Full Description

Wave Types

Sawtooth

The Doepfer A-110 features a Sawtooth waveform with a "cutting" sound that is rich and full of harmonic overtones. All of the harmonics of the fundamental are present, with a linear reduction in intensity as the harmonic series progresses. This means that the second harmonic is half as strong, the third is one third, the fourth a quarter, and so on. Sawtooth waves are perfect for synthesizing percussion, brass, or vocal timbres.

Square

The A-110 is also equipped with a Square waveform that can have its pulse width modulated manually or via CV. A symmetrical/square pulse wave has only odd harmonics of its fundamental, resulting in a typically "hollow" sound. The further that the pulse width deviates from fifty percent, the weaker the lower harmonics become, and the more the sound takes on a thin/nasal characteristic. Square waves are perfect as a sound source for subtractive synthesis due to their naturally rich overtones. They're ideal for producing woodwind-like timbres.

Triangle

On top of square and sawtooth, the A-110 also features a triangle waveform. Triangle waves are generally poor in the upper harmonics, but produce a much softer, more mellow sound overall. They only contain odd harmonics, whose strength decreases exponentially (the third harmonic is ninth as strong, the fifth 1/25, and so on). Due to their soft, rounded sonic characteristics, triangle waves are perfect for synthesizing flute, organ, and vibe-type timbres.

Sine

Finally, the A-110 is also equipped with Sine wave generation. Sine waves are pure waves, containing just the fundamental without any harmonics. They aren't the most suitable waveform for subtractive synthesis, but can used to produce incredible tones none-the-less.

Controls

• Range: This knob controls the octave of the fundamental (Footage). Five settings are available, giving you access to a wide frequency range
• Tune: This control enables fine tuning of the oscillator frequency in a range of roughly +/- 1/2 an octave. If two or more oscillators are controlled by the same control voltages, and set to the same footage, you can use the Tune knob to de-tune one or more of the oscillators relative to each other. This can produce vibrato and chorus-like effects, perfect for soundscapes and rich timbres
• CV 2: The pitch of the VCO is controlled by the voltages preset at the CV 1 and CV 2 inputs. The amount the CV at the CV 2 input affects the VCO pitch can be controlled using this attenuator
• PW: Control that allows you to alter the pulse width of the square wave appearing at the square wave output
• PW CV 2: The pulse width of the square wave can also be altered or modulated by voltage control from the PW CV inputs. The level of the PW CV 2 signal affective the pulse width can be set with this control

Inputs/Outputs

• SYNC: This is the Sync Input for the VCO. Sync works by having the waveform of one VCO ("Slave") locked to the waveform of another VCO ("Master"), by connecting the audio out of the master VCO to the Sync input of the slave VCO. This is designed as Hard Sync in the A-110
• CV 1: CV input for controlling the VCO's frequency (pitch). The voltage at this input is summed with the CV 2 input. The input follows the 1V/Oct rule precisely
• CV 2: CV input for controlling the VCO's frequency (pitch). The voltage at this input is summed with the CV 1 input. The input follows the 1V/Oct rule precisely
• PW CV 1: CV input for controlling the pulse width of the square wave that the VCO produces. The voltage at this input is summed with PW CV 2. The level of the CV input percent can be controlled with the PW CV knob
• PW CV 2: CV input for controlling the pulse width of the square wave that the VCO produces. The voltage at this input is summed with PW CV 1. The level of the CV input percent can be controlled with the PW CV knob
• Sawtooth: VCO output for the Sawtooth wave
• Square: VCO output for the Square wave
• Triangle: VCO output for the Triangle wave
• Sine: VCO output for the Sine wave

Specifications

• Width: 10HP / 50.5mm
• Depth: 55mm (Measured from the rear side of the front panel)
• Current:
  • +12V: +90mA
  • -12V: -20mA