Best Doepfer A-143-4 Alternatives

Based on 9 reviews

For my portable rig case this is quite a big module. On the other hand it's the only oscillator module I carry around cos it's SO deep. Especially since I got the HEL expander for Odessa, which basically turn it into a (technically not) polyphonic osc. The build quality is fantastic, as with all XAOC modules. Things to be aware of before buying: 1-The sweet spots are quite narrow, but they're the sweetest. 2-Keep in mind this is an oscillator, not a synth module which means: 3-You'll need loads of modulation to make the best of it. Even though Odessa has attenuators (that's what the sliders are for) you'll need way more of them to achieve more melodic and less experimental results. 4-If you buy the Hel expander, which I recommend, you'll need a quantizer to make the most of those...

Based on 4 reviews

I've been looking for a solid analog Eurorack VCO for a long time, especially because most Eurorack VCO's do not pitch track very well. I use my Eurorack setup next to digital synths that play chords, so perfect pitch tracking and perfect tuning is very important to me. This module however has the best tracking I've seen so far in small form factor analog eurorack VCO's! It also features very extensive calibration options with multiple trimmers if the tuning is off. The ONA has a very smooth and warm sound with its own character. In my opinion can be somewhat compared to a mix between the smoothness of a Moog VCO and the tightness of a classic Roland VCO. Next to the traditional waveforms the 2 extra complex waveforms add a lot more tone capabilities. You can find a lot of different...

Based on 4 reviews

This VCO module is rather unique, if you're reading reviews you probably already know that. It's everything you want it to be and more. Paired with another VCO for modulation/synchronisation you can get a really full spectrum of sounds out of this beast. The Divkid video about this module (go watch that instead of reading this review) covers this extensively. I've had this thing for over a year now and I still haven't tried every possible way to patch it into itself or other modules... Heck, I spent a week or two just getting to know the module at first just to be able to get it to behave like a bread-and-butter vco in a live-rig with some added flair. Subtlety is really key to get it to behave like a 'normal' VCO. Then again, you could just turn everything to 'zero' and just...

Based on 3 reviews

I have lived with this one for a year now. And it is useful and fun! The module gives easy access to basic wave shapes which all sound good, but the real treat is the wave shaping section. The folder and the drive sound fantastic, and I often use them on other sound sources in my rack. For instance, a resonator, such as Qu-Bit Surface in string mode or MI Rings, through the drive is a sound I can soak in for hours. The layout of the module is very simple and compact. But because it is so dense and regular I do find I have to read the label to remember which control is which. This is also a module which gets better if you have a few utilities in your rack. For instance, the PW modulation might need some attenuation. Or you might want to offset the signal, or add an LFO, before the folder...

Based on 2 reviews

Having waited for a long while for my 4 oscillators and also having read the previous review, I found that my oscillators track well, maybe they've fixed the problem. There is a preset on the back which allows the user to fine tune the tracking . The overall build quality is excellent especially considering the price. The controls have a feel of quality even if, behind the panel, they are tiny. Sound: I used one of the original ARP 2500 systems in the 1970s and I knew what I wanted to hear. These small, cheap oscillators deliver. By using them with the other modules in the range you can hear some of the characteristics of the original 2500 in general and I am happy with that. The only thing missing is some of the noise which came from all those matrix switches but unless you are wanting...

Based on 2 reviews

The EMW Arcade Noise is a totally unique digital noise generator, with quite a lot of control options and such fantastic sound capabilities! You can use it for random CV, dense digital noises, and at high frequencies it can be even used as an unusual, harsh-sounding oscillator. The feedback tap allows for timbre manipulation, as well as achieving sounds and effects of a glitch-y, unpredictable nature. The 16-bit and 4 taps options can make the sound even more frantic and out of control. Really good for creating experimental sounds. The build quality is great, the module feels solid as a tank. The knobs feel like Doepfer's ones. The switches are sturdy. The only thing I don't like is the absolute lack of information. There are no instructions to be found, so you have to figure out...

Based on 2 reviews

It has been a long time coming but Doepfer develop their products carefully and always in response to user feedback. Up to last year (2014) their oscillator range was very restricted (to say the least - there were only 2 and one of those was discontinued a couple of years ago!). However Dieter Doepfer has now gone oscillator-mad and introduced a whole host of different ones with various features. A number of manufacturers have produced thru-zero FM capable modules for Eurorack in recent years. When Dieter annnounced he was making one it was always going to be good. This one does not disappoint and is very versatile, with quadrature outputs (two sine waves 90 degrees out of phase with each other) although I wish he would publish more guidance on how to get get the best from it. Mind you,...

Based on 1 reviews

This module takes modular synths outside the analogue realm, since it is completely 8-bit digital in nature. Don't expect the same quality as the modern soft samplers (which can be 16, 24 or 32 bit), but that is not the point. The gritty sounds you get from this module are perfect for many electronic genres, and the ability to play samples inside a modular synth, and process the results through analogue filters, or play them with a sequencer, brings a whole refreshing new dimension to your music. Get one (or even two maybe - I knew a man who had four!)

Based on 1 reviews

In just 8hp we got simultaneous basic waveforms, classy sub -1 and -2, for sure PWM, morphing through waves, LFO and sync options, tone locking and oct switching (thanks!!!!) and (oh yeah) TZ freq and phase modulation! I don't even know decent alternatives. Looking forward to pair it into complex osc, yeah, with VCAs, folder, etc. Super handy, rubber knobs are always satisfying, I like it way more than previous basic oscs. Feels like it is requesting to do more and more patching, I don't even know why. Great option for basic audio and modulation patches. Zero issues and drawbacks were observed after a couple of months. Gold star!

Based on 1 reviews

If you are even remotely interested in modular and eurorack synthesis, then Doepfer is a name you certainly know of. This brand is the epitome of "cheaper is not always less quality' if you ask me. The doepfer range has been available for many years, and the new vintage styled modules are not different from their initial grey counterparts, but do look a lot nicer in my opinion :-) The module is well built , solid quality, and sounds great. It has all basic features you'd expect, and is easy to install and use. The doepfer VCO are great, and sound good, even compared to expensive modules. This is a good option for both the experienced as beginning eurorack enthousiast.