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Post by funbun on Feb 23, 2021 22:39:09 GMT
I've nearly completed my AE Modular synth. With four rows of 16U, I don't see a need to expand further. however, like many, I love the idea of having a Serge synth. I have one 84hp 3U Eurorack rail. I'm thinking of building a Serge/Eurorack control rack as a way to control the AE Modular. Here's what I'm thinking:
Dual Universal Slope Generator/Maths/Rampage (Either of these)
Smooth & Stepped Generator
Triple Comparator
Erica Synths Black Sequencer
Disting
I'd get these in the Eurorack version over the course of the next year or two. My concern is how well will the EuroSerge modules work with the AE modular system? I'd have to buy several 4!/O modules, but that's fine. I figure Use AE for bread and butter modules, then use Eurorack for the complex stuff.
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Post by tIB on Feb 24, 2021 6:27:04 GMT
A few thoughts...
Voltages: In serge proper there's some inconsistencies in voltages - some signals are bipolar, some are unipolar. In euro it's even more inconsistent, or at least it was when I was in it - perhaps it's reached some kind of standard now? I'd want to know how many of hose modules do or can out out negative voltages as that will cause problems in AE. I'd also want some scaling/attenuation too as sending an 8v slope that is clipped of at 5v by the 4i/o isn't going to be great.
'serge': a large part of the serge experience for me comes from bananas - while the functionality can be recreated in euro modules, serge for me is a 4u format with banana patch points. I mention only because I wanted a serge system, put together a euro with a west coast philosophy and still wanted a serge. The loudest warning format is an interesting way to get into serge and have the freedom that euro offers. If I was going serge again I might start there.
Cross patching: some don't mind it, others do - I don't enjoy cross patching between formats (I didn't really like patching within euro as there were times it felt I was cross patching formats due to inconsistencies). It's one to think about though.
Modules choices: the smooth stepped and DUSG have the same circuit at their core. I like the SSG... I love slopes. I was out of euro by the time v2 maths came out, but I seem to remember there was some stepped stuff added to it? Ifnyats the case you might find yourself better off with more slopes and no SSG. If not, the topporbrillo sport modulator was thought of as an improvement of the SSG when put out. Might be worth a look. With the triple comparator I've not used that in serge - it's an old one I think? Comparators are great, though I'm not sure what sets the serge triple comp apart?
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Post by admin on Feb 24, 2021 6:42:06 GMT
I actually started my modular synth journey by building a VCS and Smooth & Stepped Generator from Elby Designs. Laurie from Elby-Designs has the approval from Serge Tcherepnin to produce make those modules and offers them in a 3.5mm mono jack and Eurorack compatible format as either DIY kits or fully built: elby-designs.com/contents/en-us/d69_ES_-_Euro_Serge.htmlLaurie is also producing kits and built modules designed by the famous Ken Stone (Cat-Girl Synth) and these BoCGS panels might be interesting as well: elby-designs.com/contents/en-us/d79_Best_of_CGS_-_BOCGS.htmlPersonally I wouldn't be able to afford any of this and that's also why I stopped building any further modules. |
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Post by tIB on Feb 24, 2021 6:59:51 GMT
The elby and cgs stuff is great. With my ssg comments this page might help: www.serge-fans.com/wiz_SSG1.htm(And that site is a fantastic resource if you haven't come across it already) A lot of that you can patch with the USG (same core circuit) so if you have sample and hold inside the AE system, comparators outside and don't mind going in and out of it I'd go for more slopes in that space. YMMV of course. |
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Post by NightMachines on Feb 26, 2021 15:37:54 GMT
I’m also not one who cross-patches synths very often. The appeal of the CGS Serge panels that I have owned for a while, was that they were somewhat classic configurations. So I didn’t want to mix and match separate modules, but play with and explore established configurations, to get the “feeling” of the format. That’s also why I’ve mostly spent time with manufacturer-specific setups in the past five years or so (e.g. Eurorack systems from Bastl, Klangbau Köln and Snazzy FX, Anyware Instruments, AE Modular system, CGS Serge system, Gotharman groove boxes, etc.). I’m not sure if buying just a Eurorack DUSG and SSG will get you that Serge feeling. They’re great modules, but I feel that Serge is built around banana sockets and a rather technical approach to synthesis, encapsulated by the 4U panel/paperface format. We have powerful envelopes and random generator possibilities in our AE Modular already and due to the low price and space requirements, I don’t see the pressing need for a DUSG, SSG, etc. as one can simply create similar configurations with a handful of existing modules. That being said, if Robert or anybody else would want to license and adapt some Serge designs, I also wouldn’t mind  |
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