Why your modular system needs a clock divider - With the Doepfer A-160-2

Clock dividing is one of those tricks that can make a modular patch stand out form semi- and non-modular synths. They are simple tools that can have a huge impact on your percussive or synth patches, and are great tools for rhythmical, drone and generative patches.
Today we have a look at what a clock divider is, some options for your system, the Doepfer A160-2, and then we’ll dive into a series of patches. From using a divider to drive percussive parts, to making interesting tempo synced modulation in your synth voices, to using a divider as the heart of a generative patch. Finally there are some bonus tricks!
Timetable:
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Clock divider
02:16 - Doepfer A160-2
03:20 - Percussion
05:54 - Synth voice
09:41 - Generative
12:16 - Bonus tricks
If you want to support my project:
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Bandcamp: monotrail.bandcamp.com
Special thanks to Legendary Patrons:
Michael Rutchik
Wayne Cowan
Steve Williams
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MANHATTAN
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KZbin: / monotrailmusic
#eurorack #clockdivider #patchtips

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Patch & block diagram illustrations are available to Patrons: www.patreon.com/monotrail

[@jajoma]

As someone who has been using Eurorack for a handful of years (decade), these videos are still incredibly useful. Even when you think you have a grip on things, there is always more to learn, especially in the fundamentals. Thanks for the insight and detailed walkthroughs, they’re infinitely helpful 🤘🏼

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hi there! Thanks for sharing :) I really aim for these videos to be reasonably accessible for starting modular users, but still have enough depth and ideas for more experienced people. Always very happy to hear it's working out! The support and appreciation is what makes it worth it. All the best!

[@DJBassSickB-tch]

I am so incredibly thankful I ran across this video, I have been interested in modular for long while, and recently started playing around on VCV Rack, and trying tutorials. I have been able to figure out some stuff, but this put it in a language I can understand, and the flow charts are absolutely wonderful, thank you, and please keep up the good work!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, thank you! Glad to hear it's apreciated. Im planning to make a full "modular for beginners" series this year!

[@DJBassSickB-tch]

@@MonotrailTechTalk That would be wonderful, I look forward to it!

[@rdean150]

Great video. Exploring the creative potential of utility modules is always appreciated. Clock dividers: keeping passive multiples employed in racks the world over.

[@dustop3r]

Nod Nod.

[@TheMachinesWon]

This “why your system needs” is a great idea for a series of your not already doing this. Just subbed and hope you do many more of these I learned so much! Easy to follow as well which I appreciate. Many thanks 🙏🏽

[@TheMachinesWon]

I have to also mention how the diagrams with the cv trigger and cv has been a big hurtle that makes things so much more clear. Please continue this in the future 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, glad to hear you liked the video! I might make more, although there are not so many things I feel a system would genuinely need :) I do pan to continue this channel and make a lot more. Hope to start a true modular beginner guide series soon. as well as a lot more! And also happy to hear you liked the graphics! Cheers :)

[@rdean150]

Every time I've been on the verge of getting a basic Doepfer clock divider, I end up buying another Pamela. She's a staple in every full system and every generative rack I put together these days. Voltage control, storable configurations, probability skipping, Euclidean rhythms, swing, variable phase, variable gate length, variable amplitude, envelopes, randomization, external sync including MIDI and DIN sync output, and any clock division or multiplication you can imagine. It's such a brilliant module.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

The Pamela is extremely powerful and great value for money, so I get that :) Still like the direct multiple outputs of a dedicated divider. It's nice sometimes to have multiple destinations from the divider, and then change rhythms by repatching quickly :)

[@chitlun]

Excellent video man! Recently, I totally opened up the possibilities of my rack with the addition of one of these and the Deeper Precision Adder. I can't believe I ever got by without them!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you! Glad to hear you are enjoying your setup, precision adders are great to! :)

[@richarquis]

Holy shit, at 8m 32s, when you bring in the kick... It changes everything! I don't have the A-160-2, but I do want it. I just got the A-151 V2 last night, and I'll be ordering the A-160-2 this month. I wanted MI Grids, but it was discontinued before I started modular, but watching your videos, I see how I can do drums using switches and clocks and logic gates. So, although I will buy the Grids clone from Cal Synth later on, for simplicity, first I'm gonna make sure I have enough utilities to do it manually. They'll always be useful for so many other things anyway, after the fact. Your videos are fucking excellent.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hello there! Thanks for the kind words! Sounds like a solid plan, get the most out of basic utilities, and then see what specific features you like to add! The A-151 is great as well, on my list to do a video on as well :) Cheers!

[@KPsTboy]

Breathing new life into clock divider experiments! Thanks, good busy 😉

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rayderrich]

You have no idea how educational and inspiring this video and others from you are for a newbie in this field like me. Thank you man, really!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey! That's lovely to hear! Thanks to some people like you, leaving a comment I have a bit of an idea luckily,. And have to say it's the main drive to keep making more! All the best :)

[@Graincatcher]

Your videos are so helpful, THANK YOU!!! Love the display of your patches and the simplicity explaining it all

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks for letting me know! Friendly comments make it worth it, cheers!

[@slother932]

You always provide excellent tutorials. Thank you!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@wikusvanderhoven]

Dude, your cabling charts are SUPER useful! Nicely done

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, glad to hear it, thanks for letting me know :) Cheers!

[@PressAnyKeyModular]

You did it again, awesome video on some great techniques

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, thank you! Hope to do it a lot more! :)

[@Underlai_Audio]

Beautiful video and incredibly informative. Thank you!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@acidhousetherapy]

Excellent information. Thanks! I've just got my first divider and went for the Doepfer option.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

You're welcome! And think that's a sloid choice, enjoy :)

[@nero_di_seppia]

These videos are super helpful to understand whats happening in complex patches

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to hear it, that's what I was hoping for :) All the best!

[@IanWaugh]

Really nice patches towards the end. A plethora of possibilities :-)

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you! Glad to hear you got something out of it :)

[@Elfaki19]

Your channel is so so so appreciated.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear it :)

[@ChristopherOrth]

These are so great! Thanks for making them!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

You are very welcome, I'm really enjoying this :)

[@mymodularjourney]

Another excellent tutorial 👍

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@marcuspearson6214]

Really cool channel, I have just joined your patreon and the PDF diagrams are awesome, so much to learn!!!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, that's great to hear, thank you for your support! All the best :)

[@kwer1474]

I’m hooked, this is fantastic stuff.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to hear it! Cheers!

[@JeremyEllington]

The track that starts at 8' is amazing.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks! :)

[@chesterdesmond666]

Great video!! Explained exactly and clearly what I was trying to understand. The use of generic terms (oscillator, filter etc) makes it so much easier to grasp than using the names of modules like so (too) many other videos I've watched. "Modulate the pitch of the oscillator with an LFO" vs "now I'm sending a +10v signal from Pamela's Workout to the 1v per octave input on Plaits" Thanks!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Happy to hear it! Making the patch diagrams as universal as possible was part of my starter ideas, glad to hear you liked it. All the best!

[@chesterdesmond666]

Out of curiosity, what do you use to make the animated block diagrams?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Adobe Ilustrator for design, and Animate for simple transitions etc.

[@SallowKyn]

Brilliant teaching, thanks.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

You're very welcome! Glad you liked it, cheers :)

[@BennosProject]

Ive learned so much! Thank you for your inspiration! Hope you will get more subscribers!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hello, thanks for letting me know! Was happy to celebrate 10k subs a little while back, but will go on for sure :) All the best!

[@federico8918]

Daamn those are nice patch ideas! Have to put my clock divider back to the rack!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, thank you!

[@gracecore]

Another great video, thank you

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@goodboid]

Fantastic video!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you very much!

[@tgeo2880]

Excellent video

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you very much!

[@nummer114]

Love the trick at 9:12

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks! And yes, it's a really great way to build dynamics in tracks and peformances :)

[@deantiquisetnovis]

Love the patching ideas! I have two of the Doepfers in my modular. Funny side note, Mr. Doepfer lives a block away from where I live 👍

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to hear it! And nice, I still hope to set up a partnership with dear Mr Doepfer ;)

[@jamesbaynton1881]

Ha! I bought one of these this week. Great video.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Nice! Glad you like it, and enjoy the module!

[@tenrezende]

Great video

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks for the visit!

[@TonydeKaro]

Man, I love your presentations! Viele Grüße nach Berlin

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks! Und danke dir. Alles Gute!

[@TonydeKaro]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Dankeschön

[@tom.konxompax]

fantastic tutorial!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad you think so!

[@alanydne3853]

killer explanation!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you!

[@cristofersiech4692]

my favourite source of modular inspiration : ]

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Glad to hear you like it! All the best :)

[@dustop3r]

Hey! I tried your patches and found myself sitting over 2 hours just changing cables on my 6 voice System 100m now enhanced with clock divider, just flipping envelopes and got plenty of musical results with this approach! So cool. Thanks for sharing! Also appreciate the flow charts so you can implement the ideas in your own modular.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, thanks for letting me know! It's really motivating to get enthusiastic comments like these! Glad you get some use out of these, and enjoy patching!

[@gabesudholt]

Excellent

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jjbing3]

Gots my Pams. 💪🏾

[@Gl1tchDeclined]

Just signed up for hero package on patreon, sooooooo much information to take in lol.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, that's wonderfull to hear! Thank you for your support, and of course I hope you get some fun out of it! Cheers :)

[@TripleTSingt]

I also love triggering my clock divider not by a steady clock, but the actual gates of my melodies (either played or sequenced). So I have some polyrhythmic stuff going on, like a 5 note melody with every 3rd note having an additional envelope on the filter. I also love using or-gates to combine different divisions. I use my clock divider so much, I got a second one ^^

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Ahh, nice, that's a great tip indeed! Still in sync with a clock, but can create interesting shifting patterns :)

[@jfmunk1361]

Eres un crack!!!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

¡Gracias!

[@mynmyself]

that modulear is growing :)

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, yes :) I'm a big fan of getting a lot out of a small system. But this channel is making it both interesting and possible to have it grow allong, might need another case soon ;)

[@frankm.2533]

Your tutorials are the essential source of inspiration for me. I like your well thought out case. But one question: Why no Maths ?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, that's so good to hear, thanks! I'm close to using some Patreon money to get myself a Math and make two videos with it. One on how it works, and one on why you should, or shouldn't get one :) In short: Get one because: It's very creative, flexible , fun and versatile. And If you like experiment and the modular as a playground or sound exploration studio. Don't get one: Because although it can do a lot of different things, it can do mostly one or two at a time, compared to other more specific choices it's big and expansive. In a compact (performance) case other options could make more sense. (for me a Quadra + 3xMIA for example is more powerful when performing). Also, in a larger system, it's easy to cover all the things Maths can do with other modules, with even more flexibility for specific functions. So I didn't get one early, because I was building a specific performance case. And I still don't have one because by now I have pretty much all the functions covered. That said, I still probably get one, and i'm sure i'l enjoy it and find new creative uses for it :)

[@stefanfountain1909]

Great video, just subscribed to your Patreon as well. In the patch you play @6:49 what is the VCA doing? You mention adding an inverted envelop to duck the kick, but is that VCA already getting another envelop signal already that your mixing the inverted envelop into? I’m trying to recreate the basic sound (even without the kick) and can’t get it to sound similar without mixing two envelops to the VCA. Thanks in advance.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, thank you so much, that's lovely to hear! All audiodemos in my Tech Talk series are exactly the patch that I explained before the demo. So in this case there are two important envelopes. one is positive, and opening the filter to create that plucky sound. indeed its very common to send a synth voice envelope to the VCA, but in this example I made it even more compact, so only the filter is opened. The VCA is just letting the sound through, and recieving the inverted envelope to close the plucky synth sound. Crucial for this setup is that you have a VCA with an offset control, so you can manually open it. Then use the attenuator on the VCA to set the amount of influence from the inverted envelope. Hope that helps!

[@returnofthenative]

Thank you. AU

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

You're welcome!

[@StudioVoodooMusic]

I would also highly recommend a clock multiplier, especially the A160-5 VC Clock Multiplier and Ratcheting Controller. The multiplier does the same thing as the divider except it takes the clock and makes the intervals shorter relative to the clock rather than longer. The ratcheting function is Voltage Controlled to create very cool old-school Tangerine Dream ratcheting sequences and triplet shuffle beats. Controlling the VC with a manual knob enables cool breakdowns, transitions and alternative sequences. Here is a video where the 160-5 is used heavily. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIaug6iHodp0g6Msi=_7gJEdFAkYv9bi15 It is how the rhythm of the melodies are able to be doubled and tripled for as long or short as I'd like.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Thanks! Clock multipliers are great indeed! Might have to make a video on that some time as well. I often use my Batumi II in clock multiply mode, creating ratches is great fun! All the best!

[@stefanhansen5882]

Another great video! :) The offbeat output using invert and offset, as you explain, how is that done in practice? Which modules are needed? Thanks!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

I use it some time! It's done with a utility module, I love using Happy Nerding 3xMIA for this. Takes just one channel, use one knob to invert the incomming signal, and the other to add offset. There are a couple of other modules that can invert/mix/add offset. Have a look at this video if you havn't yet :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4rXfaCoi91ng7s

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Thanks, I will have a look!

[@flourfree2K]

The sibling module is the Doepfer A-160-5 (Clock multiplier). Meaning that you can have a SLOW LFO waveform (other than square) and A FAST SQUARE wave at the same time, coming out of a single LFO (A-145, A-147-2 - or who is lucky enough, a wonderful A-147 - sadly, no longer manufactured).

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Yes, lovely module as well, maybe I can get my hands on one :)

[@Elfaki19]

Thank you for your videos! Im wondering, what is the difference between ASR and AHR?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hi there, and thanks! Attack/Sustain/Release vs Attack/Hold/Release envelope. What that means really depends on the manufacturer/synth/module to be honest. With sustain I would expect a knob or slider to set the level for the value to be sustained when holding a key or gate. With Hold there is usually no value the envelope just goes to t's maximum output, holds it, and then goes to the release phase after the key or gate stops. Some manufacturer could mean the envelope doesn't just outputs it's maximum value during the Sustain/Hold portion, but instead "track" the value of the incomming gate. In all fairnes, always best to check the manual to look up the exact behaviour of the synth/module you're interested in to see if it works the way you prefere :)

[@flourfree2K]

I'd make a video on why you need a Branches module from Mutable Instruments (available for cheap and it's DUAL). Generative music and rhythms at their maximum levels. With an ANALOG module (or two). Unfortunately (I DO LOVE DOEPFER MODULES), Doepfer doesn't make such a gorgeus 6HP module. You can drive a S&H probability to be triggered and/or an envelope generator to be gated/retriggered. And, of course, it can be used with percussive modules to trigger or not that particular drum.

[@rnx317]

thanks man, among the best sources for modular synthesis! one question for ariund the 6min mark: you say you feed a slow envelope to delay 1 - do you mean feeding the envelope to the delays trigger in or to the delays modulation in? thanks so much my man!

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

The envelope is modulating the delay time. But note this delay is not used as a traditional delay with audible intervals. Its used with very short delay times, creating a sort of stacked oscillator sound. Works great with saw or square waves. Then the evelope is just subtly infuencing the delay time, creating a bit of motion.

[@rnx317]

@@MonotrailTechTalk thats what I thought and tried out, super good. thanks for the quick reply! ✨

[@FrancescoTarabelloni]

really interesting! for the inverter module what inverter module do you suggest to use in this type of setup that could be simple and usable?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hello ! The doepfer A-166 Logic module is interesting. It has two logic inverters, meaning it's not inverting the voltage, but inverting the input state. So high will be low and the other way around. Of course it also ads two logic channels, so it will add a lot of fun to something like the A-160-2- Remember you can also inverte gate signals by using an attenuverter and offset with mixer.

[@FrancescoTarabelloni]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Thanks a lot! Do you think a module utility/mixer like the Intellijel Triatt could also do the job? Cause I need also a small mixer like the triatt in my setup so maybe if can do both 2 things would be great.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Then have a look at the Happy Nerding 3x MIA! It's a great utility and mixer module with the best power to size and price in my opinion. My video on it is a bit old, but the info is still good :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4rXfaCoi91ng7s

[@FrancescoTarabelloni]

@@MonotrailTechTalk thanks! Yes I have already see your video on MIA some weeks ago...actually I was considering also MIA...the only thing that I can't comprehend about the MIA is if I can INVERT like I would do on the Triatt. Cause I don't see an "invert switch".

[@frenziedcurtain]

I grabbed one and wanted to start with just basic 4-on-the-floor stuff but it's coming in with all this poly stuff. (yes I have it on 2-128 and 24ppqn in). Do I need to mess with the jumpers?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hello! Remember some modules respond werid to gates (on-off), so make sure to set the module to trigggers if you work with drum modules or such. But then if the patterns are still of, indeed you have to get to the jumpers. There are few to set behaviour, for exmple there is one that inverts the ouputs, which would make it all weird if you want 4 to the flour stuff :) You can find the info here, with a .pdf for the jumpers on the bottom of the page doepfer.de/a1602.htm

[@tootkaput]

What does a clock / freq divider do with a noise source? I ask because I was looking at the block diagram for the Hikari Monos standalone synth thing and I think that was part of its internal patch.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hi there! Had to test it. Noise is just a very fast rondom signal. So expected random gates if divided strong enough. But I get a pretty stable frequency out of the divider. This is only true for very slow divisions. for example divide by 64 or 128. But no random gates unfortuantely :)

[@tootkaput]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to check it out!

[@jamesbaynton1881]

It blew my mind when I discovered that the lfo that drives a clock divider can be used twice, the square wave can trigger a kick and the sine wave can trigger an off-beat hi hat, without needing to be inverted.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

For sure you can use the clock multiple times :) But for the the sinewave to work, you'd still need to invert it right?

[@jamesbaynton1881]

@@MonotrailTechTalk I've been using Batumi, in divide mode, triggering pico drums, so maybe it's specific to those modules, but no, the square and the sine of the same oscillator will trigger alternate 'on beats' and 'off beats' with out inverting the sine. I don't understand why, but it does.

[@seansnyder7744]

Does a similar utility exist but for cv pitch division? I'm wanting to take a single LFO and divide it into multiple different speeds for modulating other modules.

[@seansnyder7744]

I think I just realized the best way to do what I'm going for is with the 3xMIA and a mult... Just take the output of LFO into mult, split as many as needed, and attenuate accordingly.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hey, not sure what you'r asking exactly. Multing an LFO into 3xMIA just gives you the same LFO, but the ability to attenuate the copies.You can use a clock divider to divde square wave LFO and send it to diffferent locations. If you mean if there is a tool that divides 1v/oct signals I not aware of any, but could be cool actually :)

[@xavierxeon]

The A160-2 is one of the few modules I have twice

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Haha, that actually makes a lot of sense to me. Great to combine different sets of divisons!

[@xavierxeon]

even better with a square lfo and a logic module

[@MyPruha]

how to make a swing a sequencer? is there an easy way to do 246 steps with a delay? is there a module with swing presets as it is done in ableton? Thank you

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Check out the Eowave - Swing !

[@MyPruha]

@@MonotrailTechTalk yes, I just did it before writing) the module is not produced and is not for sale. zero video on youtube

[@nikkortumblr]

Hi, which software do you use for creating those diagrams?

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hello! Adobe Illustrator and Animate.

[@nikkortumblr]

Thank you!

[@stempek121]

8:30

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Yeah, really liked that patch :) Ill get back to it soon I hope, should be a track!

[@stempek121]

@@MonotrailTechTalk Definitely, sounds really good

[@samuelcameron9353]

I just moved my doepfer a-160-2 to beaide my tip top matrix sequencer and was struck by one thing that must surely baffle all logically minded people. Which is...why do so many clock dvidiers not provide a through of the original clock input for reference.? I know it might not effetively make any difference in practice but its quite confusing not to have the clcok running in a patch anywhere but instead 1/2 being the fastest used clock as here in the percussion patch. Because of this i decided I Had to mult the clock going in to ths doepfer module and use this as the reference base level rather than the 1/2 comint out of it. But i really wish the module had got a through on it of the original clock to avoid having to do this and other clock dividers seem to also lack one.

[@MonotrailTechTalk]

Hi there! Very true. I think I agree with the decision though. I often use a stackable cable to send the clock to the divider, gives me another copy of the master clock as well. And putting a copy of the clock would come at the cost of another jack/clock division. I would rather have the extra division and use a mult for the clock, well in most cases :)

[@christopherknowles]

No you stops copies me.