A-160-2 Clock/Trigger Divider II Manual (via Doepfer)
The Doepfer A-160-2 Clock/Trigger Divider II is a highly flexible clock utility, capable of generating a broad variety of rhythmic divisions. Its versatility allows it to serve a range of functions in any Eurorack system beyond simple drum clocking. Here are some creative patching ideas:
How:
Use the prime number division mode (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17) to create evolving polyrhythms.
Combine With:
- Multiple drum modules (e.g., ALM Akemie's Taiko, Tiptop Audio ONE)
- Sequential switches or analog switches (e.g., Doepfer A-151 Sequential Switch)
Idea:
Patch different divider outputs to individual drum triggers. Using non-binary divisions, you get non-repeating rhythmic patterns. Pass some of these triggers to a sequential switch to rotate the destinations for even less predictability.
How:
Send divided clocks into random generators or sequential switches for generative melody/rhythm.
Combine With:
- Random or sample & hold (e.g., Mutable Instruments Turing Machine, Doepfer A-184-1)
- Quantizers (Intellijel Scales, Doepfer A-156)
Idea:
Feed the A-160-2’s divided outputs to trigger random voltage generators, then quantize those voltages to create musical pitches. The varying length of divided clocks introduces organic timing into your generative process.
How:
Use gate or trigger outputs to cycle modulation sources in sync with your master clock.
Combine With:
- Envelope generators (Intellijel Quadra, Make Noise Maths)
- LFOs
Idea:
Trigger envelopes or reset LFOs with different divisions for evolving modulation that stays rhythmically relevant to your sequence.
How:
Patch divisions from the "integer" output set (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) to gate the steps of a sequencer/reset logic, mimicking Euclidean rhythms.
Combine With:
- Simple step sequencer (Doepfer A-155, Erica Synths Sequencer)
- Logic modules (AND/OR, e.g., Doepfer A-166)
Idea:
AND-gate together different divider outputs for DIY Euclidean patterns or to create rests/accents in drum parts.
How:
Synchronize effects like delays, filters, or audio processing with sub-divided clock signals.
Combine With:
- Synchronized effects processors (Make Noise Mimeophon, Erica Synths Pico DSP)
- VCAs or LPGs
Idea:
Use a divided clock output to ping a filter resonance, open a VCA/LPG, or modulate effect send levels, all perfectly in sync but at musically related sub-divisions.
How:
Switch divisions and modes live for spontaneous variation.
Combine With:
- Manual gate or switch modules (Mutable Instruments Shades, Doepfer A-150)
Idea:
Flip the divider set switch mid-performance for instant rhythm changes, or engage/reset the module on the fly to reorganize the patterns.
How:
Take a MIDI clock or a DAW sync signal (via a MIDI-to-CV interface) and use the A-160-2 to produce complementary clocks for analog sequencers, drum machines, or S&H modules.
Combine With:
- MIDI-to-CV interface (Doepfer A-190-series, Expert Sleepers FH-2)
- Clock distributors/multiples (Intellijel Buff Mult, Mutable Instruments Links)
Idea:
Let your DAW run at one tempo, while different synth voices or modulation lines run on intricate, clocked subdivisions for intricate interplay.