Dark Four approximates a group of 4 Doepfer Dark Energy.
As suggested in the manual for the modular version A-111-5, it combines features of the DE I and II. Mod of VCF by VCO, Tri/Pulse/Saw waveforms and 4-pole Low Pass as in DE I; Multimode Filter as in DE II.
Each module is a complete voice and contains a VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR and two LFOs. Envelopes have two time ranges; LFOs, three rate ranges (up to audio rate).
Each synth voice has it's own Pitch Bend range and Glide controls, and stereo pan. For visual clarity, the modules are labeled A, B, C, D and are color-coded alternately.
Each module's LFO 1, Envelope and audio out can patched to any of the others.
Patching is by drop-downs at bottom of each synth voice.
As suggested in the manual for the modular version A-111-5, it combines features of the DE I and II. Mod of VCF by VCO, Tri/Pulse/Saw waveforms and 4-pole Low Pass as in DE I; Multimode Filter as in DE II.
Each module is a complete voice and contains a VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR and two LFOs. Envelopes have two time ranges; LFOs, three rate ranges (up to audio rate).
Each synth voice has it's own Pitch Bend range and Glide controls, and stereo pan. For visual clarity, the modules are labeled A, B, C, D and are color-coded alternately.
Each module's LFO 1, Envelope and audio out can patched to any of the others.
Patching is by drop-downs at bottom of each synth voice.
Downloads
Win 32 VST
(2.3 Mb)
Nice but something strange when ADSR release is set at long levels, as if samples are used instead of oscillators.
Also excellent for LFO triggered pads, think Pink Floyd Just missing a function to copy and paste oscillator settings.
The Dark Energy manual is now in the folder.
(4 / 5)
Excellent sound. Makes for some pretty good dirty basses. The GUI is a bit intimidating at first, partly because the elements are tiny and the labels are sometimes hard to read. but it's not so bad when viewed as 4 identical units in a row, as outlined in the description. No manual though. Units can cross modulate each other via drop down menus in the bottom row. Does not come with presets, but you can create and save your own (.txt-format) and produce some great vintage sound patches.