The Rest: Alesis MMT-8 Sequencer

Alesis MMT-8 Multi Track MIDI Recorder

The Doepfer A-100 is not the only equipment in my studio.
Although I am not a collector, I do have some other quite interesting (classic) machines which I review in this section called 'The Rest'
This is the second installment, find part one (about my Waldorf Pulse HERE)

The Alesis MMT-8 Multi Track MIDI Recorder was released at the end of 1987, together with its 'brother', the HR-16 Drummachine.
It is a very reliable sequencer with 100 pattern and 100 song memories and almost as reliable as my old trusty Atari ST computer, which has been the most stable sequencer I ever had... :-(  ...may it rest in peace...

" The MMT-8 is a simple MIDI sequencer that is still used today by some of the biggest names in electronic music (Orbital, Moby, Jimmy Edgar, Autechre and Carl Craig.) because of its simplicity, durability and reliability.

It's a pattern and song based sequencer with 8 separate tracks and each of the tracks can carry 16 channels of Midi info which makes this more like 128 tracks.
Tracks can be muted during playback giving you a lot of performance control for a live situation."

I bought this sequencer second-hand about 15 years ago for around 100 Dutch Guilders (45 Euro), and tried it in my setup for half a year or so, in cooperation with Cubase on my PC with a 4x4 M-Audio MIDI breakout box.
My whole workflow was different then, I tried to get the most of my set by using most MIDI-channels of every synth I had, so i ended up using Cubase more than i did use the MMT-8.

Now that my setup has changed into some kind of minimal live-jam-setup i am really considering integrating this fun little sequencer back in my setup again as a main sequencer.
At the moment my small setup is MIDI-synced via my Roland R-8 drummachine, with my other synths/sequencers playing loops, but it's still pretty basic.
With an extra sequencer I will be able to put more (and longer) melody-lines in my music.
I haven't tried it yet in my current setup, but i think this will work...
My main concern is that the MMT-8 only has a single set of MIDI In/Out/Thru connectors, so i have to put all my machines in a chain-setup.
I just hope this doesn't cause too much lag in the synths that are last in the chain.

Alesis MMT-8 with a quick
manual under the hood

From my own experiences I already learned that the first in the chain to prevent an audible lag should be my Drummachines (R-8 and a Machinedrum), but after that i need to attach at least 5 more synths.
I hope this works out well... I might need to invest in a MIDI-splitter though.(mainly for synchronizing-reasons)
If it doesnt' work out the way I want might want to sell it.

A second-hand MPC-1000 (or newer) is on my wishlist for a long time, but i still don't have the funds yet. #priorities
Multiple MIDI-Outputs are better, and the MPC's have multiple MIDI-Inputs too, which means I can also attach more of my keyboards (JV-90, Prophecy and BassStation).
The built-in sampler will mean that don't need my current E-Mu ESI-32 sampler anymore and that i have to copy over all the samplebanks that i already built for that....

I hope to have my new setup configuration with the MMT-8 ready at the end of next month (depends on the weather too), and I'll let you know how it all turned out.
You will probably spot it in my next live-jam-videos...

First i still need to get my mixing-desk fixed. That's another thing that's gonna cost me a small fortune.
More soon...

Aesis HR-16/MMT-8 book
by Craig Anderton

I'm still looking for this book by Craig Anderton about the MMT-8/HR-16(B)
It seems to be the only printed book relating to the MMT-8.
It is split into four (2x2) sections and the section relating to the MMT-8 doesn't give any more information about the MMT-8 or how to use it than the manual does.

However, certain features are expanded upon and explained in greater detail than the manual.
Overall, the book makes a good introduction for beginners to MIDI and the MMT-8, and is a handy reference for more experienced users.

Source/More info: http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/mmt8.php
MMT-8 Website: http://www.mmt8.com/
Manual (PDF) at http://www.mmt8.com/files/mmt8.pdf

Random Video: Guitar Straight into the Doepfer Analog Synthesizer

Here's an older video (from August2010) that explains how you can simply play your synth with a guitar by only using a Doepfer A-160 Clock Divider.

This seems to work great and outputs a nice square wave, and logically, this works best with single notes (great for solos after some good practicing)

After the A-160 module you can route the sound to anywhere you like... just plug and play!

Video: Guitar Straight into the Doepfer Analog Synthesizer

" Ok Ok, this is crazy... This video shows you how to (without any 'special' modules whatsoever) play an analog mod synth with a regular ol guitar. I discovered a very common, but unusual module to convert the guitar signal into audio: the clock divider... insanity ensues...
© Philip Mease 2010"

Uploaded by PSMProjectVids

Doepfer A-111 FM Carillion by @Jakobsweb

Jakobsweb has uploaded an interesting video showing off the FM capabilities of the Doepfer A-111 VCO (linear FM)

Video: Doepfer A-111 FM Carillion by Jakobsweb

" Not a song! This is meant to demonstrate the FM capabilities of the Doepfer A-111 VCO (linear FM).No filter used.
Additional modules used:
A-143-9 Sine VCO/LFO used as modulating VCO, the A-111s are carriers.
A-149-1/2 Quantized/Stored Random Voltages triggering additional pitch CV on the A-111 VCOs.
Synthesis Technologies E560 Deflector Shield adding FM flavour.
Last not least Make Noise Echophone creating addtional echoes.
Doepfer A-131 VCA, A-134 panning module and A-140 envelope for VCA."

Uploaded by jakobsweb

More A-190-4 MIDI-CV/Gate/Sync Interface Specifications

Last year, quickly after the A-190-4 prototype suddenly appeared in the wild, i already contacted Dieter Doepfer about some of the specs of the module.

The Doepfer A-190-4 will be the new replacement for module A-190-1 which is no longer available.

The functions of A-190-1 and A-190-4 are nearly the same (Midi In, Midi Out, CV1, CV2, Gate, Clock, Reset), but the operation of the A-190-4 has been improved because a 3-digit LED display is available.

The current values of all parameters (like Midi channel, reference note, clock divider) can be read back and modified by means of up/down buttons.

In addition A-190-4 is equipped with an USB interface and the external +5V supply is no longer available.

A-190(-1)  MIDI-CV/Sync
Interface

The A-190-1 has 2  DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters)

In the original A-190-1 DAC 1 is 'hard-wired' to receive MIDI note messages and convert them into control voltages available at CV output socket CV 1. This DAC has 12-bit resolution, which gives excellent tuning resolution (in steps of 1/4096th). As a rule, DAC 1 will be used to control VCO pitch.
DAC 2 can be assigned to your choice of MIDI controller. This DAC has 7-bit resolution (1/128th steps).

At the time (almost one year ago) Dieter couldn't tell much about the processing power and if any other functions would be available (arpeggiator? like the A-190-3), but this week I have managed to get a bit more info.
Christian Assall, software developer at Doepfer, was kind enough to explain a few more things about the A-190-4 via e-mail:

A-190-4 Prototype

- "The A-190-4 will have 2 new DACs... Because the development of the A-190-1 was now before more than 15 years, it makes sense to use modern pieces."

- "DAC2 will now also be 12 bit and will have a range of 0 ... 10 + volt ( but can also only use it for velocity/controller and things similar to the A190-1 , but not for pitch/tune controlling like the CV1 - so it's not possible to control two voices - because you also have only one gate ;-) - for polyphonic things we have the A190-5 in development"

About future firmware updates:
- "As the next development in schedule list is the A-190-5 - which is something like a 'great' brother of the A-190-4 - the A-190-4 has in most cases the possibility to inherit his features...

...so it's more a question of what we and the users want and decide to include in a preferably easy to use CV-interface the A-190-4 should be... This also belongs to the topic arpeggiator."

The A-190-1 Arpeg. mode never got released 

About the somewhat hidden arpeggiator-function in the A-190-3:
- " It's more a cost-free present or an eastern-egg like thing than a real feature in my eyes, because it hasn't any dedicated switches or display for that - so I think it's for many users hard to use ...
But if you can - sure you can use it and you can do some arp. things without any additional devices/software ...."

- " We never released this feature in the A-190-1, mostly because of the not optimal user interface, that was not suited in our eyes for additional and such a complex features.
An arp. should have a dedicated/suitable user interface - otherwise it didn't make much sense in my experience/eyes.
Sure also the weak processor power was a reason, not to try with many tricks to get an arp. which is in timing and didn't interfere with the other functions of the module.
So, never to release, was more a matured consideration that came from practical experiences..."

The A-190-1 will be replaced by the A-190-4 from about April 2014.

As of April, the Doepfer BS basic systems will come with an A-190-4 installed...

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

Sites for digital makers: http://createdigitalmusic.com + http://createdigitalmotion.com + http://noisepages.com 

Berlin, Germany and worldwide · createdigitalmusic.com

Intro to Eurorack Modular by @Flux302

Ken Flux Pierce (@Flux302) had been getting a lot of questions about getting into eurorack, so he did an article and a video on what he has found so far.

The full article can be found at http://fluxwithit.com/intro-to-eurorack-modular/

He will be updating the article and adding to it with both videos and written chapters.

Here is the first video:

Video : Intro to Eurorack Modular Synths from Fluxwithit.com

" This is just simply a primer to get people a little bit of info on what eurorack is. How to get started, and what some of the key elements are.Visit Http://Fluxwithit.com for more info! "

Uploaded by Flux302 of Fluxwithit.com

If there is anything in correct or you feel he should touch on,

feel free to let him know via http://fluxwithit.com/intro-to-eurorack-modular/

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

http://www.sonicstate.com/ 

On Twitter via https://twitter.com/sonicnick

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

SiteTip: Modular Sub-Reddit

In case you didn't know already:

The Modular Sub-Reddit is an extremely valuable source of all kinds of (Eurorack and other) modular news, videos, tips and tricks...
Besides that it is also a nice discussion platform that can always use more participants.

Find it at http://www.reddit.com/r/modular/

The community doesn't seem very talkative so far (which is strange for modular lovers), so please subscribe, vote articles up or down, join the discussions and add your own links...

Thank you in advance for your help and input!

Find more PatchPierre SiteTips HERE

Musikmesse 2014 Introducing New Doepfer Modules by AnalogueZone

AnalogueZone has made a nice impression of the Doepfer booth, with Dieter Doepfer himself telling all about the new modules...

Video: Musikmesse 2014 Introducing new Doepfer modules

"Analogue Zone Modular Synth Store presents:
Dieter Doepfer introduces his new modules at Musikmesse 2014;
Doepfer A-190-4 USB/Midi-to-CV/Gate/Clock Interface

Doepfer A-127 is a Breakout module for triple VCF
Doepfer A-101-6 is a six stage Opto-FET VCF A-101-6
and spoke about the new A-157 Trigger Sequencer"

Video Uploaded by Analogue Zone Showroom / Hangszer

Connect with AnalogueZone:

Google+ ► https://plus.google.com/+Analoguezone/

Facebook ► http://facebook.com/analoguezonehungary

Twitter ► http://twitter.com/analoguezone

AnalogueZone ► http://www.analoguezone.com

Doepfer A-125 Voltage Controlled Phase Shifter Video Tutorials by Raul Pena

Raul Pena just posted a new tutorial video in his Doepfer Series, this time all about the Doepfer A-125 Voltage Controlled Phase Shifter.

Here's part one, enjoy!

Video : Doepfer A125 Voltage Controlled Phase Shifter Basics

" A short overview of the basic features and functions of the Doepfer A125 Voltage Controlled Phase Shifter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. "

Video 2: Doepfer A125 Phase Shifter Audio Demonstration Part One

" A short audio demonstration of the basic functions of the Doepfer A125 Phase Shifter. Includes oscilloscope views. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A125 Phase Shifter Audio Demonstration Part Two

" A continued exploration of the Doepfer A125 Phase Shifter. More sound examples of the Phase Shifter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A125 VC Phase Shifter Modulation Part One

" Further exploring with the Doepfer A125 VC Phase Shifter. Examples of basic modulation with an envelope and LFO.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 5: Doepfer A125 VC Phase Shifter Modulation Part Two

" Further exploring with the Doepfer A125 VC Phase Shifter. Examples with Random, Noise and sample and hold.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

New videos in this series will be added to this post weekly on Thursdays.

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