Dark Energy is a monophonic stand-alone synthesizer with USB and Midi interface. Dark Energy is built into a rugged black metal case with wooden side plates. But as the module has several internal pin headers available even another signal may appear at this socket by changing the internal module patch.

To be honest I love the desktop module style, then i don't think there are any A111-5 left. Anyway, if i did that i should get a midi-cv, a power supply and several patch cords too, no thanks, i'd rather make my life complicated I should get the answer from doepfer next week (their offices open tomorrow) i hope they tell me where to find 'virgin' cases, or if they only have predrilled cases to sell me that's fine, i can build almost all of the modules i need myself (and I wouldn't have to worry about the front panels)I thought as you do, until I bought another Dark Energy and Dark Time. Now I have these three semi-modulars, but they are clearly, IMO, inferior to a fully modular system. I was worried about price, essentially, but the Doepfer mini or basic system can be had for 1200 USD or 1900 USD, respectively, and both already racked with power supplies!

I mean, if I were to ditch the three semi-modulars I have, I could afford the basic system or the mini system+a sequencer module. That's difficult to argue against.

I was thinking about buying a Doepfer mini-case and four modules, but that puts me nearly halfway to the cost of the mini system. Yeesh, I have a question for you though: when you patch velocity into the VCA CV In on the DE I, does it effect the volume of the envelope? For me, it only effects the amplitude level, so i.e.

The envelope triggers and then the amplitude sustains at a volume that corresponds to the velocity value. I thought as you do, until I bought another Dark Energy and Dark Time.

Now I have these three semi-modulars, but they are clearly, IMO, inferior to a fully modular system. I was worried about price, essentially, but the Doepfer mini or basic system can be had for 1200 USD or 1900 USD, respectively, and both already racked with power supplies! I mean, if I were to ditch the three semi-modulars I have, I could afford the basic system or the mini system+a sequencer module.

That's difficult to argue against. I was thinking about buying a Doepfer mini-case and four modules, but that puts me nearly halfway to the cost of the mini system. Yeesh, I have a question for you though: when you patch velocity into the VCA CV In on the DE I, does it effect the volume of the envelope? For me, it only effects the amplitude level, so i.e. The envelope triggers and then the amplitude sustains at a volume that corresponds to the velocity value.(I Assume you patched CV3 to VCA A) Have you tried with a lower level on the AM knob (you can turn it down to zero for 'full' velocity range)? Also check out ch.

3.3.3 in the manual for slightly confusing description on how to set up the Midi volume/velocity functions. (I Assume you patched CV3 to VCA A) Have you tried with a lower level on the AM knob (you can turn it down to zero for 'full' velocity range)? Also check out ch. 3.3.3 in the manual for slightly confusing description on how to set up the Midi volume/velocity functions.If I turn off AM, the velocity still sets the Amp volume. The Amp sounds continuously until a velocity value of zero is sent.

It is completely independent of the AM. I have both the DE I and the DE II, and the DE I responds to velocity in the conventional way. The DE II does not. Interestingly, the same or similar effect occurs when sending velocity to the Arturia MiniBrute by patching into the Amp CV In. Let's start expanding! Mr doepfer gently answered me today Dear Mr Monegato, the Dark Energy case is a fully custom made product.

It is not a standard case where the holes are drilled subsequently. We could only offer an empty Dark Energy case. But it's not possible to offer a case without holes and without printing. And Dear Mr Monegato, we have some Dark Energy cases with minor faults like small scratches or imperfect printing at Euro 30 each.

Regular flawless cases are Euro 45.00. Prices are plus shipping. Please address your order to our sales office That is *quite* perfect. Take it back to the shop where you bought it or contact Doepfer. Doepfer has good customer support.I will.

I ordered it overseas so this will be a hassle but it needs to be done. Rc Power Bc6 User Manual. I have been experiencing what I assumed were user-related issues with it until I did some more tests and got out my multimeter.

The synth has two components which are separately the revamped A-111-5 and the A-190-3 modules. The synth voice is fine but the A-190-3 is defective, apparently. You know, this might not be such a bad opportunity to ditch it and go fully modular.

I wonder if Moog will ever come out with a CV sequencer. While I am sure a lot of folks would love a re-issue of the old Moog modular sequencer, I'd love to see a more modern take on the gizmo. Something that integrates an 8 or 16 step sequencer with some kind of patch storage, even if its only a handful of patches. It would be awesome if they could use the MIDI Murf form factor to accomplish this. Patch it to your PC/MAC by midi to edit the step sequences, then change the programmed sequence that is 'live' by spinning the dial. Barring that pie in the sky wishful thinking.

What are all of yall using for such tasks? I've been making do with a X0xb0x for the past couple of years. But now I want something more than a bassline and a drum beat. Looking at the Urzwerg and the elusive urzwerg pro.

Also the kits look appetizing. Though my completion rate on kits is about 50/50 these days. Stuka wrote:I haven't had the chance to do much with it yet, but - The Doepfer 'Dark Link' takes MIDI in and converts it to a programmable GATE plus (4) CV outputs. Combined with one of the iPad MIDI sequencer apps might make for an interesting substitute for the 'real thing'. Yeah the Dark Link is basically the DarkTime minus the step sequencer bit. To me the whole point of using hardware synths and CV is to avoid using computers.

I have a ton of computers to record and perform with. (I deal with computers all day at my job.) That is what drew me to using analog synths and drum machines in the first place. I like having a workflow that evolves around the gear instead of an application. Not that there isn't a place for that kind of stuff, but to me at least, the appeal of using gear like this is that it is 'obsolete' technology. I like being able to say that my music isn't anything you couldn't have done in the 70's or 80's. It's just that nobody got around to it! I will admit that the DarkTime is attractive to me in that I already own a Dark Energy, and may buy a 2nd.

The Urzwerg and SynthroTek 16 are cheaper, but less flexible AFAIK. I am kind of pining for a Moog sequencer because I already own a bunch of moogerfoogers and a few Moog Synths. I want to keep it in the family! Kevin Lightner wrote:The Dotcom 960 and Moon offerings use an internal CPU as far as I know. (correct me if wrong) No experience with any Moon product, but the Dotcom 960 uses 74HC logic chips.

There are a few 74HCT14, 74HC32, and 74HC74 chips inside. So no digital CPU on the Q960 or Q962. But probably quite a few 'Analog Sequencers' out there that are really CPU controlled. Still a fan of the old 1969 Moog Sequencer Compliment.

With that combination of a pair of 960, and 962's, there was an almost limitless way of patching them together. The only limit was your imagination and having enough patch cords. Having three is even more fun! Not sure the new Moog would ever want to enter back into this field though. Would have to be a Moogerfooger product, so it's possible. Roger did a nice job with the Q960 and Q962.

They even use the Switchcraft 112 type jacks to keep with the original Moog feel. All the other Dotcom modules use the open frame type of switchcraft jacks. Only noticable difference with the jacks are the missing large serrated washers Moog used. The threaded sleeve shows a bit more without the lock washer behind the panel. I had lent that Dotcom sequencer compliment to Mark Shreeve of Red Shift fame for about a week. Mark is quite familiar with the original 960, and thought the Dotcom 960/962 was spot on. For the price, the Dotcom sequencer is quite a bargain.

I may end up building one of the kits while I save up for a bigger beasty. Speaking of, it is kind of a snipe hunt trying to track down a good CV sequencer. It seems like every few years there is a renewed demand for them, then a few products materialize to suit the demand, but the more elaborate ones are plagued with issues. I can totally see the utility of an entirely manual CV sequencer, but as a performing musician I would much rather something like the MFB and?Doepfer boxes that store your songs for recall later.

The dotcom and (other modular) units are intruiging, but I have yet to even purchase a modular rack. For a box that is basically sheet metal and a power supply I can't help but balk at the prices! (also how I feel about 500 series racks!) Though this may be the year I acquire one of each, a modular eurorack format and 500 series rack box. I'm also kind of curious in resurrecting some of the older designs, IIRC Forest Mims or Robert Traister had a simple voltage sequencer schemo. I think it was intended to simply drive a row of LEDs as some gee whiz project, but I had heard of folks adapting it for our kind of uses.