Doepfer

Hi aybee,

> I want to get a Doepfer system and I wondering whether to make a start with the "basic 
> system 1" (which is slightly cheaper than buying the same modules individually) or to go fully 
> a la carte?

I've recently started a Doepfer system, but I've had long experience of 
analogue synths in general and digital modulars...

The short answer is "it depends", and it all comes down to personal 
preference, but some of my thoughts on this (and please anyone else feel 
free to pull me up if you think I'm talking rubbish!):

- if you can pick up some stuff 2nd hand that is a good way to get 
started cheaply! Depends on your location how likely this is, but I got 
lucky.

- the Basic System 1 is all early modules, which means that in some 
areas there are now better modules (i.e. filters, more later) and in 
others more space/price efficient ones (quad envs A-143-2 quad lfos 
A143-3, these 2 give a lot of modulation in not much space and for a 
very good price).

- you'll want enough basic modules to fill out a reasonably flexible 
monosynth 2 or 3 oscs (I've only got A-110, they sound fine to me and 
are much cheaper than A-111), I have 3 because it allows more 
interesting patching i.e. 2 oscs FMed by the 3rd oscs which most 
monosynths can't do. Couple of Envs, couple of lfos, couple of mixers, 
couple of filters, couple of vcas... basically everything to patch 
Odyssey/Pro-1/Mini structure.

- some modules are good "swiss army knives", I want an A-133 Dual 
Polarizer which I believe will work as gains (0-2.5x), inverters or 
VCAs. This saves on needing multiple more specialized modules.

-  make sure to take at least 1 multiple (2 x 4) or you will run into 
trouble patching creatively with one source going to several 
destinations! I've found the A-185 Bus Access pretty handy aswell: LEDs 
to show the CV/gate is arriving OK, drives oscs and envs with no patch 
cords and has a couple of spare out sockets for each too.

- Filters are a matter of taste and it depends what style of sounds you 
want, but you may well find filters other than the A-120 and A-121 will 
suit you better. I'd really need to know more to get anywhere near a 
recommendation and other people are better qualified than me to make 
suggestions!


Martin