Tech Talk: Vera Grace - How Modular Gear Shapes Her Hypnotic Techno Sound (Electronic Beats TV)

video upload by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

"For this Electronic Beats Tech Talk, we visited Dutch DJ and producer Vera Grace at her home in Amsterdam. With a background from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, she has developed a distinct techno identity rooted in experimental sound design, modular exploration, and hypnotic rhythms that bend your sense of time. Her dive into modular synthesis reshaped her creative process, leading to a fully live analog setup she now brings to the stage. Shifting fluidly between broken beats, ambient explorations, psychedelic textures, and driving 4/4 energy, Vera continues to push her sound forward while staying connected to techno’s foundations."

Dieter Doepfer explains the 3D Joystick

video upload by Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH

"Dieter Doepfer explains the 3D Joystick"

The A-174-4 made its first appearance on the site back in 2020. The following are some pics and details via https://doepfer.de/a1744.htm.



"Module A-174-4 generates several control voltages and a gate signal controlled by a spring-loaded X/Y cross potentiometer (so-called joy stick). The control voltages for X and Y are controlled by the X and Y position of the joystick in the usual way. The third control voltage Z is controlled by the rotation of the spring-loaded joystick knob. The gate signal is generated by a button at the center/top of the joystick knob. As an additional feature four control voltages are generated that are assigned to the quadrants of the Cartesian coordinate system. These quadrant voltages are derived from the X and Y voltages by means of a special algorithm.

For each joystick function the non-inverted signal (X, Y, Z) as well as the inverted signal (-X, -Y, -Z) is available. The generic joystick control voltages are bipolar and range from typ. -5V (lowest position) via 0V (center position) to typ. +5V (highest position). By means of the Offset controls OX, OY and OZ a variable voltage of up to 5V can be added to the generic voltages. That way it's possible that the X, Y and Z outputs become pure positive (0...+10V instead of -5V...+5V). That's necessary if e.g. VCAs have to be controlled, because VCAs require a pure positive control voltage. The offset voltages can be adjusted by means of three small potentiometers. When the control in question is fully CCW no offset is added and the "pure" control voltages X, -X, Y, -Y, Z and -Z without offset are generated. As soon as the offset control in question is moved clockwise up to +5V are added to the voltage in question. The offset voltages are also added to the inverting outputs. With max. offset the range of an inverted output becomes also pure positive (+10V...0V instead of +5V...-5V). These six voltages are output at the sockets "X+OX", "-X+OX", "Y+OY", "-Y+OY", "Z+OZ" and "-Z+OZ". Each of these outputs is equipped with a dual color LED (red/yellow) that displays the present voltage and allows to distinguish between positive (red) and negative (yellow) voltages.

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Doepfer A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice

video upload by Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH

"Making some percussions with the new A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice module!"

Additional posts here. The A-111-5 was first mentioned back in 2022 here. The video above just went up today. Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.

Doepfer A-188-9 High Speed VCO - Audio Demo

video upload by Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH

"Over the last month, we have been recording videos for our Instagram channel. Here is a compilation of some of the clips!

In the video, the A-121-S stereo filter is mainly used as an end-of-chain filter. In combination with the A-149-4 quad random voltage source, it is possible to add modulation to the stereo field.

The feedback path was often patched in the clips, for example with a bandpass filter that had high resonance. This can lead to some pretty crazy sounds, as you can hear!

Another interesting thing to try is playing really high or low notes. Some of these the BBD is unable to track, which results in some quite nice glitches.

The A-188-9 and A-188-1 BBD combo offers a wide range of sound possibilities and often produces happy accidents. It's totally worth trying!

Questions? Let us know!

Module A-188-9 is a so-called high speed VCO that tracks prefectly to the 1V/oct scale in the frequency range of about 15kHz ... 500 kHz. The main application is the exact drive of BBD modules (A-188-1/2) to generate sounds realized by means of the so-called Karplus-Strong synthesis. But even in cooperation with other modules featuring high speed inputs (e.g. digital noise, delay, frequency divider) the A-188-9 makes sense. In principle, the module is made of a precision audio VCO followed by a PLL (phase locked loop) unit that multiplies the frequency of the audio VCO by 32. Thus the module can be used also as an audio VCO as it features the standard waveforms sawtooth, triangle and rectangle with adjustable pulse width."

See the announcement post here.

Doepfer Basic System 3: A-138j Mod Bus Exploration

video upload by Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH

Note this video is from a year ago.

"This video provides a detailed overview of a patch from the upcoming patchbook.

It features a sync patch with ring modulation. The video explains different sounds and routing options using the A-138j Janus Mixer in detail.

In this video, the system is sequenced from an external device and processed in a DAW."

See the announcement post from 2022 here.

And a video on the Doepfer Basic System 3 from 3 years ago:

Doepfer Basic System 3

video upload by Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH

"The basic system 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.

This video demonstrates various patches on the system. Videos of the individual sound examples will follow shortly.

In this video, the system is sequenced from an external device and processed in a DAW."

Dual Arp Odyssey kaafi scale

video upload by Ebotronix

Arp Odyssey black and white,2600m,
3x Doepfer R2m,
3x Mutable Instruments Midipal, (kaafi scale),
Waldorf Iridium,
Intuitive Instruments - Exquis,
Line 6 DL 4 Mk 2,
Hologram Electronics Microcosm Special Edition 2024,
Strymon Big Sky MX, in Dual Mono Mode controlled with
Midi CC by, 16n Faderbank, AtoVproject ,
Bastle Bestie,
21.11.2025
video# 2581

A simple Bandpass filter trick you should know.

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Zappy, croaky, and squeaky resonant filter sounds aren’t for me. But I do like the texture, crunch and air a lot of resonant filters can add to a sound. In this video I show a simple trick combining a band- and low-pass filter, allowing you to detach a high resonant point from low pass filter modulation."

AJH MINIMOD & XAOC Belgrad

The Concrete Box

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Here is a video about the small Eurorack recording / FX box I have recently put together, which I call 'The Concrete Box'

In the video I describe the various modules and how I work with them as a way of recording and manipulating other instruments (in this case a vintage Buchla 100), to create live performances and evolving soundscapes"

Doepfer Darktime Desktop Sequencer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"Doepfer Darktime analog sequencer w/ blue leds, tested in great working condition. Includes non-orginal power supply."

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Are you using this function right?

video upload by Monotrail Tech Talk

"Some modular functions don’t receive so much love. The ‘End of … ’ is one of those. In this video I explain the core idea, and share a set of basic patch ideas to get you stared!"

Timetable:
00:00 – Intro
03:32 – Triggers
08:20 – CV control
12:28 – Audio

Strymon Supercar+ with Mutable Instruments Clouds

video upload by Ebotronix

Strymon Superkar+, solo ch with midi , chord ch with cv /gate,
Big Sky MX, in Dual Mono Mode controlled with
Midi CC by, 16n Faderbank, AtoVproject ,
Arp 2600m,
Doepfer R2m,A 156, A 174-2,
Mutable Instruments Clouds,Midipal,Peaks,Shades
Ornament and Crime,( Major Scale),
Flame Q Slider,
Dreadbox Psychosis,
Make Noise Q Control,
Bastle Bestie,
04.11.2025
video# 2577

Solar Flare (multi/poly, Oxi One MkII, eurorack)

video upload by Alec Sea

"Solar Flare was performed live using the Oxi One MkII, Korg multi/poly, Roland TR-6S, Mutable Instruments Plaits and Ripples, Strymon Magneto, Doepfer A-111-4 Quad VCO, Intellijel Quadra and Sealegs, Befaco ST Mix and DivKid Output Bus, Fractal Audio VP4, and UAFX Golden Reverberator."

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

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This live modular is fun but needs to change - here's why

video upload by mylarmelodies

"I built a case for a demo of the Bohm kick module (video out soon), and took the opportunity to test out some live case ideas and modules I wanted to try. This video is like a hangout where I talking you through it, explain new modules I tried which you might be interested in, and what I plan to change, and other relevant ideas besides. 👉 / mylarmelodies 🙌"

"CHAPTERS:
00:00 I'm going to talk about this case
01:46 What is this system?
02:36 What's good about this? Disting NT Turingathon
07:09 Erica Synth Sample Drum + Euclidean Circles
11:37 Iris 1 Probabilistic Trigger Sequencer
15:15 LPZW Elster 909 Hihat Module
17:12 Bohm Kick & Performer
20:44 Doepfer A-111-6 & Braids
22:40 Knobula Monumatic
27:04 Little Jam
28:16 Disting NT
31:11 So what will I do next?"

NEW Doepfer A-155-2 Mini Analog Sequencer & Friends - First Try of the 12HP #Eurorack Module

video upload by DreamsOfWires

"First play with the new Doepfer A-155-2 Mini Analog Sequencer, with A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice, AJH Synth Tap Tempo VC-LFO and Chance Delay, along with a MiniMod voice for backing drone. The Mini Sequencer is a real 8-stage analogue step-sequencer, but with a few digital tricks up it's sleeve. For example, whilst it doesn't feature an internal clock or quantizer, it does allow you to save and recall step settings (except frequency), so you can switch between multiple behaviours simultaneously - very useful for live use. I've not tried this yet, but maybe in a follow-up video. Aside from that, there's step mute buttons, multiple play directions, 1-8 step pattern lengths, x2/x3/x4 ratcheting on each step, 1V/2V/4V CV range selector, and manual or CV reset. Not bad for 12hp. Here I'm using the Tap Tempo VC-LFO as the master clock, but also to produce random stepped voltages (like sample & hold) to modulate the Mini Synth's filter per step. This clock is then passed to the Chance Delay module, which restricts the probability of a gate or clock pulse passing through it, either manually controlled or by CV - more often this might be placed after the sequencer, so that steps (in this case notes) can be randomly skipped, whilst retaining the length of the sequence. However, I'm using it before the sequencer, so that all steps will be played in order (apart from when the sequencer is in random mode), but will do so across random steps - an effect I find quite satisfying sometimes. The rest of the patch is pretty self-explanatory if you have subtitles enabled. It was just an initial experiment really. More to come.

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a paid video, I purchased the module myself, and no brand used in this video had any prior involvement or knowledge of me making it.

Find my music at https://tomorrowthecure.bandcamp.com"



The Doepfer A-155-2 is a Miniature Analog Sequencer module that packs huge creative potential in a compact package. Using the A-155-2 is simple, yet a deep set of functionalities make it perfect for all things from basic repeating patterns to unique ratcheting and evolving sequences. Eight step positions each feature a knob for setting CV value, as well as an illuminated button to manually set gates on each step. At the bottom of the panel, outputs for a single pair of CV and gate signals are available, as well as clock and reset inputs. Along with a simple three-position switch for CV range, the A-155-2 offers a streamlined way to create driving patterns in any patch.

Beyond simple and unidirectional patterns, the A-155-2 enables plenty of creative options for crafting unique and lively sequences. Using the programming switch in combination with the step buttons, you can easily set up ratcheting rhythms for multiple gates per step, perfect for extending a melodic idea with stuttering syncopations. Additionally, sequence length and direction can be adjusted, allowing you to create longer patterns, evoke odd-time signatures, and experiment with random step playback. Finally, an eight-slot preset system is onboard, giving you the capability to store and recall your patterns between sessions and shows. Whether implemented as the brain of a small system or ticking along in a grand chorus of clocked control, the Doepfer A-155-2 Mini Analog Sequencer is a small triumph of modulatory movement for any case.

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Grp Synthesizer A1, Doepfer Dark Energy jam "autumn"

video upload by Boyd Braylen

"Grp Synthesizer A1, Doepfer dark energy, eventide blackhole, arturia beatstep, mackie mix8, dawless jam"

TTMC 158 , TTMC Timbre , TTMC Tokyo Gate2 , Doepfer A-155 A-185-2 , TipTop BD808

video upload by Tokyo Tape Music Center

https://tokyo-tape-music-center.com

TTMC Timbre , Acidlab M303 , Doepfer A-155 , TipTop BD808

video upload by Tokyo Tape Music Center

The Doors of Perception

video upload by Ebotronix

Arp 2600m, diatonic, three voice paraphone,
Arp Odyssey,
controlled by 2x ,Doepfer R2m, A 156,A 177-2,
Ornament and Crime,Dorian Scale,
Mutable Instruments, Peaks, Veils, 4x Shades,Yarns,
WMD 2x Time Warp,
Hologram Electronics Microcosm Special Edition 2024,
Strymon Big Sky MX, controlled by,
ATO Faderbank 16 n , with Midi CC,
Bastle Bestie,
Conductive Labs The NDLR V2,
12.09.2025
video # 2569

The story of INVENTING Eurorack: DIETER DOEPFER // Why We Bleep 55

video upload by mylarmelodies

"A podcast about creating Eurorack modular synths in the 90s, collaborations with Kraftwerk, the 'red stripe' controversy (if you know you know). We meet from Dieter Doepfer & new Doepfer managing director Holger Zapf, in an interview at Machina Bristronica 2024, on how Eurorack Modular format went from "Nobody wants that sh*t" to a blossoming and diverse industry 30 years later. 👉 / mylarmelodies 🙌

This was filmed at the mighty https://machinabristronica.uk/" Chapters:
00:00 - In this episode of Why We Bleep...
01:30 - A word from Why We Bleep's Sponsors
04:38 - Introduction to Dieter Doepfer and Holger Zapf
06:14 - Early life, education, introduction to music & technology
16:47 - First encounters with synths - analogue vs the era of digital
21:49 - MAQ16/3 - a little collaboration with Kraftwerk
25:31 - The early developement of Eurorack ("Nobody wants that sh!t!")
31:16 - Holger's involvement, perspectives on Eurorack and favourite modules
36:53 - Doepfer's development and design process
41:55 - Eurorack's evolution - parallels and adopters of the format
45:55 - The 'Red Stripe' controversy and voltage standards
51:49 - How it feels to have started the Eurorack Industry
53:07 - What is the future of Doepfer, and of Music Technology?
58:14 - A question from the audience - Eurorack's Birthday?
59:07 - Thank you Doepfer! Final thoughts

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it and consider contributing on Patreon!

DOEPFER ONLINE:
▶︎ https://www.doepfer.de/home.htm

THANKS TO SPONSORS:
▶︎ SIGNAL SOUNDS http://signalsounds.com
▶︎ POINT BLANK MUSIC SCHOOL: https://bit.ly/pbopenday25

SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL:
▶︎ Patreon: / mylarmelodies (Help fund more podcast episodes, videos, join a community of music makers and ask me questions directly!)"