--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , "laryn91" <caymus91@...> wrote:

>
>
> > the a111/2 offers new possibilities unavailable on other vco's
>
> I have to admit I'm one of those who were a bit dissapointed with

the A111-2 features and

> example sounds. Now I'm thinking maybe I'm missing something.
>
> What exactly makes this VCO unique Doesn't it seem like we can

currently patch all it's

> features with current modules

some, but not all.

the a111/2 is capable of dynamically switching between
waveforms within one wavecycle, resulting in new waveshapes.
this switching can be controlled via cv, so the a111/2 can
generate lots of dynamically changing timbres right on the
oscillator level, without the need for additional modules.

the built-in vcf offers linear frequency modulation via
the waveforms of the vco, which is veeery uncommon.

the a111/2 also has a built-in crossfader and a final vca.
these goodies look quite "familiar", nothing fancy about
it if you use these goodies as usual. but the fact that
they are built-in gives you extra capabilities.
with the crossfader you can create even more new dynamically
changing waveforms (when using a wave of the vco at the morph cv).
if you use the a111/2 as a modulator for fm, then the built-in
vca is very handy.
ok, especially the functions of the crossfader and vca can
be replicated easily, but since these parts are already there
you don't have to spend extra money on additional modules.
other manufacturers give "mysterious" names to such module
functions, just to force users to try a different and new
approach in using the module. instantly the dual cyclotron
from livewire comes into my mind. mike (my best wishes to him,
please get well soon) used the term "axis tilt" instead
of "pan", "linear" and "discreet" instead of "triangle" and
"square" and so on. all this makes users think they have something
fancy in their hands, but its just a unique name for something
quite common. maybe if dieter had chosen a different name for the
"pan" knob, lets say "waveform warp" or something like that,
then the a111/2 would probably look more attractive, but thats
not dieters style.

the module layout of the prototype suggests a standard
subtractive patch, maybe thats also a reason why people are
not so enthusiastic about the features. thats not the
way how we should use the a111/2. all features should be
used directly for creation of new waveforms within the a111/2.
if you do this you will realise that the a111/2 can offer
a lot more different timbres than almost all other vco's.
of course you can do similar things with existing modules,
but it's the same with the cyclotron. you can replicate the
functions of that module too, but i don't think that
many users actually do this. having the features side by side
in one module sometimes makes a huge difference in how we use them.

the prototype had some quirks (f.e. different waveform levels),
but if dieter can sort these out the a111/2 will be a sure
shot for me.

best wishes

ingo