Doepfer — A-160-5
Doepfer A-160-5 Voltage Controlled Clock Multiplier / Ratcheting Controller - Official Manual
Doepfer A-160-5 Cheat Sheet
Overview
The A-160-5 is a voltage controlled clock multiplier with ratcheting capability. It takes an incoming clock source and outputs a clock at a multiplied rate. The multiplication factor is manually set or controlled via CV (0 to +5V), with different factor modes selectable. Ideal for creating rhythmic complexity, especially "ratcheting" patterns as used by Tangerine Dream.
Quickstart
- Clock Input: Patch your main clock/Gate source to
Clock In.
- Clock Output: Patch
Clock Out to send multiplied clock pulses to sequencers, ADSRs, etc.
- Set Multiply Factor:
- Manual: Use the
Manual knob (no CV patched).
- CV Controlled: Patch 0…+5V CV to
CV In (overrides manual).
- Select Mode: Set the 3-way toggle to choose multiplication factors (Integers, Powers-of-two, or Mixed).
- Monitor LEDs:
- 8 LEDs: Show current multiplication factor.
- 2 LEDs: Show live clock In and Out activity.
Inputs & Outputs
| Jack/Control |
Type |
Details |
Voltage Range |
| Clock In |
Input |
Receives external clock/gate signal |
Typical gate/clk |
| Clock Out |
Output |
Multiplied clock output |
Same as input |
| CV In |
Input |
Sets multiplication factor (overrides Manual Knob) |
0 to +5V |
| Manual |
Knob |
Sets multiplication (normalled to CV In if unpatched) |
0 to +5V (internally generated) |
| Mode |
3-way Switch |
Selects multiplication table: |
|
|
|
- Left: Integer values (1,2,3...8) |
|
|
|
- Middle: Powers of two (1,2,4,8...) |
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- Right: Mixed values |
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Reference – Controls
- Manual Knob: Adjusts multiplication factor (0V = mute).
- Mode Toggle:
- Left (Ganzzahlige Werte): 1–8
- Middle (2er-Potenzen): 1, 2, 4, 8
- Right (Mix): 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, etc.
- LED Matrix: Indicates active multiplication factor (first LED = 1, up to 8).
- "Clock In" LED: Blinks with incoming clock.
- "Clock Out" LED: Blinks with outgoing (multiplied) clock.
Tips
- No Output at 0V: If your Manual knob or CV input is fully CCW/0V, module mutes the clock output.
- Dynamic Ratcheting: Use sequencer CV lanes to automate ratchet counts for each step.
- Allow Stabilization: After sudden clock changes, the output clock may lag a few pulses as it recalculates multiplication.
Technical Data
- Width: 4 HP (20mm)
- Depth: 35mm
- Current: +50mA (+12V), -0mA (-12V)
Patch Example
- Sequencer Clock: Out from A-155/A-154 to
Clock In.
- Gate Multiplication:
Clock Out to envelope/trigger destination.
- Ratchet Control: Sequencer CV to
CV In to vary pulse count per step.
Generated With Eurorack Processor