Random SourceSerge Paperface 50 Paris-Flash Modular Synthesizer

Random Source Serge Paperface 50 Paris-Flash

Containing several of the original Serge slope generators, Random*Source's Paris-Flash offers updated versions of classic Paperface Serge Modular designs—all refined for modern stability and performance. Though some of these designs were later developed into more consolidated forms, the classic circuits have a particular charm and peculiarity to them in patching given their slightly lower-level functionality. And despite their contemporary usage as modulation or control voltage generators, Paris-Flash boasts enough slope generators to create complete, experimental voices.

As implied by the name, the Positve Slew and Negative Slew create upward and downward ramps respectively, either generating triggered voltages or following external input signals. While these would later be consolidated into the Dual Universal Slope Generator (DUSG), keeping them separate has distinct advantages at the expense of space. For example, you don't have to sacrifice an entire slope generator for purposes like clock generation, while complex envelope shapes may be easily constructed by cascading multiple slews together.

The Slew generators are joined by the quintessential patch programmable module, the Smooth & Stepped Generator, or SSG for short. This two-part module contains two lag processors—positive and negative slews joined together, in fact—with the Stepped side featuring an incorporated sample and hold circuit. The uses for this module range from oscillator and LFO to envelope and pseudo-lowpass gate, all depending on how you patch it up. For added utility, both circuits are linked together by the Coupler: a comparator that outputs a high signal when the Stepped side is at a higher voltage than the Smooth side.

Just when you thought you've had enough slopes, Paris-Flash also includes the classic Serge Envelope Generator! This module offers triggered rise/fall envelopes with a handy window comparator built-in, allowing you to generate gates within a specified portion of the envelope. And with all of those slopes and gates being generated, Paris-Flash features a slim version of the classic Dual CV Processor to mix and scale signals together.

To give utility for audio patches or in the creation of complex voltages, the Dual Gates module offers a pair of flexible VCA-type circuits to modulate signals against others. Finally, the classic Paperface-era filter gives you both the ability to sculpt the sonic characteristics of voices built with Paris-Flash as well as a balanced 1/4" output to send your audio out to a mixer, PA, or audio interface.

Whether this is your first foray into Serge 4U or you're extending your existing panels, Paris-Flash contains most of what makes patching with the Paperface-era Serge systems so exciting and spontaneous.

Serge Paperface 50 Paris-Flash Features

• 50th Anniversary Paperface Serge Modular panel
• 4U format with Banana Jacks
• Packed with classic Slope Generator modules
• 4 slope modules: Positive Slew, Negative Slew, Smooth & Stepped Generator, and Envelope Generator
• Also contains Dual CV-Processor, Dual Gates, and 1973 Filter with Balanced Output
• Housed in a super-slim aluminum boat
• Requires additional Paperface 50 system for power