Muff's Modules & More

joey

This thread is not intended to start a format war... but rather a confession/rant/inquiry for thoughts.

Eurorack (as we know) has an incredible amount of module diversity and innovation, and I think with a lot of the latest released modules, it seems to have made my Serge system seem a bit pedestrian... maybe even a bit redundant.

It's had me considering (and I have posted it) selling it - if only to dedicate myself to the euro format. I feel like I won't be losing anything significant anymore. The things I want in serge (WAD, Freq Shift, Res EQ) are prohibitively expensive for me to get into, and thus almost don't seem worth it when there are a thousand Eurorack innovations just waiting to stick themselves in my rack for much cheaper (and that excite me more).

Have any Serge owners here left the format for euro? How did you feel?

I worry that I may lose a particular (although limited IMO) sound that I won't be able to recapture, but at the same time, Euro has almost EVERY sound.

Don't really know where I'm going with this... just needed to rant.

Hit me with your thoughts guys!

Hi5 · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 12:29 pm Post subject:

I'm with you.
Serge has a nice analog, electric sound. That said, it doesn't go beyond this. Euro gets you into similar territory with the right module selection but also opens up timbres that are impossible in Serge.

If you found a greater working range in Euro there is nothing wrong with that.

Rabid · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 12:52 pm Post subject:

No Serge here, I started with a .com connected to a Voyager. I've hardly touched the .com since building a Eurorack system. So much to choose from, and it fits in such a small space.

Reptil · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:06 pm Post subject:

I have both, and I'll keep both, if possible.
The way of working on the Serge is different, euro is more straightforward, because of the bananas and layout of the modules (smaller euros) vs. the minijack and seperate mults and large panel of the Serge. I also think the "feel of it is quite different. Serge feels like half of the processing is on the outside of the box hmmm.....

because of all the feedback loops that are almost inevitable. It's peanut butter jelly time!

Soundwise I think my systems complement each other, the euro with it's dual M15, OSC303 and dual Antis is a bit harder, nastier. screaming goo yo

boramx · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:20 pm Post subject:

If you posted this in the serge forum it would have a 7 page lead on what it has now.

amnesia · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:40 pm Post subject:

My first modular was a Serge 5 panel system and it was brilliant. I then bought euro, sold both to go Buchla, bought more euro, missed the serge and bought 2 boats 2 weeks later sold the Serge for more Buchla and more euro.

The Serge is the king beast analog modular and it leads to more experimentation due to the patch anything into anything but the euro modular options are way too advanced for it now, plus you can get very Serge like modules now for euro and also there will be Serge modules for euro soon.

Mind you, I have been having so much fun with my euro system of late I have even been neglecting my Buchla system.

amnesia · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:42 pm Post subject:

I will add I do know a few people who had Serge systems and sold them to get more euro, but I guess that can be said for all modular synths.

DanielW · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:19 pm Post subject:

I sold my Euro stuff for Serge, then sold my Serge stuff for Euro. I think Serge sounds amazing, I just couldn't take all the hassle to integrate it with my other gear. All those grounding issues. I want to use my KOMA Kommander without having to get it modified. I want to clock the sequencer with my Machinedrum. And so on. Then there's the price and limited availability.

Now I have a small Euro rig with a DPO and a Double Andore as the most important modules. Couldn't be happier.

parasitk · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:27 pm Post subject:

If it doesn't work for you, sell it. It's not a fucking big deal at all. Others may prefer Serge (or Buchla, or Dotcom, or Modcan, or...) — who cares?

Ekofisk · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:29 pm Post subject:

Hi5 · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject:

m0rb1d · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 4:10 pm Post subject:

i only have serge right now, but i just started a eurorack system and could see it taking over in the near future, it's so damn cheap compared to serge!

parasitk · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 4:50 pm Post subject:

Poor Hi5, always upset after everything I post. Dude should just put me on ignore already.

Anyway, I actually WAS answering Joey's request for advice: If something isn't working for you, don't even think twice about it - get rid of it and move on. If Euro is more exciting for you, go for it. Don't worry about other opinions about a format, or any history associated with it. It's simple.

chrisso · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 5:24 pm Post subject:

My journey is similar to Ross (Amnesia).
Bought a large Euro system in the mid-90's, when it was more or less Doepfer and Analogue Systems, before all these smaller, esoteric module makers came along.
Got the modular bug and bought three Serge panels (two new direct from STS). Wanted to explore the 'West Coast' approach some more, so sold Euro system and bought small, vintage Buchla.
Frankly the only thing that attracted me back to Euro was frustration over midi, and my decision to buy Expert Sleepers modules. I then started to look at what had happened in Euro over the last five or so years and it blew my mind.
Sold my last Serge panel about a year ago. Sold all my B&A 'e' modules recently (although I'm keeping my vintage and 3rd party).
Couldn't be happier.
Euro is still fiddly. As I'm getting older I need a torch and reading glasses to see many of the control labels d'oh!

but it's the final outcome that is important. The musical possibilities.
Everyone's goal is different, and each system - Euro, Serge, Buchla - has value in achieving those goals.
Right now I'm most excited by Euro.

Hi5 · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:04 pm Post subject:

original taken to a PM to preserve thread topic.

matttech · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:17 pm Post subject:

well, this thread is going swimmingly isn’t it?

zombie

ringstone · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:21 pm Post subject:

I prefer my Serge in Euro format... hihi

Cheers
Blair

parasitk · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:35 pm Post subject:

jfloftin · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:43 pm Post subject:

vibralux · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:14 am Post subject:

i am having similar thoughts lately I have spent 15 k on serge but when I look at whats happening in euro and imagine what those 15k woulg buy me in that format I am having scaaaary thoughts. Love my serge but I am not shure if I love it That much... hmmm.....

thetwlo · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:21 am Post subject:

use what you like! what you are drawn to. it's not a competition.
I use my euro mostly while the buchla is neglected, doesn't mean one is better.

richard · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:42 am Post subject:

I am going to wear my gray shoes today

Drumdrumdrumdrum · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:18 am Post subject:

No argument here. eek!

Dofkev · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject:

I have never had a serge, but I did sell my buchla 200e modules to focus on eurorack (hides)

I didn't like working within the limitations of the 200e, didn't like dealing with firmware, didn't like the sound of the osc's, and didn't like the build quality. So, I re-invested in eurorack and am mostly happy. Euro lets one build a system that fits their needs to a very precise degree. Having said that, I have considered trying out a serge........

chrisso · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:38 pm Post subject:

It's cool.
Everyone has a different opinion.
All the various format fans can do is attempt to inform and state why they like the format.

vibralux · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:23 pm Post subject:

Well as I am currently in NYC I decided to pay a visit to a Control shop in Williamsburg. They have two small euro rigs available to clients. I have played with them and I must say I got some really good vibrations out of the Wiard, bubblesound and make noise modules. I mean - v e r y positive. Tough decision to make....

Fnord · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:49 pm Post subject:

If it sounds good it is good. Do what makes your ears happy and you'll be happier for it.

Pascal · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:50 pm Post subject:

this is how I see it

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rico loverde · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:57 pm Post subject:

euro has gotten extremely exciting lately and i love the fact that manufacturers are coming up with some exciting stuff. I think there have been some really fresh new ideas in euro as well as taking inspiration from the awesome modules that buchla and serge have to offer. bottom line is it comes down to what gives you the most pleasure and what your most productive with. while i think the bananas are awesome and the love the idea of all the crazy feedback paths in serge its never been enough to make me switch.

SunSpots · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:52 pm Post subject:

Will I be the first ass clown to say "I love my euro more than your serge too!" twisted

ekwipt · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:14 am Post subject:

When/who/how is Serge coming to Euro?

Pascal · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:17 am Post subject:

http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58972

ekwipt · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:01 am Post subject:

http://sergesynthesizers.com/