The Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb is a spring reverb module for modular synthesizers in Eurorack format. Spring reverb systems have a characteristic sound behavior based on the mechanical properties of the springs used - such as signal delays, self-resonances, limited frequency range, acoustic resonance behavior, sensitivity to mechanical influences. In the Doepfer A-199, a spring system with three separate springs is used, which makes the reverb very "dense" due to the different properties of the springs. As a special feature, the module allows the reverb signal to be fed back to the input, whereby the feedback can lead to self-resonance of the system. As a further special feature the module has an Emphasis control with which middle frequency ranges (center frequency approx. 2kHz) can be additionally boosted. The ratio between original and reverb signal at the mix output can be continuously adjusted with a mix control.
Doepfers A-199 gives depth and twang to sounds and can be used as a sound source itself. The quality is fine even with the medium sized tank that follows. Feature wise it is a typical Doepfer: If you want to treat the signal before or after the spring - buy the module that can do that! The price of the a-199 easily justifies that.
The module works as intended, great sound, with the classic texture of a physical spring reverb.
Beware of the depth of the module! With the RCA cable coming in the package, it DOES NOT fit in the 7Ux104HP case by Intellijel. Buying an L-shaped RCA cable fixed this problem!