Asides

A-100

A-100

“In the A-100, Doepfer have produced a capable and versatile analog modular synthesizer, built in the style of the classic modular systems of the seventies. The renaissance of analog synthesis in the last few years shows that analog sound production has a vital place alongside sampling and digital synthesis, and can produce sounds that are unobtainable by any other means. In addition to the unique sounds of its oscillators, filters, amplifiers, phasers, frequency shifters, and so on, analog synthesis can provide almost unbounded modulation opportunities, conventional and unconventional – limited only by the number and variety of modules available.
In designing the A-100, our priorities were: good sound quality; diversity of modules available; ease of integration into a MIDI system; and, maybe most important of all, affordability.

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A-105 VCF – SSM 24dB Low Pass

A-105 VCF
SSM 24dB Low Pass

“Module A-105 is another voltage-controlled low-pass filter with 24dB/octave slope. The A-105 is very similar to the A-122 that is made with a CEM chip. But in contrast to the A-122 the A-105 is made with the legendary SSM filter chip SSM2044. This chip was used e.g. in these synthesizers: Korg Polysix, Korg Mono/Poly, Fairlight II, PPG Wave 2.2 und 2.3, Emu SP-1200, Siel DK600, Siel Opera 6. The first Prophets used the SSM2040 – the precedessor of the 2044 – that generates a very similar sound. The special feature of the 4 pole low pass SSM2044 is the patented so-called “true open loop design that delivers a characteristic fat sound not available from other devices” (extract from SSM2044 data sheet). The module will feature voltage controlled resonance and a sensitve audio input to obtain distortion – if desired. Regarding to the functions, controls and in/outputs the module is identical to the 24dB low pass filter A-122 that is built around a CEM chip. But the sound, the resonance behaviour and the distortion behaviour are completely different for both modules.”

A-108 VCF8 – 6/12/24/48 dB Lowpass

A-108 VCF8
6/12/24/48 dB Lowpass

“Module A-108 is a completely new voltage-controlled low pass pass filter based on the well-known transistor ladder (Moog ladder). The module has internally an 8 stage low pass filter with different slopes available: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 dB per octave. In addition it features an band pass output (i.e. band pass with transistor ladder). In the factory the 4 low pass outputs of the A-108 are internally connected to the filter stages 6, 12, 24 and 48dB. From our first A-108 audio tests this seems to be the best output combination as these outputs generate audible different sounds. E.g. the audible difference between the 48dB and 42dB or between 42dB and 36dB is very little. But if desired any of the filter stages can be connected to one of the outputs. Continue reading A-108 VCF8 – 6/12/24/48 dB Lowpass

A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice

A-111-5
Mini Synthesizer Voice

“Module A-111-5 is a complete monophonic synthesizer module that includes these components (modular version of Dark Energy):

VCO

manual tune control (with an internal jumper the range can be set to ~ +/-1 half an octave or ~ +/-2.5 octaves)
range switch -1 / 0 / +1 octave
frequency range about 10Hz … 12kHz
FM (frequency modulation) control with modulation source switch (LFO1 / off / ADSR)
manual pulsewidth control for rectangle waveform
PWM control with modulation source switch (LFO2 / off / ADSR)
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)
external CV input for VCO frequency (1V/octave)
external CV input for external PWM of the rectangle
internal CV input for frequency (1V/octave) connected to the A-100 bus via jumper, the jumper can be used to interrupt this internal connection if not wanted Continue reading A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice

A-119 Ext. In. – Ext. Input / Env. Follower

A-119 Ext. In.
Ext. Input / Env. Follower

“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 LEDs help you keep track of overload, the envelope, and the gate signal.”

A-145 LFO

A-145 LFO

“Module A-145-1 is a low frequency oscillator, which produces cyclical control voltages in a very wide range of frequencies. Five waveforms are available: sawtooth, inverted sawtooth, triangle, sine and square wave.
The LFO can be used as a modulation source for any number of modules – for instance modulating the pulse width or frequency of a VCO, modulation of the cut-off frequency of a VCF, or amplitude modulation with a VCA.
A three-way switch lets you select three frequency ranges, spanning from one cycle every several minutes at the lowest, to moderate audio frequency at the highest (about 4-5 kHz).
The LFO signal can also be synchronised, via the reset input.

Typical frequency ranges depending upon the position of the Frequ. Range switch:

H: about 10Hz – 4.5kHz

M: about 0.1Hz (10 seconds period) – 50Hz

L: about 0.005 Hz (3.5 minutes period) – 5Hz”

A-180 MULTIPLES

A-180 MULTIPLES

“Modules A-180-1 and A-180-2 are simple multi-connectors. They have eight inter-connected sockets, so that you can “multiply” any audio or control signal. From the factory the modules come as two four-fold multiples. But they can be modified as an eight-fold multiple (solder bridge on the pcb). Though these modules are very “primitive” they are required very often in patches (e.g. to distribute a clock signal or a control voltage). Within a big A-100 system sufficient multiples should be planned. The function of A-180-1 and A-180-2 is the same. The modules differ only in the front panel width. Continue reading A-180 MULTIPLES

A-188-1 BBD Module

A-188-1 BBD Module

“Module A-188-1 is a so-called Bucket Brigade Device module (abbr. BBD). BBDs have been used to delay audio signals before digital delays dethroned the BBD based effect units. But BBDs have some very unique advantages (or disadvantages dependent on the point of view) over the digital counterpart which result from the special properties of the BBDs. BBD circuits can be treated as a chain of Sample&Hold units (S&H) which pass on their voltages to the next S&H in the chain at each clock pulse. A more detailed explanation – including the different types of BBDs – can be found in following chapter.

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A-196 PLL Phase Locked Loop

A-196 PLL Phase Locked Loop

“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. Continue reading A-196 PLL Phase Locked Loop

ABSYNTH

ABSYNTH

Absynth

“POWERFUL HYBRID SYNTHESIS

ABSYNTH 5 is a synthesizer with exceptional sonic potential. Its specialty is unusual, evolving sounds created using a powerful, hybrid synthesis architecture and sophisticated modulation and effects. Dig in to more than 2,100 presets or start building your very own sound worlds.

ABSYNTH 5 is also a powerful effect plug-in for treating audio using its unique effects bank.

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Ace

ACE

ace

“Any Cable Everywhere

ACE belongs to a new generation of synthesizers developed with the latest, fastest computers in mind. ACE offers classic modular synthesis and more at a fraction of the cost of dedicated hardware. But like its hardware forebears, you can patch any output into any input: the number of different ways to connect modules together is practically infinite. Needless to say, you will never run out of cables!

The careful selection of modules and clear layout make ACE the ideal instrument for newcomers delving into the fascinating world of modular synthesis. But ACE also delivers the goods: like any medium-sized professional hardware system, ACE has enough synthesis power to keep you discovering new tricks for many years to come!

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Action Strikes

Action Strikes

“CINEMATIC ORCHESTRAL PERCUSSION

Add huge cinematic percussion to your tracks
Direct the drama with real-time control
Create full arrangements from time-tested rhythms

EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT IMPACT

A radically innovative instrument for huge cinematic percussion. Its state-of-the-art workflow delivers maximum impact with unmatched versatility.

STRIKE UP THE DRUMS

Building on the success of ACTION STRINGS, ACTION STRIKES delivers high-impact, cinematic percussion with ultimate playability. 12 full ensembles plus 65 single instruments and 12 carefully-compiled Hit Sets exclusively recorded in uncompromising quality.

Hundreds of timeless rhythms, adaptable for any project. And a one-of-a-kind interface that makes creating blockbuster orchestral percussion faster than ever. Become the conductor – this is ACTION STRIKES.

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Action Strings

Action Strings

“DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL PHRASES

Instant orchestral drama for your productions
14 GB of flexible, playable phrases
Lightning-fast results in pristine studio quality

DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL PHRASES

The epic, orchestral sound of blockbuster movies, made simple via immaculately sampled and easily playable phrases.

DRAMA KING

ACTION STRINGS is the epic, orchestral sound of blockbuster movies, made simple via immaculately sampled and easily playable phrases. With a truly natural sound, over 14 GB of live-recorded string phrases are ready to add big screen suspense and drama to your movie or game scores – or even spice up your rock, pop and R’n’B tracks.

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Alpine Volksmusik

Alpine Volksmusik

alpinevolksmusik

“To the Alps and beyond!

Alpine Volksmusik offers 24 single instruments, from Accordion to the „Zillertaler“ violin.
This collection offers everything you need to compose music in the authentic Alpine and Upper Carniola style. Only the best artists from this genre have been recorded for these instruments

Alpine Volksmusik is the first professional sample-library dedicated to the incredible wide field of traditional Austrian, Bavarian as well as Upper Carniolan folk and brass music. Using 24 high-quality instruments, every producer can now arrange a virtual ensemble ranging from familiar setups to a full marching band.

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Alto Glockenspiel

Alto Glockenspiel

“Alto Glockenspiel Essential by Cinematique Instruments
Free VST, AAX, AU Glockenspiel for PC and Mac

The free Alto Glockenspiel by Cinematique Instruments for HALion provides you with the original sound of the legendary Glockenspiel, but adds some fresh effects to turn the sound into something new. Owing to the fact that the sampled model also has a one octave lower range than a usual Glockenspiel, the sounds are much softer and mellow.

The instrument was recorded by beating the metal bars of the Glockenspiel with thin sticks (hard articulation) as well as soft mallets (gentle articulation) in two or three dynamic layers and three Round Robin variations. With the included cabinet simulation, a rotary simulation, a tone control, a length control and reverb and delay amount, it is very easy to transform the sound into something from another world.”