Doepfer A-100: New modules for “true” polyphony

Polyphony is nothing new, you’re right. But speaking of modular systems, polyphony usually requires a lot of effort. Many VCOs, many VCFs, lots of VCAs, etc. The problem is not only the sheer number of modules that you need, but above all the instant controllability of the same. Doepfer now offers “true” polyphonic modules that can be used effectively in music practice …

Dieter Doepfer:

“Modular synthesizers are almost exclusively monophonic structures since true polyphonic patches require a lot of modules — at least four VCOs, four VCFs, four VCAs, and eight ADSRs for a ‘classic’ four-voice patch. But even then it’s difficult to control filter resonance or modulation depth of all the filters, for example, or the attack and decay time of all the envelope generators
simultaneously. So now it’s possible to integrate these functions into the modular synth world with our polyphonic modules, though the idea is not just to recreate a standard polyphonic synth within the modular system but rather realise new polyphonic structures that go far beyond a standard polyphonic synth and also far beyond the typical monophonic structures of a modular system since they still offer access to all parameters via CV or gate.”

The modules in detail:

Ending on a high note, Dieter Doepfer deduces:

“Modular synthesizers will still be predominantly used for monophonic sounds, as I’m well aware, but at least one polyphonic sound appears in many pieces of music and now it’s possible to integrate this into the modular synth world with our polyphonic modules.”