Medusa in Space - Serge eurorack

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Self-playing patch by Teo centered around Medusa (eurorack) ..."

Equalizer as an instrument - Serge Modular VC Resonant Equalizer demo

video upload by Stazma

"Today we check out the unruly monster that is the VCResEQ aka Voltage Controled Resonant Equalizer, by Serge Modular.
This beast adds control inputs and individual outputs for each bands. It does not even need audio inputs to make awesome sounds hahaha.

Have fun!"

00:00 Intro
01:43 Module Overview
02:26 Saw Wave test
05:33 White Noise test
06:55 No Input test
11:03 PING IT!
15:55 Breakbeats & voltage controled feedback
20:58 Play the knobs
22:14 SERGE VOCODER
25:42 End talk

"RANDOM SOURCE SERGE VC RESONANT EQUALIZER (VCRESEQ)

Finally available after popular demand, the Serge Modular VC Resonant Equalizer by Random*Source packages the beloved Serge RESEQ into an expanded format with voltage control over each of the 10 bands. With the exception of the top and bottom bands, the Resonant EQ has garnered a reputation for its universally musical characteristics, thanks to most bands being spaced apart by Major 7ths rather than perfect octaves. This means that multiple bands won't overly resonate with the frequency contents of arbitrary signal inputs, leading to more versatility and usefulness on a variety of sounds.

Each band can boost or cut its corresponding frequencies by up to 12dB, and the CV control capabilities of this version make it more dynamic and magical than ever. Attenuverters for each allow you to define how much a control voltage will positively or negatively affect that band. Two inputs allow you to process multiple signals simultaneously without an external mixer, while a Feedback control allows you to introduce chaos and instability for a variety of delightful chirps, squelches, and squeals. In addition to dual main mix outputs, two Combination outputs give you some additional flexibility in routing and patching—though keep in mind that this module is designed for musicality and not mixing perfection, as moving any band will affect both outputs. Should you have the space to welcome it into your modular rack, the VCRESEQ would be a phenomenal addition to your Eurorack system and greatly expanding your sonic palette.

SERGE VC RESONANT EQUALIZER (VCRESEQ) FEATURES

Expanded version of the classic Serge Resonant EQ
Most bands spaced apart by Major 7ths
12dB of boost or cut available per band
CV inputs and attenuverters for each band
Two input channels
Feedback control
Dual mix outputs plus two Combination outputs"

Serge Medusa for Eurorack - Dub

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Another Medusa for eurorack exploration by Teo. Medusa as the main sound source (apart from the drums which come straight out of logic) plus quite a bit of filtering and modulation."

SERGE Medusa Comes to Eurorack

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Teo takes the Medusa for Eurorack for a (long) spin, here's the full recording used for the IG teaser ... #sergemodular"

Press release follows:

Introducing the Serge MEDUSA Subharmonic Oscillator for Eurorack: Unleashing New Depths in Modular Synthesis

Frankfurt, 1 November 2024 — Serge Modular proudly announces the launch of the Serge Medusa Subharmonic Oscillator for the Eurorack modular synthesizer format. This groundbreaking module designed by Serge Tcherepnin brings orchestral clusters, coveted undertones and rich harmonic complexity to the Eurorack format.

A Revolution in Sound Design

The Subharmonic Oscillator is one of Serge’s latest inventions and one of his most extraordinary designs. 7 accurate analog VCOs tied at the waist—in unison, yet their frequencies can open like a fan, creating complex clusters. Each voice generates a pulse wave. It is temperature compensated and follows exceptional 1V/Octave tracking. 
In addition, each voice provides (voltage controlled) pulse width modulation or subharmonic division as well as an individual output. By producing mathematically related lower frequencies, it enables the creation of complex and evolving soundscapes that were previously difficult to achieve within the Eurorack environment.
The precision of these voices in combination with a global Spread control and various FM inputs opens an enormous sonic range from massive unisono sounds to dissonant, orchestra-style textures. The ODD and EVEN outputs enable the use as a stereo oscillator.

Key Features:

• Original Serge 2023 design
• 100% analog
• Seven simultaneous subharmonic VCOs with individual Outputs, PWM and variable divisions
• Wide Range Frequency Control: Precisely dial in frequencies from deep bass to soaring highs, all synchronized to the master oscillator.
• Voltage-Controlled Parameters: Extensive CV inputs allow for modulation of pulse width and frequency divisions, enabling expressive performance potential.
• Odd and Even outputs for independent processing / Stereo use.
• Global Spread Control (manual and VC)
• Linear and Exponential FM
• Eurorack format (3U), 42 hp
• Power consumption: 220mA @ +12V, 200mA @ -12V
• Skiff-friendly: depth less than 25mm (1")

“This is my version of a cluster generator. Clusters are part of the contemporary music arsenal of effects. The Subharmonic Oscillator has a total, tracking, V/octave range that is the same as all our VCOs, however, it outputs only pulse waves. Pulse-width operates from instantaneous -> square wave > 1st sub-harmonic > 2nd sub-harmonic ...> Nth sub-harmonic. You guessed it, this is one VCO that sounds like a symphony orchestra playing Atmosphères by György Ligeti.”
Serge Tcherepnin, 18 October 2023

Unmatched Versatility

Designed for both traditional musicians and experimental artists, the Serge Subharmonic Oscillator excels in a variety of applications:

• Bass Enhancement: Generate powerful sub-bass frequencies to add weight to your mixes.
• Polyphonic Textures: Create rich, chord-like structures from a single note input.
• Rhythmic Modulation: Utilize subharmonics to produce complex rhythmic patterns and sequences.
• Sound Exploration: Dive into uncharted sonic territories with modulations and cross-patching.

Availability

The Serge Subharmonic Oscillator will be available starting November 1st, 2024 through Serge Modular / Random*Source and authorized dealers worldwide.

The Story behind Medusa

“I was sitting on a bench recovering from a bike ride at the edge of Fontainebleau forest, when a swarm of crows - some 30-40 of them, suddenly erupted in the sky above the large forest trees facing me.  They swirled in a large arc, emitting a few caws-caws, disappearing and reappearing wildly in the sky in front of me.  
And here is what this made me realize about my electronics: Drones have been part of my musical consciousness from the very beginning, thanks to LaMonte Young and the many examples of drones in Indian classical music.  One of my first electronic circuits was a 3 oscillator 9V operated shruti box. Maryanne Amacher, Eliane Radigue, Charlemagne Palestine, are drone masters I helped and fostered.  Charlemagne still uses the console of ultra stable drone oscillators that I designed for him more than 50 years ago.   
Drones and clusters, in fact.  Clusters, thanks to the marvelous composer Henry Cowell who coined the word for music. The fruit of all this, was me deciding on designing electronics for the creation of drones and clusters.   MEDUSA is the result of this project.

But what do a swarm of crows swirling in the sky above a forest have to do with drones and clusters??

EVERYTHING

MEDUSA is the perfect module for letting fly a swarm of semi independent musical notes, swirling in and out of unison, clusters, or chords, capable to scaling the entire range of frequencies, from sub-sonic to inaudible. MEDUSA gives wings to drones :)”

About Serge Modular
Serge Tcherepnin is an American composer, musician and electronic mastermind of Russian and Chinese descent who grew up in France and in Chicago. In 1970 he joined the music faculty at Cal-Arts where he developed the idea and design of the first “Serge” modules. He founded his company, Serge Modular Music Systems, in Hollywood, in 1975.
Random*Source was founded by Ralf Hoffmann in 2015 with a mission to carry on and extend the work of synth pioneers Serge Tcherepnin and Jürgen Haible. Since the beginning Random*Source has been working in close cooperation with Serge on a new generation of the Serge system. In 2018 Serge became Chief Innovation Officer and is leading the development under the Serge Modular brand.

SERGE Modular Siegfried (VC Resonant EQ) // Soundtrack for the end of the world

video upload by Dexba

"Such a privilege to finally have a SERGE Modular (or Random Source?) Siegfried in my system. This is definitely just a first test, but I was immediately captured by its raw beauty, there is something that makes it feel alive.

Yes, it could be the presence of VC (Voltage Control) in the name, so that I can use the 4 slopes on my INORI to modulate different bands (which actually behave more like different instruments, rather than parts of the same filterbank). There is so much more to explore, so stay tuned, so I can put some more SERGE and also more Siegfried on YouTube, which is definitely lacking at the moment 😄"

Late night patch - Teo Hoffmann on Serge Modular Paperface 50

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Teo back on Serge's 2022 redesign of the original Serge Modular Paperface system - Helios, Paris Flash and Tempo di Roma panels.

The Serge Paperface 50 Anniversary system is a standalone, externally powered, authentic Serge synthesizer that Serge himself ingenuously updated in some key aspects.

Panel 1 (Helios / Voices):
Serge Vintage Oscillator 2022, temperature-compensated, 1V/Oct
Serge Vintage Oscillator+ 2022, temperature-compensated, 1V/Oct, with PULSE and PWM
Serge Noise
Smooth & Stepped Generator (SSG)
Dual CV-Pro
Triple Waveshaper (TWS)
Serge 1973 VCF + Balanced Output

Panel 2 (Paris Flash / Slopes):
Dual Positive Slopes (with new wildcard input)
Dual Negative Slopes (with new wildcard input)
Smooth & Stepped Generator (SSG)
Envelope Generator (with new wildcard input)
Dual CV-Pro
Dual Gates - new design!
Serge 1973 VCF + Balanced Output

Panel 3 (Tempo di Roma / Sequencer):
Serge Gate Sequencer
Enhanced SQP4 Sequencer / Programmer with UP/DOWN, HOLD
Serge Metronomic Clock
Bidirectional Router (with Flip-Flop)
Enhanced SQP4 Sequencer / Programmer with UP/DOWN, HOLD
Peak & Trough"

INORI by SERGE Modular - 10 Patches

video upload by Stazma

"After the walktrhough of the panel a few weeks ago, we go back to the INORI panel, this time for ten short pieces, to give you a idea of it's sonic range.

Spoiler alert: it's HUGE.

I've used some occasional modules from the MANTRA panel below, usualy the Sequencer.

PS: when you see some vibration on the screen during the video it's not an effect that I add, it's the bass that shake my camera stand ;-)

Have fun!"

00:00 Velocity Arp w/ Arturia Keystep
01:50 Glass Orchestra
03:11 All the Pings!
05:11 Jelly Squashing
07:12 Stereo Drones
08:59 Test 808 Pattern w/ System80 880
10:12 Cross Modness
12:18 Shimmery Pulses (no shimmer effect used here!)
14:29 Feedback Everything
15:48 Electric Creatures

INORI by SERGE Modular - panel walktrough

video upload by Stazma

"Today we check out the Inori panel by Random*Source aka Serge Modular.
I got this one recently and as there is no proper exploration of it online yet, well I made one!
This is a short demo (no in depth geek stuff) of each sections, each with at least one patch exemple.

Have fun!"

Modulation 'Masterclass'

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"First of all, I put 'masterclass' between quotes because I am not a master. I can call myself an 'expert' after +10.000 hours of patching but that's no guarantee for good information. However, you wouldn't be interested in watching modulation basics either. So my 'masterclasses' are more like sitting around the campfire, telling ghost stories, and we're all equal.

I've been inspired by a subscriber, who pointed to his beloved Rossum Trident/Triton as his/her/their favorite VCO. I looked it up, decided there's too much overlap with my THREE-BODY VCO, but noticed something interesting called 'Zing modulation'. It's a recipe based on ring modulation, with the simple trick of syncing the carrier and modulator. Dave wrote he may have been the first person who ever used the term 'hard-sync', but credited the technology to Serge Tcherepnin. Suddenly I was lost and inspired in a new world of modulation I did not know about. Since it's a recipe instead of a circuit, we can all use it as long as your VCO has a Sync input, and you have a ringmod in your case. If you don't, get one. It's an essential piece and it costs nothing.

I can't explain Zing modulation (ZM) without Ring modulation (RM) without thru-zero amplitude modulation (AM) and when the bloody TZ comes along I am aways reminded that I am still clueless about thru-zero FM. I've seen good, bad and no explanations about TZFM. I know it preserves pitch, it's been restricted to digital - but now it's also possible with analog - and it needs to be supported by the VCO. You can't seem to patch it up, the VCO should do it. I have a problem with things that can't be done. It's not that I am stubborn, an important aspect of creativitiy is to never give up. And to be confident you'll figure it out eventually. Thanks to Dave Rossum's recipe, I wondered if I could ringmod my modulator VCO before it goes to my principal VCO's LIN-FM. It can't possibly be amplitude modulation anymore.
I experimented with ring-modulating the modulator with an inverted version of itself, so it would flip polarity and go thru-zero. I don't know if this qualifies as true thru-zero so I call it WTFM.

Anyway, this video can keep you busy for weeks. Happy Patching!
Robert.

00:00 Intro
00:52 Amplitude Modulation
01:44 Frequency Modulation
02:47 Ring Modulation
04:12 Zing modulation by Dave Rossum
04:52 Thru-Zero Linear Frequency Modulation
05:59 Thru-Zero Linear WTF Modulation by Cinematic Laboratory
08:17 A few Ring Mod alternatives
09:32 Zing along with Serge and Dave"

SERGE Mantra II Tantra - 15 Sound Impressions

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Serge MANTRA II + TANTRA - is this the ultimate 2 panel Serge combination?

MANTRA II is the latest generation of MANTRA - it combines Sequencing with some of Serge's signature modules in the latest incarnation (6th gen): GTO (successor to the Smooth&Stepped Generator), GTS (successor to the Dual Universal Slope Generator), Variable Q Filter+ (more inputs, processor for resonance).

TANTRA was designed as an ideal companion for MANTRA (II) - Rhythm, the voltage controlled divider (÷N) and the Pulse Divider. A number of utility functions (Mix Pro, Active Pro+ = ring modulation!, Mixer), an additional pair of slopes (GTS), the middle section of the classic Wave Multipliers, the brand new Serge VCFX filter plus an XFader as an additional output module (for stereo output).

Here are 15 patches - using only MANTRA II + TANTRA (and occasionally some reverb) - that aim to show the sonic range:

00:00 INTRO / WHITE LIGHT
04:33 OBLIVION APPEASED
07:31 TOXIC FRIES
09:22 CAPTAIN FUTURE
11:36 A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
12:33 TIME CAPSULE 5
14:44 LBVFJVLEYÖR
17:01 GESANG DER SCHWÄCHLINGE
18:59 NIPPON YUSEI KOSHA
19:50 MILAN TO MARSEILLE
22:19 SUMMER BLISS
25:01 DEATH OF A CHIP
26:25 THE TUNNEL
29:35 MELANCHOLIA
31:37 BONUS: KERNKRAFT"

Teo Hoffmann - Serge Paperface 2.0 - Arcade Dreams

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"From the Archives: Teo playing Serge's 2022 redesign of the original Serge Paperface system - Helios and Tempo di Roma panels, recorded in March 2023.

The Serge Paperface 50 Anniversary system is a standalone, externally powered, authentic Serge synthesizer that Serge himself ingenuously updated in some key aspects.

Panel 1 (Sequencer):
Serge Gate Sequencer
Enhanced SQP4 Sequencer / Programmer with UP/DOWN, HOLD
Serge Metronomic Clock
Bidirectional Router
Enhanced SQP4 Sequencer / Programmer with UP/DOWN, HOLD
Peak & Trough

Panel 2 (Voice):
Serge Vintage Oscillator 2022, temperature-compensated, 1V/Oct
Serge Vintage Oscillator+ 2022, temperature-compensated, 1V/Oct, with PULSE and PWM
Serge Noise
Smooth & Stepped Generator (SSG)
Dual CV-Pro
Triple Waveshaper (TWS)
Serge 1973 VCF + Balanced Output"

Serge Inori meet a RE-150 Space Echo

video upload by Stazma

"Yesterday I received my new Inori Serge panel, mounted together with the Mantra I had for years AND I found a second hand Space Echo at a 20 minutes drive from my house.

This was clearly destiny and I had to make a proper Analordish jam with these two (880 by System 80 on the beat and syncing the Serge).

Have fun!"

The Magic World of Analog | Serge Modular | Episode 04

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"In this video, I'll dive into the magic world of analog synthesis with a focus on the Serge Wavemultiplier (folder) and Resonant EQ. They sound great, but many of the Serge modules have secret 'magic' worlds, or less dramatic, they can do things you would not expect.

I also took the opportunity to do a compare with the Ohmicide digital distortion, which is ported from a VST. I don't want to compare digital and analog sonically, because I believe digitally modelled analog sounds just as good as real analog. The differences are revealed when unexpected conditions take place. In real analog, mother nature will determine what happens (cause and effect). In digital, you'd encounter an exception. So let's see what happens when Ohmicide has to process its own output :).

Another difference is that digital modules don't have a secret world beyond the code."

Serge Medusa / Subharmonic Oscillator Impressions

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Medusa combines two of Serge's latest inventions - the Subharmonic Oscillator and the new VCFX filter - both designed by Serge in 2023 - to carry you to unchartered sonic territories. The Subharmonic Oscillator comprises 7 voices (pulse waves), each voice providing pulse width modulation or subharmonic division as well as 1V/Octave inputs and an individual output. The precision of these voices (with excellent 1V/Oct tracking and temperature stability) in combination with a global Spread control and various FM inputs opens up an enormous sonic range from massive unisono sounds to dissonant, orchestra-style textures. Here a couple of patches using Medusa as sound source with Edelweiss III and sometimes a MicroFreak as keyboard and/or an SEQ8 sequencer.

Patches:

00:00 Intro / Heart of Darkness
03:30 Time to Move
05:06 Let's Go Up
05:36 String Me Up
07:59 Black Hawk
08:32 World War Z
14:31 Illusory Lightness
15:53 Tsahal and Farther South
19:32 Approaching Panama
20:13 Reliving the Future
21:25 End of Days"

Additional Serge Medusa posts.

Random Source Serge INORI + Chase Bliss Mood Mk2 // Pings & Drones

video upload by

"Just a little xmas noodling with the INORI panel and the infamous Mood Mk2 by Chase Bliss.
I wanted to try the pedal with the best-sounding synth I own, and the result was good enough to post, so here we are! A bit of sparkly pinging, and some good ol' drones (mostly because I don't have another panel, but also because the INORI is so good at producing them)
Enjoy!

Chapters
0:00 Pings
0:49 Drones"

SERGE Mantra II +Tantra

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Teo playing the brand new Serge MANTRA II + TANTRA combo."

SERGE TANTRA - SEQQ goes Bach

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Short demo of the new the Sequencer / Quantizer (SEQQ).
Sound source is a GTO (from MANTRA II) run through the Wave Multiplier and VCFX 2023 in TANTRA."

Ambient Piano vs SERGE VC Resonant EQ eurorack

video upload by Serge Modular | Random*Source

"Piano meets Serge VC Resonant EQ. Loop by @teohoffmann.

First take: piano sent into VC Resonant EQ (with some modular modulation and knob twisting).
Second take: TAU Phaser added plus an oscillator to add some electronic sounds.
Both takes recorded with a bit of Vintageverb on AMPEX."

00:00 Original Piano
01:42 Processed with VC ResEQ
03:20 Processed with VC ResEQ, TAU.

GTO | Serge Tutorials | Episode 03 (one of the coolest modules ever made)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"The first two episodes where about the big Serge heritage in 4U panels, the translation to eurorack and the relationship between DUSG and Maths. Starting from episode 03, I'll downsize the cases and focus on individual modules in small setups.

The GTO is the 'V2' of the legendary SSG (Smooth/Stepped Generator). A few weeks ago, I wasn't even aware of these two. At first glance, it looks like a mix of a Cycle and a Sample/Hold. The 'challenge' with Serge is that you can't tell what a module can do when you look at it. But WOW. The GTO is a force of nature. If you have an interest in Serge, this module can keep you exploring for many, many months. If I had to confine myself to choosing one Serge module only, it would be the GTO.

I am making this series to teach myself the ins and outs of modular, sharing the journey as I progress. I invested in a big case, but only because I am planning to teach and do 'master' classes. I just can't teach modular without knowing about Serge. So this series isn't affiliated with Serge or Random*Source.

I fitted the Befaco Bananuts myself, they don't come with the modules. Also, there are no white ones, so I spray painted a few bags of silver ones. I still need to remove a bit of excess paint, but they look awesome. I guess it's something autistic, but I am proud of it.

I am not sponsored. R*S offered me to borrow modules I'd like to cover, but don't fit my budget. There's an SSG coming soon, together with the Paperface 50 4U reissue. I am not doing 4U videos, but it's cool to actually see and hear where the eurorack modules come from.

Finally, the appearance of Lego models is purely for fun and decoration. Everybody is using plants to decorate their modular videos and I wanted to do it a bit differently. They're models of carnivorous plants (Carnivor is also a Serge combo)."

Serge Modular | Episode 02 | Voices and Utilities

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I wish I could do this all day. Building a Serge system in eurorack is great fun, and the same applies to figuring it out. I've been running this channel for a while know and I assumed I knew a lot. In EP01 I knew nothing and I could hide behind fancy animations. In this episode I still don't know enough to dive deep but I've figured out there are 4U voice- and utility panels. Most of them can be directly translated to eurorack and in this episode I've 'built' a La Bestia II (with some missing parts).

A deep compare with Maths is unavoidable, so we're going to compare Maths with DUSG again. I shouldn't do this, but Serge modules have rise and falls all over the place and they sound totally different. Indeed, they're designed to double as full featured VCO's with varishape waveforms, AM and FM. They can filter, and work as VCA's or LPG's. This is called 'patch programmability'. So what's on the panel isn't necessarily what the module is for. Without direction, a dual slope means nothing.

00:00 Introduction
01:07 Maths V1 = Serge DUSG + (Buchla 281) + 257
02:38 Maths EOR/EOC vs DUSG END
03:29 DUSG as Complex VCO
04:33 Introducing GTS
05:10 Utilities sound like utilities
07:26 Winds of Wood
09:01 Quantized jam with Rene, Optomix & Mimeophon
13:01 A Krell patch with the La Bestia II panel layout (eurorack)."