Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb Module

Awesome!

Amazing quality module, sturdy and great sounding. I would propably prefer the screws to be on all corners. Feedback feature is excellent.

It is ok

Nice sounding, but you need to replace RCA cables with better ones and place tank far away from case. No CV control of anything...

Very under rated module.

It does spring reverb and it does it really well. Being able to change the reverb tank is a deadly feature.

Inaccurate Description & Noisy

The depth of this unit with the included Audio cables are well over 80mm, even though the PCB itself measures about 50mm. This is a misrepresentation of module depth and causes it to be unusable, unless you want to invest more money or void the warranty. Additionally, the white noise (not the hum) the reverb tank picks up while inside the case is as loud as the effect itself. I like my other Doepfer modules, but this is one to skip, unless you want a large, white noise generating module for cheap. The Doepfer tank is about twice the size of the module itself. If you have a Mantis, skiff, or most modern portable cases, skip it. I LOVE the Intellijel Springray in comparison; its tank is about the size of the module & is noise-free in the same location + more features.

Could be great

When I bought this I read about the hiss and noise of the module/tank combination. Others said that placement made a huge difference and that by moving it to a certain magic spot the noise would disappear. I never found the magic spot and the noise ruins for me what otherwise would be a lovely module. I read that Doepfer issued them with poor quality RCA cables and that if they are changed that it can be significantly improved.

Pros - the effect is lovely, the module is well built and has good options for output of treated sound. Physical interaction with the tank itself also creates new options.

Cons - unwanted hiss and noise, placing the tank outside the modular case means an unsightly opening and long cable, putting it inside the case may mean no ability to control the noise. In my case the latter option was not possible as the case is too small.

Sound good but the spring is too big for doepfer 100 flight case

The sound is amazing but i cannot build in my flightcase because of the size of springbox and if the synth is full with modules i cannot route the rca cable inside to plug the springs onto pcb. And i would like to install the springs in different box because when i use the plugs or play with the knobs the springs will change the sound. I wish the rca connector on the face plate and the springs sell in box "maybe with 2 springs for stereo". I bought 2 module for stereo but i cannot use it.

Slightly bigger spring tanks would give deeper sound

The A-199 Spring Reverb is a nice addition to the system if you don't want DSP, I would say once paired with the BBD you'd have all you need in terms of effects. In my opinion the spring tank is a bit small, I agree it has to fit in the case, however, it is very sensitive to magnetic fields and to make it run silently I have to have it outside the case, so even if the spring tank was larger it would have been fine. Other than that it sounds good.

Edit: The noise it produced despite its placement far away from MF was due to poor quality RCA cables supplied with old units. I found this out after I got in touch with Dieter Doepfer, who, kindly sent me the better quality cables needed. Now everything runs smoothly and quiet!

Its an ok spring reverb

It is a little noisy but at end do the job, for the price is good

ringing springy sounds

I think this is a fabulous addition to any modular system. one of the most inexpensive true spring reverbs available. I've installed mine with the spring tank mounted inside the case (Doepfer's LC9). It is solidly built and adds so much more than just an extra dimension to my sounds. Being able to effect and alter the feedback loop makes for endless exploration and possibilities.

Very Springy

Leave it outside the case for spring abusing

A must have in/out of any case