PITTSBURGH MODULAR WINTER 2014 NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pittsburgh Modular is starting off 2014 with a host of new modules, complete systems, and a great addition to our line of cases. 

NEW MODULES

 

DNA Symbiotic Waves

The Pittsburgh Modular DNA Symbiotic Waves is a powerful 8-bit digital oscillator and waveform processor. A unique dual oscillator system paired with a comprehensive waveform processing and modulation section. Even with all this power, the interface of the Symbiotic Waves module is as intuitive and easy to use as all of the analog Pittsburgh Modular eurorack modules. Nothing is hidden behind layers of menus, secret button combinations, or hard to understand graphics. This is naked digital synthesis.

Envelope

The Pittsburgh Modular Envelope is a complex multi-stage envelope generator with voltage controllable rise and fall. Using the sustain switch to toggle between modes, the Envelope functions as either a 2 stage attack-decay envelope or a 3 stage attack-sustain-release envelope.

Lopass Gate (LPG)

The Pittsburgh Modular Lopass Gate module is a new take on a classic. Our intention was not to clone but to reengineer and expand on the original circuit. Our module includes an amazing new self-oscillating resonance circuit and a quieter vactrol based VCA circuit with true unity gain. Voltage control of the module is handled using an invertible, attenuated input and ping input. The ping input takes any gate or square wave and converts it into a very tight trigger used to ping the vactrol.

Mix Mult

The Mix Mult is a multifunction utility module. The module combines three important functions into a single module. A high quality three channel mixer and/or attenuator and two sets of passive multiples.

Phase Shifter

The Pittsburgh Modular Phase Shifter is a complex, 16 stage, analog effect module designed to expand on the classic swirls, rich swooshes, and doppler effects associated with the phaser.

Synthesizer Box

Wired for instant access to classic tones without needing a single patch cable, the Synthesizer Box is a modern, complete semi-modular, monophonic synthesizer module. The Synthesizer Box is 100% analog and 100% Eurorack compatible with a complete set of patch points able to override the internal audio and CV signal paths.

Waveforms

A wide range, high quality, complex VCO designed to be the core of a modern, analog synthesizer. The Waveforms module offers a full complement of standard waveforms including sine, triangle, saw, and pulse waves in addition to a sub octave generator and a unique modulatable blade wave. The oscillator offers 5 octaves of 1 volt per octave tracking, and a frequency range starting as low as 7 seconds per cycle, allowing it to double as an LFO. Additional features include oscillator reset for hard syncing, attenuated linear or exponential FM input, pulse width, and pulse width CV input.

NEW ROAD CASE

MOVE [104]

The Pittsburgh Modular Move [104] is a fully featured, roadworthy eurorack case and power supply designed to safely house and power up to 104hp worth of eurorack modules.

The Move [104] case includes a removable lid. When attached, the lid fits over the patch cables allowing a fully patched modular to hit the road.

Powered with the new Pittsburgh Modular Power Rail supplying +12v/-12v/+5v power, the Move[104] is designed for maximum compatibility with non-Pittsburgh Modular eurorack modules.

NEW SYSTEMS

SYSTEM 10

MASSIVELY SMALL MODULAR

The Pittsburgh Modular System 10 offers direct access to a wide array of classic analog monosynth sounds. Without a single patch cable, deep bass and warm sweeping leads are just a few knob tweaks away.

SEMI-MODULAR SOUND LAB

Plugging in a few patch cables opens the Pittsburgh Modular System 10 to complex experimentation by offering unlimited control over both the modulation and audio signal paths. The full functionality of the Waveforms Oscillator, Lopass Gate, LFO, Envelope Generator, VCA, Midi, Mixer, and Outputs can be split apart and used as standalone modular synthesizer modules. All of the elements of a classic voltage controlled, modular synthesizer are available as an open, patchable, modern synth.

SYSTEM 90

HYBRID INTELLIGENCE

A perfect balance of digital depth and analog warmth, the System 90 creates a cutting edge playground for endless experimentation. The System 90 was designed around the complex power of the digital DNA Symbiotic Waves oscillator and the rich modulation options of the analog Waveforms oscillator. The analog/ digital tag team creates an amazing sounding synthesizer with unmatched potential.

ANALOG AND DIGITAL OSCILLATORS

At the core of the System 90 beats two very different hearts. The first is a 2nd generation, analog, complex waveform oscillator. The oscillator offers a full complement of waveforms and a serious set of modulation options. The second heart of the System 3 is the DNA Symbiotic Waves module, a powerful digital oscillator and waveform processor. It is a unique dual oscillator system paired with a comprehensive waveform processing and modulation section.

FOUNDATION 3

FIRE BREATHING DRAGON

The Foundation 3 is the next generation of a classic. A standalone, fully modular synthesizer styled after the great monosynths of the past with no hardwired signal path or fixed voice architecture to restrict creativity. Complex waveform oscillators and multiple filters driving an all analog signal path pushes the Foundation 3 to new worlds of sonic creativity.

COMPLEX ANALOG OSCILLATORS

At the heart of the Foundation 3 is a pair of 2nd generation, complex waveform oscillators. The oscillators offer a full complement of standard waveforms including sine, triangle, saw, and pulse waves in addition to a sub octave generator, modulatable blade wave, and serious modulation options, creating a huge sonic base to build on.

PITTSBURGH MODULAR SYNTHESIZERS | NAMM BOOTH #1675

We have been very busy. Visit us at the NAMM show January 23-26 to see just how hot 2014 will be for Pittsburgh Modular.

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers Partners with Studio Electronics

 

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers is excited to announce a collaboration with Studio Electronics! Together we are designing and manufacturing a new line of high-end Eurorack format modular synthesizers. The new product line will build off of the time-tested designs of Studio Electronics, manufacturers of Premium Quality Analog Synths and Class-A Audio gear since 1985.

We will be giving a sneak preview of the new line at NAMM later this month with pictures, sound, and video to follow.

 

Studio Electronics (www.studioelectronics.com) manufactures Premium Quality Analog Synths and Class A Audio gear, featuring the BOOMSTAR 5089, 4075, 3003, and SEM, Orion Galaxy, the Slate Pro Audio Dragon and Fox, along with their Discrete Sound Engine Analog Synths: ATC-X, ATC-Xi, Omega 8, CODE, CODE OD, CODE Blu and SE-1X: Redeye and Angel Dust. Since 1985, Studio Electronics has shaped and maintained the continuity and vibrancy of Analog Synths by creating potent Analog sound, enduring value, establishing brand recognition, and allowing for meaningful individual expression for our customers, and business partners––nothing less than a transformational and wonderful experience. 

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers is a Eurorack modular synthesizer company located in Pittsburgh, PA USA. In a few short years Pittsburgh Modular has grown from a small basement business to an internationally recognized brand by partnering with acclaimed designers, taking advantage of new technologies, staying on top of trends in synthesis, and listening to the feedback from our core customers. Our full product line, which includes over twenty individual modules, and eight complete voice synthesizers, can be found on our website. (www.pittsburghmodular.com)

PITTSBURGH MODULAR PHASE SHIFTER MODULE NOW SHIPPING

The Pittsburgh Modular Phase Shifter is a complex, 16 stage, analog effect module designed to expand on the classic swirls, rich swooshes, and doppler effects associated with the phaser.

The Phase Shifter has a single 16 stage audio signal path to create a very rich, full sound. Phased audio outputs are tapped from stages 7, 8, 15, and 16.  Stages 8 and 16 each have a mix output that allow the phased signal to be mixed with an attenuvertable dry signal.

Four CV inputs, an onboard LFO, and multiple CV routing options allow for maximum flexibility and extremely deep modulation options. The CV inputs are split into 2 groups. The first group of CV inputs controls either all 16 stages or just stages 1-8. The second group of CV input controls stages 9-16 and is switchable on or off. All CV signals routed to stages 9-16 can be inverted. Resonance can be positive or negative and the module will self oscillate in either direction.

To modulate the phase shifter circuit, the module includes a wide range low frequency oscillator. The LFO range varies from 1 minute per cycle to well into audio range. The triangle wave of the LFO is hardwired to modulate the frequency of all 16 channels of the Phase Shifter. External modulation sources are handled using 2 sets of CV inputs. Each set includes an invertible, uni-polar CV input that accepts 0v to 5v modulation signals and a bi-polar CV input which accepts -5v to +5v signals. All of the modulation CV inputs can be used simultaneously and can be mixed with the internal LFO to create very complex frequency modulations. Stages 1-8 and 9-16 can be modulated together or independently using the available switches and CV inputs.

The Phase Shifter module has 2 sets of outputs. The first set outputs the signal at stages 7 and 8 while the second set outputs the signal from stages 15 and 16. The numbered outs (7,8,15, and 16) contain just the phase shifted signal after the selected number of stages. This signal is not mixed with the dry (non-shifted) signal. The Mix outs take the phased signal from either stage 8 or stage 16 and mixes it with the dry (non-shifted) signal.

The Phase Shifter is shipping now.

Read more about the history and theory behind the phase shifter on the Pittsburgh Modular Phase Shifter page.

An Interview with artist/designer Michael Johnsen

Pittsburgh Modular Analog Circuitry Designer Michael Johnsen was kind enough to sit down on camera for a chat. Over the course of the interview, Michael talks about his background, learning electronics, playing music, and building custom instruments. Michael Johnsen has designed several great modules for Pittsburgh. His first eurorack design, the Pittsburgh Modular Filter is considered by many to be the best sounding filter available.

Here are a few shots of Richard Nicol, Michael Johnsen, and Herman Pearl in the shop during filming. The set fit snugly between Richard's desk and the synthesizer demo station.