Kevin,

If I may offer a couple of observations...

Don't dismiss the A110 VCOs, as they offer a slightly different mode
of sync, and are also a bit punchier than the A111 VCO. I find when
using hard sync, I always end up with the A110 as a slave because (at
least in my opinion) the sidebanding produced when modulating the
slave is more pronounced. That's not to say the A110 is better or
worse than the A111, it's just different.

As for filters, everyone has their own opinion, and it's best to try
to actually hear the different filters before etching anything in
stone. That said, none of the Doepfer filters are bad, but they are
mostly unique to themselves.

I noticed you left off three of the cooler filters, as least in my
opinion. Look at the A103, the A109, and the A124.

I should state from the very beginning that I really didn't think I'd
like the A103, as I'm not a huge fan of hip-hop, and other forms of
music that rely heavily on the 303, but after getting the A103 I have
to say that it's smooth and punchy, has a tight low end, and is a
filter I use more than I thought I would.

The A109 is a very cost effective module that offers a lot of
features. I like the way it handles pads and soft sounds, but it can
become quite edgy if pushed.

The A124 is a filter that, depending on your location, may be
required by law to own. The A124 has a low/high pass output, and the
type of filter desired is set with the Mix control. This allows you,
when the Mix is at 50%, to make the A124 into a notch filter. It
also has a seperate band pass output. If you like a slightly
unpredictable filter, overdrive the input and crank the up resonance.

If you're looking at filter with which to shape the overall quality
of a sound, think about the A128 Fixed Filter Bank. I find that a
most valuable tool.

Regards,
Kevin Lamb

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , "klstay" <kevinstay@e...> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I plan on ordering my first system next week and would like some
> advice. First, let me explain what I plan to do. I recently got an
> Alesis Ion and will be using it as both the MIDI controller and
> initially as the VCOs. This will give me two independent sets of 3
> oscillators each with hard/soft sync, fm, ring, morphing wave
shape,
> and all of the mod sources on the Ion. This allows me to buy more
> filters at first and 3 A-111 modules later.
>
> My first purchase will be:
> A-131 Exp VCA
> A-140 ADSR EG X 2
> A-190 MIDI-CV
> A-114 Ring Mod
> A-118 Noise
> VCF X 2
>
> I have questions about which 2 VCFs I should start with. From the
> web site it seems as if the A-108 will sound just like the A-120 on
> the 4 pole output. Is that correct If so I will not get an A-120
> even though the A-108 is more expensive. (It is worth the extra
> cost.)
>
> I recognize everyone is excited about the morphing feature of the A-
> 107. If used as a "normal filter" will one of the available filter
> types sound like the A-122 or A-123 If so I would only have to get
> one of those for patches requiring an OB LP and HP. (No matter what
> I will be getting an A-107 sometime.)
>
> So, out of the A-102, A-105, A-108, and A-121 which 2 should I pick
> to start with and why
>
> One last question - Is there any further word on the MS-20 filter
> Having one with Doepfer size and power would be nice and I would
buy
> two the day they shipped!