Module A-199 is a spring reverb module. The reverb effect is electronically simulated by means of 3 spiral springs. Spring reverb systems have a very characteristic sound that is based on the (insufficient) mechanical properties of the springs like signal delays, audio resonances, limited frequency range, acoustic feedback behaviour, sensitivity to mechanical shocks and others.
The 3-spring system used in the A-199 ensures a "dense" reverb because of the different properties of the three springs.
The A-199 implies some special features that are not self-evident for spring reverb units:
The reverb signal can be fed back to the input using the Feedback control. Even self-oscillation of the springs similiar to the self-oscillation of filters is available. The feedback loop can lead even via external modules like VCA, VCF, phaser, frequency shifter, vocoder, distortion/waveshaper, ring modulator and others. In this case the reverb output of the A-199 is connected to the input of the external module(s) and the output of the external module(s) is fed back to the Ext.Feedback In socket of the A-199. This socket contains a switch that interrupts the internal feedback loop as soon as a plug is inserted.
Another feature is the Emphasis control. This enables the adjustment of the accentuation of middle frequencies (around ~ 2kHz).
Frequency response of emphasis
With the Mix control the relation between original and reverb signal appearing at the mix output is adjusted.
Using all these features very extreme and unusual effects can be generated with the A-199.
Inputs: Audio In, ext. Feedback In (switched socket)
Outputs: Reverb Out (pure reverb signal), Mix Out
Controls: Level (input level), Feedback, Emphasis, Mix
For more detailed information please look at the English user's manual A199_man.pdf.
Some sound examples by navs.modular.lab are available here:
http://navsmodularlab.blogspot.com/2011/06/doepfer-199-spring-reverb.html
The spring reverb system is connected to the A-199 module via 2 cables with RCA phono connectors. As the reverb system is very sensitive to magnetic fields it has to be placed in a big distance from the transformer of the A-100 power supply - privileged in the left upper corner of the A-100 frame. The reverb system is mounted with screws and nuts or double-faced self-adhesive tape. There has to be sufficient space for the reverb system (about 20 x 7 x 5 cm). Please look at the A-199 user's manual A199_man.pdf before you order the module For frames that include the A-199 we recommend the usage of the new power supply PSU2. PSU2 has much less magnetic radiation (because of the ring core transformer) that may cause hum noise in the A-199. In the meantime only the new A-100PSU2 is manufactured. The old version of the power supply (without ring core transformer) is no longer available.
Width: 8 TE / 8 HP /40.3 mm
Depth: 50 mm (measured from the rear side of the front panel, without reverb system)
Current: 80 mA
