Doepfer A-198-2: The Ribbon Controller Gets an Upgrade

After a bit of delay... Doepfer has finally released the new A-198-2 Trautonium / Ribbon Controller module.

The original A-198 was released in early 2003, and  this re-design is a big improvement from that first version.
The new module features a clear backlit screen, and in performance mode you can easily select one of the 9 user programmable Quantize modes that are stored in memory by pressing buttons that will light up when selected. This looks pretty useful in the dark.

Although the new version is 2 HP smaller than the old one, Doepfer still managed to put 2 more connections on the frontplate.
Besides the CV and Gate-signal for the pressure-sensor and the CV and Gate output from the position-sensor there are two more sockets; 
Switching between quantized/not quantized can be performed on the module or via external control voltage input Qnt, which can be controlled from for example a foot switch (module A-177-2) or any other trigger, for dynamic quantize switching while playing.
Switching between retrigger on/off can also be done on the module or via external control voltage input Rtr.

The position CV range across the 60 cm ribbon controller manual is adjustable in 5 steps from 1 octave up to 5 octaves range, while the pressure sensitivity is also adjustable in 7 steps.

The direction of the manual is also selectable.

There is an optional Midi output signal available (instead of the input socket Rtr or via passive breakout module).... I will probably build a simple 2 HP wide breakout panel with a MIDI out socket after my holiday break next week.
All parameters can also be stored nonvolatile (incl. 9 quantizations), but i haven't figured out if there is a way to re-call the factory-settings yet.

The Ribbon manual itself hasn't changed since the update it got in 2005 (it has a more sensible pressure sensor and the improved sensor works even along the entire manual since then).
The (1Kg heavy) metal ribbon controller bar with the pressure-sensitive ribbon feels solid, but the USB connection on it still feels a bit wobbly... I was hoping a new kind of USB connector would be used in newer models. (this is my third Ribbon already)

I don't know yet if there will also be a new version of the (stand-alone) R2M.

The old (left) and the new A-198 

The main reason why I bought this module was mainly because of the space it saves in my mobile eurorack setup. The 2HP less width is a plus, but I also do not need an external Quantizer anymore. I did have the A-156 (Dual) Quantizer in combination with the old Ribbon controller manual, but this combo seems obsolete now.

Ofcourse I do like the new A-198-2, the bright screen, the hands-on control and easy switching between modes, but the settings menu's feel a bit overkill (to me), although these fine-tune settings will probably improve the precicion of the module) .
I would have rather seen a A-156- style quantize selection menu, perhaps even extended with a few new options? (... a 24 steps per octave (24TET) setting is/was the first thing that slipped into mind.) Microtonal music seems to be getting pretty mainstream lately.... and how about an adjustable slew limiter...

All I wanted...
A-156 Quantizer controls 

So, in the end, I’m quite happy with the new A-198-2. 

It does exactly what I was looking for: It saves a little precious space in my portable rack and eliminates the need for a separate quantizer. The extra features and deeper settings may be more than I personally need, but they certainly make the module more versatile.

And the best part is that I now have two Ribbon Controller modules. :) 

The new A-198-2 will stay in the portable rack, while the original A-198 gets a permanent place in the main studio system. That means I can simply move the controller between the two rooms and plug and play, which, for me, is probably the most useful upgrade of all.

Source: https://www.doepfer.de/a1982.htm
....more A-198 posts by PatchPierre HERE 

Hey bro, help me out! by Lucid Modular Debuts at Dutch Modular Fest

It's always nice to hear that there is another new Dutch Eurorack Modular Manufacturer...

The Hey bro, help me out!, by Lucid Modular, is a specialized Sequencer Controller Module for Eurorack, but this nifty module is mainly meant to work as an extension for the Moog DFAM, their semi-modular analog percussion synthesizer (Drummer From Another Mother)

Hey bro, help me out! by Lucid Modular

Last year Lucid Modular already presented a prototype model, but will be presenting and selling their first finished batch of modules at the Dutch Modular Fest in WORM Rotterdam today. (https://www.dutchmodularfest.com)

" On its own, DFAM plays forward, one step per clock. That's part of its charm — and part of what keeps it separate from everything else in your rack.
Hey bro, help me out! drives that sequencer for you. Run speed and triplets, direction, burst, grooves, and a trigger input for every individual step — available on the panel and under CV at the same time.

Output B takes it further. Lock a second 8-step sequencer to DFAM and it runs in step with it, giving you a whole extra sequencer's worth of control over DFAM. In that configuration, it behaves somewhat like the Traffic module from Jasmine & Olive Trees, synchronized with the DFAM. 

The HOLD button queues your changes. Flip any switch as you like while it's held, and they take effect at the start of the next bar.

You keep the immediacy that made DFAM worth owning, and gain a module that speaks to the rest of your system. It works with DFAM and other compatible 8-step sequencers."

Hey bro, help me out! works with sequencers that advance one step per incoming trigger and can keep up at high clock rates. A list of compatible and tested sequencers is on the LucidModular webpage, and Robbert told me that he is still expanding this list and working on an in-depth video tutorial. A second batch of PCB's is already being produced. 

Find Lucid Modular at the Makers Market today at DMF, Make sure to swing by and give it a spin.

The expected price will be € 249 incl. VAT, plus shipping from the Netherlands

Source and more info:

https://lucidmodular.com/products/eurorack/hey-bro-help-me-out/
https://www.instagram.com/lucidmodular/

Demo video's will follow soon at https://www.youtube.com/@LucidModular

Dutch Modular Fest 2026

Dutch Modular Fest 2026 will be held this next weekend on the 28th of August.

Dutch Modular Fest is a one-day event dedicated to modular synthesis and DIY electronic music culture. 

Artists, instrument builders, and enthusiasts from the Netherlands and abroad gather for live performances, hands-on workshops, and a curated market of gear, makers, and independent creators.

When: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Where: WORM, Boomgaardsstraat 71, 3012 XA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Opening hours:12:00 – 22:00

There will be live performances by modular and electronic artists throughout the day. The musical program features Titanic Ambient with T.Raumschmiere ( I once saw him perform a raw Techno-set at the Eindhoven Klokgebouw, but this will be completely different), and performances by Raaf and Estroe, KROON, Numbers Station, Alberta Balsam, and Colloid.

In the DIY area there will be workshops & talks by Jeroen Visser and This is Not Rocket Science, workshops by Jan de Block, Roey Tsemah and Lavendel Kranz, and a curated market with modular synthesizers, electronic music gear, DIY projects, makers, and independent creators.
Full list of exhibitors: https://www.dutchmodularfest.com/market-2026/
This is your annual chance to connect with the community and hang out with builders, artists, and fellow enthusiasts.

More info at https://www.dutchmodularfest.com/

and even more on Instagram: http://instagram.com/dutchmodularfest/

Check the WORM website to get your tickets HERE!

 

The new DMF logo 🧐 

For the first time, Dutch Modularfest will also host a pre-party on August 28 from  19:30 – 23:30.

This evening brings together people involved in the festival for a program of short sets, demonstrations, experiments, and encounters, featuring Synthux Academy / Roey Tsemah, Casperelectronics / Peter Edwards, Sonoscopia / João Ricardo, Schreibmachine, Jeroen Visser, Klemtoon, and Yapace & Pakkadej.

The preparty is free for everyone with a ticket for the Saturday festival, without a festival ticket, entry is only 6.00 €

Tickets and full info on this event are available at

https://worm.org/production/preparty-dutch-modular-fest/

 I will (sadly) not be attending this year again.... I'm a year in recovery now, and still not fit enough for a full day/weekend out and meeting too many people at once...