The Doepfer MS-404 is a MIDI-controlled monophonic analog synthesizer designed to be a rackmounted Roland TB-303 synth clone. It offers additional features, like MIDI and LFO’s, that give the synth additional flexibility.
The sound generating section of the MS-404 is 100% analog (VCO, Noise, VCF, VCA, ADSR, 2 LFO’s). Even the envelope and the LFO’s are pure analog and not simulated by software. Immediate access to all sound parameters is offered by 15 knobs and 6 switches. An external audio input enables sound mangling of other sound sources like samplers, digital synthesizers or expanders.
On top of that the MS-404 works as a monophonic MIDI-to-CV interface to control another analog synthesizer. The MS-404 is capable of controlling VCF frequency and VCA envelope amount (accent) via MIDI.
If you’ve used the Doepfer MS-404 MIDI bassline synthesizer, leave a comment with your thoughts.
MS-404 Features
VCO
- real VCO (no DCO)
- switchable between sawtooth / off / rectangle (pulse)
- pulsewidth of rectangle adjustable, pulsewidth modulation with LFO1
- glide time adjustable, glide on/off via MIDI-Controller #65 (Portamento)
- frequency modulation with LFO1, even in audio range for producing typical FM sounds
NOISE
- white noise as alternative sound source (switcheable instead of VCO)
VCF
- 24dB resonance filter (low pass), resonance/emphasis adjustable up to self oscillation
- frequency may be controlled via any MIDI controller and/or MIDI velocity
- frequency modulation with LFO2, even in audio range for metallic/FM sounds
- keyboard tracking switchable off/half/full
VCA
- envelope amount (accent) controllable via MIDI volume (ctr.#7) and/or velocity
- effect of accent adjustable (accent knob)
- full ADSR type (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release)
LFO1 and LFO2
- 3 frequency ranges from sub-LFO (some minutes oscillation period) up to audio (max. 5kHz)
- waveform triangle
- frequency and level adjustable
- LFO1: to VCO frequency or VCO pulsewidth modulation switchable
- LFO2: VCF frequency
External Audio Input
- level adjustable
- alternative sound source instead of VCO or Noise
MIDI-CV Interface (internal):
- MIDI channel and transpose (reference note) selectable via learn button
- retrigger on/off (new trigger if playing legato)
- controlling of glide on/off via Controller #65
- controlling of VCF frequency via any Controller and/or Velocity
- controlling of VCA envelope amount via Controller #7 and/or velocity
- two 1/4″ jack sockets for CV und Gate Output (may be changed to CV/Gate Input when changing jumpers inside by authorized dealers)
- light grey 19″ housing, 1 unit
Resources:
- The Doepfer MS-404 official page
- Video via jkselsyn
I have used one together with an MAQ16/3 Midi Sequencer. I disliked the single envelope. One modulation which I have used a lot is not shown in the video though, namely the Filter FM by LFO 2. It goes high into the audio range, and this is a feature not very common in compact analog synths.