Best Doepfer Controller Modules 2026
Premium Doepfer controller modules - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-174-4 3D Joystick VE
by
Doepfer
Live Modular
Automation
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Essential for live modular performance
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Manual control over modular parameters
✗ CONS
- • Requires patching for every use
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
Doepfer A-174-4 3D Joystick VEEurorack ModuleVintage Edition with black front panelJoystick with X-/Y-axisRotation...
⭐
4.6/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 507178
$218
#2
⭐
4.8/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Doepfer A-173-1/2
by
Doepfer
Studio Control
Live Modular
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Great for system integration
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • May be redundant with external controllers
Doepfer A-173-1/2Micro KeyboardModule combination outputs the manually generated 1V / octave control voltage and up to...
⭐
4.8/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 435478
$197
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Doepfer A-198 (Module + Manual)
by
Doepfer
System Integration
Live Modular
Automation
Key Feature:
• Often includes switches and buttons
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Often includes switches and buttons
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • May be redundant with external controllers
Doepfer A-198 (Module + Manual)Trautonium ControllerConsists of Doepfer A-198 Module and Ribbon ControllerRibbon...
⭐
4.9/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 114754
$241
#4
⭐
4.4/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Doepfer A-177-2
by
Doepfer
Performance
Studio Control
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Manual control over modular parameters
✓ PROS
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
- • Great for system integration
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • Can be expensive for simple functionality
Doepfer A-177-2, External Foot Controller Module, Foot controller connector and dual foot switch connector to provide...
⭐
4.4/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 302099
$61
#5
⭐
4.7/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-174-2
by
Doepfer
System Integration
Live Modular
Studio Control
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
- • Often includes switches and buttons
✗ CONS
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
- • Limited to control functions only
Doepfer A-174-2ModuleWith two modulation wheelsThe factory setting is a spring loaded wheel on the left side with...
⭐
4.7/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 253212
$108
#6
⭐
4.7/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Doepfer A-174-4 3D Joystick
by
Doepfer
Modular Control
Automation
System Integration
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Often includes switches and buttons
- • Multiple control voltage outputs
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
Doepfer A-174-4 3D JoystickEurorack moduleJoystick with X-/Y-axisRotation function (Z-axis) and gate buttonY- and...
⭐
4.7/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 507176
$186
#7
⭐
4.8/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-178 Theremin
by
Doepfer
Studio Control
System Integration
Performance
Key Feature:
• Manual control over modular parameters
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Essential for live modular performance
✗ CONS
- • May be redundant with external controllers
- • Requires patching for every use
Doepfer A-178 ThereminTheremin ModuleProduces variable control voltage when hand is moved around the antennaRange...
⭐
4.8/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 192268
$109
#8
⭐
4.7/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Doepfer A-178 Theremin Vintage Edition
by
Doepfer
Modular Control
Live Modular
Studio Control
Key Feature:
• Essential for live modular performance
✓ PROS
- • Manual control over modular parameters
- • Often includes switches and buttons
✗ CONS
- • Limited to control functions only
- • Takes up HP space in modular case
Doepfer A-178 Theremin Vintage EditionTheremin ModuleGenerates variable control voltage by bringing the hand closer to...
⭐
4.7/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 541009
$120
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Doepfer A-179-2
by
Doepfer
Modular Control
Automation
Studio Control
Key Feature:
• Multiple control voltage outputs
✓ PROS
- • Essential for live modular performance
- • Manual control over modular parameters
✗ CONS
- • May be redundant with external controllers
- • Can be expensive for simple functionality
Doepfer A-179-2Eurorack ModuleLight-sensitive control voltage sourceInternal light sensor and input for external...
⭐
4.8/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 544464
$80
How to Choose the Best Controller Modules
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced controller modules typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
