doepfer a-157 trigger sequencer subsystem price : $500.00

a-157 is a trigger sequencer subsystem that generates eight trigger signals controlled by a 8x16 led/button matrix (some customers call it "miniature schaltwerk" as it is based on the same matrix as the no longer available schaltwerk). the subsystem contains three modules:

a-157-1: 8 x 16 led/button matrix and function adressing buttons/leds
a-157-2: trigger output module
a-157-3: control inputs module

the led/button matrix module a-157-1 is the core of the subsystem. it is used to set or reset the trigger event on each of the 16 steps of each of the 8 rows. in addition the buttons and leds of the matrix are used for other functions too (like setting the first and last step of each row or adressing the preset memory). the trigger output module a-157-2 outputs the 8 trigger signals and has an led display for each trigger available. the control inputs module a-157-3 has manual controls and trigger inputs available for the basic control functions start, stop, reset and clock. in addition four functions inputs are available which will be used in future firmware versions to assign these inputs to special functions (e.g. shifting a row left or right by means of an external gate/trigger signal or a second set of start, stop, reset and clock for individual rows).

a-157-1:
in addition to the main 8x16 matrix this modules contains also the buttons and leds for these functions:
mute button for each row, these buttons are planned also as submenu buttons for future firmware version

select button for each row, used to address one or more rows for subsequent functions (e.g. first step, last step, shift left, shift right ...)

function buttons/leds, the functions are divided into two levels, the second level is invoked by the shift button/led on the buttom right position

the functions without shift are printed black, the shift-functions are printed in reverse

in the first version of the firmware only the functions without shift are working (with some exceptions), future versions of the firmware can be updated by the user via usb

available functions (first firmware version):
trigger set / delete: sets or resets the currently addressed step of the selected row(s) while the sequence is running

shift left / shift right: shifts the complete row(s) of all selected row(s) to the left or to the right relative to all other (not selected) rows

invert: inverts all steps of the selected row(s), i.e. "on" becomes "off" and vice versa

swap: swaps/mirrors the selected row(s), i.e.step 1 becomes step 16, step 2 becomes step 15, step 3 becomes step 14 and so on

first/last step: defines the first and last step of all selected row(s) in combination with the corresponding buttons of the matrix

forward/backward/pendulum/random: defines the running direction of the selected row(s)

a-b/a-b-c-d: a-b = 32 step sequence, a-b-c-d = 64 step sequence, the leds are used to display the currently playing section of the 32 or 64 step sequence

recall/store: used to store or recall complete sequences in combination with the matrix buttons/leds



a-157-2:
this is the trigger/gate output module that has 8 sockets with assigned leds available. the width of the output signal depends upon the width of the incoming clock signal, i.e. the width of the output signals is the same as the width of the incoming clock signal. the level of the output signal is software controlled (i.e. not fixed to a certain value) as each outputs is equipped with a separate dac (digital-to-analog converter). in the first version of the firmware the level is fixed to ?v.

a-157-3:
this module is the master control unit for start, stop, reset and clock. in addition four function controls and inputs are available that will be used in future firmware versions to address certain functions also from external signals (e.g. shifting a row ). each function has a manual operated button and a control input. the voltage at each input has to be +3v... +12v to trigger the function in question.

important technical note for a-157-3: the pin header jp2 at the bottom edge of the pcb is unused so far. it is labelled "(option) start/stop/reset breakout" and is planned for a start/stop/reset/clock breakout module. that's why the a-157-3 module is delivered without a cable connected to jp2! do no connect jp2 to the a-100 bus ! this will damage the a-157 modules and warranty is void!

the three modules are internally connected via ribbon cables and can be arranged also in another layout (e.g. a-157-2/3 on the right side of the a-157-1 or in a row above or below). the modules are available only as a complete set.

this module has a maximum current draw of 350ma. it requires 52 te/hp worth of space to fit in a eurorack frame.

to view this module's user manual as a pdf file, please click here.