Product: Serge custom system
Price Paid: US $5,000
Submitted
12/28/1999
at
03:31pm
by
Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
8
Some modules like the Dual Slope Generator or the Smooth and Step generator are a bit confusing. Otherwise, it should not be difficult at all for anybody who has experience programming analog modular synthesizers.
Features
:
10
Features are determined by the customer's taste and checkbook. There is a vast array of modules to choose from, from conventional VCO's, filters, mixers, amplifiers and envelope generators, to more complex and versatile ones like the Universal Slope generator or the Touch Keyboard Sequencer. The entry level system is monophonic, but polyphony can be added to suit taste, provided your budget allows it.
A 4-voice polyphonic system, without a MIDI-to-CV converter would run you above 10k.
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
10
Superb analog synthetic sound. Do not expect accurate recreations of acoustic instruments (that's what samplers are for!). Very stable oscillators, punchy filters with rich resonance. The Wave Multiplier and Triple Wave Shaper module are excellent sound modification tools. For those who like to create long, convoluted sequenced patches a la PPG or Wavestation, the Serge offers many voltage control devices to achieve such sounds. Personally, I use my 2 panel system to play screaming lead brass in progressive rock/jazz fusion-style music. This patch is made of 2 VCO's, 1 VCF, 3 EG's (2 are derived from the DSG, and the third is a DADSR) and a VCA. In my opinion, this instrument makes the overhyped Minimoog sound like a Mattel organ!
Reliability
:
8
Built like a tank, yet light and compact. Takes up one fourth of the space of a similar Moog modular system. Stable oscillators. However, it suffers the same problem that any modular analog beast does: inability to store and recall patches quickly. If taken to a live gig, it should be as an addition to a larger MIDI system.
Customer Support
:
10
The guys at Sound Transform System are great!! Being lead by Mr. Rex Probe, they are highly efficient and friendly, always readily available to answer any technical question. I requested a custom unit, knowing beforehand that it would take at least 6 weeks to be completed, and this deadline was met with millimetric precision. Being such a small company that makes such high quality instruments, it makes you feel like you are actually ordering a custom-made violin from Mr. Stradivarius!
Overall Rating
:
9
I love this machine!! I am an avid collector of analog modular synthesizers, and my collection includes a large 4-voice Doepfer A-100 system and a custom Synthesis Technology MOTM system with Big Briar MF-101 filters. Each of these monsters has its own unique sound quality, but the Serge shines above them due to its crystal clear, razor-sharp oscillators and sophisticated voltage-control modules. On the low side, it's expensive as heck (ah, but well worth it for analog lovers!). Sound Transform Systems makes a preconfigured, entry level unit called The Animal, which has 2 VCO's, 1 filter, 1 Wave Multiplier, 1 mixer, 1 VCA and 1 Dual Transient Generator. This is an excellent basic system that enables you to make wonderful, thick sounds, but soon you find yourself wishing for more, particularly more EG's (only 2 ASR's can be made with the DTG). I recommend complementing the Animal with either another 1-Volt per octave system (i.e. Doepfer, Moog, etc) or ordering a second panel from STS. if you do the latter, I strongly recommend putting in it at least one DADSR and one DSG.
