Musician- and sonic architect-attentive electronic instruments-maker Pittsburgh Modular
Synthesizers is proud to debut Voltage Research Laboratory — a completely different, organic analog synthesizer,
functionally influenced by the behaviours and systems of the natural world, with which adventurous users can
explore the natural systems and lesser-known fringes of analog synthesis as a wildly experimental and extremely
deep sonic playground .
As Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ most ambitious and experimental synthesizer offering to date, Voltage Research Laboratory comprises
three
separate modules that are 100% compatible with the ever-popular Eurorack
small-format modular system, housed together in a purpose-built,
handmade Eurorack case. Collectively they are so much more than an
assemblage of tools and functions, rather representing a unique modular
synthesizer seriously designed to reward deep experimentation,
encouraging the creation of unique sonic systems.
Central to Voltage Research Laboratory’s unique sound palette is its lifeforms voltage lab module. Musically or otherwise, it originates with a
complex oscillator pair — primary oscillator and secondary oscillator —
that utilise a wide range of shaping and manipulation options to move
away from basic geometric shapes to more harmonically rich tones. There
is also a custom wave folder with enhanced waveform warping, linear
FM, amplitude modulation, ring modulation, waveform cycling, hard sync,
and more besides — all available for serious sonic research.
More manipulation comes courtesy of a set of multi-function generators — function generator a and function generator b,
which work as interactive
voltage processing systems to create and modify complex control
voltages. Acting as voltage-controllable envelopes, LFOs, slew
generators, and
more, these function generators give life to evolving control signals.
Thereafter, twin dynamics controllers — dynamics controller a and dynamics controller b — bring everything together. After all, as a unique circuit
expanding on the classic low pass gate, the dynamics controller with variable response adds an organic depth to the lifeforms voltage lab module
by simulating the natural behaviour of sound. Saying that, the
multi-mode signal processor features a 12dB resonant filter, VCA, and
percussive low
pass gate modes.
Meanwhile, back in the natural world, sound interacts with its surroundings, so the lifeforms voltage lab module makes use of an analog delay to
simulate this interaction and create an artificial sense of time and
space. Sonic manipulation of delay time and feedback add depth and
warmth
through chorus-, Doppler-, echo-, flanger-, reverb-, and slapback-type
effects.
Watch Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ intriguing introductory video for Voltage Research Laboratory here:
Chaos
can be found everywhere. Electronically, random gates and control
voltages spark uncontrolled reactions, disrupt systems, and generate
ideas. It is for that very reason that the lifeforms voltage lab module includes noise, stepped random CV, a pseudo-random sequence generator,
pitched random CV, pitched random sequences, and random gates to add multiple levels of unpredictability to any patch.
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ Voltage Research Laboratory itself includes the lifeforms touch controller module.
Intuitive and inspiring, it
effectively overcomes the creative restrictions of a traditional
chromatic keyboard with a set of fully-configurable, multi-dimensional
touch pads as
a duophonic touch controller. By bringing into play two sets of five
touch pads, it offers a flexible and interactive performance surface, so
performances can be interpreted with a unique combination of monophonic
and duophonic responses. The lifeforms touch controller module’s
channel animator also allows speedy generation of complex sequences or glitchy chaos — all in all, then, the perfect launchpad for any
experimental journey, be it musical or otherwise.
As a Voltage Research Laboratory exclusive, the lifeforms utility module features a unity gain signal mixer/splitter along with stereo headphone and
line outputs, rounding out the functionality of this completely different, organic analog synthesizer.
The three Voltage Research Laboratory modules are housed in a beautiful 96hp Eurorack enclosure, shaped with the warmth of walnut and the
strength of steel. Suitably named, the Lifeforms Research Console case perfectly pairs classic desktop synthesizer ergonomics with a modern
Eurorack form factor and a clean, reliable power supply.
Showcasing Voltage Research Laboratory for all to see and hear for the time first time on booth (O226) at SUPERBOOTH19 — Europe’s first and largest
trade fair for electronic musical instruments — in Berlin, May 9-11, Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers has launched its funding campaign on Kickstarter.
The
SRP (Suggested Retail Price) for Voltage Research Laboratory is
$1,599.00 USD — discount available to Kickstarter supporters;
explore and support the Kickstarter campaign for Pittsburgh Modular
Synthesizers’ Voltage Research Laboratory project here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/
Note
that Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers will also be selling the lifeforms
voltage lab and lifeforms touch controller
Eurorack modules and Lifeforms Research Console case separately with
SRPs of $899.00 USD, $399.00 USD, and $349.00 USD,
respectively — discounts available to Kickstarter supporters, while the
lifeforms voltage lab module will also be available as the Voltage Lab
Blackbox standalone synthesizer with an SRP of $999.00 USD — discount
available to Kickstarter supporters.
About Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers (www.pittsburghmodular.com)
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers make
electronic instruments for musicians and sonic architects. As such, its
innovative designs promote unrestricted, interactive
synthesis for maximum control of maximum sound. Sold through the
company’s growing global network of authorised resellers, its
instruments include the flagship Lifeforms
line of complete synthesizers and individual modules, professional-grade
Structure enclosures, and a full line of Eurorack modules and
accessories. Established in 2012,
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers takes its notable name from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, where it is both based and hand builds/tests all of its
products. Founder and chief
designer Richard Nicol sold Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers’ first
module design, the VILFO (Voltage Influenced Low Frequency Oscillator),
out of his basement to fund his
crippling synthesizer addiction. Since then, he has somewhat obsessively
worked to create meticulously designed, beautiful instruments, which
are both accessible to starting-
out sound experimenters, as well as infinitely extendable for
professional musicians and producers. © 2019 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC
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