Red Voice

New Timbral Oscillator (NTO)
The Serge Modular Systems NEW TIMBRAL OSCILLATOR (NTO) is the state-of-the-art VCO, featuring exceptional range, superb temperature stability, and accurate tracking. Dynamic depth frequency modulation and voltage control of waveform allow unprecedented control over a wide range of sound qualities.

• EXPONENTIAL 1 VOLT/OCTAVE RESPONSE - Exponential response parallels the response of human hearing perception as well as musical pitch structure. With multiple oscillators, each must respond exponentially to control voltages to allow transposition from key to key and to produce alternative equal-tempered tunings such as quarter and third tones. In addition, the one-volt-per-octave response assures that the New Timbral Oscillator is compatible with most keyboard and computer controllers. 
• ACCURATE TRACKING - When two or more oscillators are tuned, it is expected that they will remain in tune throughout their entire range (in other words, that they track). Even two oscillators which track within a fraction of a semitone will be out of tune at the extremities of their range. Therefore, the New Timbral Oscillators have been designed so that any two will track within one cycle/second throughout their entire musical range. 
• TEMPERATURE STABILITY - Instability of pitch with changes in temperature is the criticism of most synthesizer VCO's. Performers are aware of the disastrous effects of temperature when they must desperately retune oscillators that have drifted during a live performance. The temperature sensitive components are kept at an even 120 degrees by a solid-state "oven". Thus temperature stability is guaranteed from 50 degrees to 100 degrees F. 
• WIDE FREQUENCY RANGE - The frequency range covers from below 16 to 16Khz. With control voltages, the range can be further extended from less than .1 Hz (10 sec/cycle) to greater than 100,000 Hz. 
• VARIETY OF WAVEFORM OUTPUTS - In addition to three standard waveforms (sine, triangle and sawtooth) of exceptional purity, the New Timbral Oscillator offers a variable waveform output providing an amazingly varied range of sounds, unavailable on any other synthesizer. This waveform is voltage controllable, allowing dynamic control of sound quality. 
• DYNAMIC DEPTH LINEAR FREQUENCY MODULATION - Dynamic depth frequency modulation is now available to the analog synthesist. Frequency modulation (FM), the modulation of one oscillator by another, generates both harmonic overtones (found in most acoustic instrument sounds) and non-harmonic overtones (bells, percussive, and electronic timbres). By varying the amplitude of the modulating oscillator, the richness or complexity of the sound can be varied. However, with conventional FM, an annoying pitch shift occurs. With the New Timbral Oscillator, Linear FM avoids this pitch shift, making it possible to maintain accurate pitch control while changing the quality of sound. A built-in VCA assures accuracy and provides dynamic voltage control of Linear FM Depth. Of course, conventional exponential FM is also available on the New Timbral Oscillator. The New Timbral Oscillator offers two voltage control inputs calibrated to one volt per octave and one variable voltage control input. One of the calibrated inputs incorporates a variable Portamento. This allows gliding from pitch to pitch at a voltage-controllable rate, set at each oscillator rather than from the controller (such as a keyboard), and therefore independently variable at each New Timbral Oscillator. All of the output levels are "hot", greater than +4 db to ensure maximum signal-to-noise ratio. A Sync input is provided for locking the NTO to another oscillator's fundamental, harmonic, or sub-harmonic frequency. 

Precision Oscillator (PCO)
The Precision VCO is a versatile, voltage controlled oscillator offering three high quality waveform outputs (sine, triangle, and sawtooth) and both linear and exponential frequency modulation capabilities. A front panel switch conveniently extends the range of the PCO from the audio range (16 to 16,000 Hz) to a sub-audio range (.1 to 200 Hz) for use as a Low Frequency Oscillator.

• EXCELLENT RESPONSE, TRACKING AND STABILITY - Featuring the identical exponential response, exceptional tracking characteristics, and perfect temperature stability as the NTO, the PCO is especially suited for use with the NTO as a modulation source for dynamic depth linear FM. 
• MANY FEATURES - Two calibrated one volt per octave inputs as well as a variable processing input are provided for complex frequency control. FM depth can be varied with the front panel adjustment. All output levels are "hot", greater than +4 db to insure maximum signal to noise ratio when used with subsequent processing. A Sync input is also available for locking the PCO to another oscillator's fundamental, harmonic, or sub-harmonic frequency. 

÷ N Comparator (NCOM)
The ÷ N COMPARATOR (NCOM) consists of two sections: a comparator and a voltage-controlled pulse divider. The divider section outputs a pulse once every “N” comparator pulse, where “N” is a number from 1 to 31, settable with a control voltage at the divider's VC input (or manually via the divider's control knob). Additionally, the Divider outputs a staircase wave with “N” steps. This will produce whole-tone steps when plugged into the 1 V/Oct input of a VCO.

This module has two distinct areas of use (in addition to the normal functions of the comparator):

• For audio frequencies, the divider can be set to output sub-divided frequencies with digital precision. Output frequency depends on “N”. If “N”=2,3,4, etc., the output frequencies will be an octave, an octave and a fifth, or two octaves below the input, respectively. Because “N” is voltage controllable, arpeggios and various melodies can easily be programmed. The nature of this type of division (integer division) results in frequencies that fall along the sub-harmonic series, a series that has great tonal charm. 
• For sub-audio frequencies, the divider acts like a counter, outputting a pulse only after “N” number of input pulses. Input pulses can be fairly random, or regular. This capability is especially powerful for determining tempos and rhythmic patterns when using several sequencers (especially if the “N” VC input is taken from one of a sequencer's rows of controls). In a more random situation, using a microphone preamp/detector as input, the divider might be set to count how many times a sound of a certain loudness will have occurred, and be set to trigger an event upon reaching the count. Since the count can be made variable (from 1 to 31), fairly complex and subtle interactions can be generated. 

Pulse Divider (PDIV)
From Carbon111's Serge Modular Index:
"I think this is one of Rex's creations. Looks simple enough: feed a pulse train in, get multiple simultaneous divided outputs. Other pulse dividers I've seen from other manufacturers provide outputs that are powers of two (2,4,8,16...) but don't provide 5,6, or 7 or any odd-numbered divisors. Providing the odd divisors aids greatly in creating polyrythms."

Triple Waveshaper (TWS)
The TRIPLE WAVESHAPER (TWS) is a non-linear modifier which can transform a sawtooth wave into a sine wave. This module incorporates three independent waveshapers for modifying synthesizer waveforms or for processing signals from preamplified instruments. Although originally designed as a waveshaper for our early oscillators, this module has been found to be an excellent modifier of electronic and acoustic sounds, and is highly recommended for subtle timbral modifications beyond the range of simple oscillator/filter patches.

Dual Audio Mixer w/ phase switch (2-3x1) (MIX2)
The Serge Dual Audio Mixer (MIX2) contains two independent mixers for audio signals. [Each section has three inputs with level control knobs]. [The top section is a three-in/one-out manual mixer with a phase switch on input 3]. [The bottom] section is a four-in/one-out manual mixer [with an additional] unity gain (non-attenuated) input. The main output of one section can be connected to the unity gain input of the other section to create larger mixing units. This module can be used as two audio mixers with three variable inputs, or as one mixer with six variable inputs. Used in combination with other mixers and VCA modules, various mixing functions can be patched.

Cross-Fader (XFAD)
The CROSS-FADER (XFAD) is an equal-power cross fade unit. The module has two signal inputs. As one signal increases in level at the output under manual or voltage control, the other signal decreases in level at the output. This effect is used to accurately fade one sound in while fading another out. Cross-fading with voltage control permits a smooth transformation between two different timbres. If a sound and its reverberated image (available with the Wilson Analog Delay) are sent through the cross-fader, the reverb mix can be voltage controlled. This effect can be used to modify the spatial characteristics of a sound event, from immediate presence to distant ambience. In addition to the cross-fade function, a VCA controls the output amplitude.

Variable Q VCF (VCFQ)
The VARIABLE Q VCF (VCFQ) is an excellent general-purpose VCF offering simultaneous low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch (band-reject) outputs. The resonance (Q) of this filter is dynamically variable by manual or voltage control. The VCFQ has two signal inputs. One incorporates an automatic gain control to prevent the filter from overloading at high Q settings. The second input has a level control so that the percussive effects of overloading the filter can be exploited. When a pulse is applied to the Trigger input, the filter will ring, producing a damped waveform similar to that produced by striking a resonant object. The nature of this ringing is controlled by the Q and the filter frequency. Percussive effects ranging from clicks to the sound of wood blocks and bell tones can be produced and controlled. This ringing effect can be used in conjunction with signals applied to either of the audio inputs to achieve highly controlled complex tonal qualities.

[With the inclusion of the HI/LO switch, the M-Class VCFQ is actually the VCFX, described below]

Extended Range VC 'Q' Filter (VCFX)

In addition to the three VCF's, Serge Modular offers an EXTENDED RANGE VCF (VCFX) which is identical to the VCFQ except it features a second sub-audio range. This low-frequency range allows use as a control voltage processor. A fast envelope or trigger applied to the filter in the low range at high Q settings will cause low-frequency ringing, generating complex envelopes and damped vibrato effects. The VCFX can be patch programmed to oscillate by patching the band-pass output to the manual input. The outputs will be in quadrature relationships (90 degrees out of phase). 

Universal Audio Processor (UAP)
The UNIVERSAL AUDIO PROCESSOR (UAP) is the ideal VCA module for small Serge systems because it can function in the following ways:

• As two independent VCA's with separate signal and control inputs. 
• As one equal-power stereo panner. This panner has one input routed to two outputs, in a proportion which is voltage controlled. The panner can be used for signal routing within a system or for the positioning of sound in a stereo field. A VCA controls the overall amplitude of the output signal. 
• As a voltage controlled cross-fader. As one input signal increases in amplitude at the output, the other decreases.