Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Research Laboratory Introduction

Published on May 8, 2019 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

via Kickstarter

"The Voltage Research Laboratory is a completely different analog synthesizer where every function of the instrument has been influenced by the behaviors and systems of the natural world. Wildly experimental and extremely deep, the Voltage Research Laboratory is a sonic playground created to explore the natural systems and lesser known fringes of analog synthesis.

The Voltage Research Laboratory is 100% eurorack modular format compatible and is comprised of 3 separate eurorack modules housed together in a purpose-built, handmade eurorack enclosure. More than a collection of tools and functions, it is a unique modular synthesizer designed to reward deep experimentation and encourage the creation of unique sonic systems."

Voltage Lab Synthesizer Voice Module

Generation

The unique sound palette of the Lifeforms Voltage Lab originates with a complex oscillator pair that utilizes a wide range of shaping and manipulation options to move away from basic geometric shapes to more harmonically rich tones. A custom wave folder with enhanced waveform warping, linear FM, amplitude modulation, ring modulation, waveform cycling, hard sync, and more are available for extreme sonic research.

Manipulation

A set of multi-function generators work as interactive voltage processing systems to create and modify complex control voltages. The function generators act as voltage controllable envelopes, LFOs, slew generators, and more to produce evolving control signals. Voltage controllable parameters and multiple unison modes create complex and intertwined modulation systems through time.

Interaction

Twin dynamics controllers pull everything together. A unique circuit expanding on the classic low pass gate, the dynamics controller with variable response adds an organic depth to the sound of the Lifeforms Voltage Lab by simulating the natural behavior of sound. The multi-mode signal processor features a 12db resonant filter, VCA, and percussive low pass gate modes.

Dimensional

Sound interacts with the world around it. The Voltage Lab uses analog delay to simulate this interaction and create an artificial sense of time and space. Manipulation of delay time and feedback add depth and warmth through reverb, chorus, flanging, Doppler, slap back, and echo type effects.

Unstable Systems

Chaos is everywhere. Random gates and control voltages spark uncontrolled reactions, disrupt systems, and generate ideas. The Voltage Lab utilizes 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.

Interactive Touch Controller Module

Intuitive and inspiring, the Lifeforms Touch Controller replaces the creative restrictions of a traditional chromatic keyboard with a set of fully configurable multi-dimensional touch pads. A duophonic touch controller that utilizes two sets of five touch pads to offer a flexible and interactive performance surface. Performances can be interpreted with a unique combination of monophonic and duophonic responses. The channel animator is available to quickly generate complex sequences or glitchy chaos. Intuitive and inspiring, the Lifeforms Touch Controller is the perfect launchpad for an experimental journey.

Output Utility Module

A Voltage Research Laboratory exclusive, the Utility module adds a few welcome features to round out the functionality of the instrument. A unity gain signal mixer / splitter along with stereo headphone and line outputs.



Research Console Eurorack Case

A beautiful 96hp eurorack enclosure designed with the warmth of walnut and the strength of steel. The Research Console eurorack format modular case pairs classic desktop synthesizer ergonomics with a modern eurorack form factor and clean, reliable power supply.