Specifications
Dark time
DOEPFER
Functions
20
Start/Stop and Reset sockets:
Each time Dark Time is started, stopped or the reset function is performed, the corresponding output socket
(St/St Out or Reset Out) will send a short voltage pulse of +5V.
There are many uses for these signals, especially in combination with a modular
synthesizer system, e.g. the Doepfer A-100. You can trigger envelope generators in
time when Dark Time starts, stops or resets (e.g. the Doepfer modules A-140, A-141,
A-142), synchronize suitable LFOs (e.g. Doepfer A-145) or start/stop additional
sequencers, e.g. another Dark Time. The clock signal described above will ensure
the same rate for all units connected, the start/stop/reset-triggers will make sure that
both units will perform these actions at exactly the same time.
Running two Dark Times the way we have just mentioned suggests that the slave device can be started,
stopped and reset by means of external signals. You have guessed it again – this exactly is the job of the
St/St In and Reset In sockets. As soon as one of these sockets receives a +5V signal, the corresponding
action will be performed.
You are not limited to use start/stop or reset signals of another Dark Time or a drum
machine when you use these sockets. You may use every kind of device that is
capable of putting out a +5V trigger. This can be a suitable footswitch or – again
– specic modules of the Doepfer A-100 modular system (just in case we haven’t
mentioned this one yet).
3.2.4. Dark Time as a simple MIDI-Clock-to-Sync interface
You may use Dark Time as a simple MIDI-Clock-to-Sync interface. When running as a slave, synced to an
external MIDI-clock (master), Dark Time will send a clock signal of 24 pulses per quarter-note from its
Clk-Out socket. You may route this signal to another, non-MIDIed device (e.g. suitably equipped vintage
drum machine or sequencer) in order to synchronize it with the master MIDI device.
It can also be done the other way round: When Dark Time receives an analog clock signal via its Clk-In
socket, a MIDI-clock signal will be available from the MIDI-out socket and the USB-port respectively. You
can use this to synchronize a MIDI device (slave) to an analog clock.
Start/stop and reset signals coming in through Dark Time’s analog interface sockets are also available as
MIDI signals at the MIDI-out socket and the USB-port respectively.
The start-/stop-/continue commands of incoming MIDI data are available as +5V triggers from the St/St Out
and Reset-out sockets of Dark Time. Please refer to the illustration on the following page.
A successful synchronization is only possible when all devices have suitable and matching specications.
Especially in the eld of vintage instruments, there are several manufacturer-related characteristics that
may cause problems. Please accept our sincere apologies that we at Doepfer cannot provide you with any
support if some devices behave unpredictably when hooked up for syncing.