Doepfer in Black... Vintage Style

Exciting news from Doepfer for this upcoming NAMM2016.

First this:
Finally they decided to release modules featuring black frontpanels with white print and vintage style knobs.
The result is truly stunning... i would love to change all my silver frontpanels rightaway :)
It will also look great with their latest series of Special Edition modules.

Doepfer A-100 System in black, with vintage-style knobs (click to enlarge)

Imagine this with their new colored knobs too... i'm very excited for this :)

So far for these modules vintage versions are planned:
A-110-1 Standard VCO, ƒA-110-2 Basic VCO, A-114 Ring Modulator, ƒA-118 Noise/Random, A-120 24dB Transistor Ladder Lowpass Filter, A-132-3 Dual Linear/Exponential VCA, A-138 Mixer, A-140 ADSR, A-147-2 VCDLFO, A-148 S&H/T&H, A-180-2 2x4 Multiple and the A-190-3 USB/MIDI-to-CV/Gate Interface.
If there are sufficient inquiries they will offer the black panels and vintage style knobs as spare parts.

There are also plans to offer more modules with black panels (e.g. the sequencer series A-154/A-155/A-156).

Each module (old and new ones) will be available in any case in the standard version (i.e. silver-grey aluminium with grey knobs).
But they will offer some modules also in the vintage edition (black front panels with black glossy vintage style knob with metal disc
at the top) or other Special Editions (like the black/yellow A-124 Wasp, the blue/white A-110-4 Thru Zero Quadrature VCO or the (upcoming) cream/black A-106-5). So there is no need to dispute. Simply order the version you prefer.

Angled view (click to enlarge)

After NAMM Doepfer will decide how they will proceed...
 
Update 22/02/2016:
Presumably in April 2016 these modules will follow as vintage versions:
A-112 Sampler, A-138b Mixer, A-154 Seq, A-155 Seq, A-156 Dual Quantizer, A-160-5, A-170 Slew Limiter, A-188-1 BBD and A-199 Spring Reverb.

Likewise the Low Cost Cases A-100LC3, A-100LC6, A-100LC9 and A-100LCB will be available in black coated versions from April 2016. 
The above picture shows the vintage modules mounted into a black A-100LC3. 
More information, prices, picture, release dates will be available about middle of March 2016. 
The surcharges will be in the range Euro 45 (A-100LC3) to Euro 80 (A-100LC9).

Doepfer A-110-4SE Special Edition Quadrature Thru-Zero VCO

A-110-4SE

Interesting times for the Doepfer collectors.

After the A-124SE Doepfer WASP special edition was announced almost 2 months ago, Doepfer now releases the A-110-4SE Zero-Thru Special Edition module.

From about middle of October a special edition of this Quadrature Thru-Zero VCOs A-110-4 will be available as A-110-4SE.
The special edition is equipped with a blue anodized front panel and white knobs.
The price will be 140 Euro

Blue and white seem to be the colours of the Bavarian flag... #Oktoberfest reference?

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

This picture appeared later. Probably explaining the colour-scheme better...

Doepfer A-100SSB Small Power Supply/Bus Announced

A-100SSB is a combination of power supply and bus board with 8 connectors for A-100 modules. Planned for applications with up to 8 modules and a max. current of 380 mA. A-100SSB is available as ready built and tested unit.

A-100SSB Prototype I

These are the most important features:
- wide range mains voltage input 100-240V AC / 50-60 Hz
- IEC inlet on board for the connection of a suitable mains cable (a suitable cable has to be purchased by the customer locally)
- switching supply with +12V/380 mA and -12V/380mA for the operation of A-100 modules up to 380 mA total supply current
- safety cover at the bottom side (covers all elements that lead mains voltage)
- on board fuse
- 8 bus connectors
- LED displays for +12V, -12V and +5V (+5V are available only if e.g. the 5V adapter A-100AD5 is used)
- Dimensions: about 270 mm (length) x 55 mm (width) x 35 mm (height)
- several 3mm holes for mounting the unit on a rear panel or bottom plate

Planned for  ca. Oktober 2015 / ~ October 2015 /  for ~ Euro 75.00

Source: http://www.doepfer.de/A100SSB.htm

Doepfer A-136 Distortion/Waveshaper Tutorial Videos by Raul Pena

Raul Pena published new videos demonstrating the A-136 Distortion/Waveshaper Module

Module A-136 is a distortion and waveshaping module with extensive control possibilities. The incoming audio or cv signal is internally divided into 3 sections:
- positive component of the signal with adjustable clipping level (even externally via jack socket) and positive or negative amplification (+/-) of this component
- negative component of the signal with adjustable clipping level (even externally via jack socket) and positive or negative amplification (+/-) of this component
- original signal with positive or negative amplification (+/-)

Different settings of 5 distortion/waveshaping parameters enable a lot of very complex and extreme waveform modifications. The range of modifications reaches from simple soft or hard clipping to completely altered waveforms where the original signal is no longer recognizable.
The sketch below shows only a few examples when using a triangle as input signal.

Applications: audio distortion (especially in combination with filters very interesting), waveform modification for audio signals as well as for control voltages (LFO, ADSR, random etc.).

Video: Doepfer A136 Distortion/Waveshaper Basics and Demos (Full Playlist)

Doepfer A168-1 PW/PWM-Generator Announced

Doepfer Announced another new module last week...

Module A-168-1 is a pulsewidth modulation generator (PWM Module).

It derives a rectangle signal with adjustable pulsewidth from an external triangle, sawtooth or sine wave. 

The external signal can be an LFO, VCO or any other signal with falling/rising slopes (e.g. ADSR). In addition the pulsewidth can be modulated by a CV signal (e.g. LFO or ADSR). 

The typical application is the generation of a rectangle signal with PWM from VCOs or LFOs which do not yet have this feature (e.g. A-110-4, A-145, A-147-2, A-143-4, A-143-9).

The module is equipped with these controls and in/output:
- Manual PW control (PW)
- PWM CV Input with attenuator (PWM)
- Signal input (In)
- Output with LED control (Out)
- Inverted Output with LED control (/Out)
- Internal trimming potentiometer for PW (is adjusted for symmetrical 50:50 rectangle when the manual PW control is at center position)
- Internal trimming potentiometer for PWM range (is adjusted so that the manual PW control covers the full PW range 0 ... 100%)
- The trimming potentiometers are required to adjust the module for best operation for signals with different DC offsets (e.g. unipolar/bipolar signals) and different signal levels.

Normally the module is assigned to another module because the trimming potentiometer have to be readjusted when the input signal changes (unless the signals have nearly the same DC offset and level)

(planned for November 2015, price ~ Euro 50.00, price and release date are still without obligation)
Source: http://www.doepfer.de/a1681.htm

Doepfer A-124SE Special Edition Wasp Filter Module

A-124SE

Quite unexpected, Doepfer announced a black A-124 Wasp filter with yellow knobs today.

This module comes as a limited edition and will be available through your local dealers. (order no. A-124SE)
According to a Doepfer interview with the Sud-Deutsche Zeitung the first batch sold out (to distributors) within 24 hour.

Great marketing-idea by Doepfer IMO, especially to promote the recently announced colored knobs. All kinds of color-schemes are possible now.

I hope they will do that to more modules...

Find out more about the A-124 Wasp filter at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/A-124

Doepfer A-163 Voltage Controlled Frequency Divider Tutorial Videos by Raul Pena

Raul Pena's next set of Doepfer tutorial videos is all about the A-163 Frequency Divider.

" The frequency of the input signal (preferably the rectangle output of a VCO) is divided by an integer factor N (N = 1, 2, 3, 4 ... up to 32). N can be adjusted manually and modulated with an external control voltage (e.g. from LFO, ADSR, Random, MIDI-to-CV, Theremin, Light-to-CV, analog sequencer) with attenuator.
The control input has polarizing function, i.e. the manually adjusted dividing factor can be modulated upwards or downwards. The basic idea of a polarizer is described in the modules A-133 Voltage Controlled Polarizer and A-138c Polarizing Mixer.

A-163 Frequency
Divider

The output waveform is rectangle with 50% duty cycle. Unlike the A-115 with fixed dividing factors

Applications: dynamic voltage controlled frequency division of audio signals or modulation signals. More details concerning frequency division of audio signals can be found in the Trautonium or A-113 information.

Inputs: CV In, Audio In (rectangle)
Output: Audio Out (resp. rectangle modulation CV out after modification)
Controls: Manual N, CV attenuator

After a small modification (a capacitor has to be shortened or replaced by a wire for DC coupling) the A-163 can be used for low-frequency control signals too.

Remark: From 2007 the module is equipped with an additional jumper at the bottom side of the pc board. This jumper is used to select DC coupled (jumper installed) or AC coupled mode (jumper removed).
If the module is used to divide slowly changing signals (like clock, trigger, gate or rectangle signals of an LFO) the DC coupled mode has to be selected. For audio signals the AC mode is recommended."
(2, 4, 8, 16) the dividing factor of the A-163 is voltage controlled and can be any integer value between 1 and about 20 (but only one output). In contrast to A-113 the dividing factor of the A-163 is voltage controlled and the output waveform is rectangle (the A-113 has 4 sawtooth outputs with 4 adjustable but not voltage controlled dividers).

Video: Doepfer A-163 Voltage Controlled Frequency Divider (Full Playlist)

" A short overview of the basic features of the A-163 VC Frequency Divider. A short audio demonstration is provided.

Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A-180-3 Dual Buffered Multiple Announced

A-180-3 Dual
Buffered
Multiple

Following the many requests in the Doepfer Yahoo-group, Doepfer announced today that an A-180-3 Dual Buffered Multiple will soon be released.

Module A-180-3 is a dual buffered 1-in-3 multiple.

The signal applied to the input socker appears as a buffered signal at the three output sockets. 

Each output has it's own buffer, i.e. the three output sockets are not simply connected to each other. The lower output of the upper unit is normalled to the input of the lower unit. 

That way the module works as a single 1-in-6 buffered multiple provided that no signal is applied to the input of the lower unit.

Application: copying/buffering of control and audio signals.

Update by Dieter: "the prototype pcb of the dual buffered multiple (A-180-3) arrived and has been tested. As expected no problems occured. The
module will be released about September 2015. The price will be the same as the A-138u because it very similar (i.e. Euro 50)"

ps Doepfer is closed from June 20 until July 05, 2015. No shipping, no helpdesk, no repairs during this time.

Doepfer A-166 Dual Logic Video Tutorials by Raul Pena

Raul Pena just published the first tutorial video on the Doepfer A166 Dual logic module.

The A-166 is a Dual logic module 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 three functions are available simultaneously at three outputs with LED display of the output states.

Additionally two inverters are avaliable to obtain the inverted functions NAND, NOR and NEXOR.
The 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.
Provided that no plug is inserted into socket 1 resp. socket 2 the socket is connected to the input above it.
This simplifies the usage of the module when only 2 signals are combined. E.g. the logic functions AND and OR have different neutral input levels ("1" is the neutral state for AND, "0" is the neutral state for OR).

Here's the playlist , future videos will be added automagically every week on Thursday or Friday.

Doepfer A-166 Dual Logic Tutorials 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

Also read: Doepfer A-166-2 Logic Module Announced
More info: http://www.doepfer.de/a166.htm

Colored Doepfer Knobs

Yay... Doepfer decided to produce and sell knobs in multiple colors.
The modules are still delivered with grey knobs.
Because of logistic reasons it's not possible to deliver modules with different colored knobs, but the customer is able to order the knobs separately and replace the grey knobs by the new ones as the knobs are simply plugged on the potentiometer shafts.

The colored rotary Knobs, diameter 15 mm, height 15 mm, for 6 mm axis with 18 teeth, can be used also in other products like MAQ16/3, Dark Energy or Dark Time.

You can find the new knobs on the price list in the Doepfer website's spare parts section...

Doepfer A-111 High-end VCO 2 Video Tutorials by Raul Pena

For his next Doepfer tutorial video series, Raul Pena returns to the classics...

A-110 Standard VCO vs A-111 High-end VCO(2)

Module A-111-1 (VCO2) is a voltage controlled oscillator. 

The VCO has a range of about 12 octaves, and produces four waveforms simultaneously: pulse (rectangle), sawtooth, triangle and sine waves. 

The VCO's frequency is determined by the position of the range switch, tune and fine tune controls, and the voltage at the two pitch CV inputs, CV 1 and CV 2. Footage (the octave of the fundamental) is set by the Range control, which has seven octave steps. 

The Tune control is used for coarse tuning, and the Fine control for fine tuning of the VCO pitch. 

The A-111 can be modulated by both exponential and linear FM (frequency modulation). 

You can control the pulse width of the square wave either by hand, or by voltage control - Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM for short.
The A-111 also has inputs for Hard Sync and Soft Sync.

As the special circuit CEM3340 used in this module is no longer available the module has to be discontinued.

Doepfer A-111 VCO2 Tutorials (Playlist):

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

MusicMesse Reports by @Flixxx (Playlist)

MusikMesse 2015 in Frankfurt took off today, with the Roland modulars/modules as the most talked about eurorack releases. Read all about that on the other blogs ;-)
Pretty refreshing to see this year are Felix' (The Tuesday Night Machines) excellent video-reports from the floor... Here's his playlist, enjoy!
(it looks like he is still adding episodes at the time I write this, so feel free to chech this blogpost again tomorrow or later this week)

MusikMesse 2015 playlist by +The Tuesday Night Machines

" OFFICIAL WEBSITE:http://nightmachines.tv
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Flixxx (@Flixxx)
Ello:
http://ello.co/nightmachines
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/nightmachines
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/tuesdaynightmach...
Bandcamp:
http://nightmachines.bandcamp.com
My other YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/flx04part2"

Doepfer A-106-5 12dB SEM Filter Tutorial Videos by Raul Pena

While I was gone, Raul Pena kept on making new A-100 video tutorials.

Here's the next series (now presented here as a playlist instead of weekly updating a blogpost), showing you all the ins and outs of the A-106-5 SEM Filter.

A-106-5 12dB
SEM Filter

Module A-106-5 is a 12dB multimode filter that is based on the filter circuit of the Oberheim SEM module.

The filter is equipped with a band pass output and a combined low/notch/high pass output.

For this output a control knob defines the relation between low and high pass signal. 

If both signals appear at the same level (i.e. middle position of the Mix knob) one obtains a notch filter. Otherwise the low or high pass signal predominates. 

The module does not feature self oscillation in contrast to most of the other filters of the A-100 system. 

The module generates a distorted audio signal if the level control is set to about 50% (i.e. center position) or more with A-100 standard signals like VCOs.

Inputs:
Audio In, CV1 In without attenuator, CV2 In with Polarizer
Outputs:
Bandpass Out, Low/Highpass Mix-Out
Controls:
Audio Attenuator, CV2 Polarizer, Frequency, Resonance, LP/HP Mix

Click HERE for more A-106-5 on PatchPierre.Net

Doepfer A-106-5 12dB SEM Filter Tutorial (Playlist)

"... Sound and Video 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

QuBit Electronix Nano Rand

QuBit
Electronix
Nano Rand

Qu-Bit Electronix has published more info and a video about their latest module, the Nano Rand.

"Nano Rand is a sample and hold, noise source, and random voltage generator in 4 HP.
It takes inspiration from and improves upon the analog concept of a random voltage module; moving forward in leaps and bounds into the digital domain.
At its­ core is an 8 bit microcontroller which allows for an extremely versatile, and more importantly, musical type of random.

- 4 switchable random voltage algorithms
- Can be internally or externally clocked
- Random gate source that generates musical derivatives of incoming clock
- Generates random frequency audio rate square waves allowing it to be both audio and control source
- Random voltage can be unipolar or bipolar

Specifications:
Width: 4hp
38.1mm (Skiff friendly)
Power: 60mA
Price: $190.00"

Video: Nano Rand Tutorial

" This is a tutorial for the Qu-Bit Electronix Nano Rand.

Table of Contents
Introduction: 0:00
Rate and Range: 0:17
Sample and Hold: 0:57
Random Voltage: 1:16
Random Algorithm Switch: 2:35
Internal/External Clock, Clock Input, Clock CV: 3:01
Gate Out: 3:41
Digital Noise: 4:32

www.collinrussellmusic.com
www.qubitelectronix.com" 

The Nano rand will be available in a few weeks

Source and order info: http://www.qubitelectronix.com/#!nano-rand/cqsh

New Doepfer A-157-1/2/3 Trigger Sequencer Prototypes

Doepfer has published another (4th?) collection of new prototypes of the A-157-1/2/3, and seem to be preparing it for a NAMM 2015 lauch...
I have been following this project since February 2011, and i am still looking forward to this one...

The graphics have changed, the A-157-1, the main trigger part with 160 buttons and 160 leds, has a nice black-and-silver colorscheme, and the function buttons on the right side have been labelled now...

The full subsystem will still contain several modules:

- The LED/button matrix module A-157-1,
It seems to feature some nice functions like Invert Row (when shift left and right are operated simultaneously) have been added for each row, plus mute and select for each track, shift pattern, first/last step and different running modes (fwd/back/pendulum/random)

- The trigger output module A-157-2
The A-157-2 provides single outputs for each track

- , and one of the control modules (A-157-3, A-157-4 ...)
A simple controller with basic functions like start/stop, reset and clock, which can  be controlled via input triggers or the dedicated push-buttons.

Release date: ~ early in 2015 (NAMM!?)

(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!)

Update January 16 2016:

Dieter in the Doepfer Yahoo Usergroup:

"The A-157 are now in production and the first batch will be shipped ~ middle of February. But it depends upon the orders of your dealer when they arrive at your dealer. As far as I know the first batch is already sold out."

Read all my earlier A-157 Trigger Sequencer blog-posts at http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/A-157

Note: I replaced the Version 2 frontpanels by the final Version 3 ones

Source: http://www.doepfer.de/a157.htm

Doepfer A137-2 VC Wave Multiplier II Tutorials by Raul Pena

A-137-2 Wave Multiplier II

Back in August of this year Raul Pena published his series on the Doepfer A-137-1 Wave Multiplier module (11 parts!)

Now he's back with the first tutorial videos starring the follow-up to this module, the A-137-2.
The A-137-2 is another version of a wave multiplier.
In contrast to the A-137-1 Wavemultiplier I the A-137-2 generates four phase-shifted copies of a VCO signal applied to the audio input. The four shifted signals are added to the original signal to obtain a fat sound similar to five independent VCOs.

Doepfer A137-2 VC Wave Multiplier II (Playlist)

"A short overview of the basic features of the Doepfer A137-2 Voltage Controlled Wave Multiplier II. Includes a short demonstration of a few oscilloscope views. Sound and Video 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

More A-137-2:

Patch-of-the-day with A-137-2 from Navs: 

http://navsmodularlab.blogspot.com/2012/01/patch-of-day-highly-strung.html

http://navsmodularlab.blogspot.com/2012/01/patch-tips-21-getting-animated.html

http://navsmodularlab.blogspot.com/2008/12/doepfer-137-2-wave-multiplier-ii-demo.html

Doepfer A-139-2 Headphone Amplifier Announced

A-139-2 Headphone
Amplifier

Doepfer also announced a re-design of their (discontinued) A-139 headphone amplifier (find the original version HERE)

Main features:

- Two-channel headphone amplifier
- Two audio inputs with level controls

- Input 1 is normalled to Input 2
- Common loudness/master level control
- Headphone output (stereo 1/4" jack socket)
- Max. output power ~ 2 W per channel (@ 8 Ohm load)

- DC coupled inputs and outputs (i.e. also useful for other applications like small loudspeakers, lamps, LEDs, magnets, motors - provided that the power is sufficient)

6 HP wide - 40mm deep
Price: ~ Euro 50.00
Release date: spring 2015
All features, specifications, prices, date of delivery are still without obligation !

Source: Doepfer website http://www.doepfer.de/a1392.htm

Doepfer A-160-5 VC Clock Multiplier / Ratcheting Controller Announced

Doepfer A-106-5

Doepfer keeps on announcing interesting new modules;

" Module A-160-5 is a voltage controlled clock multiplier.

The incoming clock signal (socket Clock In) is multiplied by a factor that depends upon the control voltage on socket CV In (0...+5V) and the position of the Mode switch. 

The multiplied clock signal is available at the socket Clock Out. 

According to the position of the Mode switch different clock multiplying factors are assigned to the control voltage. 

With 0V CV no clock output is generated. 

With increasing CV integer factors (left position of the mode switch), power of two factors (middle position) or a mix of both (right position) are obtained. 

Nine LEDs are used to show the currently selected multiplying factor. 

In addition two LEDs are used to display the incoming and outgoing clock signal.

The module can be used for all kind of clock multiplying applications. 

One important example is the generation of so-called ratcheting sequences. 

The band Tangerine Dream is famous for this kind of sequences. 

A normal sequencer generates only one gate signal per step. 

A ratcheting sequence may have also more than one gate pulses per step. 

This function can be obtained by using the A-160-5: one CV output of the sequencer is used to define the number of gate pulses per step. 

If the control of the step in question is fully CCW the generated CV is 0V and no gate signal is generated (mute of the step). 

When the control of the step in question is turned clockwise one, two or more gate pulses are generated depending upon the position of the mode switch and the voltage generated by the CV at this step."

Price: ~ Euro 100.00
Release date:  ~ March 2015

Source: http://www.doepfer.de/a1605.htm (also a patch example there)

New Malekko Modules Are Now Shipping

Buffered
Multi

Mix 4

Unity
Mixer

The people at Malekko have been crafting a new series of Eurorack modules from affordable creative synthesis designs to performance tools

They are very happy to announce the first three in this series are now available through your favorite modular retailers!

MIX 4

This 3hp 4-channel mixer is the first to literally fill the odd hp gap - Harvestman users rejoice!
MIX 4 also features DC coupling for mixing low frequency as well as CV.

UNITY MIXER

The 2hp Unity Mixer is a little powerhouse of unity gain mixing capability. 2 sets of 3 inputs (1 out per set) offers up your basic configuration, then hit the SWITCH button to allow for 6 total inputs (1 out). Unity Mixer also supports CV so the SWITCH button makes this module a great option for rerouting combinations of signals on the fly and is perfect for live performance!

PERFORMANCE BUFFERED MULT
The 2hp Performance Buffered Mult features 2 sets of 3 outputs (1 audio or CV signal in with 3 buffered outs) and the SWITCH button allows for a total of 6 outputs without signal loss for on the fly multiplying.

More info at: http://malekkoheavyindustry.com/products/modules/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/malekkoheavy

Modular Wild Presents - Evaton Technologies RF Nomad Shortwave Radio Module

Raul Pena started a new Modular Wild series about the Evaton Technologies RF Nomad Shortwave Radio Eurorack Module.

Video 1: Modular Wild Presents Profile-Evaton Technologies RF Nomad

" A short overview of some of the basic features of the RF Nomad.Sound Demonstrations to follow. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Evaton Technologies RF Nomad

" A short description and sound demonstration of the Evaton Technologies RF Nomad. includes shirt demonstration of modulation."

New episodes will be added here weekly

More info on the RF Nomad: http://www.evatontechnologies.com/rf-nomad

Can't wait to hear some noises out of this module?

MylarMelodies has also published an RF Nomad Tutorial video that you can find in an earlier blogpost HERE. (With even more info about this module...)

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

Animodule V9A VC Sequencer / Waveshaper / Complex Envelope Demo by @DivKid

Animodule V9A

DivKid's latest Eurorack tutorial video is all about the Animodule V9A Voltage Controlled Sequencer / Waveshaper / Complex Envelope

" The V9A is a powerful animal to add to your sequencing arsenal.
Send your CV to the CV In. As the Voltage increases the sequence steps forward.

As the voltage decreases the sequence steps back.
Scale and adjust your input voltage to taste with the Onboard Attenuator and Offset.

Control the Output CV with an individual Potentiometer for each step.
When a step changes, a 10MS trigger is sent to it's corresponding switch. If the latching switch is depressed it allows the trigger to pass to the Trigger Out.
There is a switch per step for slew (portamento/slide).
and a Potentiometer to control the Slew Amount.
There is also an input to allow gated control of when the slew turns on and off which will work in conjunction with the switches."

Width: 14HP Depth: 39mm

Video: Animodule V9A

" A great module for some custom modulation even sequence, bendy LFO (through on board slew), gate trigger, CV sequencing. All sorts going on.
As always fire away with any questions and hit like and subscribe for more videos every week."

Video by Ben Wilson / DivKid - www.youtube.com/divkidvideo

MakeNoise Richter Wogglebug Update

MakeNoise gave their Richter Wogglebug a nice update.
"The "WoggleBug" is a random voltage generator, originally designed by Grant Richter of Wiard Synthesizers.

Richter Wogglebug Re-design

It is a continuation of the "smooth" and "stepped" fluctuating random voltage sources pioneered by Don Buchla within the Model 265 "Source of Uncertainty," expanding it to include the other-worldly Woggle CVs (stepped voltages with decaying sinusoids edges). 

The Wogglebug is a very musical random voltage generator where it is possible to synchronize all random signal to a Master Clock. 

Guaranteed to unleash your synthesizer's ID MONSTER!

The Wogglebug features ( check out the new features below the video):
- Complete Complex Random Voltage system, no external modules necessary
- Two VCOs, Phase Lock Loop, Lag Processor, Clock, Burst Generator and Sample & Hold
- Generates 7 Random Signals simultaneously: Smooth VCO, Woggle VCO, Ring Mod, Stepped, Smooth, Woggle, Burst
- Generates ultra stable, voltage controlled Master Clock
- External inputs for S&H (Heart IN) and Ring-Mod (Influence)
- Disturb button adds performance element
- Wonderful for modulating the Phonogene and DPO

Video: Make Noise Richter Wogglebug

" The Wogglebug is a random voltage generator, originally designed by Grant Richter of Wiard Synthesizers. It is a continuation of the "smooth" and "stepped" fluctuating random voltage sources pioneered by Don Buchla within the Model 266 "Source of Uncertainty."
New features in the Richter Wogglebug:

- A much more stable clock output with the widest frequency range yet seen on a Wogglebug. The clock now goes up to about 200Hz, allowing the Control Voltage and Gate OUTputs to be heard directly as different flavors of analog and digital noise.
- In previous Wogglebugs, the clock had been locked to the internal Sample and Hold Circuit. Now, with the Richter Wogglebug, the clock can be freed by the independent External Clock INput or the Disturb Button. Regardless of what is happening at these control points, the Internal Clock OUTput will continue to run at the specified rate, keeping it open for use as a Master Clock at all times.
- The Disturb Button allows the Sample and Hold Circuit to be clocked manually: press to sample, release to hold. When the Wogglebug is running fast, this can slow it down. When running slow or not at all, this kicks it in the ass and delivers the next set of random values.
- The Smooth VCO is a brand new waveform, Sharktooth.
- The Influence input has a greater effect on all parts of the Wogglebug's psyche than the previous Ring Mod input.
- The Burst output is more active and ALL portions of the Wogglebug are more responsive to control and touch." 

More info at  http://www.makenoisemusic.com/wogglebug.shtml

Video uploaded by MAKEN0ISE

Doepfer Thru-Zero Modules

New A-110-2, A-110-3 and A-110-4 Modules

At a workshop in Musikhaus Hieber-Lindberg / Munich/ Germany Dieter Doepfer also presented the first prototypes of the new Thru-Zero VCOs.

I did mention the A-110-4 Quad Thru Zero in an earllier blogpost, the A-110-3 Triangle Thru-Zero was new to me.

After some questions in the Yahoo Doepfer A-100 Usergroup, Dieter had a bit more info about the new modules:

" Currently we have prototypes of three totally different types of thru-zero VCOs to be in the starting blocks:

A quadrature version with sine/cosine outputs (prefect sine/cosine outputs, much better than sine waveshapers): A-110-4
A triangle core version (with waveshapers for saw, rectangle and sine): A-110-3
A trapezoid core version (with waveshapers, based on Don Tillman's idea and with his permission): A-110-5 (?)

The A-110-4 will be manufactured early in 2015. We still have some problems with the A-110-3 and A-110-5 because the prototypes produced so far behave a bit different and we still have to find out the reason and fix the problems.

A-110-2 (final version), A-110-3 and A-110-4 will be introduced at NAMM in January (as well as A-147-2, A-138u, A-160-2, final versions of A-101-6, A-190-5 and A-157, and maybe some more). "

Source: Dieter Doepfer - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Doepfer_a100/conversations/messages/25941

Picture via http://greatsynthesizers.com/en/general-en/2014/11/dieter-doepfer-presents-new-a-100-modules/

Evaton Technologies RF Nomad Shortwave Radio Eurorack Module Demo by @MylarMelodies

MylarMelodies is known for his excellent Eurorack demos, you'll probably know him as the man behind the memorable Intellijel Metropolis demo (which is going towards 50.000 views already),the Vines that he posts from his Twitter account, and more recent, his writings for FutureMusic Magazine.

His latest demo is all about the Evaton Technologies RF Nomad Shortwave Radio, read all the info in the description below the video.

Video: RF Nomad Shortwave Radio Eurorack Module Demo

" Being a demo of the considerably bonkers shortwave radio eurorack module that is the Evaton Technologies RF Nomad. LOADS of additional information below!
http://www.evatontechnologies.com/rf-...

GETTING MORE STATIONS ON RF NOMAD

"Get your antenna as high up as possible, and away from metal as much as possible. If you can clip a longer wire onto the end of it, to make the antenna longer, that will help too. I sometimes put a long wire on mine, and tape the wire up to the ceiling.

If you just can't pick up any signals with it, the tuning range is adjustable internally via tweaking the L5 inductor slug with a non-conductive screwdriver. If you are brave, power up your modular, with the Nomad hanging out of the case so you can get to the L5 inductor with a screwdriver. (Be careful not to let the module short against anything!) Set the Tuning knob to the center position, then tweak L5 until you hear stuff. Don't apply much force, and be aware that you can only turn the slug about 1 full rotation. Also, once you've done this, it's going to take a few hours (yes hours) for the tuning to quit drifting, because you've mechanically disturbed the inductor and it takes a while for it to stop creeping from the mechanical stress.

THE STORY BEHIND THE MODULE

The RF Nomad started out as a germ of an idea between myself and my friend, DSP guru Michael Mecca of Pittsburgh Digital -- we frequently meet for lunch to discuss all things synth. About a year or so ago, he mentioned how much fun he used to have as a kid, playing with his dad's shortwave radio, making crazy squealy noises, listening to the haunting sounds that come over the airwaves. I said I had the same experience as a kid, too. Wouldn't it be cool to make a module that lets you bring that experience into the modular world?

I actually had plenty of experience with radio circuits, and a rudimentary design for a shortwave receiver with voltage-controlled tuning immediately sprang to mind.

Most off the shelf shortwave receivers are AM (amplitude modulation) receivers, which suppress the carrier signal. From my ham radio experience, though, I know that if you listen to shortwave frequencies with a sideband decoder instead of an AM decoder, you hear the carrier signal as well as the audio signal, which I feel is far more interesting as a sound source for a synth than just the plain audio alone. It's the bit that gives you those searing heterodyne squeals.

So, it was decided to go with a "direct-conversion" receiver design, which receives both sidebands. Normally, one doesn't think of a direct conversion receiver when trying to design a modern receiver, because they are very crude. But, in the case of the RF Nomad, crude is exactly what we want! It's gives more squeals, more hiss, more heterodynes, more brutal nasty sonic goodness!

You can alter the tuning with the CV input, like it's a remote control for the tuning knob. Apply an LFO, and the tuning slowly increases and decreases. Attach it to a sequencer, and you can cycle thru stations, or just cycle thru different pitches of squealy heterodynes. Hook it to an envelope generator and get on-demand heterodyne swoops. Hook it to an audio-rate LFO, and now you get freaky FM effects. Really cool if you happen to be receiving a strong broadcast station.

The Nomad tunes roughly 9.6 to 10.0 MHz, which is most active late afternoon to early evening, though YMMV. If you can't get a strong station, you can try extending the antenna (just clip another length of wire onto the end of the supplied antenna). Or, find some old electronics, and drape the antenna over it. Stuff from the 80s/90s era -- Commodore 64's, PC AT's, game consoles, etc. The EMI generated by these devices makes for some interesting sonic material.

If you do want to simply "listen" to shortwave on the Nomad, you'll want a bandpass filter after it. The output is 100% UN-filtered, to allow you to have plenty of material to feed your favorite filters with.

The output of the Nomad can be fed back into it's CV input for some self-modulation fun. Patch the output to a multiple, and then feed one signal from the multiple back into the CV input.

Because the Nomad is a direct-conversion receiver, warts and all, one of those warts is that it is somewhat drifty with temperature. I've done about as much as I can to reduce the driftiness, but you will notice that over several minutes it will wander around a little bit. I felt this was an acceptable trade-off, as the true talent of the Nomad is how well it responds to a quickly changing CV input to generate quirky sounds.

I think that covers the basics. It's pretty versatile for a module that only has one input."

Video and description by mylarmelodies

http://facebook.com/mylarmelodies

https://plus.google.com/117077522042934607149

Suzanne Ciani "A Life in Waves" Documentary KickStarter Project

Xenon pinball machine backglass

In the early 80s, i spend many hours behind a Bally Xenon pinball machine at the camping-site in Maria Laach, Germany that we visited every year.

The Xenon is a beautiful machine with amazing futuristic graphics on the backglass and the playfield, and besides that... those amazing hypnotizing sounds and that sexy, female voice...*

More than 15 years later i found out that the music and sounds were created by Suzanne Ciani, and slowly i got to know more about her music and life as a female electronic music pioneer...

Brett Whitcomb, a documentary filmmaker from Houston, Texas. has started a new film project called, "A Life in Waves" about Suzanne Ciani.

"The documentary, co-produced by long-time Beastie Boys keyboardist Money Mark, chronicles Suzanne Ciani's life and work. 

Utilizing a wealth of Suzanne's archival footage, the film will be a nostalgic, visually-compelling look at one woman's journey, and the trials she had to overcome to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated art form."

You can donate/find more info about this KickStarter project at 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2100662212/suzanne-ciani-a-life-in-waves

I am really looking forward to this documentary, and i hope they will get the funds together...

The campaign ends on Wednesday, Dec 10th 2014 10:07 PM CET.

Suzanne Ciani's official website: http://www.sevwave.com/
Suzanne Cianni on Twitter https://twitter.com/sevwave
Check her out on Facebook (with some awesome classic gear-pictures)
,or read her blog HERE (although she hasn't updated in a while)

* You can learn more about Ciani's involvement in the Xenon pinnball machine at her official website, which has a lot of information about this game.

(including this amazing 'making of Xenon' video and soundpacks)

Random Video: Benjolin DPO by Severence

...and another one from YouTube, by Severence

Video: severence // benjolin dpo

" // experimenting with the epoch modular eurorack version of rob hordijk's benjolin and the make noise dual prismatic oscillator.
patch notes:
// benjolin high and band pass outs into schippmann vcf-02 filter
// dpo saw tooth and sine wave outs into make noise mmg
// steady state fate ultra random clock out striking dpo, cycling maths and brain seed, triggering quantimator, gating modcan quad lfo and wmd sequential switch matrix. Self patched clock fm from sample out a.
// mmg freq 1 modulated by ssf ultra random sample out b
// dpo osc 1 expo fm from wmd ssm expand 1-3 out
// dpo osc 2 expo fm from wmd ssm expand 1-4 out
// modcan quad lfo 4 to quantimator in
// ssf quantum rainbow 2 patched into intellijel planar, cv from modcan quad lfo 4 and maths eoc
// brain seed seed out modulating vca with ssf quantum rainbow 2
// schippmann filter modulated by quantimator out 3 and modcan quad lfo 4
// desk effects: space, el capistan & moogerfoogers"

Video uploaded by severence

Random Video: Techno Witch - August Modular (stereo acid)

Found on YouTube...

Video: Techno Witch - August Modular (stereo acid)

" Created using the modular 303 and the Doepfer modular system. Kick thumps from the TipTop Audio 909/808 modules. MFB drums. Some mini-brute, some rocket. A touch of Metavox as finish."

Uploaded by technowitch0031

More info at http://technowitch.nl/

Doepfer A-116 Voltage Controlled Waveform Processor Video Tutorials by Raul Pena

Raul Pena just started a new series on the Doepfer A-116 VC Waveform Processor.

Video 1: Doepfer A-116 VC Waveform Processor Basic Features

" A short introduction to the features of the Doepfer A116 Voltage Controlled Waveform Processor. A short demonstration with audio is included. Video one of three.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Doepfer A116 VC Waveform processor-Audio/Oscilloscope Views Pt.1

" Continuing the Doepfer A116 VC Waveform Processor series. This time we look at oscilloscope views of the effects of the A116 on a basic Sine and Triangle Wave. Video Two of Four in series..Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A116 VC Waveform processor-Audio/Oscilloscope Views Pt.2

"Continuing the Doepfer A116 VC Waveform Processor-Audio Oscilloscope segment. This time we look at more oscilloscope views of the effects of the A116. Video Two of Four in series..Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A116 VC Waveform Processor- Modulation Effects Pt. 1

Continued exploration of the Doepfer A116 Waveform Processor. In this video we look at a few modulation patches with simple waveforms. Sound and Video by Raul Pena.

Video 5: Doepfer A116 VC Waveform Processor- Modulation Effects Pt. 2

Continued exploration of the Doepfer A116 Waveform Processor. In this video we look at a few modulation patches with simple waveforms. Sound and Video 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

Transistor Sounds Labs Stepper Acid Digitally Controlled Step Sequencer

Like most of you, i have been following this next project for a long time... but it's finally out now and the first ones have been shipped.

The Transistor Sounds Labs Stepper Acid is a 16-step Eurorack sequencer module designed by Nina Richards & Zoë Blade with live performance in mind.
The Stepper Acid was born out of our need for a modern step-sequencer.
The dual micro-controller design ensures tight timing: one runs the sequencer, the other the front panel interface.

It looks and sounds very impressive, and very easy to program... especially compared to a 303 ;-) ...

Transistor Sounds Labs Stepper Acid Digitally Controlled Step Sequencer

Features:
-16-step sequencer
- With adjustable pattern length
- Adjustable analogue slide
- Song mode for pattern chaining
- Stores up to 40 patterns
- Detach mode for playing one pattern while entering another
- 0-5V range CV (5 octaves)
- Gate and accent output
- 5V or 12V selectable
- Variable swing function
- Dual microcontroller design
- Adjustable clock sync input and output
- Includes: 24PPQN (Sync24), 48PPQN, 96PPQN and 4PPQN (one note per pulse)
- Assembled in the UK
- Dimensions
- Width: 32HP Eurorack module
- Depth (excluding faceplate): 31.5mm

Video 1: Stepper Acid Guide

"A guide to the various features of Stepper Acid."

Video 2: Stepper Acid Extended Demo

"We were making some demos of Stepper Acid's features, and Nina got carried away making a track. Enjoy!"

All info at http://www.transistorsoundslabs.com/stepper-acid/
and on MuffWiggler: http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=118964&highlight=stepper+acid

Stepper Acid is available for £295.00
For more information e-mail info@transistorsoundslabs.com

Latest Updates on Twitter: @TSLNow

Video via Transistor Sounds Labs

Doepfer A-147-2 Voltage Controlled Delayed LFO Announced

Doepfer recently announced the A-147-2, the successor of the VCLFO A-147.

This module but offers more features than the predecessor and is made of the following sub-units:

VCLFO: voltage controlled low frequency oscillator
VCA: voltage controlled amplifier, switchable to voltage controlled polarizer
VC delay unit: voltage controlled linear attack envelope (only one parameter: attack) for delayed LFO operation in combination with the VCA (e.g. delayed vibrato/tremolo)

"LFO: The voltage controlled LFO has the waveforms Triangle, Sine, Sawtooth and Rectangle available and features a Reset/Sync input. Triangle/Sine and Rectangle are displayed by means of dual-color LEDs (probably red/green), Sawtooth has a unicolor LED available (probably blue). 

The output levels are about -4V...+4V for Triangle, Sine and Rectangle. 

The Sawtooth level is about 0...+8V.
The CV control can be switched to attenuator or polarizer ("CV Mode" switch). 

In polarizer mode the CV inputs affects the frequency in the reverse manner when the CV control is left from the center position. In the center position CV has no effect and right from the center the control works like a normal attenuator. 

The frequency range (without external CV) is from about 0,005 Hz (i.e. about 3 minutes per periode) to 200 Hz. In addition a ultra-low mode can be activated by means of an internal jumper. 

When the ultra-low jumper is set a fixed voltage is connected to the switching contact of the "LFO CV" socket. In polarizer mode of the CV control that way extremely low frequencies (up to one hour period and more) are possible.

VCA: This is a linear VCA that can be switched to "normal" VCA (i.e. kind of a voltage controlled attenuator) or voltage controlled polarizer ("VCA Mode" switch). 

In the "normal" VCA mode amplification +1 is achieved with about +5V control voltage. 

In polarizer mode the amplification ranges from about -0.5 (i.e. inverted signal with about 50% level) with 0V CV to +0.5 (i.e. non-inverted signal with about 50% level) with +5V CV. With about +2.5V CV the signal is suppressed.

Details about the functioning of a voltage controlled polarizer can be found in the description of the module A-133. In this mode the VCA can be treated also a DC coupled ring modulator (similar to A-114).
The VCA of the A-147-2 has three sockets available: "In" (signal input), "Out" (signal output) and "CV" (control voltage input).
The Triangle Output of the LFO is normalled to the VCA signal input by means of the switching contact of the "VCA In" socket. If another LFO waveform (or any other signal) should be processed by the VCA the corresponding signal has to be patched to the "VCA In" socket. 

The VCA can be used also independently from the LFO and the Delay CV. 

In this case the VCA sockets In, Out and CV have to be patched accordingly. The VCA can be used also as waveshaper for the LFO signals (e.g. by patching VCA In and VCA CV to different LFO signals, if necessary via attenuator A-183-1 or offset generator/attenuator A-183-2).

A-147-2 block diagram

Attack/Delay: The third sub-unit of the module is a simple, voltage controlled envelope generator that has only the parameter "Delay" (or Attack) available. 

This unit generates a linear increasing voltage that starts from 0V after each Delay Reset until it reaches about +5V.
Then the voltage remains at +5V until the next Delay Reset occurs. 

The inclination or gradient is controlled by the manual Delay control and the Delay control voltage ("Delay CV" input). 

The waveform is linear, the control scale is exponential. The output voltage is displayed by a unicolor LED (probably orange) and available at the "Delay Out" socket.
The manual Delay control ranges - without external "Delay CV" - from about 5ms (fully CW) up to 2 minutes (fully CCW). By means of an external voltage applied to the "Delay CV" socket this range can be extended. A rising CV shortens the delay time (behaviour like a VCO) !
The Delay output voltage ranges from about 0V to +5V. The rising edge of the gate, clock or trigger signal applied to the "Delay Reset" sockets resets the Delay output voltage to 0 V.
"Delay Out" is normalled to the VCA CV input by means of the switching contact of the "VCA CV" socket and consequently controls the Triangle level provided that no other patch is made. 

A typical example is the usage of a Gate signal (e.g. from a USB/Midi-to-CV/Gate interface) as Delay Reset. 

That way a delayed vibrato or tremolo can be realized if the VCA output is patched to the frequency CV input of a VCO (or VCF), or the CV input of a VCA.
But the Delay sub-unit can be used also independently from the LFO and VCA, e.g. as a voltage controlled waveshaper or for other applications where a linear increasing signal with voltage controlled steepness is required."

The module is planned for early 2015, price ~ Euro 120.00, price and release date are still without obligation !

Source: http://www.doepfer.de/a1472.htm

Ladik EQ-5 / E-110 5-Band EQ Demo Video by @DivKid

DivKid's latest video shows you all the details of the Ladik EQ-5 / E-110 5-Band Equalizer... Enjoy!

Video: LADIK - EQ-5 / E-110 5-Band EQ

"A dirty cheap (picked it up for £32, new they are less than £50) 5 band EQ from LADIK. The module has +/- 12dB EQ at 12.8kHz, 3.2kHz, 800Hz, 200Hz and 50Hz. Really nice to have some proper EQ shaping in my set up.
As always hit subscribe and like for more videos every week and ask any questions in the comments."

Video by Ben Wilson / DivKid - www.youtube.com/divkidvideo