Ribbon controllers are one of those beloved innovations from the early days of oscillator–based instruments that are rarely seen anymore. Featured on Yamaha combo organs and the Micromoog, they were used to modulate pitch as an alternative to the soon–ubiquitous pitch wheel.
While this module can be used to effect any parameter on your synth, ribbon controllers are particularly conducive to a smooth, theremin–like slide through pitch. In fact, the instrument often confused for a theremin on The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds was a ribbon controller–based device called the Electro–Theremin.
But the Doepfer A–198 Trautonium ribbon controller isn’t just a relic of synthesizers past updated as a novel Eurorack module. This is arguably the most compact external control unit available for your Eurorack system, beating out even the ultra–slim QuNexus. It’s a nifty device for exploring the expressive qualities of your modules, or just to make some classic UFO sound effects at home on The Outer Limits.
Doepfer