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

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Let’s connect!:

#eurorack #clockdivider #patchtips

[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 🤘🏼

[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!

[rdean]

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

[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 🙏🏽

[rdean]

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.

[cataclysmicconverter]

Thanks so much for these videos. I first got into modular about 7 years ago at middle age and like many people do, I bought a lot of modules I do not know how to use or completely understand, besides trial and error methods. After taking a break for a several years and using just desktops, I've come back to modular. I've only gone with 2 makers, Make Noise and Doepfer. I have a 6U/84hp case loaded with Doepfer as he is my favorite builder and I love his products. I prefer the straightforward GREAT modules over crazy graphics I can't understand. And I don't use any DAW. I've just started utilizing the clock divider A160-1 and A161 connected to it. Your videos really help to see all of their potential. Thanks again!

[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!

[KPsTboy]

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

[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!

[wikusvanderhoven]

Dude, your cabling charts are SUPER useful! Nicely done

[chesterdesmond]

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!

[nero_di_seppia]

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

[Graincatcher]

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

[acidhousetherapy]

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

[dustopr]

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.

[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 👍

[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.

[IanWaugh]

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

[Underlai_Audio]

Beautiful video and incredibly informative. Thank you!

[marcuspearson]

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