A few years ago I posted the following BBQ recipe for the TKB on the forum in order to dissuade a fellow from selling his:

TKB Recipe:

Short plug into Random and Reset
Clock source(DTG) into Clock and Random
KV into the cv of your clock source (attenuate to taste, but try to get KV into audio rates at the top of the chain)
Divide clock source and trigger smooth side of the SSG
Smooth SSG gate out to Vert Clock
Step 5 into Hold on SSG
Step 13 into Hold on SSG
Pressure into CV of SSG
SSG blue jack into XFAD or UAP
KP into Hold on TKB

ABCD into an oscillator
A into a filter
B into effects
C into positive cv of choice
D into the negative cv of choice

Recently, the recipe was unearthed and several astute members decided to have a crack at it. What follows is their explorations with the patch, each bringing a different style and mood to the pool.

First up are three videos by Serge medicine-man, Dr.Octave. Notice how each subsequent video adds some adaptation and experimentation to the patch:

Next we have undisputed wizard Cebec adding some additional spices and seasoning to the patch.

And then a beautiful and somber version of the patch was added to the buffet by the gentleman sergeist we know as Phisynth.

Finally, resident rabble-rouser and Serge master MechaSeb contributed this amazing track with vertigo inducing tempo shifts.

Overall, I think this is a real testament not only to the robustness of the Serge, but to the power of patch-programming the instrument. Of course it doesn’t hurt that these guys are all very talented either. Great job, gentlemen!

“I love the sounds of analogue feedback. They make the Serge alive and it makes me happy to discover these nice spots on the panel.”

My Favorite Serge “Animal” Feedback Patches from Rastko Lazic on Vimeo.

Part 4: Quadslope overview, creating an oscillator out of a DUSG and using the PDIV and BLOG for adding harmonics.

Part 5: Using the 1v/oct inputs on the DUSG and patch programming a resonating DUSG filter! So very awesome!

Part 1: Sequencer as sound source clocked at audio rate.

TUTORIAL: Why we love the SERGE – Part One: from Klaus Gstettner on Vimeo.

Part 2:Adding an additional CV source for dynamic waveforms.

TUTORIAL: Why we love the SERGE – Part Two: from Klaus Gstettner on Vimeo.

Part 3: Animation!

TUTORIAL: Why we love the SERGE: Part Three from Klaus Gstettner on Vimeo.

Ben explains the basic molecular breakdown of the patch, ‘It’s a simple matter of using the DUSG as the detector, the VCFQ as the sidechain filter (like on the Chandler Geranium compressor) and the bottom wavemultiplier for its even harmonics as the VCA. The buffer inverts the envelope. Rex says the bottom waveshaper adds even harmonics, the middle one adds odd, and the top section adds subtle distortion. I choose to add even because its supposed to be more pleasant to the ears and hopefully helps to provide a tube-like sound. I used the filter in hi-pass mode so that the bass drum rings out to its fullest and only compresses the upper frequencies; this is a feature on the chandler compressor and it works great for drum machines. The bottom wave multiplier was used to add extra analog juice to the mix, any VCA could be used.’

Here’s a brief overview of the patch as rendered by the artist

An example of the patch in use with a TR-606

- On the SSG, the Stepped RATE should be fully clockwise
- Plug the audio you want to decimate into SSG stepped IN.
- Run a DTG or DSG at audio rate and plug the GATE OUT into the SAMPLE in
- Take the SSG STEPPED OUT to your output module (XFAD, UAP,etc.)

Initially, you should hear your audio in its un-modified state. Now by playing with the rise and fall knobs on the DTG you can get different levels of pure analog audio destruction! Or for extra fun you can voltage control your sample-rate reduction by putting a varying CV into the blue IN jack on your DTG or TGO. Works great on drum loops and adds variety to sequenced lines from a TKB or Sequencer.

Have Fun!