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Bucket Brigade Device Module
The Doepfer A-188-1C bases its designed on classic Bucket Brigade Device modules. BBDs were first used before digital delays, renowned for its unique tonal characteristics. BBD circuits are like that of sample and hold units. They work by passing on the voltage to the next module in the chain at each clock pulse. This helps to create the delay effect by bouncing sound into these different ‘buckets’ for echoes that decrease in volume.
BBDs have unique advantages over digital delays, such as its exceptional versatility. You can use the module as a randomiser or sequencer with a positive of negative effect as well as produce delay controlled by ADSR. The wide variety of sound design possibilities makes the A-188-1C ideal for live performances.
Achieve Flanging, Chorus, Analog Delay or Karplus Effects
The A-188-1C delivers exceptional audio fidelity and performance. The sound generated by the module range from standard delays to flanging, chorus and Karplus effects. It features a range of unique controls including voltage-controlled clock/rate delay time. It provides an ultra-wide range for unprecedented control.
The CV inputs include polarity switches allowing you to define of the effect non the clock frequency. A two-phase converter generates the two opposite clock signals which drive the BBD circuits.
Versatile Controls & Connectivity
The comprehensive controls give you full rein over your input signals. The audio input of the module comes equipped with an attenuator allowing you to reduce the input level with precision. Classic-style attenuators are included for controlling manual delay, two CV inputs, feedback level and mix control.
The module also boasts a wide range of connectivity. The high speed VCO (HSVCO) section includes two CV inputs for delay. It also includes a clock and CV output for controlling external module gear. The BBD/audio section features two delay ranges as well as two audio inputs. The BBD output is affected by the feedback polarity switch, obtaining the polarity function for external feedback loops. Mix control allows you to blend between the original signal and the positive or negative BBD signal. Additionally, the module includes a mixed audio output for communicated with external modules and gear.
Features
General
- Highly versatile BBD (Bucket Brigade Device Module)
- Ideal for creating vintage-style delays
- Can achieve flanger, chorus, analog delay or Karplus/strong synthesis effects
- Unique controls such as the voltage controlled clock rate/delay time with ultra-wide range
- Built-in polarity switches for the CV inputs
- High speed VCO section
- Can feedback until the module self-oscillates
- Versatile connectivity for communicating with external modules and synth gear
- Comprehensive controls with precision attenuators
High Speed VCO (HSVCO) Section
- Manual delay control
- Delay CV input (CV1) without attenuator (about 1V/oct) and polarity switch (negative/off/positive)
- Delay CV input (CV2) with attenuator and polarity switch (negative/off/positive)
- Turning the manual delay knob clockwise or an increasing the external CV with polarity switch in positive position increases the clock and consequently decreases the delay time (similar to a VCF or VCO, especially because of Karplus-Strong synthesis applications)
- Clock output (e.g. to control another BBD, SC-Filter or delay module)
- CV output (e.g. to control a VCF that follows the BBD clock), this voltage is composed of the manual delay control, CV1 and CV2
BBD/Audio Section
- Standard versions of the module: 1024 or 2048 stage BBD (choice at order, a mark at the front panel identifies the type of BBD, similar to A-138a/b)
- Special versions of the module: 128, 256, 512 or 4096 stage BBD (additional charge, available only while stocks of these special BBD chips last)
- Delay range for 1024 stage BBD module: ~ 2.5 ms to ??? (corresponds to max. a clock frequency of ~ 200 kHz)
- Delay range for 2048 stage BBD module: ~ 7 ms to ??? (corresponds to max. a clock frequency of ~ 150 kHz)
- The max. delay time (???) is not specified as it depends upon the desired quality of the delayed audio signal. The signal becomes more and more poor as the clock frequency is reduced (please refer to the corresponding note below and listen to the audio examples for details)
- External clock input (used to control the module e.g. from an external HSVCO or from another BBD module). The socket is normalled to the output of the internal clock oscillator.
- Two audio inputs (connected as a miniature multiple) with attenuator
- BBD output (raw delayed output without original signal, e.g. for external feedback control via other A-100 modules, e.g VCA or VCF), the BBD output is affected by the feedback polarity switch to obtain the polarity function even for external feedback loops
- Manual feedback control
- Feedback polarity switch (positive/off/negative), affects even the BBD output socket
- External feedback input (the socket is normalled to BBD output)
- BBD signal polarity switch (positive/off/negative)
- Mix control (relation between original signal and positive or negative BBD signal)
- Mixed audio output
Specifications
- Width: 14HP
- Depth: 60mm
- Module Size: 3U
- Current Draw: 80mA
- Weight: 0.25kg