Serge

Serge synthesizer

The Serge synthesizer is an analogue modular system developed at CalArts in late 1972. It was built to be inexpensive and powerful, a democratic alternative to Buchla systems. It shipped as DIY kits assembled unofficially on a CalArts balcony. Modules expose circuit aspects on the front panel for unconventional patching. All signals use banana jacks—no separation between audio and control voltage. Stackable banana plugs reduce the need for mults. One unit was used on the 1975 Greenpeace anti-whaling expedition to approximate and broadcast whale sounds.