DOEPFER Dark Time User manual

Dark Time
Owners Manual
DOEPFER MUSIKELEKTRONIK GmbH

2

3
DOEPFER
Dark Time
Owners Manual
Content:
Safety Instructions……………………………………4
1. Introduction
1.1. Preface………………………………….5
1.2. Preparations……………………………6
1.2.1. Setup………………………….6
1.2.2. Connections………………….6
2. Function Overview…………………………….8
3. Functions
3.1. The Controls………………………….10
3.1.1. Step-Input ………………….10
3.1.2. CV/Gate-Ouput sockets…...11
3.1.3. Sequence-Control………….12
3.1.4. Tempo/Timing……………....13
3.1.5. Individual Gate-Length…….15
3.1.6. Transport-Buttons.…………15
3.2. Synchronization and
remote control………………………...16
3.2.1. MIDI-Interface.………………16
3.2.2. MIDI-Clock…………………...17
3.2.3. Analog-Interface…………….18
3.2.4. Dark Time as simple
MIDI-Clock to Sync
Interface……………………...20
3.3. Firmware-Update……………21
4. Nuts and bolts of step-sequencing……...22
5. Appendix………………………………………..26

4
Safety Instructions
Please follow the instructions for use of the instrument carefully because this will guarantee
proper operation of the instrument. Due to the fact that these instructions touch on Product Liability, it is
absolutely imperative that they be read carefully. Any claim for defect will be rejected if one or more
of the items has not been observed.
Disregard of the instructions can void the two years covered by warranty.
The instrument may only be operated at the voltage stated on the power input on the rear panel. Before
opening the case, disconnect both power plug and power adaptor.
All eventual modications are to be performed by a qualied person only in accordance with valid safety
instructions. With the introduction of a third person, the warranty will be void. In case of a destroyed
warranty seal, any warranty claim will be rejected.
The instrument must never be operated outdoors but solely in dry rooms. Never use the instrument in a
humid or wet environment, nor near ammable goods.
No liquids or conducting substances must get into the instrument. Should this be the case, the instrument
is to be disconnected from mains power immediately and examined, cleaned and possibly repaired by a
qualied technician.
Never expose the instrument to temperatures above +50° C or below -10° C. Before operation, the
instrument should have a temperature of at least 10°C. Do not expose the instrument to direct sunlight.
Do not install the instrument near heat sources like heaters, open re places, central heating etc.
Keep the top of the instrument clear in order to allow proper ventilation, otherwise the instrument
could eventually overheat.
Never place heavy objects on the instrument.
Transport the instrument carefully, never let it drop or fall over. Make sure that during transport and in use
the instrument is supported properly and cannot drop, slip or fall over because people might get injured.
Never use the instrument in the immediate proximity of electronic devices (e.g. monitors, power
supplies, computers) as these interferences could cause malfunctions within Dark Energy and corrupt
memory data.
The instrument is to be shipped in the original packaging only. Any instrument shipped to us for return,
exchange, warranty repair, update or examination has to be in its original packaging! All other deliveries
will be rejected. Therefore, make sure you keep the original packaging and technical documentation.
The instrument may only be used for the purpose described in this operating manual. Due to safety
reasons, the instrument must never be used for other purposes.
When using the instrument in Germany, the appropriate VDE standards are to be followed. The following
standards are of special importance: DIN VDE 0100 (Teil 300/11.85, Teil 410/11.83, Teil 481/10.87), DIN
VDE 0532 (Teil 1/03.82), DIN VDE 0550 (Teil 1/12.69), DIN VDE 0551 (05.72), DIN VDE 0551e (06.75),
DIN VDE 0700 (Teil 1/02.81, Teil 207/10.82), DIN VDE 0711 (Teil 500/10.89), DIN VDE 0860 (05.89), DIN
VDE 0869 (01.85). VDE papers can be obtained from the VDE-Verlag GmbH, Berlin.

Dark time
DOEPFER Introduction
5
1. Introduction
1.1. Preface
Doepfer thanks you!
First of all we would like to thank you for having purchased Doepfer Dark Time! We really appreciate your
choice and promise you an extraordinary support throughout, including useful information, easy service,
and innovative product development.
May your Dark Time be an important source of creative power for ages to come.
What time is it?
Dark Time is a sequencer in the tradition of an analog step sequencer. Even though Dark Time’s circuitry is
almost entirely digital, its user interface and operation are perfectly in line with a classic analog machine of
yesteryear. Because of this, we chose to refer to Dark Time as an ”analog sequencer” in this manual.
Dark Time sports a USB port, MIDI sockets, and connectors for analog control voltages and gate signals.
Yet, Dark Energy is a modern tool for sound creation and can easily be connected not only to our Dark
Energy analog synthesizer (hint, hint), but also to all sorts of other analog and digital gear which is suitably
equipped with a
MIDI/USB port and/or CV/Gate connectors. Dark Energy can easily be connected to every modern
computer-based studio or live-setup. Hooking up Dark Energy to classic vintage analog equipment or a
Doepfer A-100 modular system is also easy. In addition to this, Dark Time interfaces the digital world of
MIDI with the analog world of control voltages.
Dark Time is housed in a rugged black sheet metal case with wooden side panels. Sturdy high-quality
potentiometers (often referred to as “pot”, in case you are wondering where the “weed” is hidden…) with
metal shafts have been used throughout. Each pot has been mounted rmly to the chassis. We also made
use of knob caps which have a classy vintage look and feel to them.
R.t.f.m.!
We knew it: User manuals are your rst and only choice in literature. Hey, that’s great – we’re talking the
same language here!
If you are doubting the entertaining qualities of this manual – how dare you! –, please bear in mind that
its thorough study will eventually turn out to be quite useful as it will highly increase the inspirational
value of your new analog sequencer. So please do yourself - and us - a big favor: Read (and, if possible,
understand) this frigging manual! Thanks for your time, and bless you for your efforts!
In the rst section you will nd all info needed to successfully hook up Dark Time to your setup.
After that, you will nd a brief overview of its functions. Sequencer experts may use this as a quickstart
guide. You should not skip the complete description of the entire “Functions” section in the next chapter,
though – Dark Time hides some interesting features under its hood. If sequencer technology –
especially the secrets of analog sequencing – are totally new to you, please refer to “Nuts and Bolts of
analog Sequencing“ later on in this manual.
Enough babble - here we go...

Dark time
DOEPFER Introduction
6
1.2. Getting started
When lifting DarkTime out of its box for the rst time, please make sure that everything is in its right place.
You will nd the following component parts in the box:
• wall-wart (12V AC / 400mA)
• USB cable (A-B type)
• two A-100 patch cables
• this owners´ manual
You will also need:
A suitable sound generation device with MIDI- and/or CV/gate connectors (e.g. Doepfer Dark Energy
synthesizer).
To run DarkTime via its MIDI-DIN socket, you will also need:
• A MIDI cable to control a suitable MIDI-synthesizer from Dark Time.
To run DarkTime via its CV/Gate inputs, you will also need:
• At least two 1/8” plug patch cables – the more, the better – and a suitable equipped analogue
synthesizer (e.g. the Doepfer Dark Energy or a Doepfer modular synthesizer model A-100).
1.2.1. Setup:
Use Dark Time in a at or upright position. Please use a suitable support. Used pizza cartons or beer crates
should not be your rst choice. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
1.2.2. Connections:
You do not necessarily need all its built-in sockets to get Dark Time going. For a simple setup, you will need
just the ones pictured below. Make use of the additional terminals and you will tremendously expand Dark
Time’s potential. These connectors will be described along with the corresponding modules later on in this
manual.
• Power supply:
Connect the included power adaptor (“wall wart”) to the 12V AC socket on the rear panel of
Dark Time.
Important: Use this power adaptor only or an equivalent one with exactly the same specs!
Powering Dark Time via USB is not possible since the internal analog circuitry of Dark Time
runs at +/-12V.
• USB:
Connect Dark Time’s USB socket with your suitably equipped synthesizer or computer. Any
conguration or driver installation work is not required on your computer.
• MIDI:
Connect Dark Time’s MIDI-out socket with the MIDI-in socket of your MIDI synthesizer to run Dark
Time in a conventional MIDI setup without USB.
The default setting of Dark Time‘s MIDI channel is Channel 1. How to change this setting is
described on page 17 in chapter 3.2.1, “USB/MIDI interface“.

Dark time
DOEPFER Introduction
7
MIDI
Out
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCF FVCO PWVCO F Ext.
Audio LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY DOEPFER
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
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9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
1
3
2
10
9
8
0
4
1
3
2
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6
9
7
8
0
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1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCF FVCO PWVCO F Ext.
Audio LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY DOEPFER
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
1
3
2
10
9
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
Vintage-
Drummachine
Gate
Out
12V AC
500mA
Power-
supply
Power-Outlet
Computer
with
Software-Sequenzer
USB
USB MIDI
In
MIDI
In
MIDI-Keyboard
or
MIDI-Drummachine
CV
Out
Clk.
Out/In
MIDI-Synthesizer CV/Gate-Synthesizer
CV-Keyboard
or
Synthesizer-Module
CV
In
If so desired, please also connect Dark Time’s MIDI-in socket with the MIDI-out socket of e.g.
a suitably equipped computer or drum machine in order to synchronize both machines via
MIDI clock. Please refer to chapter 3.1.4. ”Tempo and Timing” on page 13, and chapter 3.2.
”Synchronization and remote control of Dark Time” on page 16.
• CV/Gate:
You only need to connect at least Gate 1 out and CV1 out jacks to run Dark Time with a CV/Gate-
based synthesizer. Gate triggers the synthesizer envelopes (which, in turn, normally control the
VCF and output VCA), CV1 determines the pitch of the VCO(s).
The Clk In/Out jacks make synchronization with vintage drum machines or sequencers possible
that have not been MIDIed.
Using additional connections, Dark Time will become capable of controlling two analog
synthesizers (or their parameters) in parallel. Also, some of Dark Time’s functions can
be remote-controlled by analog control signals. More about this topic later on in this manual.
The following pictures shows the most importand connections to and from Dark Time:

Dark time
DOEPFER Overview
8
2. Function overview
Dark Time’s layout is in line with classic analog sequencers. It gives you direct access to all sequencer sta-
ges and their crucial parameters. Almost all functions to control the sequence with (like direction, transpose
etc.) are also directly accessible to the user. So Dark Time can be very easily tweaked and interacted with
”live” and on-the-y. Forget about confusing menus and tiny displays.
All control voltages and gate signals generated by Dark Time can be tapped from the sockets on the rear
analog interface panel. The sequence can be controlled in various ways via analog control voltage inputs
(e.g. transpose, reset etc.) while in progress. Clock input and output makes synchronization with external
analog gear easy.
Thanks to the built-in MIDI interface, Dark Time can easily be tied into a MIDI setup via DIN sockets or
USB port.
Step Input
– 16 Steps in two rows of 8 steps
each step with:
- knob for pitch or gate-length (depending on mode)
- two switches for step-status
Sequence Control
– Transpose: +/- one octave, independently for steps 1 – 8
and 9 – 16
– CV-Range for step-knobs
– Scaling of step-knobs (Quantize) on, o
– Direction: Independently for steps 1 – 8 and 9 – 16; up,
down, random
– Linking of the two rows: 2 x 8 steps in parallel, 1 x 16 steps
in serial, 1 x 8 plus gate-length (Custom)
Tempo / Timing
– Clock-knob controls tempo or clock-devider setting
– Pulswidth-knob controls gate-lenght or shue-amount
– Sync (clock-source): intern, extern (analog),
MIDI/USB (MIDI-clock)
Control Buttons
– Transport-buttons
- Start/Stop
- Reset (to step 1)
- Step (next step manually)
– Function (access to 2nd functions)

Overview
Dark time
DOEPFER
9
Analog Interface
– St/St Out: Provides +5V Trigger when sequence is stopped
– St/St In: Starts/stopps sequence when +5V trigger is received
– Reset Out: Provides +5V Trigger when sequence is resetted
– Reset In: Resets sequence when +5V trigger is received
– Clk Out: Provides internal clock-signal
– Clk In: Receives external analogue clock-signal
– Gate 1 Out: Provides gate-signals of steps 1 – 8 (+5V)
– Gate 2 Out: Provides gate-signals of steps 9 – 16 (+5V)
– CV 1 Out: Provides control-voltage of steps 1 – 8 (0V to +1V / +2V / +5V)
– CV 2 Out: Provides control-voltage of steps 9 – 16 (0V to +1V / +2V / +5V)
– CV 1 In: Receives external control-voltage to control steps 1 – 8 (0V to +5V)
– CV 2 In: Receives external control-voltage to control steps 9 – 16 (0V to +5V)
MIDI-Interface
– MIDI-In
– MIDI-Out
– USB (for MIDI via USB)
Power Supply
(12V AC, 500 mA)
The following picture shows some kind of ”basic setting”. When the panel functions are set to this, Dark
Time will play two parallel 8-note sequences with all steps at equal pitch and length. Control voltages of
1V/octave scaling (the common standard) are putted out, the step-knobs are quantised which means their
range is divided into descrete half-tone steps. Dark Times tempo is internally controlled resp. controlled by
the clock-knob. Step length is equal for all steps.
You may use this setting as a starting point to program your sequences.
ShueDivide
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
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O
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O
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+1
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Skip Skip Skip Skip
1V O Up Up 2x(1-8) Internal
External
+1
8-18-1
Skip Skip Skip
Start/Stop Reset Step
Function
Skip
On On On On On On On On
On On On On
5V On Down Down 1-8
Combi
Midi/USB-1
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
-1
Cont. Cont. Cont.
PulsewidthClock
Transpose Range Quantize Direction Link Sync
Cont.
DARK TIME DOEPFER
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Dark time
DOEPFER Functions
10
3. Functions
In this section we will explore all functions of Dark Time in detail. We will also have a closer look at the way
the functions interact, and nally we will briey deal with the MIDI and analog interfacing section.
3.1. The Controls
3.1.1. Step Input Panel
The step input panel is used to program a sequence into Dark Time. That means notes, their respective
pitches and rests as well as points where the sequence circle starts and ends can be determined here. The
step input panel features the controls necessary for each of the 2 x 8 or 16 stages respectively. They are
the same for each step and can be found replicated sixteen times.
Each stage provides the following four control elements:
• Two step status switches:
The step status switches determine the behaviour of a sequence stage as soon as it is active:
• Switch On / Off / Skip
– On = The step is part of the sequence and generates a trigger
signal, i.e. it is active.
– Off = The step is ”muted” or, in other words, becomes a rest. The
step will not put out a trigger signal.
– Skip = The step is not part of the sequence. It is skipped and will not
generate a trigger signal.
• Switch Stop / Continue / Jump
– Cont(inue) = The sequence will continue like nothing happened.
– Stop = The sequence stops on this stage.
– Jump = As long as only one of these 16 switches is set to ”Jump”, the
particular step performs a reset (that is, the sequence
will return to step 1 and start from there again).
If two steps are set to ”Jump”, the rst one will determine the
starting point of the sequence, the second will become the
nal step of the circle. The sequence will cycle only between
these two steps set to ”Jump” position as they will determine
the margins of the sequence. If you set more stages to

Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
11
”Jump” position other than the previously selected ones, these
steps will become the new start and end points. If you set steps to
”Jump” within the previously selected range, they will not affect the
sequence in any way. Confusing, eh? Not really, go ahead, and with
a little practice you will see how useful this little feature is:
Using these pretty simple settings, you may create quite interesting and ever-changing complex musical
patterns. You may completely ”reprogram” the sequence by just the  ick of a switch or two. Give it a try and
you will get an idea why analog sequencers enjoy great popularity, especially within live electronic music
contexts. Once you have got the hang of it, you will get great results and endless hours of sequencing
excitement.
• LED
The status LED will light up when the corresponding step has been reached and
show the current position of the sequence.
• Step-knob
– This control determines the pitch of the respective step. The behavior of this pot
(and all other step controls) depends on the settings of the ”Range” and
”Quantize” switches. More about this in chapter 3.1.3., ”Sequence Control” on
page 12.
– In Custom mode, the lower eight step controls determine the individual gate time
for the corresponding upper eight steps. You will  nd a description in
chapter 3.1.5., ”Individual Gate Time for Steps 1 – 8” on page 15.
3.1.2. CV/Gate output sockets
Each step set to ”on” will generate several signals at a time when active. These can be tapped from the
sockets on the rear interface panel of Dark Time. They can be used to control other sound sources
connected.
• Gate 1 / 2 Out
– Gate 1 Out delivers gate signals of steps 1 – 8 (+5V).
– Gate 2 Out delivers gate signals of steps 9 – 16 (+5V).
• CV 1 Out / CV 2 Out
– CV 1 Out delivers control voltage of steps 1 – 8.
– CV 2 Out delivers control voltage of steps 9 – 16.
ShueDivide
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
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Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
O
O
00
2V
Scale
Random
Random
1-16
O
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop
Stop Stop Stop Stop
+1
61-961-9
Stop Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1V OUp Up 2x(1-8) Internal
External
+1
8-18-1
Skip Skip Skip
Start/Stop Reset Step Function
Skip
On On On On On On On On
On On On On
5V On Down Down 1-8
Combi
Midi/USB-1
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
-1
Cont. Cont. Cont.
PulsewidthClock
Transpose Range Quantize Direction Link Sync
Cont.
DARK TIME DOEPFER
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00
0
00000000
4444444
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The sequence is running from step 2 to step 6 (rst and last steps on ”Jump”-position). Step 5 will
not generate a trigger-signal (”Skip"). Step 4 (also on ”Jump”-position) does not aect the sequence.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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DOEPFER
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2

Dark time
DOEPFER Functions
12
3.1.3. Sequence Control
The sequence control functions allow control over the previously programmed sequence. They determine
or alter pitch and / or the playback order of the step registers.
• Transpose
With these switches you can transpose both registers of the sequence up or down by one octave.
The switch on the left addresses steps 1 – 8, the switch on the right addresses steps 9 – 16.
• Range
This switch determines the control voltage range and thus the pitch range that is covered by one
entire turn of a step control. You may select between 1 Volt, 2 Volts and 5 Volts. If the synthesizer
connected works with a control scaling of 1V/octave, these voltages are equivalent to a range of
one, two, or ve octaves.
• Quantize
When this switch is set to ”Off”, the step controls will be almost continuously variable within the
range determined by the ”Range” switch. We use the term ’almost’ since it is still stepped digitally,
but into 1024 very small increments which are – in effect – continuous and barely noticeable.
Set to ”On”, the control voltage range gets scaled. That means, it is sliced into discrete steps that
are equivalents of musical semitones. The number of chromatic steps, i. e. semitones that are
covered by one entire turn of a step control is again determined by the setting of the ”Range” switch.
When set to ”1V”, the step controls are quantized into 13 discrete semitones (one octave, or – to be
more precise – a ”ninth” interval; e.g. ”c” to ”C”). ”2V” means 25 semitones (two octaves) and ”5V”
means 61 semitones (ve octaves).
”Scale” will be used for future updates. Stay tuned.
You will nd some information and additional ideas dealing with this topic in chapter 4, “Nuts and
bolts of analog sequencing“, and in section 4.2.2., ” Programming melodies into the step sequencer”
on page 23.
• Direction
Use these switches to determine the playback order for both step registers independently. The
left-hand switch addresses steps 1 – 8, the right-hand switch addresses steps 9 – 16. In ”Up”
position, the respective register will run forward, in ”Down” position backward. ”Random” will
address steps in random order (would you have guessed?).
• Link
Use these switches to run both step registers in parallel (”2x(1-8)”) or serial (”1-16”) mode. ”2x(1-8)”
will generate two sequences of eight steps maximum, running in parallel, ”1-16” will generate one
sequence of 16 steps maximum.
”Custom” allows the programming of individual gate time settings for each of the steps of the upper
register.
You will nd a detailed description in section 3.1.5. ”Individual Gate LengthTime for Steps 1 – 8” on
page 15.

Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
13
3.1.4. Tempo / Timing
The following controls give access to tempo and timing of the sequence. You will  nd a shuf e function and
the option to program individual gate time settings for the upper register.
• Sync switch
The sync switch determines the clock source for Dark Time’s tempo control. Set to ”Internal”, Dark
Time will internally generate a clock signal of its own. The Clock pot controls the clock rate, the gate
time can be varied using the Pulsewidth control (see below). The Transport keys of Dark Time are
also active.
Set to ”External”, the tempo is controlled by an external clock signal coming in via the Clk-In
socket. Dark Time’s Clock and Pulsewidth controls will not be active in this case. The Transport
keys will still be active, though.
Set to ”MIDI/USB”, the tempo is controlled by a MIDI clock signal coming in via the MIDI-In socket
or the USB-port. The Clock control of Dark Time will not be active in this case. The Pulsewidth
control will remain active and allow to set the gate time as well as the shuf e amount (see below).
The Transport buttons will also remain active.
You will  nd more details concerning the synchronization of Dark Times in section
3.2., ”Synchronization and remote control of Dark Time” on page 16.
• Clock control/ Function key
Clock:
This control determines the speed of the sequence when the Sync switch is set to ”Internal”
position. When set to ”External” or ”MIDI/USB”, the Clock control will not be active.
Divide:
As a second function, the Clock control allows to set the clock divider. To determine a speci c
clock divider ratio, keep the Function key pressed and turn the Clock control. You will notice the
Step status LEDs 1 to 14 light up one by one. The highest number lit up corresponds to the clock
divider ratio, listed in the chart on the following page.
Please bear in mind that the clock divider is only available when the Sync switch is in ”Internal” or
“Midi/USB”-position.
Clock-divider:
1/8 Note

Dark time
DOEPFER Functions
14
Clock-divider note-value Number of lighted
Step-LEDs
1/2 2
1/4. 3
1/4 4
1/8. 5
1/8 6
1/16. 7
1/4T 8
1/16 9
1/8T 10
1/32 11
1/16T 12
1/64 13
1/128 14
• Pulswidth-control / Function-key
Pulswidth:
This control determines the duration of gate signals, generated by all active steps resp. their
note values. Turned fully counter-clockwise, the single steps will appear as short pulses. Turned
fully clockwise, they will be played almost in ”legato” fashion.
The duration of the gate signals is also dependent on the settings of the clock divider (please refer
to the chart above).
The audible result of the different gate lengths depends a lot on the setting of the relevant
parameters on the synthesizer connected: A short and percussive sound with a percussive
envelope setting will still produce a short and percussive sound, even at high gate length settings. In
contrast, a sustained sound with long decay and release settings will not be interrupted by a short
gate length or a low pulse width value respectively. In any case the pulse width value can be an
important part of the sound of the sequence. Feel free to experiment!
Shuf e:
As well as the Clock control, the Pulsewidth pot yields control over a second function:
Connected to the Function key, it is used to set the amount of the shuffl e function. This
function will delay some steps a bit by a certain factor in order to add more ”groove” or ”swing” to
the sequence.
To set the Shuf e amount, keep the Function key pressed and turn the Pulsewidth control. The
more you turn the Pulsewidth control clockwise, the more the sequence will get shuf ed. You will
hear the increasing shift in the timing of the rhythm easily.
Please bear in mind that the Pulsewidth and Shuf e functions are only available when the
Sync switch is in ”Internal” or ”MIDI/USB”-position.
Pulswidth
narrow broad
Clock-Rate

Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
15
3.1.6. Transport keys
These three keys control the so-called transport functions of Dark Time.
• Start/Stop key
Hitting the Start/Stop key once will get the sequencer going. Hitting it once
again, the sequencer will stop. The next hit will restart the sequence and play
back will continue from where it was stopped. In other words: If the sequence
was stopped on step 8, the sequence will continue from step 9 when hitting
Start/Stop.
• Reset key
Hitting the Reset key will reset the sequence to the  rst active step. This can
be step 1 (1-16 mode), step 1 and 9 (2x(1-8) mode) or any step in ”jump”
position which determines the current starting point of the sequence.
• Step key
The  rst hit will activate the Step key function. Each new hit on this key will
make the register skip one step forward to the next step available. This way
you can step through the sequence manually. Hitting the Reset key will quit
this function.
ShueDivide
O
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
Jump
O
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O
O
O
O
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Jump
Jump
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O
O
O
00
2V
Scale
Random
Random
1-16
O
O
O
O
Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop Stop
Stop Stop Stop Stop
+1
61-961-9
Stop Stop Stop Stop
Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip Skip
Skip Skip Skip Skip
1V OUp Up 2x(1-8) Internal
External
+1
8-18-1
Skip Skip Skip
Start/Stop Reset Step Function
Skip
On On On On On On On On
On On On On
5V On Down Down 1-8
Combi
Midi/USB-1
On On On On
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
Cont. Cont. Cont. Cont.
-1
Cont. Cont. Cont.
PulsewidthClockTranspose Range Quantize Direction Link Sync
Cont.
DARK TIME DOEPFER
0000000
00
0
0
0000000
4444444
44
4
44444444
6666666
6
5
6
6
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1111111
11
1
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Scale
Random
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1
1
3
3
2
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10
10
9
9
7
7
Pitch
Step-lenght
”1-8 Combi“
3.1.5. Individual gate length for steps 1 to 8:
As you already know, the Pulsewidth control sets the gate time. This setting affects all steps by the same
factor. Now you will learn how to program individual gate time settings for each of the steps 1 to 8 (upper
register).
This function is enabled by the ”Custom” setting of the Link switch.
• Set the Link switch to ”Custom” position.
• Simply turn the step controls of the lower register to program individual gate time settings for the
corresponding steps of the upper register, e.g. use step pot 9 to adjust the gate time of step 1 and
so on. In this mode, the setting of the gate time is continuously variable, i. e. it is not dependent on
the clock divider settings.

Dark time
DOEPFER Functions
16
3.2. Synchronization and remote control of Dark Time
Dark Time offers a bunch of useful interfacing options to communicate with external gear. You are not only
restricted to playing MIDI and/or CV/gate-based synthesizers connected to Dark Time, you may also
synchronize it to other external instruments and even remote-control some of its functions. This will be
achieved through the MIDI and analog interfaces of Dark Time.
All functions covering this topic will be discussed in this chapter and you will nally nd detailed explana-
tions of functions that have only been discussed briey so far. Here we will quench your thirst for more.
3.2.1. MIDI-Interface
Dark Time sends and receives MIDI data via USB port or DIN sockets. Please
do not use both in parallel as unpredictable and undesirable effects may result.
Please refer to page 7 in the rst chapter of this manual concerning the hook-
up of Dark Time’s MIDI connections.
Sending and receiving MIDI notes
Each active step of Dark Time generates and sends MIDI note messages. They are made up of a note-on
and a note-off command as well as a MIDI note number. They will dene pitch (i. e. note name / number)
and note length. These data are channel-related, which means that they will be assigned to and transmitted
on one (or more) of the 16 existing MIDI channels.
Both step registers of Dark Time independently allow to transmit MIDI data on different MIDI channels. This
way you can control two sound generators simultaneously.
Dark Time also receives MIDI data: Connect a MIDI keyboard or a controller to Dark Time’s MIDI-In socket
(or USB port) and transpose the sequence on the y while it is chugging away.
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCF FVCO PWVCO F Ext.
Audio LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY DOEPFER
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
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4
5
1
3
10
9
7
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5
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3
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9
7
0
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5
1
3
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9
7
8
0
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7
8
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7
8
0
4
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9
7
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1
3
2
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6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
Tune
Res
ADSR
Range
Shape Shape
Shape
Range
Range
LFO1 LFO2 LFO1
LFO2
up half low
high
highhigh
low
low
ADSR ADSR ADSR
ADSR
down full medium
Attack
Decay
Sustain
Release
medium
medium
Frequ.
Frequ.
Inputs Outputs
GateVCA AVCF FVCO PWVCO F Ext.
Audio LFO1 Envelope Audio
VCO VCF Envelope
VCA
LFO1
LFO2
o o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Frequ. Amp
AMXFMFM
PW
PWM
LFM
Octave
Source Source Source
Source
Track
DARK ENERGY DOEPFER
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
2
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
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9
7
8
0
4
5
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
10
9
7
8
0
1
3
2
10
9
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
0
4
1
3
2
10
6
9
7
8
MIDI-Notedata on
MIDI-channel 1-16
MIDI-Notedata on
MIDI-channel 1-16
Dark Time MIDI-Soundsource
MIDI-Keyboard
transposes Sequence
MIDI/USB
MIDI/USB
Step-row 1
Step-row 2
Step-row 1 and/or 2

Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
17
3.2.2. MIDI Clock
You can sync Dark Time with any suitable piece of MIDI gear (e.g. drum machines, software/hardware-
based sequencers etc.). To do this, Dark Time sends and receives MIDI clock data. This is a pulse signal
of 24 pulses per quarter note (24 ppq) which represents the tempo and additional start-/stop- and continue-
commands. These data are not related to a specic MIDI channel but global. Settings of a certain send or
receive channel are not required for clock data transmission.
Dark Time as master:
To synchronize an external piece of MIDI gear (e.g. a drum machine) to Dark Time using MIDI clock, simply
set the Sync switch to ”Internal” position. No additional settings are required. Set up the external device
as a ”slave” as described in its own manual. Now Dark Time will control the tempo and start/stop/continue
functions of the slaved unit.
Dark Time as slave:
If an external device is to control Dark Time’s tempo via MIDI clock, it has to be set up as master, with Dark
Time acting as slave. Set Dark Time’s Sync switch to “MIDI/USB”. Dark Time will now obey to incoming
MIDI clock data and respond to external start/stop/continue commands.
If you want to run Dark Time at a precisely dened tempo measured in BPM, it is useful to synchronize
Dark Time to a device that allows tempo adjustment in BPM values.
Dark Time MIDI-Drumcomputer
MIDI-Clock
MIDI-Clock
Sync: Internal
MASTER
MASTER
SLAVE
SLAVE
Sync: Midi/USB
Selecting the MIDI channel:
The default setting is MIDI channel 1 for both registers.
• To change the setting of the MIDI channel for the upper step register, please
– press and hold the ”Function” and ”Start/Stop” keys simultaneously.
– Select the desired MIDI channel by turning the Clock control. The number of step LEDs lit up
will indicate the channel-number (1 - 16).
• To change the setting of the MIDI channel for the lower step register, please
– press and hold the ”Function” and ”Reset” keys simultaneously.
– Select the desired MIDI channel by turning the Clock control. The number of step LEDs lit up
will indicate the channel number (1 - 16).

Dark time
DOEPFER Functions
18
3.2.3. Analog Interface
Of course, Dark Time allows interaction with non-MIDIed equipment. It will perfectly t into an analog setup.
The necessary connections can be made via the rear analog interface panel of Dark Time. It sports twelve
1/8” sockets with in- and outputs.
CV/gate outputs:
Let’s have a closer look at the connectors, shown in the gure below. Here, both step registers send out
control voltages and gate signals individually. These signals are necessary to control an external analog
synthesizer.
• The voltage levels sent out from the CV 1 Out and CV 2 Out sockets depend on the
setting of the step controls, the transpose and the range switches. The most common
use is controlling the pitch of an external synthesizer. The sockets provide a voltage
range between -2V and +10V. Of course these voltages cannot only be used for
controlling the pitch of a synthesizer, but also for controlling other parameters like
e.g. lter cut-off frequency, VCA amplitude, you name it.
• The sockets labeled Gate 1 Out and Gate 2 Out send out – you have already
guessed it – a gate signal, again for each register individually. Active sequencer
positions put out a signal of +5V at these sockets. The duration of a gate signal
depends on the setting of the Pulsewidth control (s. page 14).
Gate off on off
The gate signal triggers the envelope generator of an external analog synthesizer which, in turn, will gener-
ate an audible tone as one envelope generator is commonly used to control the amplitude of a VCA.
Since Dark Time puts out control voltage and gate signal of both registers individually, some interesting
tricks can be achieved, e.g.:
• Control two synthesizers in parallel with two eight-step sequences.
• Control two different parameters of one synthesizer at the same time.
CV Inputs:
The inputs CV 1 In and CV 2 In take external control voltages within the range of 0V and +5V. These volt-
ages will be added to the voltages generated by the step registers. Both registers may be addressed sepa-
rately, with CV1 In corresponding to the upper register and CV2 In to the lower.
There are many uses for these inputs, especially in combination with a modular
synthesizer system, e.g. the Doepfer A-100. You may feed dynamic voltages into
these inputs on order to achieve portamento effects or use staircase-type voltages to
transpose the step registers automatically.

Functions
Dark time
DOEPFER
19
Clock connectors:
To synchronize two instruments in the analog domain – e.g. Dark Time and a non-MIDIed vintage drum
machine – a clock signal is needed. A clock signal is a pulse wave, its frequency (pulses per time) determi-
nes the tempo of the synchronized device. When active, Dark Time will generate such a clock signal and
make it available at the Clk Out socket.
• Dark Time as master:
Connect Dark Time’s Clk-Out socket to the clock-in socket of the ”slave” device (e.g.
vintage drum computer or another analog sequencer). Set the Sync switch to
position ”Internal”. You will not need any additional settings. Now set up the external
device as a ”slave” as described in its manual.
• Dark Time as slave:
You can also synchronize Dark Time to the tempo of an external device via the Clk In
socket. The master device must produce a suitable clock-signal (0/+5V) and has to
be connected to Dark Times Clk In socket. Set Dark Time’s Sync switch to
”External”. Its internal clock will now be disabled and driven by the external clock
signal instead.
Dark Time Drummaschine /
Analog-Sequenzer /
Modular-Synthesizer
Clock-Signal
Clock-Signal
Sync: Internal
MASTER
MASTER
SLAVE
SLAVE
Sync: External
Clk Out
Clk In
Start/Stop/Reset
Signal
St/St, Reset Out
Start/Stop/Reset
Signal
St/St, Reset Out

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
– specic 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 specications.
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.