Manual PDF for Doepfer A-160-5 Voltage Controlled Clock Multiplier / Ratcheting Controller
The Doepfer A-160-5 Voltage Controlled Clock Multiplier excels not just as a utilitarian clock tool but also a source of inspiration for rhythmic experiments, performance techniques, and evolving modular sequences. Here are creative ways to pair it with other modules:
Modules Needed:
- Sequencer (e.g., Doepfer A-155, Make Noise Rene, Arturia Keystep Pro)
- Random CV Source (e.g., Mutable Instruments Marbles, Turing Machine)
- Clock Divider (e.g., Doepfer A-160-2)
- Gate/Trigger Modifier (e.g., Ladik S-180, Doepfer A-151 Sequential Switch)
Patch Idea:
- Use the main sequencer's gate or trigger out to clock the A-160-5.
- Patch random or slowly modulated CV into the A-160-5’s CV In, changing the multiplication factor per step.
- Result: Ratcheting triggers randomly on certain steps; great for unpredictable hihat rolls, glitch drums, or evolving melodic triggers.
Modules Needed:
- CV-Controllable Drum Module (e.g., Tiptop Audio BD808/909, Hexinverter Mutant BD)
- Accent-capable Envelope Generator (e.g., Intellijel Quadrax)
- Sequencer with Output per Step/Row (e.g., Beatstep Pro, A-155)
Patch Idea:
- Send sequencer clock to A-160-5; use extra sequencer row to CV-control multiplication per step.
- The multiplied triggers become accents, fills, or rolls for percussion.
- Patch A-160-5’s output to drum module’s accent or envelope gate input for surprising energy bursts.
Modules Needed:
- Multiple A-160-5 modules (or other clock dividers/multipliers)
- Mixer (e.g., Befaco A*B+C for logical mixing, or any CV/audio mixer)
- Drum Synths or Sound Sources
Patch Idea: - Use one master clock to clock several A-160-5 modules set to different multiplication settings (e.g., x2, x3, x5, x7). - These different clocks drive various drums or sound events, creating complex polyrhythms or Euclidean patterns. - Mix and match by switching modes (integer, powers of two, mix).
Modules Needed:
- LFO with Clock Reset/Sync (e.g., XAOC Batumi, ALM Pam’s New Workout)
- Envelope Generator with Repeat/Sustain (e.g., Maths, Quadra)
- CV mixer/slew (e.g., Doepfer A-171-2, Mutable Instruments Stages)
Patch Idea: - Send A-160-5’s output to the sync/reset input of LFOs or envelope loop triggers. - Drive parameter modulation (filter cutoff, wavefolder, timbre) at rates related to, but multiplying, the base sequence clock. - Get ever-shifting grooves or timbres tied to, but not locked into, regular time signatures.
Modules Needed:
- Manual CV Source (e.g., Intellijel Planar, Doepfer A-174-4 Joystick)
- Quantizer (e.g., Doepfer A-156, Intellijel uScale)
- Sequential Addressing Switch (e.g., Doepfer A-151)
Patch Idea:
- Use manual CV source or pressure plate to change A-160-5’s multiplication factor live.
- Quantize manual CV to musically useful clock multipliers (e.g., only allowing x2, x3, x4).
- Patch A-160-5’s outputs to multiple switched destinations for rhythmic improvisation and performance control.
Modules Needed:
- Sample & Hold (e.g., Mutable Instruments Kinks, Doepfer A-148)
- ADSR Envelope
- VCA
Patch Idea:
- Use A-160-5’s ratcheted outputs to clock a sample & hold, gating a VCA to stutter melodic notes or voltage changes for cascading melodic bursts and intricate arpeggios.