Doepfer

hello,

> I have ordered a Model 15 VCO from Peter Grenader. So now I'm 
> planning a small Doepfer system so it will have a home.
> 
> My other modulars are Synthesizers.com and Modcan/Cynthia. 
> So, I tried to put together something a different as possible with 
> the Doepfer.

I'm glad to see more Frankensynths out there as each modular 
manufacturer has something good to offer. Your list looks great and 
I wouldn't really take anything off as surely you picked them for a 
reason. I started to make a list of recommended modules but it 
turned out to be pretty large so I'll just say that the following 
are some of my favorite:

A-101-2: rubbery, elastic lowpass gates with VC and inspired by 
Buchla. Vactrol-based.
A-101-3: incredibly complex modular phaser with outputs and 
individual feedback inputs per stage. Even if phasers aren't your 
thing you can do a lot of subtle stuff with this module. Vactrol-
based.
A-109: when people ask about the A-134 VC panner I usually recommend 
this module instead. Not much more money and you get a "generic" 
(meaning basic, not bad) VCA and filter thrown in. A lot of bang for 
the buck and very useful for sound fx.
A-112 with A-176: though I understand that not everyone wants 
digital elements within their modular, I like this module a lot 
especially because you can dump samples in it via midi (with the 
free Windows sample dump program). 6+ of these modules can make a 
killer modular percussion kit ;)
A-119: might not look at much but is very useful. Actually I think 
it should come standard in the Basic System, but then who would buy 
all the A-116s where this module would go instead? ;) ... external 
input pre/comparator/envelope follower. Easy to clip so good for 
another shade of distortion/overdrive.
A-126: I had to include this one because I love frequency shifters 
though this is not my favorite of the commercially available ones.
A-128: fixed filter bank...as simple as it looks...parallel bpfs 
(15!)...good for really emphasizing certain bands.
A-133: Dual VC Polarizer. I don't know why more people don't use 
this module. I think I've sold only 1 during the past 6 months while 
vanilla stuff flies off the shelf. This module is very useful. +/- 
amplification, inversion with exact control amount (as opposed to 
the A-175), VC control. Great module.
A-137: Really adds a lot of harmonics, has lots of character and 
once again is deep (constant theme: for not much money). Having 
never played one of the other manufacturer's Waveform multipliers 
(for instance the Serge one) I was floored when I hooked this up for 
the first time.  
A-141: Love VCASDRs. The A-143s are great but these are my favorite.
A-154/A-155/A-156 combo: not just a sequencer but can also function 
as a complicated modulation source. The A-154 sequential controller 
adds a lot of functions and the A-156 quantizer is quite practical.
A-178: Theremin with CV/Gate out. Forget the sine waves of the past 
and use the unique instrument but to control synth sounds. I'm 
waiting for someone to "abuse" this module live.
A-198: (I realize you already have an R2m) very high quality ribbon 
controller, incredible build quality, expressive
A-199: plonk. plink...*plank*. Who doesn't like spring reverbs, 
especially when they come with a feedback jack and controls?

As for filters, my favorite are the A-102, A-106, A-107 and A-124. I 
really like filters with character and these deliver in spades (plus 
the A-107 for flexibility and morphing, not to mention the AMP which 
you can drive hard).

Other modules that might interest you are the A-149-1, A-149-2 
(Buchla-like Source of Uncertainly modules) and A-152 Addressed 
S&H/Switch. I haven't used these modules enough to really know them 
100% but they seem great.

> A-110 VCO
> A-113 Subharmonic Generator
> A-114 Dual Ringmodulator
> A-180 Multiples
> A-135 VC-Mixer
> A-144 Morphing Controller
> A-107 Multitype Morphing Filter (w/VCA)
> A-143-2 Quad ADSR (complex envelopes and LFO function)

> A-100G6
Racks are useful but I really like the A-100P portable suitcase. 
Only around 7 inches deep or 9 without the cover on, and the cover 
is deep enough so that you can leave patch cables plugged in during 
transport (imagine that at the airport). Has rubber feet, handles 
for carrying, the case cover latches are heavy duty and the case 
itself is made of metal and hard wood. Expensive but in my opinion 
classy. There are many performing artists using these things live, 
for instance Steve Roach (he uses two live plus an MAQ and other 
analog gear, pics here: 
http://www.steveroach.com/Live/2005/Tucson/Photos/pages/page_3.html).

From your list I think everything is in-stock. From my list I'm 
missing a module or two.

Thanks,

Shawn Cleary
www.analoguehaven.com