Serge Modular | Episode 01 | Introduction

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I really thought I'd be immune to that modular virus by now. I was wondering what the fuzz is about with Serge Modular. And here we are.

In this series, I am not going to show off my extensive knowledge of Serge systems and patching techniques because I am a blank sheet of paper.

I know nothing. In episode 1, I'll start with celebrating 50 years of Serge with a Paperface 50 reissue walkthrough. The paper-panel kits Serge made for his students back in CalArt 1970's. Then I'll try to translate the sections to contemporary Eurorack Serge modules. I am trying to borrow a Paperface from Random*Source to dive deeper and make this adventure more tangible.

Eventually, this series will cover all Serge modules I own, and hopefully I'll be able to explain how they work, and how to get music out of them.

My knowledge comes from Maths, which was inspired by the Serge DUSG Dual Universal Slope Generator (signal ins), the Buchla 281 quad function generator (trigger ins) and the 257 voltage math (SUM, INV, OR, center attenuators). And while this knowledge is very useful, I had no idea the DUSG would be so different and SO powerful. Even with four years of near full-time patching experience, I still know nothing. Except one thing. Serge represents completely unexplored territory for me. Considering the low amount of Serge videos on YT, I may not be the only one.

Today I extended my case with the DUSG and the RES EQ from someone who sold his entire modular rig. These modules were the last to go. So many people either don't like them, don't know them, or don't know how they work. I am from category 2 and 3. Serge is often considered 'low level', like he's turning his modules inside out, exposing circuitry that's usually hidden behind the panel. He provides total freedom. Let's find out if we can handle that."