Doepfer

Hello, All!

I am currently the owner of two Doepfer 404s and a Doepfer Maq 16/3
(And quite happy with them, I might add!)  Within the next few weeks, 
I indend to [finally] purchase an A100 system.  But before I do so, I 
thought I'd ask for some advice from the group.  

My intentions are to purchase a sytem with about as many modules as 
the Basic System - perhaps a few more and not necessarily the same 
modules as the pre-configured basic system.  Note, I'm interested in 
exploring more esoteric patching techniques (I've got other 
synths for the basics).  What modules might one recommend?  What are 
the group favorites (i.e., no one should be without module "A???" )  
Is there a module available that is similar to Buchla's "Source of 
Uncertainty?" (random voltage)  Which are the most recommended 
alternate controllers?  What praises/caveats should I be aware of?  
Are there any CV keyboards are on the market that can send polyphonic 
voltages?  etc...  I'm particularly fond of the sound of the Moog 
modular, Buchla and Oberheim SEM 4-voice, so any advice that might 
get me close to this would be welcome.
 
Also can anyone provide me with some feedback of utilizing the 
Doefper Shaltwerk with the A100?  (Which I also am interetsed in 
purchasing). 

And the big question...if you only own one modular, why did you 
choose the A100 over the other brands of modulars available today? 
(Analog Solutions, Modcan, Wiard, etc.)

I hope I haven't opened up too many questions at once, but since I 
have no way of trying one out in person, I decided to rely on the 
experiences of the current A100 community.  :-)

Thanks.

Kindest regards,
John

> I'm interested in 
> exploring more esoteric patching techniques (I've got other 
> synths for the basics).

Unless you have a way to inter-patch your other synths with the A100, 
you'll need to repeat the basics again, even if you want to explore 
esoreric patching techniques.

Joe

> Unless you have a way to inter-patch your other synths with the 
> A100, you'll need to repeat the basics again, even if you want to 
> explore esoreric patching techniques.
> 
> Joe
Joe,

I neglected to mention it, but I also intend to include a Doepfer 
MCV24 MIDI-to-CV/Gate/Sync.  This should allow me to sync clocks as 
necessary as well as provide connection points to control modules via 
CV.  The reason I mentioned that I plan to explore esoteric patching 
techniques is so that current A100 users could recommend the best 
modules to add that serve this purpose.

Kindest regards,
John

First of all I would advice you to be unfaithful. I feel the same as Bakis.
Most brands of modulars have their strenghts and weaknesses. For most of
them the weakness is a high price ;) So I would advice you to mix stuff from
various brands rather than just sticking to one. I have VCOs from doepfer
and A.Sys for one thing. As for Doepfer I would advice you to pick up a
a129/3 which is great for many things and not just as a part of the vocoder,
then of course the a136 is real special. And futher more I would go for the
soon upcoming superfilter a107.

For my own part I began buying Doepfer just beacuse back in -95 I didn't
know any other alternative for expensive secondhand moogs and rolands and
the ever so expensive Serge. Now the case isn't so clear anymore with analog
systems, motm, and synthesizer.com (which I might prefer today if I would
start all over due to the bigger jacks and general build quality).

As for shaltwerk I wouldn't go that way myself... The "werks" are in my
opinion a bit of a forgotten case of doepfer gear. I think you will be
better off with the A155. But by all means don't just take my advice on that
one I am more than a bit biased on that part.

----- Original Message -----

From: "John" <jvtalbert@yahoo.com>
To: <Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 5:21 PM
Subject: [Doepfer_a100] Module Advice for Initial System


> Hello, All!
>
> I am currently the owner of two Doepfer 404s and a Doepfer Maq 16/3
> (And quite happy with them, I might add!)  Within the next few weeks,
> I indend to [finally] purchase an A100 system.  But before I do so, I
> thought I'd ask for some advice from the group.
>
> My intentions are to purchase a sytem with about as many modules as
> the Basic System - perhaps a few more and not necessarily the same
> modules as the pre-configured basic system.  Note, I'm interested in
> exploring more esoteric patching techniques (I've got other
> synths for the basics).  What modules might one recommend?  What are
> the group favorites (i.e., no one should be without module "A???" )
> Is there a module available that is similar to Buchla's "Source of
> Uncertainty?" (random voltage)  Which are the most recommended
> alternate controllers?  What praises/caveats should I be aware of?
> Are there any CV keyboards are on the market that can send polyphonic
> voltages?  etc...  I'm particularly fond of the sound of the Moog
> modular, Buchla and Oberheim SEM 4-voice, so any advice that might
> get me close to this would be welcome.
>
> Also can anyone provide me with some feedback of utilizing the
> Doefper Shaltwerk with the A100?  (Which I also am interetsed in
> purchasing).
>
> And the big question...if you only own one modular, why did you
> choose the A100 over the other brands of modulars available today?
> (Analog Solutions, Modcan, Wiard, etc.)
>
> I hope I haven't opened up too many questions at once, but since I
> have no way of trying one out in person, I decided to rely on the
> experiences of the current A100 community.  :-)
>
> Thanks.
>
> Kindest regards,
> John
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> doepfer_a100-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

hello john,
for complete/perfect syncing of your a155 to the
midiclock you will need the a190!the mcv24 has a clock
output but not a reset output that is essentials for
syncing the a100 sequencers.(the mcv24 has a
start/stop output that i haven't use with any of the
a100 modules.it may be of use with old drum
machines,though....?)
bakis.


--- John <jvtalbert@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > Unless you have a way to inter-patch your other
> synths with the 
> > A100, you'll need to repeat the basics again, even
> if you want to 
> > explore esoreric patching techniques.
> > 
> > Joe
> Joe,
> 
> I neglected to mention it, but I also intend to
> include a Doepfer 
> MCV24 MIDI-to-CV/Gate/Sync.  This should allow me to
> sync clocks as 
> necessary as well as provide connection points to
> control modules via 
> CV.  The reason I mentioned that I plan to explore
> esoteric patching 
> techniques is so that current A100 users could
> recommend the best 
> modules to add that serve this purpose.
> 
> Kindest regards,
> John
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


=====
synthfreak(parallel worlds)
athens-greece
[Doepfer_a100] group owner-moderator

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

hello,
i bought my first doepfer mini system in 2001.in this
time all of today's modulars were available, but i
went for doepfer because of the huge number of modules
available!i wanted a modular that would become an
experimentalist's dream!and doepfer a100 was one!
if i hadn't gone for doepfer i would go for the rs
integrator.i wouldn't go for most of the other
modulars ,as a start ,because of the expensive
prices!if you want to build a 202 module modular, like
i wanted, you want a  modular with resonable priced
modules...
now ,that i have my monster a100 i maybe go for the
expensive bigjack modulars that have far less
modules,though...and take much space.
bakis.


--- Andreas Lindholm <andreas.k.lindholm@telia.com>
wrote:
> First of all I would advice you to be unfaithful. I
> feel the same as Bakis.
> Most brands of modulars have their strenghts and
> weaknesses. For most of
> them the weakness is a high price ;) So I would
> advice you to mix stuff from
> various brands rather than just sticking to one. I
> have VCOs from doepfer
> and A.Sys for one thing. As for Doepfer I would
> advice you to pick up a
> a129/3 which is great for many things and not just
> as a part of the vocoder,
> then of course the a136 is real special. And futher
> more I would go for the
> soon upcoming superfilter a107.
> 
> For my own part I began buying Doepfer just beacuse
> back in -95 I didn't
> know any other alternative for expensive secondhand
> moogs and rolands and
> the ever so expensive Serge. Now the case isn't so
> clear anymore with analog
> systems, motm, and synthesizer.com (which I might
> prefer today if I would
> start all over due to the bigger jacks and general
> build quality).
> 
> As for shaltwerk I wouldn't go that way myself...
> The "werks" are in my
> opinion a bit of a forgotten case of doepfer gear. I
> think you will be
> better off with the A155. But by all means don't
> just take my advice on that
> one I am more than a bit biased on that part.
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John" <jvtalbert@yahoo.com>
> To: <Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 5:21 PM
> Subject: [Doepfer_a100] Module Advice for Initial
> System
> 
> 
> > Hello, All!
> >
> > I am currently the owner of two Doepfer 404s and a
> Doepfer Maq 16/3
> > (And quite happy with them, I might add!)  Within
> the next few weeks,
> > I indend to [finally] purchase an A100 system. 
> But before I do so, I
> > thought I'd ask for some advice from the group.
> >
> > My intentions are to purchase a sytem with about
> as many modules as
> > the Basic System - perhaps a few more and not
> necessarily the same
> > modules as the pre-configured basic system.  Note,
> I'm interested in
> > exploring more esoteric patching techniques (I've
> got other
> > synths for the basics).  What modules might one
> recommend?  What are
> > the group favorites (i.e., no one should be
> without module "A???" )
> > Is there a module available that is similar to
> Buchla's "Source of
> > Uncertainty?" (random voltage)  Which are the most
> recommended
> > alternate controllers?  What praises/caveats
> should I be aware of?
> > Are there any CV keyboards are on the market that
> can send polyphonic
> > voltages?  etc...  I'm particularly fond of the
> sound of the Moog
> > modular, Buchla and Oberheim SEM 4-voice, so any
> advice that might
> > get me close to this would be welcome.
> >
> > Also can anyone provide me with some feedback of
> utilizing the
> > Doefper Shaltwerk with the A100?  (Which I also am
> interetsed in
> > purchasing).
> >
> > And the big question...if you only own one
> modular, why did you
> > choose the A100 over the other brands of modulars
> available today?
> > (Analog Solutions, Modcan, Wiard, etc.)
> >
> > I hope I haven't opened up too many questions at
> once, but since I
> > have no way of trying one out in person, I decided
> to rely on the
> > experiences of the current A100 community.  :-)
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Kindest regards,
> > John
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > doepfer_a100-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
> 
> 
> 


=====
synthfreak(parallel worlds)
athens-greece
[Doepfer_a100] group owner-moderator

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

What in intended is that you're still going to need some VCOs , 
noise/random voltage, a couple mixers, LPF and HPF, some VCAs, ADSRs, 
LFOs, multiples. By the time you do that, you won't have much space 
left in your 6U frame if you're trying to keep it about the same size 
as the basic system.

One strategy would be to look at the Basic System config, add a third 
VCO, drop a few of the questionable modules (A115, A116, A161, A161) 
maybe susbstitute the A108 Moog ladder filter for the A120, add the 
A119 for external audio processing...

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, "John" <jvtalbert@y...> wrote:
> > Unless you have a way to inter-patch your other synths with the 
> > A100, you'll need to repeat the basics again, even if you want to 
> > explore esoreric patching techniques.
> > 
> > Joe
> Joe,
> 
> I neglected to mention it, but I also intend to include a Doepfer 
> MCV24 MIDI-to-CV/Gate/Sync.  This should allow me to sync clocks as 
> necessary as well as provide connection points to control modules 
via 

> CV.  The reason I mentioned that I plan to explore esoteric patching 
> techniques is so that current A100 users could recommend the best 
> modules to add that serve this purpose.
> 
> Kindest regards,
> John

<andreas.k.lindholm@t...> wrote:
> First of all I would advice you to be unfaithful. I feel the 
> same as Bakis.
I do plan to head this way after I get the initial system established.


> As for Doepfer I would advice you to pick up a
> a129/3 which is great for many things and not just as a part of 
> the vocoder,
Hmmm, this was on my list for phase II, but perhaps I should consider 
moving it up the chain  :-)


> then of course the a136 is real special. And futher 
> more I would go for the soon upcoming superfilter a107.
I'll certainly investigate these.  Thanks for the advice.


> For my own part I began buying Doepfer just beacuse back in -95 I 
> didn't know any other alternative for expensive secondhand moogs 
> and rolands and the ever so expensive Serge. Now the case isn't so 
> clear anymore with analog systems, motm, and synthesizer.com (which 
> I might prefer today if I would start all over due to the bigger 
> jacks and general build quality).
Glad you brought up the subject of build quality...I don't intend to 
take my A100 out live very often.  Do you think I should be ok in 
this respect?  Ive heard some things regarding the A100 build quality 
I've never personally had a bad experience any of the other Doepfer 
gear I own.


> As for shaltwerk I wouldn't go that way myself... The "werks" are 
> in my opinion a bit of a forgotten case of doepfer gear. 
Does that mean it's discontinued or Dieter doesn't support it any 
longer?  It always seemed to be a great piece of gear for hands-on 
sequencing.


> I think you will be better off with the A155. But by all means 
> don't just take my advice on that one I am more than a bit biased 
> on that part.
This might be very good advice.  I'll investigate this as well.  But 
you must admit the Shaltwerk does have lots of pretty lights!  :-P

Kindest regards,
John

> <synth_freak_2000@y...> wrote:
> hello,
> i bought my first doepfer mini system in 2001.in this
> time all of today's modulars were available, but i
> went for doepfer because of the huge number of modules
> available!
That was exactly what caught my attention as well.


> i wanted a modular that would become an
> experimentalist's dream!and doepfer a100 was one!
Bingo!  We're already on the same wavelength!


> if i hadn't gone for doepfer i would go for the rs
> integrator.i wouldn't go for most of the other
> modulars ,as a start ,because of the expensive
> prices!if you want to build a 202 module modular, like
> i wanted, you want a  modular with resonable priced
> modules...
> now ,that i have my monster a100 i maybe go for the
> expensive bigjack modulars that have far less
> modules,though...and take much space.
> bakis.
Over time, I hope to build other systems.  But for the same reasons 
you mentioned, I chose Doepfer to start just to get my hands dirty.  
I'll certainly look into the other manufactureres later on.  Maybe 
even one day I'll find a Serge or Buchla on eBay for a semi-
affordable price.

Kindest regards,
John

For a 6U-ish configuration, I'd put off A129/3 until phase II 
because of real estate constraints. Likewise other larger modules 
like the A155 sequencer, triple resonator, and VC ADSR. Even the 
12U multimode filter is questionable, you'd get more flexibility for 
exotic series and parallel filtering in less space with separate 8U LP 
and HP filters.

Good 8U exotics in my opinion are the External Input, VC LFO, 
Frequency Shifter (wish I had one of those). The Trigger Delay isn't 
so useful if you don't have an A155 yet, one might also argue the same 
about the A150 VC Switch.

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, "John" <jvtalbert@y...> wrote:
> <andreas.k.lindholm@t...> wrote:
> > First of all I would advice you to be unfaithful. I feel the 
> > same as Bakis.
> I do plan to head this way after I get the initial system 
established.
> 
> 
> > As for Doepfer I would advice you to pick up a
> > a129/3 which is great for many things and not just as a part of 
> > the vocoder,
> Hmmm, this was on my list for phase II, but perhaps I should 
consider 
> moving it up the chain  :-)
> 
> 
> > then of course the a136 is real special. And futher 
> > more I would go for the soon upcoming superfilter a107.
> I'll certainly investigate these.  Thanks for the advice.
> 
> 
> > For my own part I began buying Doepfer just beacuse back in -95 I 
> > didn't know any other alternative for expensive secondhand moogs 
> > and rolands and the ever so expensive Serge. Now the case isn't so 
> > clear anymore with analog systems, motm, and synthesizer.com 
(which 
> > I might prefer today if I would start all over due to the bigger 
> > jacks and general build quality).
> Glad you brought up the subject of build quality...I don't intend to 
> take my A100 out live very often.  Do you think I should be ok in 
> this respect?  Ive heard some things regarding the A100 build 
quality 

> I've never personally had a bad experience any of the other Doepfer 
> gear I own.
> 
> 
> > As for shaltwerk I wouldn't go that way myself... The "werks" are 
> > in my opinion a bit of a forgotten case of doepfer gear. 
> Does that mean it's discontinued or Dieter doesn't support it any 
> longer?  It always seemed to be a great piece of gear for hands-on 
> sequencing.
> 
> 
> > I think you will be better off with the A155. But by all means 
> > don't just take my advice on that one I am more than a bit biased 
> > on that part.
> This might be very good advice.  I'll investigate this as well.  But 
> you must admit the Shaltwerk does have lots of pretty lights!  :-P
> 
> Kindest regards,
> John

<buechlerjoe@t...> wrote:
> What in intended is that you're still going to need some VCOs , 
> noise/random voltage, a couple mixers, LPF and HPF, some VCAs, 
ADSRs, 
> LFOs, multiples. By the time you do that, you won't have much space 
> left in your 6U frame if you're trying to keep it about the same 
> size as the basic system.
I wasn't necessarily trying to keep it the same size.  It was just 
sort of a starting goal.  I have no intention of stopping with my 
first set of modules.  I just want the right ones to get something 
different than I can from my other gear.


> One strategy would be to look at the Basic System config, add a 
> third VCO, drop a few of the questionable modules (A115, A116, 
> A161, A161) maybe susbstitute the A108 Moog ladder filter for the 
> A120, add the A119 for external audio processing...
Thanks.  Very solid advice.  I don't really require external audio 
processing at the moment though.  I've got many options already for 
that yet I rarely use them simply because there's not enough time in 
the day.  :-}

I'm curious to know if anyone has tried the new TKB in person?  Have 
there been any discussions on the possible price?  It seems like 
something I'd love to include in my initial setup.  Personally, I 
have always wished that Doepfer would also release a 2 or 3 
octave "standard" duo/polyphonic CV keyboard.  It seems to be the one 
thing missing in their product line.

Kindest regards,
John

Hi list, hi John

My intention? Back in ´97 I saw a Doepfer ad in a magazine and decided 
to purchase it as the Analogue Solutions modular was too expensive for 
me and I didn´t know other manufacturers at that time. Another thing was 
the A-129 vocoder. I always loved analog vocoders and when i discovered 
the modular one, I had to have it. As for other manufacturers, I´d go 
for Modcan and synthesizers.com .

Favorite module. definitely A-119 External Input/ Envelope Follower. A 
must-have when using the vocoder. Great for filtering external signals, 
drum mangling, Mu-Tron-like space bass (bass guitar -> A-119 // 
 envelope out --> filter CV // audio out --> filter audio in); it can be 
used as a powered mini-multiple and for distorting signals. Even 
constant voltage is possible. Just plug in a constant audio signal (e.g. 
LFO at audio range) into the audio in. Set threshold to minimum and use 
the gate out voltage.
Perhaps there are modules I´d like more, but the choice isn´t that large 
when you only have a 22-module system. But I plan to purchase the ribbon 
controller, the subharmonic generator and the multi filter. and and 
and... ;-)

Paul


John wrote:

> And the big question...if you only own one modular, why did you
> choose the A100 over the other brands of modulars available today?
> (Analog Solutions, Modcan, Wiard, etc.)

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com, Paul Schulz <dasfonk@w...> wrote:
>   Hi list, hi John
Hello, Paul!


> Another thing was the A-129 vocoder. I always loved analog vocoders 
> and when i discovered the modular one, I had to have it. 
This module keeps coming up!  I'll have to make sure I include it in 
my base system.


> As for other manufacturers, I´d go 
> for Modcan and synthesizers.com .
I looked at the Modcan system.  However, it seemed a bit too 
expensive to start with.  But perhaps later I can gradually add some 
of their modules.


> Favorite module. definitely A-119 External Input/ Envelope 
> Follower. A must-have when using the vocoder. 
A must have for vocoding?  Please explain.  I'm not quite clear why.


> Great for filtering external signals, drum mangling, Mu-Tron-like 
> space bass (bass guitar -> A-119 // 
>  envelope out --> filter CV // audio out --> filter audio in); it 
> [...]
I really don't do much external input processing.  I have probably at 
least seven synths that process audio input and I can't say that I've 
done that more than twice.  Not that its a bad idea, I just tend to 
spend more time doing other stuff.  But since its come up twice 
already in this forum, perhaps I'll consider getting back to doing 
more of it.


> Perhaps there are modules I´d like more, but the choice isn´t that 
> large when you only have a 22-module system. But I plan to purchase 
> the ribbon controller, the subharmonic generator and the multi 
> filter. and and and... ;-)
I am indeed eyeing the ribbon controller as well.  Could be loads of 
fun to use.  The subharmonic generator will likely be in a later 
phase.  I am yet undecided on the multi filter.  Next weekend should 
be the big "sit down with a cup of coffee and complete the module 
spreadsheet" day.   

Kindest regards,
John

Okey. I am not really sure if this is still a valid answer to the list or if
I should answer you in private. Correct me if you want no more of this
thread guys.

Your answers will follow in the text below John(and whom ever you may be).

----- Original Message -----
From: "John" <jvtalbert@yahoo.com>
To: <Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 5:10 PM
Subject: [Doepfer_a100] Re: Module Advice for Initial System


> <andreas.k.lindholm@t...> wrote:
> > First of all I would advice you to be unfaithful. I feel the
> > same as Bakis.
> I do plan to head this way after I get the initial system established.
>
>
> > As for Doepfer I would advice you to pick up a
> > a129/3 which is great for many things and not just as a part of
> > the vocoder,
> Hmmm, this was on my list for phase II, but perhaps I should consider
> moving it up the chain  :-)
>

If you plan to use the system as a foundation for further expansion I would
plan it as a phase one with a couple of multiple jacks(I actually prefer the
powered ones from A sys) you will have a very good core for spreading out
different amounts of LFO and ADSR signals to the rest of your system. the
a129/3 is the heart of my system. I mostly use one LFO feed it to a
multijack and then seet the levels that goes to the filters and stuff...
that sort of things.

>
> > then of course the a136 is real special. And futher
> > more I would go for the soon upcoming superfilter a107.
> I'll certainly investigate these.  Thanks for the advice.
>
>
> > For my own part I began buying Doepfer just beacuse back in -95 I
> > didn't know any other alternative for expensive secondhand moogs
> > and rolands and the ever so expensive Serge. Now the case isn't so
> > clear anymore with analog systems, motm, and synthesizer.com (which
> > I might prefer today if I would start all over due to the bigger
> > jacks and general build quality).
> Glad you brought up the subject of build quality...I don't intend to
> take my A100 out live very often.  Do you think I should be ok in
> this respect?  Ive heard some things regarding the A100 build quality
> I've never personally had a bad experience any of the other Doepfer
> gear I own.
>

I have hade my system since 95(never left my room) and I do occasionally
experience glitchy connections. Mostly due to bad cables I guess, but
perhaps the jacks are also getting a bit sloppy. Also here I have found the
new colored cables from A sys better than Doepfer quality. Anybody agree
with me or is it just a figment of my imagination?

>
> > As for shaltwerk I wouldn't go that way myself... The "werks" are
> > in my opinion a bit of a forgotten case of doepfer gear.
> Does that mean it's discontinued or Dieter doesn't support it any
> longer?  It always seemed to be a great piece of gear for hands-on
> sequencing.

A good a valid question that I cannot answer. I don't really know what is
going on, but I haven't seen any major updates in the last years anyway. So
I consider them to be units that should be bought more or less the way you
buy second hand gear. If it does exactly what you want ok, but don't expect
quirks and stuff to be fixed.


>
>
> > I think you will be better off with the A155. But by all means
> > don't just take my advice on that one I am more than a bit biased
> > on that part.
> This might be very good advice.  I'll investigate this as well.  But
> you must admit the Shaltwerk does have lots of pretty lights!  :-P

So does redlight district in Amsterdam and a week plus flight is about the
same money =)

Good luck.

>
> Kindest regards,
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> doepfer_a100-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
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John wrote:

 >> Favorite module. definitely A-119 External Input/ Envelope
 >> Follower. A must-have when using the vocoder.
 >A must have for vocoding?  Please explain.  I'm not quite clear why.

Hi John,
#1: As the A-119 is a pre-amp and has not only an unbalanced minijack 
audio in but also a balanced 1/4"jack as audio input, you can plug in a 
dynamic microphone without the use of a mixing desk. Okay, the pre-amp 
is not the best one but if you have a good microphone the result is 
acceptable. And it saves you an aux-send on your mixer.
#2: Let´s say I want to create a choir sound with the vocoder using a 
speech signal and a nice polyphonic pad from my Juno60. So I plug the 
Juno´s audio output into the A-119. I adjust the operating level and 
then plug it into the instrument input of the A-129/2.
I´d even buy a second A-119 for this purpose.

BTW: To all you native English speakers. Do you say "balanced" or 
"symmetric" if you´re talking about e.g. a micro input like on the 
A-119? I learned that the english expression is balanced, but the 
faceplate of the A-119 says symmetric/ asymmetric. Is it a wrong 
translation (symmetrisch/ unsymmetrisch in german) or is it okay in your 
ears?

best,
Paul

> Hi John,
Hello, Paul!


> #1: As the A-119 is a pre-amp and has not only an unbalanced 
> minijack 
> audio in but also a balanced 1/4"jack as audio input, you can plug 
> in a dynamic microphone without the use of a mixing desk. Okay, the 
> pre-amp 
> is not the best one but if you have a good microphone the result is 
> acceptable. And it saves you an aux-send on your mixer.
Ah, that was something I wasn't aware of.  I still need to sit down 
and read the specs on all the modules.


> #2: Let´s say I want to create a choir sound with the vocoder using 
> a 
> speech signal and a nice polyphonic pad from my Juno60. So I plug 
> the Juno´s audio output into the A-119. I adjust the operating 
> level and then plug it into the instrument input of the A-129/2.
> I´d even buy a second A-119 for this purpose.
I'm sure that if I purchased the vocoder modules that I'd be using in 
a similar fashion.


> BTW: To all you native English speakers. Do you say "balanced" or 
> "symmetric" if you´re talking about e.g. a micro input like on the 
> A-119? I learned that the english expression is balanced, but the 
> faceplate of the A-119 says symmetric/ asymmetric. Is it a wrong 
> translation (symmetrisch/ unsymmetrisch in german) or is it okay in 
> your ears?
Glad you broght this up.  In the US, I hadn't ever heard it referred 
to as "symmetric/asymmetric" before.  I'll certainly be sure to pay 
attention to the specs of the A100 output mixer.  I would absolutely 
prefer balanced connectors.  Its too bad there is no "single" .PDF 
document that I can download and print out that has ALL the modules 
and their respective detailed specs (at least I haven't found one on 
the web site).  That would certainly simplify the task of gathering 
information.

Kindest regards,
John

John wrote: 
In the US, I hadn't ever heard it referred to as "symmetric/asymmetric" 
before.  I'll certainly be sure to pay attention to the specs of the 
A100 output mixer.  I would absolutely prefer balanced connectors.

hi list,

This reminds me of an idea I had a while ago: An balanced output module 
(preferably with a male XLR instead of a 1/4" jack), like a DI-box. Two 
minijack ins and two balanced outs for stereo and a master volume pot 
(stereo version of course) in between. What would you think about 
something like that?
All patch cables are unbalanced (mono plugs), so does it really make any 
sense? Wouldn´t the power consumption be too high for a single module?
Comments are welcome.

Paul