Doepfer History: Doepfer MCV1 MIDI-to-CV Converter

In 1986 Doepfer introduced the first in a series of MIDI-to-CV interfaces, the MCV1.
The MCV1 was a monophonic MIDI-to-CV/GATE-Interface that could control other vintage analog synthesizers equipped with CV and Gate/Trigger inputs via MIDI.

MCV1 front (version 4 or 5)

MCV1 was equipped with MIDI in and Thru, one CV (control voltage) output to control the VCO's (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) and a Gate/Trigger output to control the Envelope Generators.
It was suitable for synthesizers using standardized V/Octave or Hz/V and gate voltages from +5V to +12V or switched trigger (S-Trig)

The factory setting and adjustment of the CV output was 1.00V/Octave. To change or re-adjust the scale you had to insert a small screw driver into the the hole labeled ADJUST/ or SCALE right of the CV jack and turn the potentiometer setting to the desired value.
The factory setting for the GATE output was +5V voltage gate, and if you wanted to change the setting you had to remove the cover plate.
On the PC board inside you could find a  jumper that could be set in 3 ways: +5V or +U voltage gate or SWITCH TRIGGER (S-TRIG. e.g. used by MOOG).

There was also the possibility of changing additional settings by Program Change control numbers.

The interface had no separate ON/OFF switch nor have a built-in power supply. Instead it used an external plug-in type.

Back side of the MCV1 plus external adapter

The pictures probably show version 4 or 5. 

Versions 1 and 2 were available only as kits and there was no suitable housing available (i.e. pcb only). 

Version 1 had no sockets on board. The MIDI and CV/Gate sockets had to be wired manually. 

Version 2 had MIDI and CV/Gate sockets on board. MIDI channel and other parameters were adjusted by means of a DIP switch. 

Version 3 was a redesign of version 2 so that a small standard case could be used (the case in the picture). 

As far as Dieter remembers the only difference between versions 3 and 4 was the non-volatile memory. Version 3 did not store the settings (i.e. after power off the settings for MIDI channel, reference note and other parameters were lost and the unit started with Midi channel 1 and reference note 36 after the next power on). 

Version 4 had a non-volatile memory for these parameters 

The price range of the MCV1 was from around Euro 50 (kit version without case) to about Euro 90 (ready built with case).
Approximately 500 units were sold (i.e. all versions together).

Another fun fact: The guy who programmed the firmware for the MCV1 about 30 years ago showed up at the Doepfer/Alex4 booth at MusikMesse in Frankfurt this year. They had not seen each other in more than 15 years...

Find more info at http://www.doepfer.de/alte_anl.txt/MCV1_V5E.txt

*Special thanks to Dieter Doepfer again for all additional info

Doepfer A-124 Wasp Filter Tutorial Videos by Raul Pena

A brand new series of Raul Pena's excellent tutorial videos starts today.
This time all about the A-124 Wasp Filter, one of my favorites...

Video 1: Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter Basics

" A short description of the basic features and functions of the Doepfer A124 Wasp filter.Sound demonstrations begin in the following segments. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter LP/BP/HP/Notch Demonstrations Part One

" A brief discussion of the sequencer setup for the demonstration. The Bandpass portion of this filter of the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter is explored. Other filter types will be examined in the following segments. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 3: Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter LP/BP/HP/Notch Demonstrations Part Two

" A continuation of the exploration of the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter. The Notch, Lowpass, and Highpass portions of the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter are explored. In the next segment this filter is compared to the Doepfer A121 Multimode Filter. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 4: Doepfer A124 Wasp vs. A121 Multimode Filter Part One

" Continuing the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter series, this part one of two explores how the Doepfer A124 Wasp filter compares to the Doepfer A121 Multimode Filter. A brief discussion regarding setup followed by audio demonstration of Lowpass filter similarities. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 5: Doepfer A124 Wasp vs. A121 Multimode Filter Part Two

" Continuing the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter series, part two of two explores how the Doepfer A124 Wasp filter compares to the Doepfer A121 Multimode Filter. Audio demonstration of Notch, Bandpass, and Highpass filter similarities. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 6: Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter- Modulation and Other Effects

" The final segment in the Doepfer A124 Wasp Filter Series. Covering Modulation and other effects. 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

The easy and very useful self-oscillation modification (with clear pictures can be found via http://patchpierre.blogspot.nl/search/label/A-124 )

Random Video: Analog Modular Karussell! System by Schneiders Buero

Schneiders Buero (distribution, sales representative, general importer of various European synthesizer brands and products) from Berlin posted a nice video showing how random people react to a modular synthesizer.

Video: Analog Modular Karussell! System by Schneiders Buero.

" Take a look at the analog modular system by Schneiders Buro.
See people interact with that really cool modular synthesizer system wich turns 360° while operating.

Analog Modular Karussell! System by Schneiders Buero JoCognito"

Random Video: Cumulus 2 - The Bridge by Glitzerstrahl

Glitzerstrahl has uploaded the sequel in his Cumulus series of videos. (Find part 1 HERE /work in progress)
Interesting noises this time again, made with a great variety of Eurorack modules, find a full list at http://glitzerstrahl.com/the-modular/

Video: Cumulus 2 - The Bridge by Glitzerstrahl

" Part two in the tentatively named Cumulus series. Based entirely on the modular synth, with the exception of the kick drum. This track continues to explore the theme of sound textures started with the Cumulus 1, but this time with a higher tempo.
The track was recorded in multiple layers with the Morphing Terrarium as the primary sound source, except for some guest play from time to time by the Bubblesound VCOs. Only reverb was added as an effect while mixing the layers. There are no other computer generated effects.

Of course, all layers where recorded as continues 'live' recordings, each track 'over dubbing' the previous ones. The video was recorded in separate takes for each layer, and since all I have is a web camera and iMovie the results are... not exactly stellar. But at least it gives you some pretty light to look at as an excuse to listen to the track! ;-P Not all of the layers where filmed so if you are trying to match up knob-wiggling with actual sound it wont exactly match all the time :).

Modules are from Doepfer, XAOC Devices, Synthesis Technology, Bubblesound, TipTop Audio, Pittsburgh Modular and 4ms. "

Uploaded by GlitzerstrahlMusic (subscribe!)

Using an A-115 For Complex Waveforms

The A-115 Divider module is very useful to create 'complex' layered basslines, and I use it a lot in my patches.

This module adds 4 separately mixable sub-octaves to your original signal, where F/2 = half the frequency = first sub-octave, F/4 = quarter frequency = second sub-octave, and so on...
Especially if you turn up the original oscillator source up a few octaves, you can get very nice results.

My latest PatchPourri video demonstrates a basic patch, where the original A-111 Oscillator (a square wave, driven by an MAQ16/3 Sequencer) is turned up 4 octaves before it is send into the A-115 Divider.
The A-115 can handle any kind of input waveform, but note that the 4 sub-octaves outputs are all true square waves, so the output provides 4 square waves plus the original signal.

Video: Using an A-115 for complex waveforms - PatchPourri IV by PatchPierre

" Short PatchPierre Tutorial
Equipment used: Doepfer A-100, Roland R8, Elektron Machinedrum "

Uploaded by PatchPierre (subscribe!)

Added filtering will bring even more color to your mixed signal, from here you can route it to anywhere in your system...

This is part 4 in my PatchPourri video-series withs basic patch-examples, find them all HERE

Maxi Schaltwerk

It's weird that i haven't posted any video's of the original Doepfer Schaltwerk sequencer (introduced in 1997) on my blog yet.

After the recent announcement of the upcoming A-157 (or Mini Schaltwerk),
I thought it would be interesting enough to look up more info about the Schaltwerk and share it with you.

It will take some time, but I will post more about it in future blogposts, so here is just a teaser, uploaded 2 years ago by popitem

Video: Doepfer Schaltwerk quick demo

" 3 tracks sequencing a modular synth with cv / gate5 tracks sequencing a midi drum modul (mfb kult)"

uploaded by popitem

As you see there are many differences between the original Schaltwerk and the new A-157/Dark Flow modules.

Besides the size, the main thing is that the new modules will only sequence triggers, and no note/pitch info. That's why i think it will be mainly used for triggering drum-sounds with it, that can ultimately result in very complex rhythms once the A-157-4 controller will be out.

Doepfer A-157 (or Mini Schaltwerk)
prototype at MusikMesse 2013

Funny thing is that the A-157 has the same amount of push-buttons (8 x 16 trigger matrix), only on a much tinier surface.
That's just another thing that i like about the Doepfer modules; many features on space-effective modules.
I am aware that in some cases you can hardly turn a knob if you have big fingers, but luckily I am blessed with small hands and fingers.

The original Schaltwerk is no longer available from Doepfer anymore.
Sometimes used ones pop up on eBay and other sites, good luck finding a second-hand one... I wish i had one too.

ps. There are not many Doepfer Schaltwerk videos on YouTube yet... Feel free to upload more Schaltwerk-videos in the near future if you have one.
Thanks in advance, more Schaltwerk next month...

Doepfer MAQ16/3 Versions

This year Doepfer is celebrating the 20th birthday of the MAQ16/3 MIDI Analog Sequencer with a special 'Dark Edition'

The current MAQ16/3 version

The original version of the MAQ was designed in cooperation with the German band Kraftwerk 20 years ago, and is used by many famous musicians like Human League, Jean-Michel Jarre, Klaus Schulze and many more.

These sequencers are best known in Doepfer's silver-grey color, but this new Dark Edition is not the first black MAQ sequencer that they sold.
In fact there were a few different versions that gradually evolved into the current version.

The first MAQs for example, only had 8 presets, no CV/Gate outputs, and a potentio-meter instead of a rotary encoder for data input.

An overview of the most important innovations of the current version 3.xx compared to the older versions 1.xx and 2.xx:

- CV and Gate output for each row (not on the original version)

- 30 preset memories (instead of 8 only)

- Editing feature of all preset data (not only the running parameters but even the step values)

- New additional running modes (e.g. one shot and serial connection of rows)

- On/Off for single steps or complete rows

- Remote control via Midi standard messages

- Step advance via external Midi note on message (no longer clock controlled)

- A rotary encoder instead of potentiometer for data input

- Dark Energy-style knobs (Dark Edition only)

The first black MAQ16/3 model - Picture by Fixed1t

As i wrote in an earlier post, the current MAQ16/3 including the new 'Dark Edition' is now totally 'maxed out', meaningnthat the existing hardware of the MAQ16/3 is already "exhausted" and it will be a problem to add more features with the existing controls and displays.
If you have an old model, you can still upgrade it to todays' standards.

Older devices with software V1.xx or V2.xx can still be updated to the current version 3.xx.
This requires the replacement of the old main board by the new one and the transfer of some integrated circuits from the old board to the new one (including the main processor with PLCC case).
In addition the data potentiometer has to be replaced by the rotary encoder and 6 holes for the CV/Gate sockets have to be drilled or punched into the rear panel.
If your unit is already equipped with the new main board an update to the latest firmware version is carried out simply by replacing the EPROM.

You can find out if your MAQ16/3 contains already the new main board by checking the installed firmware version. It is displayed for a short time after power on. If it shows 3.xx (xx = any number) the new main board is installed.

The latest firmware version for the old main board was 2.04 while the latest firmware version for the new main board is 3.72 (as of summer 2012).

The installed firmware version of my own MAQ is 3.61...

The new MAQ16/3 Dark Edition

Read more about the MAQ updates at http://www.doepfer.de/maq_update.htm