As for the Plan B, no it's not a copy of the Serge since it uses a microcontroller unlike Serge in the 70s. (which would mean you'd need to use his microcontroller code or write new code besides copying his circuitry if one wanted to get into the ethics of copying modules). Serge did publish his plans for DIY use which surely has ethics issues too. I guess the issue in building one is to precisely hold the correct CV as it's being shifted.

I think there was a thread debating the number of S&H circuits needed on Muff Wiggler somewhere. That is if one were trying to patch one with S&H circuits

I believe the first ones for synths were built for TONTO. Malcolm Cecil never showed me his ASRs but mentioned a separate case of 12 or so. The concept of a shift register was well known in electronics. The idea of using it for control voltage as a compositional tool I would think has to be original. Malcolm told me it came up while brainstorming and then Serge went off and built a batch. It is a module you need at least a an oscillator per ASR stage for and possibly a whole synth voice so one might argue it's not generally something for a small system.

I have the Plan B one so I don't think I'd buy one instantly unless it has interesting features. Though I might very well eventually get a Doepfer one.


Nick Kent