Hi aybee,

> I want to get a Doepfer system and I wondering whether to make a start with the "basic
> system 1" (which is slightly cheaper than buying the same modules individually) or to go fully
> a la carte

I've recently started a Doepfer system, but I've had long experience of
analogue synths in general and digital modulars...

The short answer is "it depends", and it all comes down to personal
preference, but some of my thoughts on this (and please anyone else feel
free to pull me up if you think I'm talking rubbish!):

- if you can pick up some stuff 2nd hand that is a good way to get
started cheaply! Depends on your location how likely this is, but I got
lucky.

- the Basic System 1 is all early modules, which means that in some
areas there are now better modules (i.e. filters, more later) and in
others more space/price efficient ones (quad envs A-143-2 quad lfos
A143-3, these 2 give a lot of modulation in not much space and for a
very good price).

- you'll want enough basic modules to fill out a reasonably flexible
monosynth 2 or 3 oscs (I've only got A-110, they sound fine to me and
are much cheaper than A-111), I have 3 because it allows more
interesting patching i.e. 2 oscs FMed by the 3rd oscs which most
monosynths can't do. Couple of Envs, couple of lfos, couple of mixers,
couple of filters, couple of vcas... basically everything to patch
Odyssey/Pro-1/Mini structure.

- some modules are good "swiss army knives", I want an A-133 Dual
Polarizer which I believe will work as gains (0-2.5x), inverters or
VCAs. This saves on needing multiple more specialized modules.

- make sure to take at least 1 multiple (2 x 4) or you will run into
trouble patching creatively with one source going to several
destinations! I've found the A-185 Bus Access pretty handy aswell: LEDs
to show the CV/gate is arriving OK, drives oscs and envs with no patch
cords and has a couple of spare out sockets for each too.

- Filters are a matter of taste and it depends what style of sounds you
want, but you may well find filters other than the A-120 and A-121 will
suit you better. I'd really need to know more to get anywhere near a
recommendation and other people are better qualified than me to make
suggestions!


Martin