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.

Booktip XII - How To Make A Noise by Simon Cann

Simon Cann is a musician and writer based in London. He is the author of a range of music-related and music business-related books and published this book in 2005. (my copy is the revised 2007 edition)

The book is " a comprehensive, practical guide to sound design and synthesizer programming techniques using subtractive (analog) synthesis, frequency modulation synthesis, additive synthesis, wave-sequencing, and sample-based synthesis. "

Every function of a synthesizer gets discussed in this 278-page book, and the author shows practical uses for these building-blocks to make/recreate sounds.

The book is illustrated with many pictures and screen-shots from (software) synthesizers that i had/have never heard of, and that might be the only 'problem' that i have with this book.

In my opinion this book is a bit too much focused on Software synths and some of the sounds can only be created with these soft-synths.

For analog purists (like me) this can be a bit of a trouble, but nevertheless i enjoyed reading it and had fun trying out new patches.

I like the book a lot because it is stuffed with info, patch-ideas and other suggestions, but i advice beginners to start with the more basic synth-books. (check the BookTip section of this blog)

Published by Coombe Hill Publishing

Paperback   178 pages
ISBN10      0955495504

ISBN13      9780955495502

Click here if you want to get hold of the full free download of this book for your tablet or PC.

The author recently wrote 3 digital (not on paper) follow-ups to this book.
A video with more info on these 3 e-books can be found HERE
Find additional info/ ordering details at http://simoncann.com/ or http://noisesculpture.com/
or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonpcann

Random Video: Doepfer A-100 Modular Madness 1 by Frequenzverschiebung

A new A-100 video that caught my eye today is this next one by YouTube user Frequenzverschiebung, simply called 'Doepfer A-100 Modular Madness 1'



" Random Doepfer A-100 patch, all movement controlled by two LFO modules (A-145, A-146) and noise, S&H (A-118, A-148), SSM2044 filter (A-105), ring mod (A-114), 2 VCO (A-110) and more.

Additional delay and reverb with software plugins ValhallaÜberMod and ValhallaRoom. "

Subscribe to his YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/Frequenzverschiebung

Filters VI: A-122 24 dB Low Pass Filter VCF3

Module A-122 (VCF 3) is a voltage-controlled low-pass filter, which's circuitry uses a Curtis Electromusic chip (CEM3320), and sounds very similar to the classic Oberheim filter that was used in the OB8, OBX-a and Xpander synthesizers.
(and also in the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 and Roland SH-101)

Because of its different circuitry and controls, the A-122 has a considerably smooth but thin sound, different like the A-120 'Moog-like' filter and other Doepfer filters.
Also the way the resonance behaves is quite different.

Luckily this module does have Voltage Controlled resonance that cannot only be controlled manually, but by voltages as well, right up to self-oscillation.
In this case, the filter behaves like a sine wave oscillator.
In this oscillation mode, you can simply use the FCV1 input to contol the pitch because it also works on the 1V/ octave rule, like regular VCOs.

I love the sound of it, you can use it to make fat and smooth basses up to the squelchier TB-303 style sounds.
A very nice filter, but not on top of my favorite filters list.
PatchPierre rating: 7/10

Check out the short (and not too in-depth) demo that i shot earlier today:
Video: Doepfer A-122 VCF3 Demo

" Short Doepfer A-122 Demo by NetPierre
Starts with a sequenced bassline, generated by my Doepfer MAQ16/3 and Doepfer VCO A-110 (saw wave)
Slow LFO sinewave A-147 into QCV input - ADSR into VC2 input
Drums provided by an Elektron Machinedrum "

As the special circuit CEM3320 used in this module is no longer available the module was discontinued.
Doepfer recommends the A-106-6 XP VCF, that is based on the filter circuit of the Oberheim Xpander, as a replacement module.

DIY Modular Case Ideas

There are many ways to house your (eurorack) modular synth, i wrote about the pre-manufactured options from Doepfer earlier, find that post HERE, but of course you can also try to build you own case.
There are many ways to make your own A-100/Eurorack case if you start out with just the basic rails and busboard, and you can make it as cheap or expensive as you can.

Check out a few ideas;
Wooden cabinets and side-panels are still very popular amongst (modular) synth enthusiasts.
These simple case standards for the pre-manufactured LC9 cases are very simple, and can be sooo useful
http://synthesizerart.blogspot.com/2011/10/dual-doepfer-lc9-case-stand-v1-design.html Also check out the other great modular pictures on his site.
Matthew Goike (@Goiks) also has some nice wooden cabinets on display and for sale on his website: http://www.goike.com/node/5

...or do what Stretta did (or rather what his brother did), make a high-end wood/brushed aluminium cabinet with integrated LED-lights and some kind of ingenious integrated cable-tree-hanger-thingy.

Stretta's Modular cabinet, made out of wood and brushed aluminium

...with an eye for detail

On his blog he writes: "The basic criteria was to widen the six row monster base/monster case combination another rack width, creating a triple-wide configuration that is easy to reach across. The width of such a configuration is about the same a standard piano keyboard. The curved design brings the top row dow to a more reachable height. The foot print of the system isn't much wider than my previous configuration." ,and
" The 1512 gets its name from the amount of hp it houses. To put this in perspective, the 1512 puts 54U of rack space, all within an arms reach."
Find more pictures of this cabinet HERE
(pictures by stretta.com )

Tony's Modular Toolcase

Tony Steventon's 'Modular in a Toolbox' case is also a very nice idea.
I personally like it's portability, plus the fact that you can travel with it without having to unpatch your whole system because the lid covers and protects all your patch-cables nicely.

Find his step-by-step building instructions at http://synovatron.blogspot.com/2011/11/modular-in-tool-case.html

Last but not least i find these custom side-panels for Dark Energy very cool. If you are handy, you could make something like this for your Dark Energy, Dark Time or Dark Matter, or try to find a pair of these on eBay.
Find more of these custom-made wooden side-panels at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI1KuWWAP8c

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.

Merry Christmas from PatchPierre

PatchPierre wishes all the regular and occasional readers of my blog a very merry Christmas!
I am having a little writing-break these days, so here's an old video this time;

Usually i am not a huge fan of those free-running modular synth- patches, especially the noisey ones, but this video (by YouTube user belempa1) definitely has some musical value... and ehhh what a nice rack! ;-)

Video: Doepfer Monster Modular 2


" This is a patch that i always wanted, a dreamy sound like that from Tangerine Dream or Klaus Schulze.
A single oscillator; Audio Frequency Generator Livewire, has a strong personality and the quality is superb.
The A-149-1 and 2 Doepfer, which incorporates some features of the "Source of Uncertainty" by Don Buchla, are the essential elements of this patch. This patch in a loop without any external effect." *

*roughly translated