I took two A-101-2 from our stock and cannot reproduce any distortion.
Looking at the circuit distortion is implausible because only vactrols and
operational amplifiers are working.
I'd like to know if anybody else in this group a similar distortion problem
with the A-101-2.

The only idea I have is that the electronic switches used to switch between
VCA/VCA+VCF/VCF (DG442)are faulty as they are used to switch parts of
circuit. Buton the other hand it's implausible that the switches are
defective on all three modules.

If you are a bit familiar with eletronics you my try to replace one of the
DG442 to find out if this solves the problem. The DG442 is a standard
electronic switch and should be available from electronic shops (Mouser,
Farnell, Digikey ...).

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer

> -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com ]
> Gesendet: Mittwoch, 7. September 2016 22:59
> An: Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com
> Betreff: 1 A-101-2 VCA low level clipping
>
>
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
>