Doepfer

Hello!

I want to start exploring the world of modular synth's, but since I 
am quite limited in finance I want to start small - with mini case 
that will be used as advanced guitar effect. Obviously I would need 
an A-119 to convet signal to line level. I was also thinking about an 
A-146 LFO to control variable voltages. This leaves me 12 HP in the 
mini case. 

So, what module would you advice me to get? A-121 is 12 HP, but I am 
not sure if this is a good choice.

Thanks beforehand, Novikov Mikhail.

Dear Mikhail, such a small system is quite limited. Modular stuff is
definately one of the most expensives routes to go. So probably some
Alesis ModFX will give you more interesting options if money is a
constraint.

However, a different approach would be to use the A119 CV out for the
Filter CV In and to use the Trig Out to trigger an EG. This would
allow you to controll the modulation depth via the Guitar: Only if you
play loud the EG would be triggered. If that's an option you may want
also an Inverter for the CV out. A smaller filter with different
characteristics would be the Wasp Filter. So the idea is: A119 + A175
+ A140 + A124 Wasp.

You could replace the A175 by an A114 Ring Mod. but you would need an
external Mixer to mix the original with a bit of the processed signal
since the Ring Mod. produces atonal sounds.

If your original idea suites your needs better you should consider a
VC-LFO A147.

All the best, Ingo

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, "freiksenet" <freiksenet@...> wrote:

>
> Hello!
> 
> I want to start exploring the world of modular synth's, but since I 
> am quite limited in finance I want to start small - with mini case 
> that will be used as advanced guitar effect. Obviously I would need 
> an A-119 to convet signal to line level. I was also thinking about an 
> A-146 LFO to control variable voltages. This leaves me 12 HP in the 
> mini case. 
> 
> So, what module would you advice me to get? A-121 is 12 HP, but I am 
> not sure if this is a good choice.
> 
> Thanks beforehand, Novikov Mikhail.
>

Hi,

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, Florian Anwander
<Florian.Anwander@...> wrote:
> if your signal does not come direct from the guitar, but from some 
> linelevel (mixer, ampsimulation device, ...) you could access the 
> modules direct without the A119 (though the envelope follower is a nice 
> thing to have with a guitar)
> 
> Florian

Yeah A119 is definitely nice for guitar processing with the envelope
follower and gate generator. Anyway, IMHO, you'll need a DI (or
anything like a DI) to enter the A119 sym input so that the impedance
fit and to get the benefits of the symmetric link.

With A119 and A146 LFO, you have 2 independant CV sources which can be
enough for a small system. Then you'll need some process. A188 BBD is
great on guitar for phaser effects or total destruction of your sound.
A ringmod can be nice too but you'll need some other soundsource like
a A110 VCO. But a VCO is a good processor too when you use pulse width
mod or frequency mod... You'll probably like to have a filter, maybe
you should have a look to A106 Xtreme filter if the world Xtreme
sounds good to you. 
Get a mixer. Like the new A138c.
Why not getting a theremin module if you have the room for it ? You
get a new CV source that you can play with live, I saw a guy in a
band, I think it was "the gathering", he does that kind of stuff live
and that's really good looking and sounds great.

Hope that helps !
Cheers.

It depends on what sounds you want. 
 
You could opt for a filter, the Wasp filter A124, is great with guitar
IMHO and only 8hp or go for A136 - distortion/wave shaper or A126
Frequency shifter again at 8hp.
 
You could then add a 4hp module like an inverter A175 or A114 ring mod
or A148 Sample & Hold.
 
Whatever you get, enjoy
 
David
 
David Salter
Senior Consultant
PSG 

Reuters Messaging: david.salter.reuters.com@reuters.net
(t) +44 (0)20 7542 2402 | (m) 07990562402 | (f) 52699 

Get the latest news at Reuters.com <http://www.reuters.com/> 

 

________________________________

From: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of freiksenet
Sent: 28 November 2007 14:18
To: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Doepfer_a100] Novice, some help in module choosing is required



Hello!

I want to start exploring the world of modular synth's, but since I 
am quite limited in finance I want to start small - with mini case 
that will be used as advanced guitar effect. Obviously I would need 
an A-119 to convet signal to line level. I was also thinking about an 
A-146 LFO to control variable voltages. This leaves me 12 HP in the 
mini case. 

So, what module would you advice me to get? A-121 is 12 HP, but I am 
not sure if this is a good choice.

Thanks beforehand, Novikov Mikhail.



 


This email was sent to you by Reuters, the global news and information company. 
To find out more about Reuters visit www.about.reuters.com

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, 
except where the sender specifically states them to be the views of Reuters Limited.

Reuters Limited is part of the Reuters Group of companies, of which Reuters Group PLC is the ultimate parent company.
Reuters Group PLC - Registered office address: The Reuters Building, South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EP, United Kingdom
Registered No: 3296375
Registered in England and Wales



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Mikhail

additionally to what David Salter wrote:

if your signal does not come direct from the guitar, but from some 
linelevel (mixer, ampsimulation device, ...) you could access the 
modules direct without the A119 (though the envelope follower is a nice 
thing to have with a guitar)

Florian

Mikhail,
I would have to echo the opinions
of the other folks. A mini case will
give you pretty limited options

Here's one possibility (prices from Analogue Haven)

the plan b
model 25 mk2 multi-tasking audio processor $225.00
will give you great Ring Modulation, Amplitude
Modulation and interesting distortion options

doepfer
A-119 External Input / Envelope Follower $90.00
This is your imput and can produce CV and gate.

doepfer
A-145 Low Frequency Oscillator LFO $90.00
This can be used as a modulation source
or an audio source.

For power why not use this and build your own case
doepfer
a-100 diy kit #2  $95.00

As you can see, it adds up. This set up doesn't
even get you a filter and before you know it
you'll be thinking how cool would it be if I could
use the envelope follower to modulate the pitch
of a VCO that is Ring Modulating with my guitar.
Don't get me wrong this stuff is fun as hell.
It just adds adds up quickly.
Soy Sos

Hello!

That's a very good idea, thank you! I will look into creating my own case,  
that should be much better than mini case.

Mikhail

On Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:36:20 +0200, djsoysos <djsoysos@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Mikhail,
> I would have to echo the opinions
> of the other folks. A mini case will
> give you pretty limited options
>
> Here's one possibility (prices from Analogue Haven)
>
> the plan b
> model 25 mk2 multi-tasking audio processor $225.00
> will give you great Ring Modulation, Amplitude
> Modulation and interesting distortion options
>
> doepfer
> A-119 External Input / Envelope Follower $90.00
> This is your imput and can produce CV and gate.
>
> doepfer
> A-145 Low Frequency Oscillator LFO $90.00
> This can be used as a modulation source
> or an audio source.
>
> For power why not use this and build your own case
> doepfer
> a-100 diy kit #2  $95.00
>
> As you can see, it adds up. This set up doesn't
> even get you a filter and before you know it
> you'll be thinking how cool would it be if I could
> use the envelope follower to modulate the pitch
> of a VCO that is Ring Modulating with my guitar.
> Don't get me wrong this stuff is fun as hell.
> It just adds adds up quickly.
> Soy Sos
>

Hello!

I don't want to use any digital modulators, I don't like digital sounds.  
And I really want to get into modular synths.

I really like the idea, it is more original than mine. Another poster here  
recomended doing the case by myself, then I can add ring modulator and a  
mixer to the system.

Thank you, Mikhail.

On Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:44:57 +0200, ilanode <techmeier@web.de> wrote:

> Dear Mikhail, such a small system is quite limited. Modular stuff is
> definately one of the most expensives routes to go. So probably some
> Alesis ModFX will give you more interesting options if money is a
> constraint.
>
> However, a different approach would be to use the A119 CV out for the
> Filter CV In and to use the Trig Out to trigger an EG. This would
> allow you to controll the modulation depth via the Guitar: Only if you
> play loud the EG would be triggered. If that's an option you may want
> also an Inverter for the CV out. A smaller filter with different
> characteristics would be the Wasp Filter. So the idea is: A119 + A175
> + A140 + A124 Wasp.
>
> You could replace the A175 by an A114 Ring Mod. but you would need an
> external Mixer to mix the original with a bit of the processed signal
> since the Ring Mod. produces atonal sounds.
>
> If your original idea suites your needs better you should consider a
> VC-LFO A147.
>
> All the best, Ingo
>
> --- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, "freiksenet" <freiksenet@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hello!
>>
>> I want to start exploring the world of modular synth's, but since I
>> am quite limited in finance I want to start small - with mini case
>> that will be used as advanced guitar effect. Obviously I would need
>> an A-119 to convet signal to line level. I was also thinking about an
>> A-146 LFO to control variable voltages. This leaves me 12 HP in the
>> mini case.
>>
>> So, what module would you advice me to get? A-121 is 12 HP, but I am
>> not sure if this is a good choice.
>>
>> Thanks beforehand, Novikov Mikhail.
>>
>
>

Hello!

Thanks for the answers.

BBD is really bizzare, big and strange - I like it. And as I decided to  
DIY I will be able to mount more modules. Xtreme filter sounds good to me  
to %) basicly every module sounds cool to me, so I will have to make  
painful decisions.

I am afraid I don't have good enough musical ear to play theremin - I  
think it is the hardest instrument in the world.

Mikhail

On Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:12:08 +0200, Maxime <francois.maxime@gmail.com>  
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> --- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, Florian Anwander
> <Florian.Anwander@...> wrote:
>> if your signal does not come direct from the guitar, but from some
>> linelevel (mixer, ampsimulation device, ...) you could access the
>> modules direct without the A119 (though the envelope follower is a nice
>> thing to have with a guitar)
>>
>> Florian
>
> Yeah A119 is definitely nice for guitar processing with the envelope
> follower and gate generator. Anyway, IMHO, you'll need a DI (or
> anything like a DI) to enter the A119 sym input so that the impedance
> fit and to get the benefits of the symmetric link.
>
> With A119 and A146 LFO, you have 2 independant CV sources which can be
> enough for a small system. Then you'll need some process. A188 BBD is
> great on guitar for phaser effects or total destruction of your sound.
> A ringmod can be nice too but you'll need some other soundsource like
> a A110 VCO. But a VCO is a good processor too when you use pulse width
> mod or frequency mod... You'll probably like to have a filter, maybe
> you should have a look to A106 Xtreme filter if the world Xtreme
> sounds good to you.
> Get a mixer. Like the new A138c.
> Why not getting a theremin module if you have the room for it ? You
> get a new CV source that you can play with live, I saw a guy in a
> band, I think it was "the gathering", he does that kind of stuff live
> and that's really good looking and sounds great.
>
> Hope that helps !
> Cheers.
>
>
>

Hi Mikhail

> I don't want to use any digital modulators, I don't like digital sounds.  
> And I really want to get into modular synths.
I can understand this. But I definitely can recommend the ModFx 
"Bitrman". It creates really amazing (partially atonal) sounds out of 
percussive and plucked material. You may listen to 
http://www.ambiosonics.de/ambient_festival_2007/cafe_19_4.mp3

All the percussion is a single TR-808 pattern (real TR-808 no sample 
;-)) through the Bitrman. Everything is played absolutely live.


another thing: If you want to use the A-119 you should provide an 
external compressor (some stompbox) for the audiosignal after(!) the 
envelopefollower, before the filter(or what ever module).

Florian

Hello!

Ok, I will look into this ModFx, it sounds cool)

Why should I use compressor? Will it work bad without it?

Mikhail

On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:17:16 +0200, Florian Anwander  
<Florian.Anwander@consol.de> wrote:

> Hi Mikhail
>
>> I don't want to use any digital modulators, I don't like digital sounds.
>> And I really want to get into modular synths.
> I can understand this. But I definitely can recommend the ModFx
> "Bitrman". It creates really amazing (partially atonal) sounds out of
> percussive and plucked material. You may listen to
> http://www.ambiosonics.de/ambient_festival_2007/cafe_19_4.mp3
>
> All the percussion is a single TR-808 pattern (real TR-808 no sample
> ;-)) through the Bitrman. Everything is played absolutely live.
>
>
> another thing: If you want to use the A-119 you should provide an
> external compressor (some stompbox) for the audiosignal after(!) the
> envelopefollower, before the filter(or what ever module).
>
> Florian

> -----Ursprungliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com]Im Auftrag von Михаил Новиков
> Gesendet: Donnerstag, 29. November 2007 14:37
> An: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> Betreff: Re: [Doepfer_a100] Re: Novice, some help in module
> choosing is required
>
>
> Hello!
>
> That's a very good idea, thank you! I will look into creating my
> own case,
> that should be much better than mini case.
>
> Mikhail

We will show a low-cost A-100 case at NAMM. They are similar to the suitcase
version but without front cover, without the metal rails and corners.
Instead of the aluminium rails with threaded inserts the threaded angles of
the A-100 DIY kits are used to keep the price as low as possible. And the
case is varnished with black primer only. But the price will be in the Euro
200...250 range only (instead of Euro 370). We still have to calculate the
working time for the final price.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

Hi Mikhail

> Why should I use compressor? Will it work bad without it?
its quite simple, and the easiest way is to explaine with an VCA: Lets 
say your guitar signal has a natural loudness shape with a decay phase 
of 4 seconds. After 2 seconds the loudness will have become half.
This loundness shape is converted to the electrical envelope. The 
envelope controls a module like an VCA, which will add the same loudness 
shape additionally. The reuslting signal will now have after 2 seconds 
only the quarter loudness: half loudness from the natural shape and this 
reduced to half again by the VCA.

Keep in mind: most functions in a synth are based on a subtractive 
synthesis, which means: there is a constant signal, from which I 
subtract characteristics like loudness or brightness. The constant 
signal is usually an oscillator. But in your case you have a guitar 
string which does not sound constant. With the compressor we try to make 
  the strings sound as constant as possible.

Florian

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, íÉÈÁÉÌ îÏ×ÉËÏ× <freiksenet@...>
wrote:
> I am afraid I don't have good enough musical ear to play theremin - I  
> think it is the hardest instrument in the world.

The theremin module output is a CV output, not audio. You can use this
CV to control your sound effects parameters, like the clock of the
BBD, the cutoff frequency of a filter, the pitch of the VCO that goes
into you ring mod. You can put this on stage and the closer you get to
the antenna, the longer the delay on the BBD (and the more destruction
you bring to the sound !). I think the real interest in getting into
modular stuff is the fact that the possibilities of control are huge
and that theremin idea is the kind of feature you'll never find on
non-modular stuff.
Life's great when you think modular !

Cheers,
Max.

Hello!

This sounds great, I'll think about it)) Again every module is so tasty so  
it is very hard to choose.

Mikhail

On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:55:43 +0200, Maxime <francois.maxime@gmail.com>  
wrote:

> --- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, íÉÈÁÉÌ îÏ×ÉËÏ× <freiksenet@...>
> wrote:
>> I am afraid I don't have good enough musical ear to play theremin - I
>> think it is the hardest instrument in the world.
>
> The theremin module output is a CV output, not audio. You can use this
> CV to control your sound effects parameters, like the clock of the
> BBD, the cutoff frequency of a filter, the pitch of the VCO that goes
> into you ring mod. You can put this on stage and the closer you get to
> the antenna, the longer the delay on the BBD (and the more destruction
> you bring to the sound !). I think the real interest in getting into
> modular stuff is the fact that the possibilities of control are huge
> and that theremin idea is the kind of feature you'll never find on
> non-modular stuff.
> Life's great when you think modular !
>
> Cheers,
> Max.
>

The one last thing that I would personally
suggest before you start spending money
is to try out this stuff if there
is any way you can have access to it.
Look in you area for any folks who are making
sound with modular synths and get a feel
for the basic building blocks. Go to your
library and read all you can.
Seek out Allen Strange's book:
Electronic Music: Systems, Techniques and
Controls (2nd edition) It's out of print
but my local library has it.
Have fun and experiment!
My (as they say) 2 cents worth