A-100 Standard Systems

There are no fixed rules for which and how many modules are required in an analog modular system. If you are a beginner, you might have problems in finding the right combination of modules for a basic system. Thus, we have arranged some system packages to start with, containing the modules in the tables below. The main difference between the basic systems 1 and 2 is the MIDI interface. System 1 is not equipped with a MIDI interface. If you want to control this system with MIDI you need an external CV/Gate source (e.g. a MIDI-to-CV interface like MCV4 or Dark Link).  Basic System 2 contains the MIDI interface A-190-4 instead of the two modules A-150 (Dual VCS) and A-162 (Dual Trigger Delay).

By default the modules are mounted into a 6U case (A-100G6 or A-100P6) and each system contains 30 patch cables (mixed length and color). But the systems are also available built into other A-100 cases. The valid prices for all combinations of systems and case are available in the price list in the A-100 section.

Additionally we offer a minimal „Entry System“ that contains all modules for absolute basic applications of the A-100.

The purpose and function of the other modules not included with the basic systems will become clear while you are working with the A-100 system, and you will realize the missing modules for your application very soon. If you want to expand the basic systems you need an empty frame (A-100G6 or A-100P6 or A-100P9) and the desired additional modules and patch cords.

You will save some money compared to the regular prices when you purchase one of the basic systems (about 10%).

The complete A-100 user's guide is available for download on our website: A100_Manual_complete.pdf. The manual is also available at extra charge in printed form in a ring binder. If you only need the manual of a single module please go to the  A-100 Modules Overview and click to the module in question. After this the module description will appear and now you have to click to user's guide.

The special prices are valid for these combinations only. It's not possible to replace modules by others. In this case the normal prices for cases, modules and cables are valid !

For an exact run-down of the modules included, see below.

We offer these complete  A-100 systems:

• Basic System 1
• Basic System 2

• Mini System

The current prices can be found in the price list in the A-100 section. We have also available some other examples for special A-100 systems: A-100 System Suggestions.

A-100 Basic System 1

Basic System 1 schematically 

The A-100 Basic System 1 A-100BS1 is a reliable starting point for working with the A-100 but it contains no MIDI interface. You need an external Midi-to-CV/Gate interface or CV/Gate keyboard or sequencer or any other CV/Gate source.

These modules are included in the Basic System 1:

• 2x Standard VCO A-110
• 2x ADSR A-140
• 2 x LFO A-145
• 1x Ring Modulator A-114
• 1 x Audio Divider A-115
• 1 x VC Waveform Processor A-116
• 1 x Noise/Random A-118
• 1 x VCF1 A-120 (24dB low pass 1)
• 1 x XP VCF A-106-6
• 1 x linear VCA A-130
• 1 x exponential VCA A-131
• 1 x linear Mixer A-138a
• 1 x exponential Mixer A-138b
• 1 x Dual S&H A-148
• 1 x Dual VC Switch A-150
• 1 x Trigger Divider A-160
• 1 x Trigger Sequencer A-161
• 1 x Dual Trigger Delay A-162
• 1 x Dual Slew Limiter A-170
• 1 x Multiple I A-180
• 30 patch cables (mixed)

By default the modules of Basic System 1 are mounted into a 6U frame (A-100G6 or A-100P6) with built in power supply and bus boards. But the system is also available built into any other A-100 case. (e.g. A-100BS1 built into A-100LC9 or A-100P9). The valid prices for all combinations of systems and case are available in the price list in the A-100 section.

Basic System 1 in 6U basic frame A-100G6
click to enlarge

Basic System 1 in portable 6U case A-100P6
click to enlarge

A-100 Basic System 2

Basic System 2 schematically 

The A-100 Basic System 2 A-100BS2 is nearly identical with to the Basic System 1 but includes a MIDI-Interface. The modules A-150 (VC Switch) and A-162 (Trigger Delay) are replaced by the USB/Midi-to-CV/Gate/Sync interface  A-190-4 and a 2HP blind plate. In addition one of the two standard LFOs A-145 is replaced by the variable waveform LFO A-146.

These modules are included in the Basic System 2:

• 2x Standard VCO A-110
• 2x ADSR A-140
• 1 x LFO A-145
• 1 x LFO A-146
• 1x Ring Modulator A-114
• 1 x Audio Divider A-115
• 1 x VC Waveform Processor A-116
• 1 x Noise/Random A-118
• 1 x VCF1 A-120 (24dB low pass 1)
• 1 x XP VCF A-106-6
• 1 x linear VCA A-130
• 1 x exponential VCA A-131
• 1 x linear Mixer A-138a
• 1 x exponential Mixer A-138b
• 1 x Dual S&H A-148
• 1 x Trigger Divider A-160
• 1 x Trigger Sequencer A-161
• 1 x Dual Slew Limiter A-170
• 1 x Multiple I A-180
• 1 x USB/Midi-to-CV/Gate/Sync-Interface A-190-4
• 30 patch cables (mixed)

By default the modules of Basic System 2 are mounted into a 6U frame with built in power supply and bus boards. But the system is also available built into any A-100 case. Unused rows are closed with blind panels (e.g. A-100BS2 built into A-100LC9 or A-100P9). The valid prices for all combinations of systems and case are available in the price list in the A-100 section.

Basic System 2 in 6U basic frame A-100G6
click to enlarge
(picture still shows the A-190-1 instead of the A-190-4)

Basic System 2 in portable 6U case A-100P6
click to enlarge
(picture still shows the A-190-1 instead of the A-190-4)

A-100 Basic System 3

Basissystem 3 im 6HE-Grundrahmen A-100P6
Bild zum Vergrößern anklicken

The new basic system 3 from Doepfer is a return to Dieter Doepfer's original vision of analogue modular synthesis. Modules can be connected via front panel audio and CV connectors and used in infinite combinations. The Basic System 3 is an easily accessible and well-structured system that can be used by enthusiasts and beginners alike. It can be used as a base for exploring sound synthesis and electronic sounds, or as a supplement to delve deeper into different types of synthesis. For example, it is possible to create 4-part paraphonic patches or create complex sounds using the ring modulator. Percussion and drum sounds can also be created in a variety of ways alongside the classic synth sounds. The system's two filters can also be set to self-resonance to provide additional sound sources. The Waveshaper can be used to modify simple sounds and change their overall timbre. As each user's personal requirements are different, blank panels are installed that can be replaced with modules. This means there is no need to buy a new cabinet.

The following modules are included in the basic system 3:

1x A-108 6/12/24/48dB Low Pass Filter 
2x A-110-1 Standard VCO 
1x A-118 Noise / Random
1x A-121-2 Multimode Filter 
1x A-131 VCA exponential
1x A-132-3 Dual linear/exponential VCA
1x A-137-1 Wave Multiplier I
1x A-138j Inverting/Interrupting Mixer (Janus Mixer)
1x A-138b Mixer logarithm.
1x A-138s Mini Stereo Mixer
1x A-140 ADSR Envelope Generator
1x A-140-2 Dual Mini-ADSR
1x A-147-4 Dual VCLFO
1x A-151 Quad Sequential Switch
1x A-160-2 Clock Divider II
1x A-171-2 VC Slew Processor / Generator
2x A-180-2 Multiples 1
1x A-184-1 Ring Modulator/S+H/T+H/Slew Limiter
5x Blind Panel 4HP

The following Patch cables are included:

5x A-100C15 Cable 15cm yellow
10x A-100C30 Cable 30cm black
15x A-100C50 Cable 50cm grey
5x A-100C80 Cable 80cm red

The system is available in 4 different case versions: A-100P6, A-100P9, A-100LC6V and A-100LC9V.

The for all versions of the system are available in the price list in the A-100 section.

Basissystem 3 im 6HE-Grundrahmen A-100LC6V
Bild zum Vergrößern anklicken

Basic System 3 video: https://youtu.be/gHQGsmYQZG8

Starter-System schematisch
Bild zum Vergrößern anklicken

The Starter System 1 A-100BSS1 is a special combination of modules that does not follow the usual synthesizer paths. It is based on system suggestions from A-100 users.

• 1 x MIDI-to-CV/Gate/Sync-Interface A-190-4
• 1 x Trigger-Teiler A-160
• 1x Basis-VCO A-110-2
• 1x Noise/Random A-118
• 1 x Dual-S&H A-148
• 1 x Polarizing Mixer A-138c
• 1 x SEM VCF A-106-5
• 1 x Dual-VCA linear/exponentiall A-132-3
• 1 x Multiple I A-180-2
• 1 x ADSR A-140
• 1 x VCDLFO A-147-2
• 1 x VC Slew-Limiter/Processor A-171-2 (Serge VCS Clone)
•  

By default the modules of the Basic Starter System 1 are mounted into the A-100LC3. But the system is also available built into any A-100 case. Unused rows are closed with blind panels (e.g. A-100BSS1 built into A-100LC6 or A-100P6). The valid prices for all combinations of systems and case are available in the price list in the A-100 section.

A-100 Mini-System

Mini System schematically 

The A-100 Mini System A-100BSM is an useful minimal configuration of the A-100 system.

These modules are included in the Mini System:

• 2x Standard VCO A-110
• 1x Ring Modulator A-114
• 1x Noise/Random A-118
• 1x VCF A-120 (24dB low pass)
• 1 x exponential VCA A-131
• 1 x exponential Mixer A-138b
• 1 x ADSR A-140
• 1 x LFO A-145
• 1 x MIDI-to-CV/Gate/Sync Interface A-190-4
• 15 patch cables (mixed)

The Mini System A-100BSM is available assembled in any A-100 case of your choice (e.g. A-100LC3, A-100LC6, A-100G6, A-100P6). Unused rows are closed with blind panels (e.g. A-100BSM built into A-100LC6 or A-100P6). The valid prices for all combinations of systems and case are available in the price list in the A-100 section.

Mini System schematically in A-100G3
(A-100G3 is no longer available)
(picture still shows the A-190-1 instead of the A-190-4)