Paperface 50 | Serge Origins

video uploads by Cinematic Laboratory

Playlist:

1. Paperface 50 | Serge Origins | Episode 01 | Visual Language

This is the first video of a seven episode playlist. It features the Paperface 50 'Helios' and 'Tempo di Roma' panels which are part of the 50th anniversary release and updated by Serge himself. These are the designs that started it all back in '70-71.

Serge used pre-drilled grid panels where all kinds of DIY circuits could be added. The front was made of a paper template where you could write down your labels. Commercial designs followed, where the typical flowchart symbols were used. This video tries to explain what they mean.

I will not be doing more 4U videos because this channel is focused on eurorack only, and focus is important. However, I recently committed to a lot of Serge euro modules and the Paperface started this fever. I was completely unfamiliar with Serge except for his contribution to Maths. So this is a bit like an 'origin' story and a tutorial for those who are interested in Serge. All episodes can be used to learn what the Eurorack modules have to offer.

2. Paperface 50 | Serge Origins | Episode 02 | OSC and OSC+

The Helios panel has two VCO's, named OSC and OSC+. The extended VCO also features a pulse out with PWM and three noise outputs. They have three (3!) 1V/OCT inputs, where two are attenuverted. The Sine outputs have a waveshaper CV. Simple, but amazing and really powerful for all kinds of modulation scenarios.

3. Paperface 50 | Serge Origins | Episode 03 | Smooth Stepped Generator

The SSG is one of the most versatile utilities in modern synthesis. At first glance it's just a triangle wave (smooth) and a sample/hold circuit, but it can perform a lot of different tasks. The SSG also has a modern V2, the GTO.
So this video may be of some use for new SSG and GTO owners in 4U and 3U.

4. Paperface 50 | Serge Origins | Episode 04 | Noise and Feedback

I didn't expect too much from this episode, just filtering a bit of noise, triggers and self-oscillation on the filter. But it made me understand why Serge is so often used to make feedback patches. I am aware I am only scratching a huge surface here. Feel free to share your feedback tips in the comments so we can all benefit.

5. Paperface 50 | Serge Origins | Episode 05 | The Rhythm of Rome

My borrowed Paperface 50 also features the Tempo di Roma panel, a clever classic sequencer featuring two 4-step sequencers, each with three rows of CV values (roughly equal to notes), a gate row when a stage is reached, and stage selectors that double as keys and length controls.

It also has an 8 step gate sequencer, two bidirectional temporary sequential switches and one bidirectional alternating switch. Finally it features a logic circuit that can output the Min or Max of two CV values (Peak and Through).

It may be a powerful sequencer for 1970's standards, but it's really classic and vintage in the digital 21st century. However, it's also responsible for that classic vibe you will not find on modern sequencers where everything is perfect.

6. Paperface 50 | Serge Origins | Episode 06 | Waveshaping

This episode is about the original Serge Triple Waveshaper, that can be used both in series as in parallel. They are three identical rectifiers, capable of turning basic waveforms into many different complex shapes, or turning complex shapes into more basic waveforms. Since the Helios panel doesn't have a dedicated VCA, I found a way to use a waveshaper to turn the filter into a convincing low pass gate. I don't think I've heard this trick before since most Helios videos are 'legato'. But maybe everybody knows this already :).

When I started this video I had a 'problem' with working with raw sounds and scopes. I don't want to be such a channel because it also gives the impression that I have a technical background. I don't. So I turned it into a Symphony for Orchestra and Waveshapers. In C minor. It's actually quite fun to 'score' a noisy VCO.

7. Paperface50 | Serge Origins | Episode 07 | Integration

This is the final episode of the series, where we'll go from 4U Banana to Eurorack and back. I was expecting a lot from this episode because i could finally add a quantizer and stereo effects. Sure it worked like a charm, but it also took away a lot of the magic and purety, degrading the Serge to 'just a bitg module' in a larger collective. I think I understand now why so many 4U users don't add too many bells and whistles and listen to all the little details hiding in the waves.