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Notes: Module A-124 is a special 12dB multimode filter using the "strange" filter circuit of the "EDP Wasp" (an analog synthesizer with black/yellow case built end of the seventies, manufactured by the UK company "Electronic Dream Plant" with Chris Huggett und Adrian Wagner). This design "abuses" digital inverters as analog operational amplifiers leading to distortions and other "dirty" effects that generate the specific sound of this filter. The filter is equipped with a band pass output and a combined low/notch/high pass output. For this output a control knob defines the relation between low and high pass signal. If both signals appear at the same level (i.e. middle position of the Mix knob) one obtains a notch filter. Otherwise the low or high pass signal predominates. The module does not feature self-oscillation in contrast to most of the other filters of the A-100 system.

Inputs: Audio In, CV In (2x)
Outputs: Bandpass Out, Low/Highpass Mix-Out
Controls: Audio and CV attenuator, Frequency, Resonance, LP/HP Mix

The function and operation of this module is very similar to the module SEM VCF A-106-5. But the sound of both filters is very different! The only functional difference is the position of the sockets and controls, and the function of the controls CV2 (A-124: normal attenuator, A-106-5: polarizer).

- 3U Eurorack module, 8HP wide, 45mm deep
- Current draw 30mA

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 200cm
- Green finish

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 15cm
- Yellow finish

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 80cm
- Red finish

Notes: - 6.3 mm jack male mono to 3.5 mm jack male mono
- Length: 1.5 metres

Notes: Blank panel, 4HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, silver.

Notes: A-138s is a simple but useful 4-in-2 mixing tool. It has four inputs available. Each input is equipped with an attenuator (Level) and a panning control that is used to distribute the signal to the left and right output. Beyond stereo mixing it is equally suited to create variable parallel routings. For example: Any of the four inputs may be routed in variable intensity to feed two filters.

You may regard the A-138s as a smaller version of the A-138m Matrix Mixer.

Inputs and outputs are DC coupled, i.e. the module can be used for the mixing of control signals too.

- 3U Eurorack module, 8 HP wide, 30 mm in depth
- Power consumption: 10 mA at +12 V and 10 mA at -12 V

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 50cm
- Grey finish

Notes: Blank panel, 2HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, silver.

Notes: Blank panel, 8HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, silver.

Notes: Blank panel, 1HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, silver.

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 120cm
- Blue finish

Notes: Module A-151 (Quad Sequential Switch) is like an electronic four-position rotary switch.

It includes trigger and reset inputs, four in/outputs, and a common out/input. Each time a pulse is received at the trigger input socket, the common out/input is connected to the next in/output. After the fourth in/output, the next trigger makes it step back to the first again, and so on. A positive pulse at the reset input switches the out/input immediately back to the first in/output. Voltages in the range -8V...+8V at the O/I resp. I/O sockets can be processed by the module.

Four LED's indicate the active in/output (ie. the one that is connected to the out/input at any particular time).

Notes: Module A-151 (Quad Sequential Switch) is like an electronic four-position rotary switch.

It includes trigger and reset inputs, four in / outputs, and a common out / input. Each time a pulse is received at the trigger input socket, the common out / input is connected to the next in / output. After the fourth in / output, the next trigger makes it step back to the first again, and so on. A positive pulse at the reset input switches the out / input immediately back to the first in / output (see Fig. 1). Voltages in the range -8V...+8V at the O/I resp. I/O sockets can be processed by the module.

Four LEDs indicate the active in / output (i.e. the on that is connected to the out / input at any particular time).

Notes: Module A-119 (External Input / Envelope Follower) is designed to allow external audio signals to be integrated into the System A-100. It comprises a pre-amp, envelope follower, and comparator.

The pre-amp has two inputs: an unbalanced input for line level signals, with a gain factor of from 0 to 20, and a balanced input with a gain factor of from 0 to 500, for insertion of low level signals, for instance from a microphone or electric guitar.

The Envelope Follower reads the signal level of the input, and puts out a proportional voltage as an envelope at its own output.

The comparator generates a gate signal whenever the input goes above an adjustable trigger threshold.

Three LED's help you keep track of overload, the envelope, and the gate signal.

Notes: Module A-138n is a simple four channel mixer, which can be used with either control voltages or audio signals. Each of the four inputs has an attenuator available. The output is twice available (two sockets, hard-wired like a multiple).

The module is the slim version of module A-138a and offers nearly the same features. But the distances between the controls are smaller and rubberized small-sized knobs are used. In return the front panel has 4 HP only which is half the width of the A-138a. The module is primarily planned for applications where only limited space is available. The only functional difference compared to the A-138a is the missing attenuator for the (dual) output.

Notes: Module A-140-2 contains two ADSR type envelope generators behind a front panel with 8 HP only.

Each ADSR provides these controls and in/outputs:

- LED (displays the envelope output)
- A: manual Attack control
- D: manual Decay control
- S: manual Sustain control
- R: manual Release control
- Gate Input
- Retrigger Input
- CVT Input with attenuator (CVT = CV Time)
- Envelope Output 1
- Envelope Output 2

The output voltage range for each envelope is 0 - 10V. The time range of Attack/Decay/Release is about 1ms to 30s.

By means of internal jumpers one can select which time parameters are controlled by the CVT input (e.g. D only or D+R or A+D+R) and in which direction (i.e. if an increasing CVT shortens or stretches the time parameter in question).

Socket CVT can be normalled to an internal fixed voltage (i.e. the switching contact is connected to an internal fixed voltage). That way it's possible to change all time parameters simultaneously by means of the CVT control.

Another jumper is used to set output 2 to normal or inverted envelope.

And another jumper is used for the normalling of Gate 2 to Gate 1 (i.e. ADSR#2 is also triggered by Gate 1).

Two more jumpers are used for the optional bus access to the gate signal of the bus for each ADSR. Changing the positions of the mentioned jumpers allows to modify the factory settings.

Notes: Module A-145-4 is a simple quad LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator). Not a very "exciting" module, just a bread-and-butter device and a simple demon for work. Virtually in every modular system several LFOs are required for modulation purposes. The module contains four simple LFOs with the waveforms triangle and rectangle. A dual colour LED (red = positive / yellow = negative output voltage) indicates the triangle output of each LFO. The frequency range can be chosen for each LFO individually by means of a jumper between about 50 Hz ... 0.04 Hz (about 20 seconds, jumper removed) and about 2Hz ... 0.002 (about 8 minutes, jumper installed).

The module can be treated as a slimmed version of the quad LFO A-143-3 as it has similar features available. But the distances between the controls are smaller and rubberized small-sized knobs are used. In return the front panel has 4 HP only which is less than one third of the A-143-3. The module is primarily planned for applications where only limited space is available. The functional difference compared to the A-143-3 are the missing sawtooth outputs and frequency range switches.

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 50cm
- Angled connector on one end
- Orange finish

Notes: A-138s is a simple but useful 4-in-2 mixing tool. It has four inputs available. Each input is equipped with an attenuator (Level) and a panning control that is used to distribute the signal to the left and right output. Beyond stereo mixing it is equally suited to create variable parallel routings. For example: Any of the four inputs may be routed in variable intensity to feed two filters.

You may regard the A-138s as a smaller version of the A-138m Matrix Mixer.

Inputs and outputs are DC coupled, i.e. the module can be used for the mixing of control signals too.

- 3U Eurorack module, 8 HP wide, 30 mm in depth
- Power consumption: 10 mA at +12 V and 10 mA at -12 V

Notes: Module A-130-2 is the slim version of module A-132-3 and offers essentially the same features. But the distances between the controls are smaller and rubberized small-sized knobs are used. In return the front panel has 4 HP only which is half the width of the A-132-3. The module is primarily planned for applications where only limited space is available.

The module is composed of two identical voltage controlled amplifiers (VCA). Each VCA has a manual gain control (also named Initial Gain) and a control voltage input with attenuator. The character of the control scale can be switched to linear or exponential. All inputs and outputs are DC coupled. Consequently the VCAs can be used to process both audio and control voltages (e.g. for voltage control of the level of LFO or envelope signals). The signal input has no attenuator available but is capable to process up to 16Vpp signals (i.e. -8V...+8V) without distortion. For the processing of higher levels an external attenuator (e.g. A-183-1) is recommended.

The amplification range is 0...1. Even with a higher external control voltage the amplification remains at 1 (kind of "amplification clipping" at 1).

Controls (for each of both units):

- Gain: manual gain control (Initial Gain) in the range 0...1
- CV: attenuator for the CV input
- Lin/Exp: switches the VCA characteristic to linear or exponential, in center position the VCA is off (mute function)

Inputs and outputs (for each of both units):

- CV: control voltage input, min. +5V required for max. amplification (1) with CV control fully CW and Gain fully CCW
- In: signal input, max. 16Vpp (+8V...-8V) without distortion
- Out: signal output

Notes: Dark Time is an 2 x8 steps analog sequencer with CV/Gate, USB and Midi interface. It is planned in the first place as an add-on for the Dark Energy but may be used even in combination with other Midi, USB or CV/Gate equipment too.

Features overview

two rows with 8 controls each
for each step:
- rotary control (same knob type as Dark Energy)
- red LED
- three-position switch On/Off/Skip
On = trigger signal is active for this step
Off = no trigger for this step
Skip = step is skipped
- three-position switch Stop/Continue/Jump
Stop = sequence stops here
Continue = sequence continues
Jump/Reset:
If only one of the 16 toggle switches is in the Jump position a Reset is carried out (i.e. sequence jumps to stage 1)
If two or more of the switches are in the Jump position the sequence jumps to the next step with the switch in the Jump position and then continues from this position (until another step with the switch in the Jump position is reached and then the same procedure is carried out again)
several operating modes:
1x16 (i.e. the two rows are daisy-chained)
2x8 (i.e. both rows run in parallel)
1-8 Combi (lower row set individual gate lenght of the upper row)
several running directions:
forward
backward
random
CV scaling: 1V/Octave standard (note: not suitable to control devices with Hz/V scale !)
several voltage / tuning ranges: 1V, 2V, 5V (corresponding to 1/2/5 octaves)
gate voltage 0/+5V (please refer to the remarks below concerning devices with S-Trigger or Korg MS10/MS20)
for units manufactured later than early 2012 (from serial number 120240) the output voltage for Gate/Clock/Reset/Start-Stop can be set to +12V by means of an internal jumper (the corresponding interface boards are marked V2/2011 or V3/2012). The following document describes the modification procedure in detail: Dark_Time_12V_Gate.pdf
if you own a unit manufactured before 2012 (serial number 120239 or less) the following technical document describes how to modify the unit for +12V level of the Gate/Clock/Reset/Start-Stop outputs: Dark_Time_12V_and_5V_Gate_Voltage_Modifikation.pdf
quantization on/off/custom scale (custom scale not yet available in the first firmware version)
when quantization is "off" the resolution is still 10 bit (i.e. 1024 steps over the full rotating range of each potentiometer), from this the term "quantization off" is not fully correct, with quantization "on" the resolution is 13/25/61 steps for 1/2/5 octaves
transpose via switch (-1/0/+1 octave), Midi/USB or external CV input
timing control, selected by a three position switch:
internal via built-in clock oscillator with frequency and pulsewidth controls
external via Midi/USB
external via analog clock/start/stop
analog interface for CV/gate/clock/Start-Stop (inputs and outputs, monophonic 3.5 mm miniature jack sockets)
Midi interface
USB interface (power supply via USB is not possible)
optically adapted to Dark Energy (same knobs, same depth and height, same wooden side plates and so on)
Powered via external power supply (12V AC/min. 400mA) for 230V
powering the device via USB is not possible, because the analog circuits require a dual voltage (+/-12V).
Additional remarks and specs:

for devices with S-Trigger inputs (e.g. Moog) or the Korg synthesizers MS-10/MS-20 a special S-Trig cable is required to connect the gate output of the Dark Time to the Gate/S-Trig input of the synth, details on the FAQ page of our website. You find the price of the special cable in our price list in the accessories section.

Dark Time cannot be used to control synthesizers which use the Hz/V standard for the pitch CV (unless the quantization of the Dark Time is not used). Only for the Korg MS-10 and MS-20 there is a solution to use 1V/Oct control voltage. A corresponding note can be found on our FAQ page: Controlling Synthesizers with Hz/V standard

Distance between the knobs (center - center): ~ 25 mm, diameter of the knobs: ~ 16 mm

Distance between the toggle switches (center - center): ~ 12.5 mm

Distance between knobs and switches (center - center): ~ 20 mm

The metal case is made of 1 mm steel, black coated with white printing

Overall dimensions: about 248 x 145 x 75 mm

Dimension of the metal case only (without side plates and knobs): about 223 x 135 x 55 mm

Side plates dimensions: about 145 x 65 x 12.5 mm (same as Dark Energy)

Weight: about 1.5 kg (without power supply)

The wooden side plates can be removed if desired. They are mounted by means of two screws to the metal box. The holes in the metal box can be used also to mount several devices together (e.g. with common wooden side plates on both ends) or to mount the Dark Time to one or two Dark Energy.

The device can be positioned horizontal (desk top) or vertical

These parts are included: power supply (12V AC/min. 400mA) for 230V mains voltage with European mains plug, one USB cable (type A-B, 2 m length) and four A-100 patch cables

For the power supply a low voltage DC socket with 5.5 mm outer diameter and 2.1 mm inner diameter is used (even 2.5 mm will work)

Powering the device via USB is not possible, because the analog circuits require a dual voltage (+/-12V).

Notes: Blank panel, 42HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, silver.

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 30cm
- Black finish

Notes: Module A-160-2 is an enhanced version of the standard clock divider A-160. The module is a frequency divider for clock/trigger/gate signals, designed to be a source of lower frequencies, particularly for rhythm uses. The Clock input will take any digital signal from, eg. LFO, MIDI sync, or the gate from a MIDI-CV interface. At the outputs, you have access to three sets of seven different sub-divided clock signals, from half the clock frequency down to 1/128. The low/high levels of the output signals are 0V and about +10V.

The A-160-2 also has a reset input. Whenever a reset signal is sensed, all outputs are set to certain levels which depend upon the selected mode.

These are the most important features of the module:

Three different sets of dividing factors, selected by a three-position switch at the front panel:
- Power of two: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128
- Prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17
- Integer: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Two output modes, selected by a two-position switch at the front panel:
- Gate mode: outputs act like the outputs of typical binary dividers
- Trigger mode: in this mode the outputs are AND-wired with the clock signal (i.e. the clock pulsewidth affects the pulsewidth of the outputs)
- Clock edge type selected by a jumper on the pc board:
- Positive: the rising edge of the clock signal triggers the state change of the outputs
- Negative: the falling edge of the clock signal triggers the state change of the outputs

Reset behaviour by two jumpers on the pc board:
- Level triggered: the level at the Reset input triggers the Reset
- Edge triggered: the edge of the signal at the Reset input triggers the Reset
- Positive: a high level (> 2.5V) or the rising edge at the Reset input triggers the Reset
- Negative: a low level (< 1 V) or the falling edge at the Reset input triggers the Reset

Output polarity selected by a jumper on the pc board:
- Positive: non-inverted outputs
- Negative: all seven outputs are inverted

Width: 4HP / 20mm
Depth: 35mm (Measured from the rear side of the front panel)
Current: +12V: +50mA, -12V: -0mA

Notes: A-135-2 is a miniature version of the A-135-1. Behind a front panel with 8 HP only four linear VCAs (voltage controlled amplifiers) and a voltage controlled mixer based on the VCAs are available.

Controls, In/Outputs and Functions of each VCA:

- Level (manual control of the VCA amplification), small rubberized knob (L1...L4)
- Control voltage input with associated attenuator (CV1...CV4), for the full VCA control range about 0...+5V control voltage are required (attenuator fully clockwise), for higher control voltages the attenuator is used, the attenuators are without knobs, just plastic shafts with white marker
- Signal Input
- Signal Output
- All inputs and outputs are DC coupled. Consequently the VCAs can be used to process both audio and control voltages (e.g. to control the level of LFOs or envelopes)
- The signal input is not equipped with an attenuator. But the VCAs can process all signals up to 15Vpp / -7.5...+7.5V without clipping. In case of higher levels an external attenuator is required (e.g. A-183-1).
- The available amplification range is 0...1, the maximal amplification is 1 (i.e. it "clips" and remains at 1 even if the control voltage goes beyond the value that corresponds to amplification 1)

Functions of the voltage controlled mixers:

- Two outputs ("Selected" and "All")
- Selected output: the ouput if a VCA is removed from this sum signal when a plug is inserted into the corresponding VCA output.
- All output: sum of all VCA outputs, regardless of inserted plugs into the VCA outputs
- The maximal amplification is about 0.6 to avoid clipping at the mixer outputs (otherwise the outputs may distort with 15Vpp signals at each signal input and full amplifications)

Special functions of the voltage controlled mixers (selectable by internal jumpers):

- Dual Stereo VCA: In this case the control unit of VCA1 (L1 + CV1) affects also VCA3 and the control unit of VCA2 (L2 + CV2) affects also VCA4, the control units of VCA2 and VCA4 are out of operation
- Quad VCA: In this case the control unit of VCA1 (L1 + CV1) affects all four VCAs. The control units of VCA2, VCA3 and VCA4 are out of operation. In this mode the module has the same function as module A-132-2. That's why module A-132-2 will be discontinued.
- Normalling of the signal inputs: by means of internal jumpers signal input 1 can be normalled to signal input 2, signal input 2 to signal input 3 and signal input 3 to signal input In 4. That way the same input signal can be distributed to four different channels by means of control voltages (e.g. quadrophonic distribution of audio signals). Suitable control voltage sources are e.g. A-144 (Morphing Controller) or A-143-9 (Quadrature LFO).

Notes: A-180-9 is another simple but useful tool. It can be used to connect up to 14 signals between different cases by means of standard network cables (RJ45). These cables are available all over world smoothly in different lengths and colours. From the factory two black network cables with 0.5 m length are enclosed.

The upper network connector is wired to the eight sockets 1-8, the lower to the six sockets A-F. That way it's possible to pre-patch different cases and connect signals, that are required in all cases (e.g. clock, start/stop, master CV) by means of one or two cables only instead of 14 individual patch cables. When only eight signals are required only the upper network connector is required and the sockets 1-8 are used. When more than eight signals have to be patched both network connectors have to be used. It's also possible to wire the upper and lower network to different cases (i.e. signals 1-8 to external case #1 and signals A-F to external case#2).

The module is fully passive (no power supply required) and simply wires the 14 sockets to 14 pins of the network connectors.

The A-180-9 comes in pairs for combining two modular systems.

Notes: Module A-185-2 is a precision control voltage adder/buffer. Precision means that the amplification of the inputs without attenuators is exactly 1.00 and is suitable to add control voltages for the pitch control of VCOs (e.g. from keyboard + sequencer 1 + sequencer 2). Summing resistors matched to 0.1% are used to obtain an accuracy of 0.1% for the added voltages.

The module is equipped with four CV inputs: one with attenuator and three without attenuator. Each input is normalled to +1 V (i.e. if no plug is inserted the input contributes 1 V to the sum appearing at the output).

The input with attenuator can be used for common modulations (e.g. from an LFO, ADSR, Theremin, Pitch-Bender) for all VCOs connected to the output. The Lev.1 control is used to adjust the depth of the modulation, the first switch selects the polarity of the modulation. If no signal is connected to the first socket the attenuator works as a (fine) tuning knob because a voltage in the range 0...+1V (right position of the switch) or 0...-1V (left position of the switch) is added to the CV output.

The inputs without attenuators are planned to add control voltages coming out of keyboards, sequencers, Midi-to-CV interfaces, ribbon controllers or other CV sources that follow the 1V/oct standard. For example the CV of a keyboard can be used to transpose the CV coming from a sequencer, or the CV of a slow sequencer can be used to transpose the CV from a fast sequencer.

Each input is equipped with a three-position switch that determines if the corresponding voltage is added (right position), subtracted (left position) or if the input has no effect (centre position). If no plug is inserted the corresponding switch works as an octave switch for the lower three sections as the default 1 V are added or subtracted to the output voltage according to the switch position. The first switch can be used to add a variable voltage to the sum output. The variable voltage is adjusted with the Lev.1 control and the knob works then as kind of a (fine) tuning control.

The module is equipped with 4 outputs: three non-inverting and one inverting ouput. An internal jumper can be used to connect the non-inverted or inverted output to the CV line of the A-100 bus. That way the module can used to control several VCOs that are connected to the same bus board as the A-185-2 (same functionality as A-185-1).

Notes: - High-grade patch cable designed for modular units
- 3.5mm mono jack plugs
- Length: 50cm
- Transparent cabling

Notes: Module A-148 (Dual S&H) has two identical sample & hold modules, designed to produce 'staircase' voltages. The signal present at the sample input is sampled at a rate set by the signal at the trigger input, and held at that voltage at the S&H output.

The exact shape of the staircase depends on the sort of waveform at the sample input: NOISE or RANDOM signals produce random patterns; an LFO produces rising or falling staircase patterns.

Two LEDs for each S&H indicate the voltage (positive or negative) of the sampled signal.

Notes: Module A-118-2 is the slim version of module A-118-1 and offers essentially the same features as the A-118-1. But the distances between the controls are smaller and rubberized small-sized knobs are used. In return the front panel has 4 HP only which is half the width of the A-118-1. The module is primarily planned for applications where only limited space is available. The functional difference between A-118-1 and A-118-2 is the additional T&H/S&H unit which is not included in the A-118-1.

The module generates the signals white noise, colored noise, continuous random voltage and stepped random voltage (derived from the continuous random voltage by means of a S&H/T&H unit).

The noise signal is generated 100% analog by amplification of the noise of a transistor. White and colored noise are usually used as audio sources. The random voltages are normally used as control voltages (e.g. for filter frequency or any other voltage controlled parameter).
The A-118-2 gives you the ability to mix the relative amounts of Red (low frequency component) and Blue noise (high frequency component) in the colored noise output.

For the continuous random voltage the rate of change (Rate) and amplitude (Level) of the random voltage can be adjusted. The continuous random voltage is derived from the colored noise signal by low pass filtering. Consequently the settings of the controls for the colored noise (Blue, Red) affect the behavior of the random voltage! A dual color LED (red = positive / yellow = negative output voltage) indicates the continuous random voltage.

The continuous random voltage is used as source for the S&H/T&H unit. The type of operation can be set to S&H (sample and hold) or T&H (track and hold). When T&H is chosen the output signal follows the input signal (= continuous random voltage) as long as the Clock input is "high". As soon as the clock signal changes to "low" the last voltage is stored. When S&H is chosen the input signal (= continuous random voltage) is sampled at the rising edge of the Clock signal.

For the Clock signal a "digital" signal (e.g. Clock, Gate, rectangle output of an LFO) is required. It does not work with slowly changing continuous CV signals. Another dual color LED (red = positive / yellow = negative output voltage) indicates the stepped random voltage.

Controls:

Blue: share of the high frequencies in the the colored noise output
Red: share of the low frequencies in the the colored noise output
Rate: rate of change of the continuous random voltage
Level: amplitude of the continuous random voltage
TH/SH: switches between T&H and S&H

Inputs and outputs:

RND: continuous random voltage output (with LED display)
TH/SH: stepped random voltage output (with LED display)
Clk: Clock input of the S&H/T&H unit
C Noise: colored noise output
W Noise: white noise output

Important notes:

After power on it takes a few minutes until the two noise signals and the random signals are generated. The module is not faulty when after power on the signals do not appear immediately!

The S&H/T&H function is realized by pure analog circuitry (electronic switch followed by a holding capacitor and buffer). Consequently the output voltage drifts a bit in the holding state because the capacitor is discharged by parasitic resistors. The drift depends also upon environmental conditions like humidity or temperature.

Dimensions
4 HP
40 mm deep

Current Draw
20 mA +12V
20 mA -12V

Notes: Module A-138m is a 4 x 4 matrix mixer with switches for unipolar/bipolar mode for each column. Unipolar means that the controls work as attenuators. Bipolar means that the controls work as polarizers. In this mode the amplification is zero in the middle position of the corresponding control. Turning the knob counterclockwise from the center position the signal is subtracted from the output sum with increasing amount (i.e. negative). Turning the knob clockwise from the center position the signal is added to the output sum with increasing amount. The module is DC-coupled and can be used for both audio and control voltage mixing.

By means of an internal jumper one can select if the four upper controls work as DC offset generators - provided that no patch cord is plugged into the upper input socket. If this feature is not required it can be deactivated by removing the jumper on top left of the pc board. The function is identical to the A-138a/b.

Dimensions
20 HP
20 mm deep

Current Draw
30 mA +12V
30 mA -12V

Notes: Module A-140 is an envelope generator, and, since it puts out control voltages, counts as one of the modulation devices in a modular system. As soon as the gate input receives sufficient voltage, the ADSR generates a variable voltage, changing in time, called an envelope. This varying voltage is output in normal (positive) and inverted form, and can be used, eg. for voltage controlled modulation of a VCO, VCF, or VCA, or for processing other modules' inputs and outputs.

The shape of the envelope is governed by four parameters: Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release.

The envelope is started (triggered) by a gate signal either from the INT.GATE voltage on the system bus, or, if a signal is put into it, from the gate input socket.

The envelope can also be re-triggered, i.e. start from scratch again, each time a trigger signal is sensed at the Retrig. input socket, when the gate is still open.

Module A-140 has available a three-position toggle switch to select one of three time ranges. The envelope duration ranges from about 50us (microseconds) up to several minutes.

In combination with the Comparator module A-167 a free-running "ADSR-LFO" can be realized.

Notes: A-182-2 is a simple passive module that contains four changeover switches, which are used to connect or disconnect the sockets of the corresponding socket triplet:

- In the upper position of the switch the upper socket of the corresponding socket triplet is connected to the centre socket
- In the lower position of the switch the lower socket of the corresponding socket triplet is connected to the centre socket
- In the centre position of the switch the sockets are not connected

Each unit of the module can be used to switch between two signals or to interrupt/connect a signal. In the last case the third socket of the triplet is not used.

The module is fully passive and both audio or control signals can be switched.

Notes: Lots of functionality in a compact format thanks to Doepfer's typically smart approach. Eight linear VCAs with three mixers built in for good measure. Can be used for both audio and CV signals. Versatile.

Supplier notes:
Module A-130-8 contains eight linear voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs). Each VCA features a control voltage input (CV), a signal input (In) and a signal output (Out). In addition three mixers are included: the socket labelled "1-4" outputs the sum of the VCAs 1-4, the socket labelled "5-8" outputs the sum of the VCAs 5-8, the socket labelled "1-8" outputs the sum of all eight VCAs.

The signal inputs are able to process levels up to 10Vpp without clipping. Each CV input is equipped with a trimming potentiometer that is used to adjust the sensitivity of the CV input in question. In the factory the module is adjusted for the CV range 1...+5V but can be re-adjusted by the user for other control voltage ranges (e.g. 0...+10V).

The amplification range for each single VCA is 0...1. The signals of the sum outputs have a lower amplification to avoid distortion.

The VCAs and mixers are fully DC coupled, i.e. the module can be used for the processing of both audio and control voltage signals. The control voltage and signal inputs can be normalled by means of small solder pads (e.g. 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 and so on, or 1 > 5, 2 > 6, 3 > 7, 4 > 8 for the stereo application mentioned below).

Typical applications:
any kind of VCA application (e.g. voltage controlled attenuation of audio or control voltage signals)
two voltage controlled mixers with four channels each
voltage controlled stereo mixer with four channels each, for this the control voltage inputs have to be correspondingly patched or internally normalled: CV1=CV5 /CV 2=CV6 / CV3=CV7 / CV4=CV8
voltage controlled mixer with eight channels
add-on for the planned Joystick module A-174-4

HP : 6

Notes: Module A-106-5 is a 12dB multimode filter that is based on the filter circuit of the Oberheim SEM module.

The filter is equipped with a band pass output and a combined low/notch/high pass output. For this output a control knob defines the relation between low and high pass signal. If both signals appear at the same level (i.e. middle position of the Mix knob) one obtains a notch filter. Otherwise the low or high pass signal predominates.

The module does not feature self-oscillation in contrast to most of the other filters of the A-100 system.

The module generates a distorted audio signal if the level control is set to about 50% (i.e. centre position) or more with A-100 standard signals like VCOs.

Notes: 2HP narrow version of the A-180 multiples module. It is a passive signal splitter suitable for audio or CVs. Two sets of four jacks are interconnected, by placing a solder bridge you can connect all eight jacks.

Dimensions
2 HP
18 mm deep

Current Draw
Module does not draw current

Notes: Module A-199 is a spring reverb module. The reverb effect is electronically simulated by means of 3 spiral springs. Spring reverb systems have a very characteristic sound that is based on the (insufficient) mechanical properties of the springs like signal delays, audio resonances, limited frequency range, acoustic feedback behaviour, sensitivity to mechanical shocks and others.

The 3-spring system used in the A-199 ensures a "dense" reverb because of the different properties of the three springs.

The A-199 implies some special features that are not self-evident for spring reverb units:

The reverb signal can be fed back to the input using the Feedback control. Even self-oscillation of the springs similar to the self-oscillation of filters is available. The feedback loop can lead even via external modules like VCA, VCF, phaser, frequency shifter, vocoder, distortion/waveshaper, ring modulator and others. In this case the reverb output of the A-199 is connected to the input of the external module(s) and the output of the external module(s) is fed back to the Ext. Feedback In socket of the A-199. This socket contains a switch that interrupts the internal feedback loop as soon as a plug is inserted.

Another feature is the Emphasis control. This enables the adjustment of the accentuation of middle frequencies (around ~ 2kHz).

With the Mix control the relation between original and reverb signal appearing at the mix output is adjusted.

Using all these features very extreme and unusual effects can be generated with the A-199.

Notes: Module A-182-1 is a simple passive multi-connector similar to the multiples modules A-180-1/A-180-2. In contrast to modules A-180-1/2 each socket is equipped with a 3-position switch that allows to connect the corresponding socket to the internal bus #1 (left position), bus #2 (right position) or to turn the socket off (centre position).

Examples:

- All switches in left position or all switches in right position: 8-fold multiple

- Four switches in left position and four switches in right position: two 4-fold multiple

- X switches in left position, Y switches in right position and Z switches in centre position: two separate multiples with some sockets turned off

Notes: VCO:

- Tune: manual tune control (with an internal jumper the range can be set to ~ +/-1 half an octave or ~ +/-2.5 octaves)
- Oct: range switch -1 / 0 / +1 octave
- Mod: modulation depth (attenuator wired to the Mod. socket)
- Dest: switch that is used to address the modulation to frequency modulation (position FM) or pulsewidth modulation (positon PM), in centre positon no modulation
- PW: manual pulsewidth control for rectangle waveform, PW can be also modulated by the Mod. input as mentioned above
- Wave: waveform switch (sawtooth / off / triangle), the sum of the waveform chosen by this switch and the rectangle is fed into the VCF (to turn the rectangle off the PW control has to be set fully CCW or fully CW)
- 1V/Oct. (socket): external CV input for VCO frequency (1V/octave)
- Access to internal bus CV (via jumper, optional, please remove the bus jumper if this feature is not used to avoid unwanted frequency modulation as then the unused CV line of the bus works as a kind of antenna)
- Triangle core VCO, frequency range about 32Hz ... 8kHz

Balance unit:

- The balance unit is made of two VCAs which are controlled by the sum of manual Balance control and the balance CV input in the opposite direction.
- The audio input of VCA1 is hard-wired to the VCO output, audio input 2 is connected to the socket Ext.In.
- The output of the balance unit is used as audio input for the VCF
- Bal.: manual balance control, fully CCW the internal VCO is used, fully CW the external signal (Ext.In) is used, at centre position both signals have about the same level
- CV Bal.: CV input for balance (range about 0...+5V)
- Ext. In: external audio input for VCA2, about 5 Vpp level required for similar loudness as the internal VCO
- This socket is normalled to the internal VCO suboctave f/2 signal (rectangle with half the frequency), if no external signal is applied the suboctave signal is used as the second signal for the balance unit

VCF:

- 24 dB low pass
- Frq: manual frequency control
- FM1: frequency modulation depth (attenuator wired to the VCF FM1 socket, the socket is normalled to the internal Envelope signal and then FM1 controls the modulation depth of the internal envelope applied to the filter)
- FM2 (socket) : second CV input for VCF without attenuator (about 1V/octave), can be used e.g. for VCF tracking by connecting the same CV which is used also for the VCO frequency
- Res: manual resonance control (up to self oscillation)
- If the VCO is turned off (waveform switch = centre position, pulsewidth control = fully CCW or CW) and the VCF resonance is set to maximum the module can be used as a sine oscillator, the tracking at socket VCF FM2 is about 1V/octave (not as precise as the VCO but much better than most other filters)
- ~ 11 octaves frequency range (~ 10 Hz ... 20kHz)

VCA:

- Gain: manual amplitude control (initial gain), can be used to open the VCA without envelope signal
- VCA (switch): used to switch between gate and envelope as control signal for the VCA, in centre position the VCA is not controlled by envelope or gate
- Note: when gate is used the VCA is controlled directly by the gate signal (i.e. hard on/off), this may lead to clicking noise under certain conditions (especially with low VCO/VCF frequencies)
- Special control scale: exponential scale in the range from about -20dB to -80/90dB, linear scale from about -20dB to 0dB
- Remark: this special control scale results in a loudness behaviour that is a bit different from pure linear or exponential VCAs
- Out: audio output of the module (= VCA output)

Envelope:

- Gate (socket): Gate input (min. +5V), can be normalled to the bus gate signal by means of a jumper
- Att: manual control for Attack
- D/R: manual control for Decay/Release
- Env. (switch): used to switch between A/D, ADSR and A/R mode of the envelope generator, in centre position (ADSR) the sustain level is fixed to about 50%
- Envelope (socket): envelope output (about +10V)
- CVT (socket): CV input for time control, by means of two internal jumpers one can select which time parameters are controlled by the CVT input (e.g. A only or D/R only or A/D/R) and in which direction (i.e. if an increasing CVT shortens or stretches the time parameter in question)
- Envelope LED display
- Attack time range: ~ 1ms ... 5 sec (can be extended by using the CVT input)
- Decay/Release time range: ~ 1ms ... 15 sec (can be extended by using the CVT input)

Notes: Module A-156 is a Dual Control Voltage Quantizer. A quantizer converts a continuous control voltage in the range 0...+10V into a stepped output voltage in the same voltage range (i.e. only certain voltages occur). Normally 1/12 V steps are used to obtain semitone steps. Quantizer 2 of the A-156 allows has more sophisticated quantizing modes like major scale (i.e. only voltages corresponding to the major scale), minor scale, major chord, minor chord, fundamental + fifth and addition of seventh or sixth when chords are selected. Only those voltages appear at the CV output which comply with the selection rule (e.g. minor chord with seventh). The mode setting of quantizer 2 is done with 3 switches (1-0-1 type with middle position). From the factory quantizer 1 is working in the semitone mode. But there is a jumper on the pc board that can be changed so that even quantizer 1 uses the same scale as quantizer 2.

For each quantizer the following in/outputs are available:

- Control voltage input (CV In): The input for the continuous voltage to be quantized
- Control voltage output (CV Out): The output of the quantized voltage
- Trigger input (Trig.In): If this jack is left open the quantizer is working permanently. If a rectangle voltage is applied quantisation happens only at the rising edge of the signal (e.g. from an LFO or MIDI-to-Sync interface). Thus the quantizing can be synchronized with other events
- Trigger output (Trig.Out): Whenever a quantisation happens (i.e. a new voltage is generated at the CV Out) a positive pulse occurs at this output. It may be used to trigger an envelope generator (ADSR) or for triggering other modules (sequential switch A-151, trigger divider/sequencer A-160/161, trigger delay A-162, ...). If none of these functions are used the jack is left open

On top of that the A-156 is provided with a common transpose CV input having an additive effect on both quantizers. This input is quantized in semitone steps. A typical application is the transposition of a sequence generated by the A-155 by a second control voltage (e.g. coming from the MIDI-CV interface A-190).

Typical applications:

- Quantizing the CV sequence generated by an A-155 (semitone, only major scale, only minor scale and so on)
- Quantizing the voltage coming from the Trautonium Manual / Ribbon Controller A-198, Theremin A-178 or Light-to-CV module A-179 to get accurate semitones or major/minor scale tones
- Arpeggio-like effects with LFO, random, noise, envelope generators as CV sources (for negative or symmetrical voltages an offset must be added, e.g. with the offset/attenuator module A-129-3, to obtain positive voltages for the A-156 input)

Notes: Patch cable for modular synthesizer 80 cm, transparent, mono jack plug 3.5 mm at each end.

Notes: Module A-196 contains a so-called phase locked loop (PLL). The basic PLL system is shown in the sketch at the bottom of this page. A PLL consists of three parts: voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), phase comparator (PC), and low-pass filter (LPF). All parts are normally connected to form a closed-loop frequency-feedback system.

This is how a PLL works: The output of the internal VCO (linear CV control, rectangle output) is compared with an external signal (e.g. the rectangle output of a A-110 VCO) in the so-called phase comparator (PC). The output of the phase comparator is a digital signal (low/high/tristate) that indicates if the frequency resp. phase difference of the two input signals is negative, zero or positive. The output of the phase comparator is processed by a low pass filter (LPF) to generate a smooth voltage that is used to control the frequency of the internal VCO. The 3 units VCO, PC and LPF form a feedback loop that works like this: The control voltage (output of the LPF) increases as long as the external frequency is higher than the frequency of the internal VCO und stops increasing when both frequencies become identical. The control voltage decreases as long as the external frequency is lower than the frequency of the internal VCO und stops decreasing when both frequencies become identical.

But there are some stumbling blocks: Different types of phase comparators with advantages and disadvantages can be made. Some phase comparators e.g. even lock at harmonics, i.e. if the two frequencies to be compared are integer multiples. But for some applications this can be used to create interesting effects. The A-196 contains 3 different types of phase comparators: PC1 is a simple exclusive OR, that even locks at harmonics. PC2 is a so-called RS flipflop and PC3 a more complex digital memory network. The user can select one of the three phase comparators with a 3-position switch. When PC2 is used a LED displays the "locked" state, i.e. when the frequency of the internal VCO is identical to the external frequency.

Special attention has to be directed to the frequency of the LPF. To obtain a smooth control voltage for the VCO the frequency of the LPF has to be much smaller than the lowest frequency of the internal or external audio signal. Otherwise the frequency of the internal VCO will jitter or wobble around the correct frequency. But for special effects this frequency jitter can be used intentionally. Example: frequencies in the range 50Hz...1kHz have to be processed with the PLL. Therefore the frequency of the LPF has to be about 10Hz or even less. Such a low frequency of the LPF causes a noticeable slew of the internal VCO. When the frequency of the external signal jumps e.g. between 500Hz and 1kHz it takes about 0.1 second until the internal VCO reaches the new frequency (like portamento). So one has to find a compromise between frequency jitter and portamento. But these remarks are valid only for the "ideal" working PLL. As the A-196 is used in a musical environment the "problems" and disadvantages with jitter and slew time lead to additional musical applications like portamento effects, wobbling frequencies or harmonic locking according to the type of frequency comparator and time constant of the PLL low pass filter. Instead of the internal manually controlled low pass filter the voltage controlled slew limiter A-171 can be used to obtain voltage control of this parameter. Normal audio filters (e.g. A-120, A-121) cannot be used for this job as the minimum frequency is to high (down to a few Hz or even less necessary) and the signal has to be DC coupled due to the low frequencies. Audio filters are normally AC coupled.

Another very important application of a PLL is frequency multiplication in combination with an external frequency divider. For this the output of the PLL-VCO is processed through an external frequency divider (e.g. A-163, A-160, A-161, A-115) before it is fed to In1 of the phase comparator. In this case the frequency of the PLL-VCO will be a multiple of the master frequency. E.g. if the A-163 is used and adjusted to dividing factor 5 the frequency of the PLL-VCO will be 5 times the frequency of the master VCO. Consequently, frequency division (A-163) leads to frequency multiplication with the PLL circuit. In combination with the PLL low pass frequency several effects can be realized (frequency multiplication with portamento or wobbling). The frequency multiplication can even be used to drive a graphic VCO. If your graphic VCO e.g. has 8 steps (e.g. A-155) and you use a frequency divider with factor 8 in the PLL feedback the output of the graphic VCO has the same frequency as the master VCO. Another application is the generation of pseudo-harmonics (not real harmonics as only rectangle waves are available) or clock generation for switched-capacitor filters.

Notes: Blank panel, 4HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, black.

Notes: Blank panel, 8HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, black.

Notes: The module contains two ADSR type voltage controlled envelope generators with exponential curve shapes (charge/discharge curves of a capacitor) behind a front panel with 8 HP only.

Each ADSR provides these controls and in/outputs:

- LED (displays the envelope output)
- A: manual Attack control
- D: manual Decay control
- S: manual Sustain control
- R: manual Release control
- Gate Input
- Retrigger Input
- CVT Input with attenuator (CVT = CV Time)
- Envelope Output 1
- Envelope Output 2

The output voltage range for each envelope is 0 - 10V (10V = attack peak).

The time range of Attack/Decay/Release is about 1ms to 30s.

By means of internal jumpers one can select which time parameters are controlled by the CVT input (e.g. D only or D+R or A+D+R) and in which direction (i.e. if an increasing CVT shortens or stretches the time parameter in question).

Socket CVT can be normalled to an internal fixed voltage (i.e. the switching contact is connected to an internal fixed voltage). That way it's possible to change all time parameters simultaneously by means of the CVT control.

Another jumper is used to set output 2 to normal or inverted envelope.

And another jumper is used for the normalling of Gate 2 to Gate 1 (i.e. ADSR#2 is also triggered by Gate 1).

Two more jumpers are used for the optional bus access to the gate signal of the bus for each ADSR.

Notes: Module A-180-3 is a dual buffered 1-in-3 multiple. The signal applied to the input socket appears as a buffered signal at the three output sockets. Each output has its own buffer, i.e. the three output sockets are not simply connected to each other. The lower output of the upper unit is normalled in the factory to the input of the lower unit. That way the module works as a single 1-in-6 buffered multiple provided that no signal is applied to the input of the lower unit. But it's also possible to pick-up the bus CV and normalize the input socket of the lower unit to the bus CV.

Application: copying/buffering of CV, gate and audio signals.

Notes: - 6.3 mm jack male mono to 3.5 mm jack male mono
- Length: 3 metres

Notes: Module A-183-9 is a simple power supply for up to four devices which can be powered via USB (e.g. keyboards, smartphones). An LED shows is the +5V are present.

The module has no USB function but provides only the +5V supply for USB devices.

A control LED shows if the +5V are present.

Note: The module requires an A-100 case with built in power supply A-100PSU3. Only this A-100 supply has the required +5V available. We do not recommend the usage of an older A-100 case with A-100PSU2 as this would require the +5V adapter A-100AD5 and the max. current would be limited to 100mA.

Notes: Blank panel, 2HP, constructed from anodised aluminium, black.