Hi All,

I have an 18U system consisting 100% of Doepfer modules. My system is housed across two P9 suitcases. I am a huge fan of the system, but I am at a point of trying to improve the sound as much as possible.

I own 3 x A-101-2 low pass gates. This issue is present in all three modules. As the VCA begins to open, obvious clipping occurs. This is not to be confused with saturation that occurs when the input gain is set past 5-6 (a desired effect). This one sounds different, it is a 'thin' low level distortion, a totally undesired effect. While it may go unnoticed in the busier situations, it is very prominent in the more subtle patches. It kicks in suddenly.

To illustrate, I have uploaded the following clip to Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/sfx-lab/doepfer-a-101-2-clipping-issue/s-KzdLr

A-101-2 is set up as follows: F/A: 0, Lev.: 4, Res.: 0

00:00 Direct sine output from A-110-4. No distortion.

00:05 A-110-4 sine out > A-132-3 audio in. A-132-3 CV modulated by A-143-9. No distortion

00:20 Same patch, A-132-3 replaced with A-101-2 set to VCA mode - CLIPPING OCCURS!

00:34 A-101-2 set to Both mode - CLIPPING OCCURS!

00:48 A-101-2 set to Low pass mode - clipping is barely noticeable.

01:02 A-101-2 is replaced with a Malekko Borg 1 set to VCA mode. No distortion.

I have tried adjusting the trimmers to no effect. It is my understanding that the VCA is clipped. Even attenuating the signal before going into the module or adjusting the Lev. knob makes no difference.

What could be done / upgraded to get rid of this low level clipping

Thank you very much in advance!

All the very best wishes,

Vytis Puronas