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 

Doepfer Spring 2026 Announcements

More than a month ahead of the annual Superbooth event in Berlin ( 7-9th of May), my favorite brand Doepfer has announced their latest batch of A-100 modules.
New Doepfer modules get me excited every time, it means spring is coming... ;) 

The overall theme seems to be Micro again, because they released four new ultra-compact modules that pack serious functionality into minimal space.

The A-140-3 Micro ADSR (4 HP) delivers a classic exponential ADSR envelope with voltage-controlled times and dual outputs, but only half the space of the original A-140 ADSR module

Module A-142-3 Envelope Controlled VCA (4 HP) combines a linear VCA with a built-in AD/AR envelope (switchable to LFO mode), making it perfect for quick percussive voices.

The A-180-6 Triple Adjustable Buffer / CV Source (4 HP) offers three buffered channels with individual level controls, ideal for multiples, level matching, or simple adjustable offsets.

Finally, the tiny A-190-9 Micro MIDI-to-CV Interface (only 2 HP) provides basic monophonic MIDI-to-CV/Gate conversion with multiple outputs.

All four modules emphasize Doepfer’s signature reliability and affordability. 

They’re excellent choices for space-saving (portable) compact racks or expanding any Eurorack system without wasting too much HP.

Besides these modules, Doepfer will probably have more news on earlier announced modules like the new A-198-2 Ribbon Controller that was announced last year.. 

It should be ready to ship any time, I guess...

I already pre-ordered mine and can't wait to get my hands on it and replace my old A-198 with this one. The display on the new one, the quantizing options and the additional outputs are a big step forward imho..

I've seen no actual changes announced to the ribbon controller manual though... It could use a better connector instead of that wonky USB connector.

Now that 104HP  (and 7U? high) is becoming kind of a standard case-size (Intellijel), it would make sense for Doepfer to investigate if it is worth to make a 1U high 104HP wide touch sensetive controller strip that would fit into such a case.

It's probably the best use for the 1U high strip after all, 7U never really made sense to me in the first place..

Keep an eye on the Doepfer website for further announcements and details about their Superbooth presence next month...