MATRIXSYNTH: Doepfer DARK TIME Sequencer Pics and Specs


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Doepfer DARK TIME Sequencer Pics and Specs

via Doepfer. Note the DARK ENERGY to the right and blue or red leds in the bottom two pics and note.

"Dark Time is an analog sequencer that is planned in the first place as an add-on for the Dark Energy. But it may be used even in combination with other Midi, USB or CV/Gate equipment too. As the unit is still in the development state (as of October 2010) all specifications, prices and release dates are still without any obligation ! As soon as more detailed information is available it will be published here.

Features overview
* two rows with 8 controls each
* for each step:
o - rotary control (same knob type as Dark Energy)
o - red LED
o - three-position switch On/Off/Skip
+ On = trigger signal is active for this step
+ Off = no trigger for this step
+ Skip = step is skipped
o - three-position switch Stop/Continue/Jump
+ Stop = sequence stops here
+ Continue = sequence continues
+ Jump (as yet Reset):
# If only one of the 16 toggle switches is in the Jump position a Reset is carried out (i.e. sequence jumps to stage 1)
# If two or more of the switches are in the Jump position the sequence jumps to the next step with the switch in the Jump position and then continues from this position (until another step with the switch in the Jump position is reached and then the same procedure is carried out again)
* several operating modes:
o 1x16 (i.e. the two rows are daisy-chained)
o 2x8 (i.e. both rows run in parallel)
o custom mode (e.g. three times row 1 and the once row 2, probably not yet available in the first firmware version)
* several running directions:
o forward
o backward
o random
* several voltage / tuning ranges: 1V, 2V, 5V (corresponding to 1/2/5 octaves)
* quantization on/off/custom scale (custom scale probably not yet available in the first firmware version)
* transpose via switch (-1/0/+1 octave), Midi/USB or external CV input
* timing control, selected by a three position switch:
o internal via built-in clock oscillator with frequency and pulsewidth controls
o external via Midi/USB
o external via analog clock/start/stop
* analog interface for CV/gate/clock/Start-Stop (inputs and outputs, 3.5 mm miniature jack sockets)
* Midi interface
* USB interface (power supply via USB is not possible)
* basic parameters are set in the configuration mode (e.g. Midi channel for row 1, Midi channel for row 2, Midi clock dividing factor, custom scale, custom running mode)
* optically adapted to Dark Energy (same knobs, same depth and height, same wooden side plates and so on)
* Powered via external power supply (12 AC/min. 400mA) for 230V
* powering the device via USB is not possible, because the analog circuits require a dual voltage (+/-12V).

Date of Delivery: ~ end of 2010
Price: ~ Euro 450.00...500.00

All features, prices and delivery dates are still without obligation and are subject to change."

On the LED colors: "The final colors of the LEDs are not yet determined. Our current favorite is blue and four white LEDs for the momentary switches. We receive a lot of different suggestions concerning the LED colors but will be able to manufacture only one version. Only in exceptional cases we will manufacture versions with differing LED colors. These custom made versions will have additional charges and a longer delivery time (additional 4-6 weeks) because the units are not manufactured in-house. It does not make sense to replace the LEDs subsequently. Rather the final LEDs have to be assembled already during the production. As our manufacturer has only the standard LEDs in stock the special LEDs have to be ordered customer-related. Such orders will be treated as custom orders and it is not possible to return the devices (e.g. due to the European distance selling act law). We also ask for advance payment in these cases."

5 comments:

  1. The pictures where the Dark Energy & sequencer shown together look like it is ONE unit - that would be another option to offer - is it ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Still missing "Dark Room", an up-to-date version of Stockhausens "Klangmühle" like the EMS QUEG.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Better option than the MFB Kraft and Urz combo, and basically the same price. Though I guess you get more oscilators with the MFB kit, the problems that seem to come with the MFB gear make the Doepfer option more interesting and worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Before Dark Energy Doepfer stuff was plain ugly. Nice to see they're working on it to make their stuff more suitable for more creative environments.

    ReplyDelete

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