Doepfer A-174-4 3D Joystick – a versatile controller module

This is a big and powerful controller, in the truest sense of the word. The 3D joystick from Doepfer was made for the A-100 system, but certainly fits in all Eurorack systems. And it seems to us an ideal performance tool for analog synthesizers and equipment of all kinds. For everything analog with at least one or more CV inputs …

Just imagine parallel filter frequency movements of multiple synthesizers in real time – the 3D Joystick modulating UDO-Audio SUPER 6, Moog ONE and Novation Summit at the same time … what a “staggering” experience!

Stir the 3D joystick and up 3 synthesizers change their timbre. Up to 6 synthesizers when adding the negative XYZ voltages. And up to 10 synthesizers if the CV voltages of the individual joystick quadrants are used as well. “MASSIVE parallel filter sweeps, MASSIVE performance” comes to mind. Different PAN settings of the instrument’s audio signals then allows for unique statial and sensory experiences.

Approaching our sonic ideas at a somewhat reduced level, we see the 3D joystick – in addition to its primary use in any Eurorack system – as a luxury controller for all analog instruments such as ARP 2600 / 2600FS, Roland System-100 / 100M, Waldorf Quantum (and Iridium), Moog synthesizers and lots more.

The A-174-4 unique selling point is certainly its rotatable joystick head, which outputs a corresponding “third” voltage (Z-axis) and whose top switch also activates a gate signal. The XYZ control voltages are available in positive and negative form.

And, finally, the voltages of the 4 joystick quadrants can be derived, either neatly separated (each area in its own), or with an overlapping area (adjustable via the “overlap” knob). For quadraphone applications – control of 4 VCAs – with morphing transition between the audio signals, just as an example.

Powerful!