Doepfer A-196 Phase Locked Loop [Episode 69]

Published on Jul 7, 2018 CatSynth TV

"An explanation and demo of the often misunderstood Doepfer A-196 Phase Locked Loop (PLL) module. We give a brief definition of a PLL, and show how this maps to the different sections of the module. We then launch into a series of demos of the A-196, first with a simple square wave input, then a more complex signal from the Sputnik Dual Oscillator, and finally the Arturia MiniBrute 2 (with the Brute Factor turned up). Throughout, we explore the different phase-comparitor options on the module, including the basic XOR and more complex proprietary circuit.

Scope provided by Mordax DATA module. In all examples, the input signal is red and the A-196 PLL signal is green.

For more synthesizer demos, please subscribe to this channel and visit www.catsynth.com.

From Doepfer's website on A-196:
"this is how a pll works: the output of the internal vco (linear cv control, rectangle output) is compared with an external signal (e.g. the rectangle output of a a-110 vco) in the so-called phase comparator (pc). the output of the phase comparator is a digital signal (low/high/tristate) that indicates if the frequency resp. phase difference of the two input signals is negative, zero or positive. the output of the phase comparator is processed by a low pass filter (lpf) to generate a smooth voltage that is used to control the frequency of the internal vco. the 3 units vco, pc and lpf form a feedback loop that works like this: the control voltage (output of the lpf) increases as long as the external frequency is higher than the frequency of the internal vco und stops increasing when both frequencies become identical. the control voltage decreases as long as the external frequency is lower than the frequency of the internal vco und stops decreasing when both frequencies become identical"

For more information on phase locked loops, please check out this tutorial from Electronics Notes: https://www.electronics-notes.com/art....

You can also find a basic description at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase-l...

PLL block diagram from Wikipedia Article."

A100 Motorik rhythm

A100 Motorik rhythm from Peter Speer on Vimeo.

"I wanted to use our still-new Doepfer A-118 Noise source in a drum pattern. This is the result.

Here's the patch:

The envelope generator on the Moog Rogue is set to auto-trigger itself.

The Audio Out from the Moog Rogue is sent to the Symmetrical input on the A-119 External Input, only to trigger its Gate output (the Audio Out on the 119 is not used).

The Gate Out from the A-119 is sent to a multiple, and from there to:

1. The Trig. In on an A-160 Clock Divider
2. The Gate In on an A-140 Envelope Generator

The /4 output on the 160 is triggering a Boss Dr. Pad (Snare 1 setting). The output from the Dr. Pad is sent to the mixer (off screen).

The /8 output on the 160 is triggering the first envelope on the A-143-1 Complex Envelope Generator (set to Attack-Decay mode) the output of which is opening the bottom VCA on the A-132-3 Dual VCA. The output on the bottom VCA is sent to a mixer (off screen).

The CP2 gate out on the 143-1's second channel (set to LFO mode) is patched to the CV In on an A-150 Dual Voltage Controlled Switch (here acting as a VCA). The output of the 150 is send to the mixer (off screen).

The triangle output from a Plan B ELF LFO is sent to a Frostwave Resonator's input, the output of which is connected to a Frostwave Blue Ringer. The Ringer's output is patched to the Input on the upper 132-3 VCA; the output of the upper VCA is sent to the mixer (off screen).

The White Noise output from the 118 is sent to the In 2 input on an A-196 Phase Locked Loop. The Phase Comp. Output from the 196 is sent to the first Input on the A-150. The second input is left unpatched.

The Colored Noise output from the 118 is sent to the Input on the bottom 132-3 VCA.

The first output on the 140 is opening the upper 132-3 VCA.

The second output on the 140 is sent to a multiple, and from there to:

1. the Low Pass Frequency CV In the Resonator
2. to an attenuator, and then to the CV In on the Ringer

I think that's everything. Two A-118 noise channels, one Dr. Pad channel and one M37-->filter-->ring modulator channel. Panned for stereo but otherwise no outboard effects used.

theshamblers.blogspot.com"

A-118 Noise from Peter Speer on Vimeo.

"I could listen to this all day!

We just got a Doepfer A-118 Noise and Random Voltage module. It's great!!

In this patch, the Colored output from the 118 is being fed into a channel on the A-132-3 VCA. The Random Voltage output from the 118 is being multed and sent to:

A. the Gate In on a A-140 Envelope Generator (the output of which is opening the VCA)

B. the Trigger In on an A-160 Clock Divider (the /4 and /32 outputs are sending CV to the two halves of an A-150 Dual Voltage Controlled Switch, strictly for blinkenlights purposes)

C. the CP3 In on an A-143-1 Complex Envelope Generator (the Mix Out of which is modulating the Low Pass Frequency on a Frostwave Resonator)

The output from the VCA is sent to the Audio In on a Frostwave Resonator filter; the Resonator is sent into a Frostwave Blue Ringer ring modulator; the output from the Blue Ringer is sent to a mixer, and from there to the computer.

The audio sync is a hair off. Please accept my apologies.

We recommend the A-118. I'm already finding it to be more useful than I'd anticipated!

theshamblers.blogspot.com"

Doepfer A196 PLL Phase Locked Loop Basics

Published on Jan 24, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·194 videos

"Beginning of a series exploring the basics of the Doepfer A196 PLL Phase locked loop module. Video discusses understanding basic layout of the module and general features. Audio demonstrations begin in next part of series "Experiments with the Doepfer A196 Phase Locked Loop-VCO and Comparator". Sound and Video by Raul Pena.
Note: There is an annotation regarding the LED at approximately 7:00, please turn on annotations to view this note."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop-VCO and Phase Comparator Part One
Published on Jan 31, 2013

"Beginning of a series exploring the Phase Locked Loop by Doepfer.
Experiments with the Doepfer A196 PLL (Phase Locked Loop)- VCO and Phase Comparator. Part One of Two. For Basics on the Phase Locked Loop look for Doepfer A196 PLL Phase Locked Loop Basics. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop-VCO and Phase Comparator Part Two
Published on Feb 7, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·195 videos

"Continuation of a series exploring the Phase Locked Loop by Doepfer.
Experiments with the Doepfer A196 PLL (Phase Locked Loop)- VCO and Phase Comparator. Part Two of Two. For Basics on the Phase Locked Loop look for Doepfer A196 PLL Phase Locked Loop Basics. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop- Low Pass Filter and CV triggering Part One
Published on Feb 14, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·196 videos

"A continuation of the Experiments with the Doepfer A196 PLL. This first part of two examines the behavior of the low pass filter. Brief review followed by Audio demonstrations. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop- Low Pass Filter and CV triggering Part Two
Published on Feb 21, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·197 videos

"A continuation of the Experiments with the Doepfer A196 PLL. This is part two on the Low Pass Filter and CV triggering. It examines the behavior of the low pass filter and how the cv in effects the PLL. Brief review followed by Audio demonstrations. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop- Basic Patching Part One-Sequencer Patch
Published on Feb 28, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·198 videos

"Continuing the series on the Doepfer A196 Phase Locked Loop. In this segment we explore a patch which can be used for basic sequencing. Original patch found on www.doepfer.de/A196.htm. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop- Basic Patching Pt. 2 "PLL Arabesque" Intro
Published on Mar 7, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·199 videos

"Continuing the exploration of the Doepfer A196 PLL module. This time we look at a patch made famous by dougcl in his Youtube video "PLL Arabesque". Original patch diagram may be found by doing a google search for "mamonulabs pll". Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop- Basic Patching Pt. 2 "PLL Arabesque" Cont.
Published on Mar 14, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·200 videos

"Continuing the exploration of a patch made famous by dougcl in his Youtube video "PLL Arabesque". Original patch diagram may be found by doing a google search for "mamonulabs pll". Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop-The Final Chapter Part One
Published on Mar 21, 2013 raulsworldofsynths·201 videos

"The final segment in the Doepfer A196 series. Discussing other modular patches and final thoughts. Sound and video by Raul Pena."

Doepfer A196 PLL- Experiments with the Phase Locked Loop-The Final Chapter Part Two
Published on Mar 28, 2013

"The final chapter in the Doepfer A196 series. Discussing other patches and final thoughts.
Sound and video by Raul Pena."

DOEPFER A-188-2 TAPPED BBD DELAY

via this auction
"A-188-2 is another module that is based on a so-called Bucket Brigade Device (BBD). If you are not familiar with BBDs please refer to the A-188-1. There you can find some details about this special type of circuits.

The main difference between A-188-1 and A-188-2 is the type of BBD circuit that leads to completely different module principles and sounds. The A-188-1 uses different single BBD chips with one signal input and one signal output only. In contrast the A-188-2 uses as so-called tapped BBD that has available six outputs - the so-called taps after the BBD stages 396, 662, 1194, 1726, 2790 and 3328. In the A-188-2 we use this special BBD circuit (MN3011) to obtain these module features:

The module has available two separate mixing sub-units. For both mixers the levels and polarities of each BBD output can be adjusted to obtain two different mixtures of the BBD outputs. A new type of potentiometers with center detent and center terminal is used for the BBD mixing controls to have a better feel for the neutral position. Each mixer has a wet/dry control at its output that allows choosing between the pure input signal (original), the BBD mix or anything in between. The two outputs can be treated as stereo outputs but it is also possible to use one of the outputs for other applications (details in the next paragraph).

The A-188-2 has a feedback section available that is very similar to the one in the A-188-1. But as we now have 6 different BBD outputs available 6 different feedback types are possible. The feedback input socket is normalled to the "396" output (not to "1194" as shown in the scheme, the front panel is correct). But by patching the feedback socket to any of the single output sockets another BBD tap can be used for the feedback to obtain different sounds. Even external feedback processing is possible (e.g. with a VCA for voltage controlled feedback). The feedback control has polarizer function, i.e. the neutral position is at the center. Left from the center the feedback signal is subtracted from the input signal, right from the center it's added (negative/positive feedback). Even for this potentiometer the new version with center detent is used.
A special feedback can be obtained if one of the mix outputs is used for the feedback function. In this case for each tap the positive or negative feedback share can be adjusted. This leads to multiple peaks and/or notches in the frequency response of the module.

For each tap of the BBD a separate output socket is available. These sockets can be used for changing the feedback loop - as mentioned above -, for voltage controlled mixing of the taps - e.g. with the voltage controlled mixer A-135 or other applications that require access to each single tap.

The A-188-2 uses the same high speed VCO (HSVCO) for the BBD clock as the A-188-1. The clock and consequently the delay time can be controlled manually (delay control) and by the two control voltage inputs CV1 and CV2. The sensitivity of CV1 is approximately 1V/oct. CV2 is equipped with a polarizer (a new type of potentiometers with center detent). The HSVCO has a clock output available that is normalled to the clock input socket. These sockets can be used to link different BBD modules and to run them with the same clock. But even other applications with frequency dividers (e.g. A-163) or PLL (e.g. A-196) are conceivable. A voltage composed of the manual delay control, CV1 and CV2 is available at the CV out socket, e.g. to control an external clock suppression filter as the A-188-2 is not equipped with such a filter (same as for the A-188-1)." more info on the Doepfer website.

First night with the PLL

First night with the PLL from Peter Speer on Vimeo.
"Goofing around with the Doepfer A-196 Phase Locked Loop module a few hours after it arrived.

Patch:
--Voice of Saturn Sequencer CV Out to Freq CV on Plan B ELF LFO
--ELF LFO Square Out to Trig In on Doepfer A-160 Clock Divider.
--ELF LFO Triangle Out to In 2 on PLL
--/64 Out on A-160 is triggering the first channel on the A-143-1 Complex Envelope Generator (all channels set to AD mode)
--Mix Out on A-143-1 to Gate In on A-140 ADSR
--/32 Out on A-160 is retriggering the A-140
--Output from A-140 sent to CV In on A-132-3
--Comparator Out on A-196 to Input on 132-3
--Output from A-132-3 to computer

theshamblers.blogspot.com"

PLL guitar tests - round one

PLL guitar tests - round one from Pete Shambler on Vimeo.

"Someone on the boards requested a demo of a guitar running through a Doepfer A-196 PLL. With zero prep and very few chops, this is what it sounds like.

Patch:
Guitar --> A-119 External In
A-119 Audio Out --> A-196 PLL Phase Comp. Signal Input
A-196 VCO Out --> A-132-3 VCA Signal Input
A119 Envelope Out --> A-132-3 CV In
A-132-3 Signal Out --> computer
theshamblers.blogspot.com"

PLL guitar tests - round two from Pete Shambler on Vimeo.

"Here are a few passes, each without and then with fuzz (a BYOC Mighty Mouse pedal). The extra harmonics from the pedal really animates the PLL!"
via Leisure Cove

PLL Ringmod

YouTube via boobtube356
"Doepfer A-196 PLL tracks Plan B M15 VCO. PLL output passes through Plan B M12 bandpass filter and then is ring modulated with the M15 sine output. The result goes to the Makenoise QMMG. The background is a Cwejman VCO-6 sine going to Doepfer A-137 wave multiplier, then ring modulated with Cwejman MMF-1. The result goes to the Cwejman VCA-4MX and is then panned at audio rate by a Cwejman VCO-2RM. Sequence is from Doepfer A-160/1, A-152, A-143-3 and Plan B M14."

02072009

02072009 from dougcl on Vimeo.
"Doepfer A-117 amplitude modulated by audio rate square wave from A-143-3. Bass kick is Cwejman VCO-6 sine with envelope pitch modulation. Bass part is Cwejman VCO-2RM FM configuration to QMMG. Midrange is Blacet Miniwave. Doepfer A-196 adds some melody to the top. Adjustments being made are to the Miniwave bank select and PLL pitch. Doepfer A-160/1, A-152, and A-138 handles the sequencing."

PlanB Model 12 as VCA

YouTube via boobtube356
"PlanB Model 15 saw output goes to PlanB Model 12 in LP, high Q mode. Cwejman ADSR modulates the M12 cutoff frequency. Result goes straight to speakers. Percussion sounds are two VCOs being ring modded with the 2 and 6 osc ouptuts on the Doepfer A-117. "Lead" part is the Doepfer A-196 PLL trying to track a VCO that is trying to track the PLL, and the result goes to Cwejman VCEQ-3 (see also PLL Arabesque). Sequencing is Doepfer A-160/161, A-152, and A-138. No manual adjustments made during this clip."

shades of grey with the doepfer 196 pll

YouTube via DrOctave1 | July 08, 2010

"here is a noodle on the pll with a little indi crunch kinda not a music statement just a playfull lil session exploring the pll."

Update:

shades of grey with the doepfer 196 PLL take 2

"DrOctave1 | July 08, 2010

a more expansive sound set from the 196 pll more more crunch and more punch. not a musical statement. cough, cough. all modular."

doepfer 196 pll take 3

" DrOctave1 | July 08, 2010

doepfer 196 pll patch"

Ratcheting VCS and PLL

YouTube via boobtube356
"Doepfer A-196 PLL tracks a simple sequence. The output goes to a PlanB model 12 filter in bandpass mode, and then on to the MakeNoise QMMG in low pass gate mode. The QMMG is modulated by the Cwejman ADSR-VC2. The ADSR is triggered by the PLL Phase Comp. output, which is getting smoothed out by the Bananalogue VCS, then sent to the Doepfer A-156 quantizer. The quantizer generates triggers for the ADSR as the VCS output varies. The Phase Comp output from the PLL is very unstable, even with the VCS, so the ADSR fires rapidly. The VCS is receiving rise and fall modulation from the original pitch cv coming out of the sequencer. The sequencer is Doepfer A-160/1 to PlanB M14."

Study Music

Study Music from Pete Shambler on Vimeo.

"A patch that was left up and slowly tweaked over three or four weeks while I was studying for the GREs.

This is where it was the day that I took the exam.

Voices:

1. Tip Top Z3000, with CV from a Doepfer 160/138c combo sequencer, and FM from a Make Noise Maths (the first, audio rate channel of which is FMing the second, audio rate channel).

2. Bubblesound uLFO (which is receiving CV from a Voice of Saturn Sequencer), fed into a Doepfer 196.

3. A Boss Dr. Sound ("clap" preset), being triggered by the 5 and 8 steps of a Doepfer 161 (via a DIY "OR" logic gate).

The square out from a Plan B Elf LFO is the master clock of the patch. It is multed to (a) the Trig In on the 160, (b) the Clock In on the VoS Sequencer and (c) the CP4 input on a Doepfer 143-1.

The Envelope 1 out on the 143-1 is patched to the CV in on the top half of a Doepfer 132-3 (the Z3000/Maths voice); the Envelope 3 out is patched to the CV in on the bottom half of the 132-3 (the uLFO/PLL voice). Envelope 4 is sent to the Signal In on the first Maths channel.

theshamblers.blogspot.com"

Doepfer A-100 Modular Synthesizer W/ portable case

via this auction
"portable case a-100p6 (grey)w/ lid
Blacet Miniwave w/ plan b conversion kit
tiptop audio z3000 oscillator mk1 -
flight of harmony plague bearer -
Harvestman Polyvoks vcf -
PLan b model 9 mixer attenuator -
plan b headphone amplifier -
Doepfer:
a-180 multiples -
a-196 phase locked loop -
a-112 sampler wavetable oscillator -
a-117 digital noise/random clock/808 sound source -
a-119 external input envelope follower -
a-118 noise random voltages -
a-132 dual vca -
a-134 panning module -
a-140 adsr -
a-138d crossfader/effect insert -"

Min/Max Melody II

YouTube via boobtube356
"Same patch as before, except now the A-111 output paths are separated. The min part A-111 is now feeding a square wave to the Doepfer A-196 PLL, and the A-111 pulse width is being sine modulated in time with the notes. The PLL output is going to the Cwejman MMF-1 (now in dual-peak bandpass mode). The max A-111 is now feeding the Cwejman VCEQ-3 and then on to the Doepfer A-121 (low pass). The PLL gives the bass line its crazy character, as it has been tuned so that it can't keep up with the square wave pitch changes. Narrowing the pulse widths to zero in the meantime is not helping either."

555 PLL

555 PLL from Peter Speer on Vimeo.

"Running a 555 oscillator through a pair of Frostwave pedals (Resonator and Blue Ringer), which are being controlled by the modular.

The Low Pass Frequency on the Resonator is being controlled by the Triangle output of the ELF LFO.

The frequency on the Blue Ringer is set low enough to act as an LFO of sorts. It's receiving CV from the /2 output of a Doepfer A-160.

The output from the ring modulator is sent to the A-119 for amplification. The first of the A-119's outputs is sent to Channel 1 on the mixer. The second A-119 output is sent to the Signal Input on a A-196 PLL, and from there to Channel 3 on the mixer.

The bass drone is a Moog Rogue, multed to the two halves of an A-132-3. The Square output from the ELF LFO is triggering the first channel on the A-143-1, which is opening the first VCA. The CP3 output on the A-143-1 is gating the A-140, which is opening the second VCA.

theshamblers.blogspot.com"

9U Doepfer Modular Synthesiser with Sequencer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction

Korg Mono/Poly minus keys in the 3rd pic.

"Here's what you get:
9U wooden case with power
A-163 VC frequency divider (can be used as a variable octave sub oscillator or clock divider)
A-196 Phase locked loop (a sort of frequency tracking oscillator whose sound changes depending on it's state)
A-167 Comparator (can make PWM from a triangle wave as well as other obscure uses)
A-106-1 Xtreme filer (HPF/LPF based on the legendary Korg MS-20)
A-134-1 VC panner/cross fade
A-188-1 VC analogue delay (1024 stage BBD)
A-188-1 VC analogue delay (4096 stage BBD)
A-156 Voltage quantiser (makes tuning the sequencer trivial or can be a sort of arpeggiator if fed variable voltages)
A-155 Dual channel step sequencer
A-154 Sequencer controller (adds loads of features to the sequencer)
A-150 Dual VC switch (can combine the channels of the sequencer into 16 step sequences)
A-106-6 16-mode filter (LP, HP, BP, BR, AP with different slopes and resonance characters)
A-119 External input/follower (can allow an external instrument to be processed and produce trigger/modulation voltages)
A-110 Oscillator
A-180 Multiples
A-132-3 Dual VCA
A-185-1 Bus access/ buffered multiples
A-138 4-channel mixer
A-140 ADSR envelope generator
A-114 Ring modulator
Tiptop Audio Z5000 24bit Multi-effect DSP (reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, pitch shifter) http://www.tiptopaudio.com/z5k.php
Blanking panels"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Doepfer A - 196 PPL Phase Locked Loop

video by RinghausenMusic

https://ringhausen.bandcamp.com/

Doepfer A-196 posts

CMOS DRUMS Pt.1

YouTube via wonkythomas

"Messing around with a few new modules. Most of the sounds are the MFB Drum 02 - super simple, 5 drums made out of CMOS inverters; sounds so good.

Controlling everything is my new Divider / Sequencer (bottom left) which divdes the main clock, also using the 4ms RCD (out of shot) to trigger stuff. I don't have much logic at the moment so I'm using a few differant methods to combine gates / triggers.

1 drum is controlled by two gates being processed by the Phase Comparator inside the Doepfer A-196 PLL. Some gates are combined in the A-172 Min/Max, some more in a 3P polarizing mixer. I also have an A-167 Comparator in the mix, the sum voltage fed into the min/max & the gate out controls the direction of the sequencer; you can see it toggling back & forward between the last 2 & first 2 steps (green LEDs)

One of the things that I love about VC is once you have all these processed highs & lows flying about, you can take a voltage & feed that back into the main clock... I think it was the Min. voltage from the min/max.... the CV output of the 196 PLL is in there as well somewhere, as well as a random voltage from the MFB Dual LFO controlling the Decay time of the "synth" sound that comes in...

The MFB modules have plain silver panels... because of the board mounted sockets on them I have to replace the whole panel when I convert to banana format.

All the drum sounds are processed by the Toppobrillo Triple Wave Folder; for extra wood!"

CMOS DRUMS Pt.2


"More fiddlin'

Half way thru I start messing with the comparator settings which ripples out thru the logic chain & alters the patterns... there's abit of luck involved in getting stuff locked in, doesn't always work & its pretty easy to F*! everything up by messing around too much... not to self; ALWAYS RECORD!!!!!!!!!"

Klirrfaktor: Modular Breakz (Modular System & MFB Schlagzwerg)

YouTube Uploaded by TheKlirrfaktor on Dec 19, 2011

"Klirrfaktor: Modular Breakz (Modular System & MFB Schlagzwerg)

Next patch with my little modular system. Starring:

Vinyl-like noise: Zapp (DIY-Drum-Synth on the rigth)
Drums: MFB SchlagZwerg
Pads; Doepfer Dark Energy, LiveWire Dalek Modulator
FX-Bass: Doepfer A-196 PLL, Bubblesound VCOb, Doepfer A-106-1 Xtreme Filter
Bass: MakeNoise Wiard Wogglebug, WMD Gamma Wave Source
FX: Circuit Bent Korg Monotron, 4ms Noise Swash
Lead: Makenoise René, The Harvestman Hertz Donut, Bubblesound SEM 20 VSF, WMD Geiger Counter, MOTM E350 Resampling Mini Delay

+++

More at http://www.klirrfaktor.com

Klirrfaktor"

Doepfer Modular A-100 -- A-196 PLL-Module

Published on Aug 23, 2013 LESINDES·94 videos

"Doepfer Phase Locked Loop Module
for Doepfer A-100
Triggerd by Arturia Minibrute Arpeggiator
Fed back into the audio in of Arturia Minibrute"