Doepfer Dark Energy II - Manual (Page 10)

10
Dark EnerGy II DOEPFER Functions
3. Functions
In this section, we will explore all of Dark Energy II‘s modules and functions in detail. We will also have a
closer look at the way the modules interact, and finally at MIDI.
3.1. Signal path
USB
MIDI In
MIDI / CV
Interface
Oscillator
(VCO)
Filter
(VCF)
Amplifier
(VCA)
Low Frequency
Oszillator 2
(LFO1)
Low Frequency
Oszillator 2
(LFO2)
Envelope
Generator
(ADSR)
Audio
Output
Gate Signal
Envelope Control Voltage
LFO Control
Voltage Pitch Control
Voltage
Audio Audio Audio
CV 4 CV 3 CV 2 CV 1
The figure above illustrates an overview of Dark Energy II‘s signal path.
The dark-grey boxes show all modules that generate or process the sound (or the audio signal, respec-
tively.) They are labelled VCO, VCF, and VCA, and together they form the audio path.
The light-grey boxes are control modules. Instead of audio signals, they generate control voltages which
modulate the audio modules. The envelope generator can send control voltages to VCO, VCF, and VCA.
The low frequency oscillators (LFO1 and LFO2) can send their control voltages to both oscillators, to the
filter (LFO2), or to the amplifier (LFO1) respectively.
The MIDI-to-CV/Gate interface „translates“ incoming MIDI data into control voltages that can be tapped
from the sockets labelled CV 1 - 4. CV 1 is also fed into the VCO´s input to control the oscillator pitch. Apart
from that, the MIDI-to-CV/Gate interface generates a gate signal which triggers the envelope and fires off a
tone.
The figure on the following page shows the complete signal path in all its beauty. If you are a bit technically
orientated, you will find it easy to follow those tiny electrons through the maze of the circuitry. All inputs and
outputs, pots and switches as well as all internal submodules – such as adders and inverters – are shown
in the illustration.
The functions of all modules are described in detail in the following section from page 12 onwards. A more
general and easy-to-understand description of analog sound generation can be found in section 4, „Nuts
and bolts of sound generation“.