Serge Modular | Episode 01 | Introduction

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.

[@OIP_1]

serge is some of the most fun and creativity you can have with synths. combo of music, noise and science experiment, plus there's something just.. menacing about the core sounds

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I had no idea, but now I am in love. Can't wait to start working on episode 02, so I can learn some more.

[@oliverkollar9143]

Serge is a completely different mindset. For example.....the "utility" 4U panel you showed has 8 functions that could be used as oscillators, and 3 filters besides the dedicated one. Very excited for you to take this journey. Serge is almost all I patch anymore. Enjoy the ride!!!! 🤘🏾🔥🤘🏾

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I think Paris Flash is my favorite and most intriguing panel of the four which are now reissued. But I'll need to stay away from 4U :).

[@arpmoog]

Came for the entertainment and stayed for the edjumacation. Heard the name Serge, but never knew his contributions. Please share more, intrepid Cinner.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I learned a new word today. It's appropriate. A tutorial from a teacher who doesn't know anything about the subject (yet). Doesn't happen very often. But the alternative is that it takes months or years to finally present episode 01 and Serge is already 83. This needs to be done now.

[@andreasschmelas]

I absolutely love the Serge sound and aesthetics! Unfortunately I don't own any modules of him but some with a similar mindset (Toppobrillo, IFM, Mannequins). But if I would start my modular journey all over again, I probably would just go with a 4u R*S panel and some custom stuff (like Rings & Clouds) from Loudest Warning (Charlie does an amazing job!)

[@paulmiller4316]

Dammit man, it happens every time. You put out a video, I'm left bewildered in awe & by the time I get my head around it you put out another curve ball ! Keep it up, Your doing the Lords work of the Devils making.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I am both sorry and honoured. I feel this series has to be made. I don't know if it's going to be any good, but I learned more 'synthesis' from these modules in 24 hours than I've learned over the last 12 months.

[@electricdawn2258]

Very cool. Don't know much about Serge. Thought to be Buchla'y... How wrong I am... I definitely will be along for the ride!

[@marob1]

Some kind of hearing the heart of electronic modular! Thanx a lot also giving a tremendous visualisation! Dong 🔔 of the month!

[@chrissherman01]

I knew we were missing something on this channel :) I'm planning to build a 4U Serge system from kits. It certainly won't look as nice as this one. Looking forward to more videos in this series.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I've seen paperface replica modules which cost about nothing (Australia) and look great. But I really need to resist all this, even though I may be getting myself a Helios Paris-Flash panel this year after selling stuff I don't use.

[@chrissherman01]

@@CinematicLaboratory Good luck!

[@navicore]

Wow. Wonderful. Great vid - happy to see all these modules I love so much through other's eyes new. Looking forward to more.

[@KM-bl3vy]

It took me a long time to figure out what was going on with the Serge ecosystem. I still don't know if I really understand it, but I find myself patching and thinking about sound differently and it has been constantly rewarding. You can easily patch the system in a more traditional additive or subtractive style, but the system really shines for me when I'm feedback patching or squeezing a ton of function out of only a few modules.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Same here. I've been patching Serge for about 24 hours and I got sounds from it that make no sense if you just look at what's on the panel and the labels. As with Expo FM, you can understand the principle, but there's no way you can predict what's going to happen with more than three sources.

[@fonitronik]

Wonderful. I will definitely follow your adventurous trip into the jungle!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Can't wait to do Episode 02, but variation on this channel is more important. And I need to complete my eurorack set, borrow a real Serge Paperface 50 and fit Befaco bananuts in black, red and white. I love this channel. Ofcourse I do.

[@paranormind-music]

You've been lucky to get your hands on the ResEQ. I'm surprised to see it doesn't get the love it deserves, such an amazing module, well done!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I've been playing with the feedback and I was completely blown away by the sounds. I got it from someone who quit modular. He had a big case, but the DUSG and ResEQ just didn't sell and were left-overs. DUSG was a no-brainer, but got a discount if I also took the ResEQ. Lucky indeed!

[@goonfish]

​@@CinematicLaboratory and what a dynamic-duo to make your entry with, and for a deal no less! 🎯

[@CinematicLaboratory]

FYI, the ResEQ is in stock at Random*Source for regular prices. I also saw a seriously overpriced one on Reverb.

[@MatthewDixon-wz5jb]

Brilliant! Really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thanks for the encouragement to make more!

[@joystickcan]

well done cant wait till next chapter !!!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Can't wait to start working on Episode 02! Still wondering what to do next, probably some low hanging fruit.

[@moogfooger]

very very cool. a nebulous world of sound creation. much appreciated. Cheers

[@LevyDaal]

Heerlijk dat experimenteren met geluidjes. Beetje spijt dat ik de serges heb weggedaan ;)

[@banalytic]

a great idea to start with this video-series, thanks for it. I start building a own Serge System in Eurorack next to my other case. I really love the sounds and the aesthetics of serge-modular.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I am now investigating the 4U panels like Edelweiss II and III. Super useful to create a combo that is supposed to work and each panel would be a fun episode.

[@ChrisMills-AmbientSpace]

I love those otherworldly tones and chords at the end. More please.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I produced those chords at the end, it's the Well of Souls theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark and it was done in the PC. The otherworldly tones came from the Serge case.

[@ChrisMills-AmbientSpace]

@@CinematicLaboratory thank you for sharing. Serge Modular does, indeed, represent an undiscovered realm that I am eager to dabble in. (Most likely my explorations will be via VCV Rack.)

[@tgiencke]

From fixing 70’s analog autopilots… I would use a lot of stackcables, ES-9 interface, and 14 oscilloscopes in VCV Rack 2. But I am weird that way. 😊

[@SpikesStudio3]

CINEMATIC!!! Yeah, no shit. That was incredible. Clearly, your benchmark for "clueless" is fairly high. 🤣 Do you know about Laurie Bidolph?

[@studio48nl]

I used to have the variable slope filter, which I modded to accept modular level audio which could be too hot. I sold it because I was looking for a (stereo) filter with more character.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

I have the VCF2 coming soon, which has a dual layout. I think it will make a great low pass gate.

[@fentanyljones6956]

My dream system is a 4 or 5 panel serge system.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Let's hope it will not remain a dream. That swedish company (75-79?) has some really reasonable prices for a full panel.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

His old paper face stuff is such a mystery to me The newer stuff makes sense It’s all patch dependent (user defines the use of a module) Oh man I was hoping u didn’t take the 4u plunge 💰

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Don't worry, I'll stick to eurorack. The Paperface 50 is purely illustrative, but I am going to use it to translate the panel flowchart designs to euro in the forthcoming episodes. But I must admit I love that visual language and it's much easier than it looks. More about this in Ep.02 or 03. Random*Source has offered to borrow me a Paperface 50 for the benefit of this series so I can work on it when it's here. But modules like the new GTO, GTA and NTO are 'Serge 50 years later' and I am a here+now person. I think I'd like to borrow your 'user defines module use' approach.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Borrow away I didn’t come up with the concept of patch dependent. Just keep the vids coming !!!

[@QuantumSynths1]

It looks amazing and this will be an important video series. However, at the current price point, owning any of this hardware will be impossible for me. Is there any way to build something similar in VCV Rack?

[@CinematicLaboratory]

You could start experimenting with a few Befaco Rampage modules, a CV/audio mixer and Plateau. Rampage would be your VCO, LFO, Envelope Generator, Slew and filter. You'll learn a lot about modular, and I bet you'd get some sounds you've never expected. Befaco is a dual slew like the DUSG and Maths. Start with cycling both sides and play with rise/fall times so you'd get tones (VCA). Experiment with a scope to see the waveshapes. You can then modulate side A with side B to make a complex FM oscillator. Then, use another Rampage and use the IN's to filter your VCO. The rising and falling outputs (red) will create square waves. Try using a filter to turn it into a sinewave and use another Rampage for LFO's and envelopes. As I wrote, it's a snakepit. But you'll be the snakecharmer!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

BTW it's cool you mention it. I'll add a few VCV examples in a future episode. It's not just the modules, it's the mindset too!

[@QuantumSynths1]

@@CinematicLaboratory funny you should mention Rampage because I was thinking the exact same thing! And I do agree that it definitely needs a complete mind shift in approach. I’m looking forward to the journey. 😎

[@KvestiOnMovies]

First. Sorry I couldn't resist. 😇

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Thank you, number one!

[@michaelgarrigues7886]

🤍🤍🎶