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Serge NTO
SERGE
New Timbral Oscillator
(NTO)
for Eurorack
The Serge NTO is an iconic Serge design and one of the rarest, most sought-after oscillators. To quote the
original 1983 Serge catalog:
The Serge New Timbral Oscillator (NTO) is the
state-of-the-art VCO, featuring exceptional
range, superb temperature stability, and
accurate tracking. Dynamic depth frequency
modulation and voltage control of waveform
allow unprecedented control over a wide range
of sound qualities.
EXPONENTIAL 1 VOLT/OCTAVE
RESPONSE
Exponential response parallels the response of
human hearing perception as well as musical
pitch structure. With multiple oscillators, each
must respond exponentially to control voltages
to allow transposition from key to key and to
produce alternative equal-tempered tunings
such as quarter and third tones. In addition, the
one-volt-per-octave response assures that the
New Timbral Oscillator is compatible with most
keyboard and computer controllers.
ACCURATE TRACKING
When two or more oscillators are tuned, it is expected that they will remain in tune throughout their entire range (in other words,
that they track). Even two oscillators which track within a fraction of a semitone will be out of tune at the extremities of their range.
Therefore, the New Timbral Oscillators have been designed so that any two will track within one cycle/second throughout their
entire musical range.
TEMPERATURE STABILITY
Instability of pitch with changes in temperature is the criticism of most synthesizer VCO’s. Performers are aware of the disastrous
effects of temperature when they must desperately retune oscillators that have drifted during a live performance. The temperature
sensitive components are kept at a static temerature by a solid-state “oven”.
