Doepfer Dark Energy 2 Synthesizer

Monophonic stand-alone synthesizer with USB and Midi interface

Dark Energy is a monophonic stand-alone synthesizer with USB and Midi interface. The sound generation and all modulation sources are 100% analog, only the USB/Midi interface contains digital components. Dark Energy is built into a rugged black metal case with wooden side plates. High quality potentiometers with metal shafts are used and each potentiometer is fixed to the case (no wobbly shafts and knobs). The distance between the controls is a bit wider compared to A-100 modules and knobs with vintage look are used.

Additional remarks and specs:

As the LFO frequencies can go up to moderate audio range (~ 5kHz) even audio FM effects of VCO (pitch and pulsewidth), VCF and ADSR are possible !

If the VCO is turned off (waveform switch = center position, pulsewidth control = fully CCW) and the VCF resonance is set to maximum the module can be used as a sine oscillator. The sine can be modulated in a linear manner from the triangle wave of the VCO and by LFO2 in an exponential manner at the same time !

from the factory the socket labelled "LFO1" outputs the inverted LFO1 signal. But as the module has several internal pin headers available even another signal may appear at this socket by changing the internal module patch. These six pin headers are available: LFO1 output, LFO2 output, ADSR output, inverter input, inverter output, output socket. The internal default patch is LFO1 -> inverter input, inverter output -> output socket (i.e. socket = inverted LFO1). But even another signal can be patched to this socket (e.g. inverted ADSR, non-inverted LFO1, inverted or non-inverted LFO2). It is also possible to add a blind panel next to the A-111-5 with a couple of sockets that are connected to the corresponding pins of the A-111-5 pc board. The inputs and outputs of the VCO, VCF and VCA are not available as pin headers because the VCO, VCF and VCA are internally connected in the circuit which is used in this module.

The attenuators for VCO FM and VCF FM are exponential types to enable a better resolution of the modulation depth in the lower range

Dark Energy is the stand-alone version of the module A-111-5

Dimensions: overall about 185 x 145 x 65 mm, about 145 x 135 x 55 without wooden site plates

Weight: about 1.2 kg

Distance between the knobs (center - center): ~ 25 mm, diameter of the knobs: ~ 15 mm

The metal case is made of 1 mm steel, black coated with white printing

Overall dimensions: overall about 185 x 145 x 65 mm

Dimension of the metal case (without side plates): about 145 x 135 x 55

Side plates dimensions: about 145 x 65 x 12 mm (the width has been changed from 20 to 12 mm)

The wooden side plates can be removed if desired. They are mounted by means of two screws to the metal box. The holes in the metal box can be used also to mount several devices together (e.g. with common wooden side plates on both ends).

The device can be positioned horizontal (desk top) or vertical

These parts are included: power supply (15V AC) for 230V mains voltage with European mains plug, and probably one cable 3.5 mm - 6.3 mm /1/4" jack plug, one USB cable (type A-B) and three A-100 patch cables (the final scope of delivery is not yet defined)

Powering the device via USB is not possible, because the analog circuits require a dual voltage (+/-12V).

Features:

Specs:

• Color: Black
• USB-MIDI: USB and MIDI
• MIDI Inputs: 1 Port
• MIDI Outputs: 0 Ports
• Type of sound generation: Analogue
• Type: Synthesizer
• Theme: Recording and Studio

Further links:

• Print View