Control Generator - $1,500 USD

Features and Notes

Dual Transient Generator (DTG)

The DUAL TRANSIENT GENERATOR (DTG) provides two independent outputs with voltage controllable rise and fall times. This module is identical to the Dual Universal Slope Generator except that it does not have all of the front panel features. This module is a useful, space-effective unit to be used for many of the same functions as the Dual Universal Slope Generator. Common uses of the Dual Transient Generator are for simple "AR"-type envelope generation, as a dual voltage-controlled low frequency oscillator, or as a voltage-controlled clock (especially suitable for clocking the Touch Keyboard Sequencer or any of the Sequencer Programmers). These functions can be patched with the Dual Universal Slope Generator, but since many of the features are left unused in these patches, the Dual Transient Generator provides the same function while using less front Panel space.

Smooth / Stepped Generator (SSG)

The SMOOTH & STEPPED FUNCTION GENERATOR (SSG) is a complex multi-functional module to provide various slew and sample functions.

Per Rex: The SSG has been modified on the "COUPLER OUT" to have a p/p voltage of 0- 6v (0v = OFF & +6v = ON) so it doesn't emit the 20v p/p (bipolar - 10v to + 10v) which has been source of contention in the past being that it is "too hot" for use in an audio signal path.

• The Smooth section will place a positive and negative slew (glide) on a changing input voltage for lag effects, voltage controlled portamento, and non-linear, low frequency filtering. With the CYCLE jack patched to the input, the Unit will oscillate yielding a voltage controlled triangle wave LFO. A high level into the HOLD input will hold the current output level, whether the unit is oscillating or processing an external control voltage. This is identical to a track-and-hold function.
• The Stepped function can be used as a sample-and-hold with voltage controlled slew rate limiting. Slew rate limiting limits the size of the step at the output. With the step size limited to a small value, if the input is a random voltage, the output is a random voltage also, but it will only vary slightly from step to step, gradually covering the entire range of the input random voltage. No large changes in the output will be allowed. With the Cycle jack patched to the input and a trigger applied to the Sample input, complex staircase waveforms are generated.
• The COUPLER is an internal comparator comparing the Smooth and the Stepped outputs. This is useful for generating complex control voltages and for patching a random voltage generator. In fact, the Random Voltage Generator module is a Smooth & Stepped Generator internally patched to function exclusively as such. If random voltages are often used, a Random Voltage Generator is a more space-efficient module, but if they are used seldomly, the Smooth & Stepped Generator can be patched when needed (but can be used for other functions when not used as a random voltage generator). Note that a Noise Source is needed for use of the Smooth & Stepped Generator as a random voltage generator.

Quadrature Oscillator (QUO)

The QUADRATURE OSCILLATOR (QUO) provides signals and features which make it ideal for controlling the Quad Panner . It generates two sine waves which are always displaced 90 degrees in phase from one another . This phase difference provides exactly the correct relationship for swirling a sound through quadraphonic space in a circular pattern (using the Quad Panner) . Since the Oscillator has a basic range from longer than 20 seconds per cycle to 500 cycles per second, many effects can be produced . Swirling a sound at an audio rate produces interesting spatial and modulative effects. Additional features include linear VCA's for each of the outputs. so that spatial swirls can be made to decrease in size, effectively spiralling inward . A HOLD input "freezes" the outputs whenever pulsed high . Thus a swirl can be stopped at a given location, with the sound just "hanging there" until operation is resumed . Switches on the Panel allow disabling the oscillator, a feature which has been found to be useful for live performance . The use of this module is not limited to Quad Panning . The phase separation between the oscillator's outputs provides for many interesting cross-fading effects when they are used to control other Serge modules.