitable interfaces to Midi/USB).

An additional preset management will be added to the final version of the module. At the time Doepfer was also thinking about a low cost version of this module with an 8x16 or 8x32 display (like the left unit in the picture) but with only one row of buttons that had to be assigned to one of the rows in question.
The expected date of delivery of summer 2010 was never made.

In fact i haven't found anything more on the web or in the forums about this module, what the reactions were, or a new expected release date.
They are probably still working hard on perfecting the module. The module shown at NAMM wasn't even finished but did give a nice insight on what they are working on.
I like the idea and layout of the front-panel, but personally i prefer my Clock and Reset inputs at the left side of a module, i guess they will at least change that in the final product.

I'd love to have one in a near future, programming rhythmical stuff will become much easier with a module like this, looking forward owning one, but i am afraid i have to wait a while...

Friday, December 31, 2010

Most wanted III - DIN Sync

The DIN Sync (or Sync24) standard, was introduced by Roland in the 80's for synchronizing sequencers, drummachines and (synth-) arpeggiators. The name Sync24 is derived from the frequency of the pulses, 24 pulses per quarter note (PPQN). A clock signal  of 2.51 V, at 24PPQN, defines the speed of the sequence or drum pattern. The start/stop signal defines if the sequence is running and has a voltage of 0 or +5 Volts. A lot of Roland's products were using this standard at the time, so some have sync-in, -out, or switchable sockets.

After the wide adaptation of the MIDI standard, the DIN sockets started to dissapear from most instruments. Syncing instruments via MIDI is now handled by the MIDI Beat Clock at a same 24 PPQN rate.
The SYNC plugs look the same as MIDI plugs ( DIN-standard, round with 5 pins ) ,but the pins have a different configuration as the MIDI plugs. The Din Sync standard can only handle clock signals (for tempo) and start/stop signal, so it sends no pitch-control. More info on Doepfer's SYNC FAQ page.

I know the DIN-Sync standard is now close to death. Only a few 'modern' drum-machines still have a SYNC In or Out, like for example the Novation Drumstation that i own.

The idea of a A-100 SYNC converter module doesn't sound bad in my opinion, perhaps a kind (extended) modular version of  MSY2 MIDI-to-SYNC Converter that Doepfer sells? 
( A-190-X maybe? )

If i might suggest some extra features, why not add a 16 (or more) trigger outputs (A-160/A161-style) , SYNC-in possibility, reset output(s) and switches on the front for choosing dividing factors.

That, together with a set of MIDI In and Thru, or an internal link possibility  to the A-190, would make an awesome (and not too expensive) module that for example could be used for percussive effects like triggering drumsounds in Sync with your old equipment.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Gate vs Trigger

Both the terms Gate and Trigger are commonly used for a signal out event type, mostly generated by a keyboard or sequencer, to start the process of generating a note or sound.

A trigger is typically of short (fixed) duration, where a Gate is usually continuous and muted when a key is lifted.

Gate-times can often be altered, in fact an Envelope Generator is not much more than a trigger-to-gate converter, often with different kinds of variables.
Most commonly used types of EG's are from the ADSR type ( adjustable Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release time ), but you can also find simpler AR, AD or ADR modules in other analogue systems.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Most Wanted II - Drum Modules

Drum-synthesizers and drum-machines have been around for a long time.
The first analogue drum synthesizers were introduced in the 1970s, and everyone remembers those classic analog and digital rhythm-boxes made by big companies as Roland, Korg, Simmons and Linn.

 The Mid-nineties analogue revival triggered a whole bunch of new manufacturers like MAM, Vermona and MFB (to name a few) to produce (modular) drum synths.
I always wondered why Doepfer hasn't come up with a modular drum series yet.
The only drumsound-providing module they released so far was the A-117 Digital noise/808 Source, a module that only produces two 808 sounds... ehh well... building blocks.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could fit a variation of different Doepfer drummodules in your rack, perhaps an A-117-X series? How about dedicated Basdrum, Snare, Hihats, Cymbal, Clap and Toms modules etcetera, with (dynamic) triggers and CV-controllable functions like decay, tune, attack and so on, so you could use any CV signal ( like from an LFO or ADSR) to change the different parameters. I see a world of interesting possiblities.

In combination with trigger-producing modules like the A-160/A-161 Clock Divider, the A-166 Logic module and/or a sequencer i'm sure modules like this could create very interesting and vivid rhythms. And how about control with one of the forthcoming touch-sensors...? Hmmmmmmm.... Want!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A-164-1 Manual Gate

I love hands-on control over my Doepfer A-100 Sytem:
I simply love my Ribbon Controller, the Joystick, Wheels and Theremin Modules, and this one is also one of my favorites.

Perfect for manual ( one-shot ) triggers is the A-164-1 Manual Gate Module.

This module has 3 seperate trigger-buttons that generate a 12V voltage at their respective Gate outputs when pushed. On release no voltage is sent.

All 3 Buttons have double outputs for even more flexability and functionality, and Gate/Button 1 can also be controlled by an external signal ( e.g. the rectangle output of an LFO ),  what makes button 1 act like a momentary on/off switch. This can add some nice ( rhythmic ) effect to your patch.

I prefer to use this module as a manual trigger for self-made one-shot sounds like cowbell sounds or other weird electronic (drum-) sounds. ( Pjoewwww)
In these patches i mainly use the buttons to trigger one or more ASDR's or envelope generators

Another interesting application for this module is extreme filtering...
Because the output of each  Gate is 12 V, feeding this voltage into a CV input of a filter ( or it's resonance control ) will lead to an abrubt ( and full! ) opening and closing of the filter at the push of a button.

As with almost all A-100 Modules, possibillities are limitless.
Leave a comment if you have more interesting and/or creative use for this module.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Best Friends Forever V

The Best Friends Forever section on this blog is a selection of modules that always stay connected, even when i create new patches.

This combination is not much different from my earlier BFF posts, only thing is that here the modules are already connected internally, and not externally with patch-cords.

The two modules, A-160 Clock Divider and A-161 Clock Sequencer are unmissable for rhythmic purposes and for syncing with MIDI or a ( voltage controlled ) LFO.

The Divider is syncronized via the Trigger and Reset Inputs, this module divides the frequencies in steps from /2, /4, /8, /16, /32 and /64, resulting in very usable trigger signals.

The synced Clock Sequencer is a very simple sequencer with 8 steps, the speed of the steps is controlled by the input of the Divider. In fact this combination of modules is an impressive sequencer on it's own.

The outputs of both modules can be used to control any clock, trigger or gate input.
For example, you can use them to trigger envelope generators, resets and (voltage controlled) switches.
It is also possible to use the A-161's trigger outputs to reset the A-160, check out the video below for the basic functions of these modules.

Video: A-160 Demo


Thanks to @Hawklord2112 for the kind permission to use this video