Analog Is Important

Friends and Synthesists,

Happy New Year, and thank you to everyone who has supported Pittsburgh Modular over the past 8 years. Every Microvolt, SV-1, Lifeforms module, and Structure case we build means a tremendous amount to us. It makes everyone in our shop (Danielle, Michael I., Michael J., Perry, Ross, and me) proud to see our devices inspiring artists around the world.

I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Herman Pearl for introducing me to Michael Johnsen 7 years ago. Michael is the finest analog synthesis engineer in the world, and he designs musical circuitry with a curiosity and joy that is infectious. His pure love and deep understanding of analog synthesis inspires me, and my favorite days are the ones we spend brainstorming and troubleshooting new ideas. Analog synthesis is exciting because it is very much a work in progress.

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers is a tiny company that has made a substantial impact on modular synthesis because of our commitment to analog innovation. Take a look at our dynamic filter circuit as an example. The dynamic filter is based on a proprietary Vactrol-less low pass gate circuit that gives our modules a unique organic warmth. This circuit solves an engineering problem that has plagued West Coast style synth manufacturers since Don Buchla began using the Vactrol as a voltage controlled resistor in the 1960s.

We are excited for 2019. The new instruments and modules we are working on will be much more experimental than in the past to line up more with our current interests. A groundbreaking cascading analog delay, unique experimental synthesizer laboratory, next generation signal processors, and more. The Microvolt was our first step away from traditional synthesis and we are not looking back.

Analog is important.

Thank you,
Richard Nicol
Founder | Designer
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

Introducing the Structure 344 Eurorack Command Center

Eurorack Studio Command Center

Uncompromising power, craftsmanship, and a deep set of integrated utilities combine to create a flagship eurorack case for the Pittsburgh Modular Structure lineup. An inspiring centerpiece to any electronic music studio, the Structure 344 merges a classic form with robust power and deep, integrated synthesis tools. The 4 row, 344 hp desktop eurorack case features a custom Utility Bridge to handle a wide assortment of functions incorporating a preamp, mixer/splitter, dual voltage controlled signal buses, buffered, cascading attenuators, and more.

PRICE, AVAILABILITY, AND MORE INFORMATION

The suggested retail price for the Structure 344 is $1299.  Preorder now. Shipping begins October 26. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/structure-344

Introducing the Lifeforms Primary Oscillator

A New Type of Oscillator Designed to Push Analog Synthesis Forward

Teased at Superbooth last month, the Lifeforms Primary Oscillator offers true analog innovation designed to stretch the boundaries of pure sonic sculpting. The Primary Oscillator uses unique cascading waveform processing to create increasingly complex, fully modulatable waveforms. Through the use of multiple interwoven waveshapers, a simple waveform can quickly mutate into something deeply dynamic and harmonically rich.

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail price for the Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Primary Oscillator is $229. The module is available to order now and begins shipping today. More information is available at https://pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-primary-oscillator

Introducing the Microvolt 3900 Desktop Modular Synthesizer

A Love Letter to the Monosynth
A modern, semi-modular synthesizer inspired by the instruments designed by our heroes. The Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900 takes a new approach to building a raw, analog monosynth with a host of unconventional and inspirational features. Patch cables optional.

The Microvolt 3900 merges a unique analog synthesis engine with beautiful design and the creative freedom of a modular synthesizer to define the desktop sonic laboratory. The sound of the Microvolt 3900 is a unique blend of the organic and textural with raw, synthetic analog tones creating a new sonic palate perfect for deep experimentation.

Price, Availability, and More Information
The suggested retail price for the Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900 is $629. Pre-order now with shipments beginning May 25th.  More information is available at https://pittsburghmodular.com/microvolt

Introducing the Lifeforms Micro Sequence Eurorack Module

Lifeforms Micro Sequence

Hands On Sequencing

With a simple, performance focused interface, the feature set of the Lifeforms Micro Sequence module speaks for itself. 8 sliders with integrated channel mute. 8 quantized scales. 8 sequencer direction modes. Sequences up to 8 steps. 4 external modulation functions. Integrated tap tempo clock. 8 step external clock divider. Run/Stop transport button. Sequence reset button. Dedicated analog CV output. And more...

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail price for the Lifeforms Micro Sequence is $199. Pre-orders begin December 8 and it begins shipping December 15. More information is available at www.pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-micro-sequence

Introducing A New Generation Of Lifeforms Eurorack Modules

Six New Lifeforms Modules

Our new core modules showcase the creativity and depth of the Lifeforms modular synthesis philosophy. Pushing the concept of one knob per function as far as it will go, these modules become more powerful the further they are explored:  a huge sounding dual oscillator with a unique performance CV routing bus; a four channel mixer that is also two mixers, or four attenuators, or any combination of the three; a unique modular modulation multi-tool with a wide array of interwoven functions; a creamy smooth filter that can also scream; an extremely musical envelope generator that can be a trigger delay; and a six channel performance mixer with custom preamps and flexible signal paths. The new Lifeforms modules are packed with unrestricted sonic potential.

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Lifeforms Double Helix Oscillator

Designed to be the nucleus of a synthesizer, the Double Helix Oscillator is a modular waveform generator like no other. A set of beefy, analog oscillators paired with voltage controlled shape contouring, deep modulation, and a performance ready voltage controlled modulation matrix create a dynamic, analog waveform playground. 

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Lifeforms 2+2 Mixer

The Lifeforms 2+2 Mixer is a low noise, ambidextrous four channel mixer for both audio and CV signals. The signal path is extremely versatile allowing it to function in five different configurations: a four channel mixer; a pair of two channel mixers; four independent attenuators; two attenuators; and a two channel mixer, one attenuator and a three channel mixer.

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Lifeforms ADSR

The Lifeforms ADSR is a four stage envelope generator with independently adjustable attack, decay, sustain, and release stages. This module does one thing amazingly well. The ADSR smooths the shape of the incoming gates and triggers to produce a more expressive instrument. The ADSR output can be used to control the amplitude of an oscillator, the cutoff frequency of a filter or any other function on a module that accepts control voltages.

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Lifeforms Binary Filter

A deeper exploration of the Pittsburgh Filter sound, the Binary Filter is a voltage controlled, analog, state variable filter based on the filter of the Lifeforms SV-1. The state variable topology was chosen because it allowed us to produce a very smooth and natural sounding filter, in addition to offering several other modes of operation, each with a unique sound and energy all their own.

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Lifeforms Mod Tools

Envelope, LFO, noise, sample and hold, mixer, analog logic, slew, and oscillator, the Mod Tools is a diverse analog ecosystem of modulation. The functionality of the Mod Tools is split into four sections: multi-function, analog logic, noise | sample & hold, and modulation.

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Lifeforms System Interface

Packed with deep signal routing options and high quality preamps, the System Interface is a flexible audio hub, perfect for both studio and live performance. Squeezed into 24hp.

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Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail prices are: Lifeforms Double Helix Oscillator $449, Lifeforms Binary Filter $179, Lifeforms 2+2 Mixer $99, Lifeforms ADSR $119, Lifeforms Mod Tools $199, Lifeforms System Interface $249.  All modules begin shipping to authorized resellers March 2017. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-modules/

Introducing the Lifeforms Foundation 4 and Lifeforms Foundation Evo

A Strong foundation to explore

Introducing the expandable Lifeforms Foundation 4 and the flagship Lifeforms Foundation Evo. A pair of complete, modular synthesizers showcasing the full depth of the Lifeforms sound and design philosophies.

East Coast Mastery

Anchored by the powerful sound of the complex Double Helix Oscillator paired with a full complement of modulation options, resonant filters, envelopes, and deep midi options, the Lifeforms Foundation 4 and Lifeforms Foundation Evo are the perfect choice for east coast style subtractive synthesis. The onboard midi can be patched up to create amazing leads, unique pads, and crushing bass using massive monophonic or true duophonic synth voices.

West Coast Chemistry

The same complex Double Helix oscillator that sings for the east coast opens to reveal even more for the west. Extreme FM, non-linear waveshaping, and a unique variable response lowpass gate drive the Lifeforms Foundation 4 and Lifeforms Foundation Evo deep into west synthesis territory. An additional lowpass gate, voltage controlled multi-function generator, chaotic random generators, and a host of utility modules firmly plant the Lifeforms flag on west coast soil. 

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail price for the Lifeforms Foundation 4 is $2599 and the Lifeforms Foundation Evo is $3799.  Both synthesizers begin shipping to authorized resellers March 2017. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-synthesizers

Introducing the Structure EP-420 and Structure EP-270 Studio Eurorack Cases

Studio Sized with Road Tested Reliability

Introducing a pair of eurorack modular synthesizer cases designed to meet the the demanding requirements of project and professional studio environments. The Structure EP-270 and Structure EP-420 provide massive amounts of clean, quiet power housed in beautiful, angled hardwood enclosures, full of classic synthesizer styling. 

Uncompromising power and craftsmanship combine to create this set of stunning, studio cases. The Structure EP-420 offers a massive 420hp of space split into three rows paired with a combined 17 amps of industry leading power. The Structure EP-270 offers 270hp of module space with a combined 9 amps of robust power.

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail price for the Structure EP-420 is $799 and the Structure EP-270 is $599.  Both cases begin shipping to authorized resellers February 3. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/structure

Introducing the Nazca Audio Noodles Eurorack Patch Cables

Part of a Well Balanced System

An essential ingredient to modular synthesis, Noodles are an important part of a well balanced system. Because of their thin, flexible jacket and skinny plug over-molding, even the tightest patch points offer plenty of room for patching with Noodles. Soft and flexible, Noodles are available in 3 sizes and 6 different colors. 13", 25", and 37" sizes. Red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black colors.

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail prices for the Nazca Noodles Eurorack Patch Cables are 12 Pack - $36, 24 Pack - $66, 6 Pack Long - $19.  Nazca Noodles begin shipping to authorized resellers February 3. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/noodle-cables

Introducing the Lifeforms Dynamic Impulse Filter and Distro Eurorack Modules

Lifeforms Dynamic Impulse Filter

A New Species of Low Pass Gate

Organic and percussive, the Dynamic Impulse Filter utilizes an entirely new, all analog design to replicate the impact transients and vibrance of a percussion hit. The result is a versatile filter module that sounds natural and energetic.

We Love Vactrols Too...

The fruit of over two years of research and development, the Dynamic Impulse Filter evolves the lowpass gate into the present by retaining the sonic characteristics we love about vactrols while solving all the problems that come with it. The unique design of the Dynamic Impulse Filter replaces the vactrol with a modern analog circuit created to replicate and expand on the signature sound of the vactrol. The response time of the Dynamic Impulse Filter is not static like a vactrol; instead it is tunable allowing the response of the module to adapt to any musical context.

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail price for the Lifeforms Dynamic Impulse Filter is $229 and it begins shipping to authorized resellers December 16. More information is available at www.pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-dynamic-impulse-filter

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Lifeforms Distro

Fully Buffered Audio and CV Interchange

The Lifeforms Distro is an active audio and CV interchange with three independent sections for splitting and mixing. The outputs of each section are individually buffered and tuned to offer robust signal separation and unity gain pass-through.

The top two splitter sections create three identical, buffered copies of the incoming audio or CV signal. Perfect for pitch sensitive CV signals. The mix section offers both mixing and splitting with a two channel unity gain mixer and a set of individually buffered outputs. This section can be used as a two channel mixer, buffered signal splitter, or both.

Price, Availability, and More Information

The suggested retail price for the Lifeforms Distro is $99 and it begins shipping to authorized resellers December 16. More information is available at www.pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-distro