The Random Source GTO is the most significant new Serge Modular design released in decades, as patch-programmable as its ever been, with an increased emphasis on audio-rate processing and oscillations. At a glance it bears a strong resemblance to the old SSG, though its cycle times have drastically increased, and the addition of a 1V/oct input on each channel opens the door to more easily patched melodic opportunities.
On the left, it features an enhanced version of the classic Smooth side of the SSG. A drastically increased range from 26 seconds to 20kHz means that the GTO can function perfectly as an audio-rate oscillator, but it still excels at everything that the SSG could do. Add glide to pitch sequences, apply filtering to audio signals, create track-and-hold modulations, and more. New to the Smooth side is also a Sync input, which resets the waveform in cycling mode.
To the right, an all-new Stepped channel has flexibility well beyond the original SSG's capabilities. In the middle of the module is a Mode switch with three modes: Sample, Smooth, and INV. Sample mode is classic SSG Stepped behaviour, offering sophisticated sample-and-hold functions with slew limiting. Smooth mode bypasses the Sample circuit, effectively offering a second Smooth channel, but slower with a range from over a minute to 8kHz. Inverted mode reverses the behaviour of the Sample sections, interrupting cycling or processed signals with a momentary blip of sustain. Combined with the Run input, which will allow signals to held or cycles to be paused indefinitely, and the GTO opens up a universe of new patching opportunities.
With 1V/Oct inputs on both sides, the GTO is ready to track up to five octaves out of the box, boosting its reliability as an audio source. And the Coupler returns to trigger and control signals based on the relationship between the Smooth and Stepped channels. If Stepped is producing a higher than Smooth, each Coupler output will be high—the left output produces a standard 0-5V gate signal, but the Hot output will spit out a fiery +/-12V signal (watch your ears and speakers!). A worthy update to a modular icon, the GTO is a fast and furious step into the future for Serge Modular.
Features
- Dual lag-and-hold processor
- Iteration of the iconic Serge Modular Smooth and Stepped Generator
- Increased frequency ranges with temperature compensation for improved audio-rate performance
- Smooth side frequency range: 26 second to 20kHz
- Stepped side frequency range: >1 minute to 8kHz
- Mode switch to bypass or invert Sample channel's pulse generator
- Run input holds cycling and sustains input voltages
- New sync input for Smooth channel
- Coupler compares voltages at Smooth and Stepped outputs
- Coupler outputs at 0-5V, -12 - +12V
Video: https://youtu.be/6M2V6e1tZrk
Product Specs
- Item Number: 34254
- Make: Serge Modular
- Model: GTO
- Condition: Brand New
- Finish: Silver
- Categories: keyboards-and-synths ⇒ eurorack
- Function: CV Modulation Function Generator Oscillator Sample and Hold
- Made In: Germany
- MPN: SM-GTO
- Modular Grid: Eurorack ⓘ ＋
- Dimensions*: 18 HP 25 mm deep
- Power*: 45 mA +12V 40 mA -12V 0 mA 5V
* User contributed details