Everybody wants more synth videos! We asked Samwell Clark to help us expand our video library this summer, and he is pumping out amazing short clips to highlight the features and functions of our favorite modules.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
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
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
The Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer is a seriously featured, 4 channel eurorack beat programmer with a classic drum machine style interface. The familiar interface allows for quick mastery of all the features leaving the focus on the music. Seamlessly move around the module tweaking patterns and effects without ever stopping the beat. Easily create new patterns using the live performance or step recording modes, then add one of the powerful pattern effects to each channel to take the sequence to a new level. Eurorack drum programming has come to life.
Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer Features include:
Price, Availability, and More Information
The suggested retail price for the Lifeforms Percussion Sequencer is $349 and it begins shipping to authorized resellers September 30. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-percussion-sequencer
The Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers Lifeforms SV-1 Blackbox is a complete, standalone desktop format modular synthesizer. A full compliment of analog tools for sonic experimentation stuffed into a portable steel enclosure. Two patchable oscillators and our legendary state-variable filter are paired with a perfectly curated set of synthesis components including a dual sub oscillator, dual, chained mixers, a plucky, four stage envelope generator, sample and hold, noise, low frequency oscillator, voltage controlled amplifier, a feature rich MIDI to CV converter, and a pair of utility signal splitters.
A standalone modular powerhouse, the Lifeforms SV-1 Blackbox provides absolutely everything you need to create gigantic and iconic synth sounds: roaring bass, shimmering leads, lush pads and warm drones are only a few knob turns away. Instantly, out of the box, a rich feature set with a fluid, easy to understand interface empowers you to create vibrant, thick tones. A few patch cables Modulation and Tools sections fill out the analog SV-1 modulation capabilities with a triangle and square LFO, two sub-octave oscillators chained to the main oscillator, and noise with sample & hold.
Price, Availability, and More Information
The suggested retail price for the Lifeforms SV-1 Blackbox modular synthesizer is $699 and it begins shipping to authorized resellers August 12. More information is available at pittsburghmodular.com/blackbox-sv1.
Our best sounding synthesizer yet, Lifeforms systems are available in three configurations. System 101, System 201, and System 301 are the perfect gateway to the eurorack modular synthesizer world.
Interactive inspiration machines. The next generation of our System line of eurorack synthesizers harnesses the power of the new Lifeforms modules and Structure enclosures. Designed around the Lifeforms SV-1 modular analog synthesizer voice and anchored by the classic Pittsburgh Modular filter and two full range analog oscillators packed with harmonically rich waveforms, the Lifeforms Systems offer a rich sound palette with the flexibility of an open, fully patchable analog voice architecture.
The System 201 and System 301 also include the Lifeforms KB-1 pressure sensitive keyboard controller. The pressure sensitive keyboard maximizes the creative process with arpeggios, sequences, triggers, voltage memory, and more. More information on the entire Lifeforms line is available at pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-synthesizers.
The Lifeforms SV-1 is a fully patchable synthesizer module, destined to be the heart and soul of any eurorack modular system. It features two independent, full-range analog oscillators, and the unmistakeable sound of the Pittsburgh Modular filter paired with a highly curated set of modular tools designed to fuel the creative fire. More information on the Lifeforms SV-1 is available at pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-sv-1.
Shape music like never before with the Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms KB-1 pressure sensitive controller. The Lifeforms KB-1 eurorack module provides a multi-function, expressive, capacitive touch keyboard designed for performance. It contains a powerful one octave pressure sensitive keyboard complete with arpeggiator, step sequencer, preset voltage memory array, and a pair of multi-mode trigger pads. Eleven patchable outputs and a deep feature set enable an unprecedented level of control over any eurorack system. More information on the Lifeforms KB-1 is available at pittsburghmodular.com/lifeforms-kb-1.
Our new line of Structure enclosures pushes eurorack case technology forward. With new, innovative power supplies providing extreme amounts of clean, quiet power, up to 3x the power available in other brands, Structure cases are designed to work with the most sensitive analog and power hungry digital modules.
To improve the strength of the Structure shells, our engineers tested countless combinations utilizing different types of wood, joints, adhesives, assembly techniques, and hardware. The result is our most robust and refined case line yet. With massive amounts of both room and clean, quiet power, Structure enclosures are the perfect start to any eurorack modular system.
The Structure enclosures are available in three sizes. 96hp, 208hp, and 360hp. The Structure EP-96 is a 96hp desktop case. A perfect case for starting a eurorack synthesizer. The Structure EP-208 and Structure EP-360 are serious, road ready travel cases. The right choice for large or growing systems. More information on the entire line of Structure cases is available at pittsburghmodular.com/structure.