Manual

Introduction System A - 100

doepfer

Introduction

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 oscilla-

tors, filters, amplifiers, phasers, frequency shifters,

wave-modifiers, different control sources, and so on,

analog synthesis can provide almost unbounded mo-

dulation opportunities, conventional and unconventio-

nal - limited only by the number and variety of modules

available.

In designing the A-100, our priorities were: good sound

quality; ease of integration into a MIDI system; diversity

of modules available; and, maybe most important of

all, affordability.

Of course, a modular system doesn’t just have advan-

tages. Creative work with an audio construction kit like

this takes time and practice, especially to start with.

Anyone who wants to be able to check out all its

available sounds at the press of a button will be very

disappointed with a modular system. Each unique

sound has to be puzzled out, and may never be exactly

repeated.

Nor are there any fixed rules for connecting the various

modules. A modular is an open system, in which

practically anything is possible, and that’s where the

fun really starts. Diversity and experimentation - and

sometimes lateral thinking - are the keys to its power.

Although the user manuals for each module are very

comprehensive, they can’t substitute entirely for a ge-

neral overview and knowledge of analog synthesis.

Some very good specialised books have been written

on the subject, and although some may be out of print,

it’s crucial to find one or two of them, and learn from

them. With that, the whole world of modular systems

will open up to you, and you’ll suddenly appreciate their

fascination and sheer sonic power.

We hope your A-100 brings you serious pleasure!

July, 2009

doepfer musikelektronik gmbh