Doepfer Power Supplies

There are 2 types of transformers used in the existing standard Doepfer A-100 racks and cases.

The old Doepfer power supply with a
rectangular transformer

If you are buying a secondhand A-100 rack, it might be useful to know how to distinguish the old transformer from the new version.

The newer version is a better version, more reliable and provides a steadier voltage that is better for your system, although i personally never heard any complaints about the old transformer besides the longer warming-up time.

The old power supply has a black or blue rectangular transformer, where the new power supplies have a round silver transformer.

The new Doepfer power supply with a round transformer

For a period during the transition (about 2 years) the customers could order both versions.
In any case all A-100 cases manufactured later than early 2005 are equipped with the new power supply, and all cases manufactured until about of 2002 are equipped with the old version.
For cases manufactured in 2003 and 2004 it depends which version has been ordered by the customer.

In any case the new power supply can be identified by a small label outside the case near the mains inlet.
It says "Power Supply II" unless it was removed by the user.

Source: Dieter Doepfer

Random Video: Orginaized Kaos

Another nice video of a Eurorack containing a lot of Doepfer Modules, found on YouTube

Video: Orginaized Kaos

" Modular synth patch in the dark.
Patch info after request
LFO as clock drives Make Noise - René, Doepfer A-160 clock divider, A-155 sequencer
Drums sequenced by A-161 clock sequencer and A-166 logic module.
Drums - Analogue Solutions BD88, SD88, HH88.
Bas is A-111-5 (modular version of Dark Energy) sequenced by A-155 via A-156 Quantizer.
Melody is another A-111-5 sequenced by A-155 via A-156 Quantizer. but it is triggerd by trigger out from A-156, and it´s trigger signal goes via A-152 used as a switch clocked by A-160 clock divider so that it only comes in every 48 bar.
Clap sound - A-118 noise thru A-106-6 Xpander filter in bandpass to A-132 vca.
digital pitch sweep - A-112 triggered by clock sequencer and logic module. with a LFO controlling Tune.
Wobbel bas - A-106-1 Xtreme filter in self oscillation cut off frequency controlled by A-140 Envelope triggered by A-143-9 QLFO. also controlled by a A-150 switch controlled by Clock divider.
Other drum sounds - Phonogene with drum loop controlled by rene (gene-size and Organize.
That´s most of the patch."

Upoloaded by http://www.youtube.com/user/miip999

Free Doepfer MAQ 16/3 Editor for iOS

Doepfer user Thorsten Boesing has developed a free editor for the Doepfer MAQ16/3 sequencer.

The Doepfer MAQ16/3 Sequencer

It is based on the MIDI control surface TouchOSC for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad:
I haven't tried it (yet) because i don't have any iProducts, but it looks like an interesting interface to control the MAQ sequencer.

At the push of a button you can easily change some of the MAQ's most used functions, that are sometimes hidden in the menu-structure of this hardware sequencer.

It even has a few extra's like the 'All steps on/off' and dedicated selection buttons for the most used modes (forward/backward, pendulum or random)



You can find the editor program at http://www.citricacid.de/maq163edit.zip

Video: Doepfer MAQ16/3 Touch OSC Template for IPADTutorial

" I ve programmed a TOUCH OSC Template for Doepfer MAQ16/3 Analog Step Sequencer and a IPAD. If you use a ios Midiinterface you can edit your MAQ . You can download the template for free at www.citricacid.de and on doepfer.de"

Find Thorsten on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/acid_jack303
and on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/acidjack303

Random Video: Noodling on the Doepfer A100 Modular

I found this nice experimental video on YouTube, that only uses a few A-100 modules.
Not very spectacular, but impressive-sounding nevertheless.

Video: Noodling on Some Modules of Doepfer A100 Modular

"Percussive sounds by A-146 LFO2 module. Also in action: A-125 voltage control phaser and A-106-5 SEM analog filter.
Echoes by deluxe memory boy bbd analog delay."

Uploaded by dronesyn0

A-190-3 Product Recall / USB Error

Today Dieter Doepfer sent out a statement concerning a few batches of the A-190-3 USB-to-CV/Gate module.
Luckily the 'problem' only affect a small group of A-190-3-owners, but here is Dieter's statement:

" Dear members,
We discovered that our manufacturer made a mistake during the last series of the A-190-3 production.
The USB interface of the modules were not tested correctly.

If your A-190-3 is not recognized by the computer you probably received one of these faulty modules.

Modules with these test labels are affected:

J.K. 11.11

I.12 K.Ste.

II.12 M.Stej

The Midi interfaces of these modules work as they should.
Only the USB interface is affected (because two capacitors have been assembled in the wrong way).
Please return the module to the dealer where your purchased it for free replacement and free shipping charges.
Please accept my apologies for this fault.
Maybe we will have to check more control samples in the future.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer "

If you are lucky enough to have an A-190-3 that doés work, don't forget to check out THIS POST about the somewhat hidden arpeggiator. 
(I believe this arpeggiator function is still not mentioned in the manual or on the Doepfer website)

Locating the A-100 Fuse

The fuse-box is located between the
power inlet and the on/off switch

It's pretty basic, but every once in a while i receive the question: "Where can i find the fuse on my Doepfer rack?"
I must admit i had to search for it too the first time i blew up a fuse.

The answer is quite easy.
On the backside of the G6 rack (and G3 rack and most other cases and koffers) you'll find the power supply and the On/Off switch.
Between these two there is a small compartment where the fuse can be found.

Use a small screwdriver to
slide out the fuse-holder

Always remove the power-cord before you are opening the fuse-box!

With a small screwdriver you can gently pull this fuse-box out of it's place and replace your A-100 fuse.
Check out the Doepfer FAQ to see what fuse-value you should use in your rack, depending on rack-size and country.

Fuse-holder with A-100 fuse

A-156 Dual Quantizer Tutorials by Raul Pena

Raul Pena has published the first (of 5) episode of his next tutorial video series.
This time it is all about the A-156 Dual Quantiser module.

Video 1: Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Basics

" Description and Overview of the Modes of Operation of the Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Module. A basic demonstration of the Major, Minor, and Chord modes. Continued in Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Modes of Operation Part Two. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Modes of Operation

" Description and Overview of the Modes of Operation of the Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Module. A basic demonstration of the Major, Minor, and Chord modes. Continued in Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Modes of Operation Part Two. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Modes of Operation Part Two

" Continuation of the Modes of Operation of the Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer Module. A basic demonstration of the +7,+6 and quint modes. Next Video Doepfer A156 More Voltage Sources, Transposing, and using triggers. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer More CV Sources, Transposing, and Triggers

" Continuing Exploration of the Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer. This section examines using an Envelope as a CV source for the quantizer, transposing quantized sequences and triggers. Next Video Doepfer A156 More Voltage Sources, Transposing, and using triggers Part Two. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 5: Doepfer A156 Dual Quantizer More CV Sources, Transposing, and triggers Part Two

" This section continues examining transposing quantized sequences and triggers.Also demonstration of quantizing a modulated CV source.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

More videos will be added after they appear online.
Don't forget to check out Raul's website at http://raulsworldofsynths.com/

Big A-100 Book by Andreas Krebs Delayed

Sad news for some of the non-German-speaking A-100 fans;

The original German version
of the big A-100 book by Andreas Krebs

Das Grosse Buch zum Doepfer A-100 Modular-Synthesizer, the German A-100 by Andreas Krebs that was published half a year ago (also check my earlier BookTips) will probably not be available this year yet.
I recently contacted him about a possible release-date of the (pre-announced) English version, but he replied that the project is delayed.

He wrote: " There had been plans to release the book end of this year. However, there have been some big delays in this project due to personal reasons (currently we’re moving from Munich to the countryside).
I hope to be able to put some more efforts on the english version as soon as we have moved and everything is “in its place” again."

I hope his situation will improve soon...

The German version is still available;
Price: Euro 29,90 € plus shipping
Find more info and ordering details at: http://www.ideenhase.de/html/doepferbuch.html
German version is also available via Doepfer

Random Video: Doepfer-Acid-Distortion

I found this one on YouTube.
Both sound-wise and visually interesting enough to post here.

Video: Doepfer-Acid-Distortion

" Akai mpc60II, Doepfer A-100 system A-103/A-136, Video fx live. App
Audio - via headphones into iPads built in mic. Hence poor quality "

Uploaded by Corrosiveabuser
Find another one HERE

Re-arranging my A-100 System

Last weekend i finally had some time to re-arrange my A-100 system.
I seems like this just has to happen every  few years...
It's was dirty job... a lot of screwing had to be done...

The main problem was the (old) location of my vocoder system, i had it in the middle of my rack.
That meant that i had a lot of wires hanging over the modules in the row below it.
I took out the vocoder modules and placed them at the bottom row.

My Joystick/Voltage inverter combo, the Modulation Wheels and the Manual Trigger modules were replaced to where the vocoder used to be, for maximum real-time control from the center of my setup.

The top three rows stayed the same, with mainly oscillators, noise mixers and filters (plus the 2 Theremin modules).
In row 4 i placed an extra A-180 Multiples next to my Quad ADSR so i can easily send multiple envelopes through my rack.
The rows below that have an assortment of various modules; LFO's, Distortion, Waveshaper, BBD and Frequency-shifter, to name a few... and my Trigger Sequencer, Divider, Inverters and Logic Modules.

At the lowest two rows on the left you'll find my inseparable section of modules from where i can switch playing-modes between Ribbon Controlled or by Keyboard (MIDI)-controlled... find and extensive post about this section HERE.

The Vocoder and its cables that were causing the main problem.
Note the frequency displacement