Pittsburgh Modular Patch Lab

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Pittsburgh Modular Patch Lab

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"How do you patch a modular synth? Richard Nicol fails while answering questions from the chat room."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Patch Lab and Chat with Richard

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

Introducing the Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

Pics and details via Perfect Circuit.

[You can find additional demos by Starsky Carr, BoBeats, and Molten Music Technology further below.]

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2
Lifeforms SV-2 from Pittsburgh Modular is a duophonic analog semi-modular keyboard synthesizer that honors classic East Coast subtractive architecture while packing a punch of flavorful twists afforded by modern technology. A full-blown revamp of the SV-1, it features updates to nearly every aspect of the instrument: new oscillator core, classic PGH filters updated with new character modes and overdrive stages, new spring reverb, new response curves and range modes on the ADSR envelopes, a custom 37-key keyboard with pitch-bend and mod wheels, and a redesigned interface with eighty-four patch points along the top. Moreover, a 24hp Eurorack expansion bay with three power headers sits alongside them, so external modules of your choosing can be dropped into the signal path at any point.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Launch Day

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Launching Lifeforms SV-2 Tuesday August 11, 2026 at https://pittsburghmodular.com

The soundtrack of this film was recorded by multi-tracking the Lifeforms SV-2 into Ableton Live with EQ and compression added while mixing.

Film and music by Richard Nicol, Founder and Lead Instrument Designer at Pittsburgh Modular. The film was layered together from public domain and stock footage. No AI was used."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Shark

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"This video does not fit the space theme but lets pretend it is a space shark. Lifeforms SV-2 attacks Tuesday August 11, 2026 at https://pittsburghmodular.com

The soundtrack of this film was recorded by multi-tracking the Lifeforms SV-2 into Ableton Live with EQ and compression added while mixing."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Defender

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Defend yourself against UFOs I guess? with the Lifeforms SV-2 on Tuesday August 11, 2026 at https://pittsburghmodular.com

The soundtrack of this film was recorded by multi-tracking the Lifeforms SV-2 into Ableton Live with EQ and compression added while mixing.

Film and music by Richard Nicol, Founder and Lead Instrument Designer at Pittsburgh Modular. The film was layered together from public domain and stock footage. No AI was used."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Attack!

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Attack of the Lifeforms SV-2 begins Tuesday August 11, 2026 at https://pittsburghmodular.com

The soundtrack of this film was recorded by multi-tracking the Lifeforms SV-2 into Ableton Live with EQ and compression added while mixing.

Film and music by Richard Nicol, Founder and Lead Instrument Designer at Pittsburgh Modular. The film was layered together from public domain and stock footage. No AI was used."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Left Behind

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"An emotional space journey with Lifeforms SV-2 begins Tuesday August 11, 2026 at https://pittsburghmodular.com

The soundtrack of this film was recorded by multi-tracking the Lifeforms SV-2 into Ableton Live with EQ and compression added while mixing.

Film and music by Richard Nicol, Founder and Lead Instrument Designer at Pittsburgh Modular. The film was layered together from public domain and stock footage. No AI was used."

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Ambushed

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"An out of this world adventure with Lifeforms SV-2 begins Tuesday August 11, 2026 at https://pittsburghmodular.com

The soundtrack of this film was recorded by multi-tracking the Lifeforms SV-2 into Ableton Live with EQ and compression added while mixing.

Film and music by Richard Nicol, Founder and Lead Instrument Designer at Pittsburgh Modular. The film was layered together from public domain and stock footage. No AI was used."

Syntrx 2 - Voltage Lab 2 - Solar 42, Detailed Discussion with Demos

video upload by Noel Sharp

"The Erica Synths Syntrx II, Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2, and Elta Music Solar 42N are being compared and contrasted. Watch and learn if one or more of these incredible analog synthesizers is right for you."

00:00 Intro
1:47 Solar 42 Overview
9:39 Solar 42 Demo 1
11:25 Solar 42 Demo 2
13:27 Syntrx 2 Overview
20:21 Syntrx Demos
21:34 Voltage Lab 2 Overview
23:35 Voltage Lab Demo 1
27:27 Voltage Lab Demo 2
31:28 Voltage Lab Demo 3
34:22 Final Thoughts and Alternatives

Something You May Not Know About Synthesizer History (Telharmonium Edition)

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

See the Telharmonium below for related posts.

Learn to Programm with Richard Nicol

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

See the Programm announcement post here.

"Join us as Richard Nicol Demos the new Cre8audio Programm sequencer while answering questions from the chat."

FreqGen - Orbital Drift (Live Modular Performance)

video upload by celldweller

"I haven't done this in a while. No softsynths. No presets. Just raw voltage, evolving sequences, and semi-controlled chaos, captured in real time. Why would I do this? Because I can.

Available on all DSPs Wed, February 4th.
A Celldweller Production.

Patch Notes

I’ve had Intellijel’s Metropolis for a long time and have used it on many songs. A family member bought me Metropolix as a gift and it was time for me to wrap my head around all the upgrades and new features, so that was the impetus for this track and the foundation it was built on.

Intellijel Metropolix to Livewire AFG. Modulating pulse width and harmonic animation with Ornament & Crime. That’s run through one of my fav filters of all time, the Cwejman MMF-2 modulated by the Tip Top Z4000 EG for a bit of snap but mostly as seen in the vid, manual modulation of the cutoff. Hands are handy.

Drums are sequenced by the Erica Synths Drum Sequencer with kick, hats and percussion all in random mode. The Drum Sequencer is controlling the VPME QD & QEX which I loaded up with my own selection of drum samples.

I used Make Noise Pressure Points/Brains for the main played lead, controlling pitch of the XAOC Devices Odessa. Gates fired from PP/Brains trigger another Z4000 EG which mults through a Synthrotek mult to a Pittsburgh Modular VCA and the Roland 521 VCF (The thing I keep looking up at, hoping it would wave or say hi. It never did, but it did an amazing job at filtering the Odessa.)

The little arp I added at the last minute. It lives on another rack which contains all my 5U stuff. Sadly it’s not in the video bc I didn’t know I was going to utilize it when I set up the cameras. Next time. The arp uses all Synthesizers.Com modules, sequenced by the Q119 and filtered by the Q150 Transistor Ladder filter.

Delays and reverbs from multiple Tip Top Z-DSPs. Some EQ & compression and maybe a delay in Cubase which mainly acted as my tape machine to record the performance. As I normally do when I patch, it’s all synced to Cubase clock using Expert Sleepers modules & Silent Way software.

If you read even one sentence from these patch notes, you get a lollipop and if you made it to the end you’re a true legend and clearly as nerdy as I am. 🙌"

Getting Started with Semi-Modular Synthesizers (feat. Sarah Belle Reid)

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"Getting started with modular synths can be daunting — but semi-modular synthesizers can be an affordable + accessible entry point, providing a streamlined workflow and a huge range of musical possibilities.

In this video, our friend ‪@sarahbellereid‬ walks through some of the advantages and disadvantages of semi-modular synths. She then offers recommendations of some of her favorite instruments for folks new to modular and semi-modular gear: namely, the Moog Mavis, the Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest, and the Make Noise 0-Coast.

Get started learning modular synthesis with Sarah Belle Reid's FREE online course:
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/fir...

Or, join the waitlist for her full program, Learning Sound & Synthesis:
https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/wai...

Learn more about our favorite semimodular gear:
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...

Scope out a brief history of the idea of so-called 'East Coast' and 'West Coast' synthesis:
https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal...

0:00 Introduction
1:00 What is a Semi-Modular Synthesizer?
2:28 East Coast + West Coast—What Does it Mean?
4:17 Moog Mavis
7:28 Cre8audio + Pittsburgh Modular East Beast
10:56 Cre8audio + Pittsburgh Modular West Pest
15:39 Make Noise 0-Coast
20:25 Takeaways + Next Steps"

Pittsburgh Modular 2025 Summer Update / New Modules / Synth Sale / New Stands / Q&A with Richard

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard Nicol offers a summer 2025 update for Pittsburgh Modular with 3 new eurorack modules, new eurorack case stands, a July synth sale, and anything else the chat wants to know. Good times."

https://pittsburghmodular.com/

Introducing Crow 3, Double Helix Wavetable Processor, and Local Florist 2

Pittsburgh Modular Safari Series 9 is full of classic sounds, unique effects, and lo-fi digital chaos.

Crow 3 Filter
The latest iteration of the Crow pairs the destructive power of the original, Safari Series #1 module with the smoothest iteration yet of the Pittsburgh Filter sound. This module can sound beautiful or brutal or both.

Double Helix Wavetable Processor
Ten years ago we created a chaotic, low-fi, digital 9-bit wavetable oscillator module. After testing the prototypes, the limitations of our small company forced us to shelve the finished module before a full production run was realized. Recently, we made the mistake of gifting one of these ancient prototypes to our good friend who promptly posted a video and story on SonicState that caused our inbox to explode. So, due to popular demand, the Double Helix Wavetable Processor is finally here.

Local Florist 2
More feedback and a larger palette of options pushes the Local Florist 2 deeper into a unique world of experimentation. The Local Florist 2 offers a range of possibilities effects including flanging (kinda), chorus (yes), reverb (true), spring-y feedback sounds (all day), karplus strong (not really, but sorta), vibrato (yes), plucky percussive string sounds (yes), and general robot space sounds (often). Thank you for continuing to support your Local Florist!

Price, Availability, and More Information
The retail price for the Crow 3 and Local Florist 2 are $199 each. The retail price for the Double Helix is $299. Because these modules are considered experiments, production has been limited. The modules are available now through the Pittsburgh Modular web shop. More information regarding the Crow 3, Local Florist 2, and Double Helix Wavetable Processor Eurorack Modules is available at pittsburghmodular.com/safari.

JHS Colour Box v2 Lovely Saturation [FX w/ Synthesizers #19] Demo

video upload by gstormelectro

"Audio + Video by G-Storm Electro c. 2025

Today I am exploring various synth and percussion elements through the JHS Colour Box v2 for that lovely vintage console saturation. Or downright savage noise when pushed harder, if that's your bag. A/B comparison effect on/bypass except the last section, got lost in the moment on that one. Tried my best to mind the levels, but now and then the volume is a bit inconsistent. Some normalization applied to remedy some of that, you understand. The EQ applied some nice touches, really helps pick out some sweet spots here and there. Recorded direct on iPhone via EPM6 mixer via Go:Mixer:Pro-X.

0:00 Novation Bass Station II
0:44 Bass Station II
1:22 Bass Station II
2:01 Oberheim DX
3:10 Behringer 2600
3:45 Eurorack 208HP Percussion System
5:15 Pittsburgh Modular Taiga
6:06 Roland JX-3P via Big Sky on Hall reverb"

Analog synthesizers live demo11; please use headphones for best result

video upload by Synthe_64

"Please use headphones for panning, delay, phasing and other details. This is recorded live and there is no multi tracking!
Bass sequencing : Korg X-911 + Doepfer Dark Time
Jupiter 8 sound : Roland JV 1010 + Roland A500S + Boss FS-6
FX-Intro : Moog Minimoog + Roland SDE1000
Rich Choir sound : Roland JV 1010 + Irig Keys 2 Pro + Boss FS-6
Other FX sound : Roland JV 1010 + Emu 25
extra chords : Korg Polysix
Solo : Yamaha CS 15D + Flash Back II
Extra noise : Korg Monotribe + Flash Back II
extra bass sequence : Roland SH2 + Korg SQ1
extra bass sequence : Korg/ARP Odyssey + Korg SQ1
percussion : Behringer SY-1 + Boss RV1000
Trouby Modular master clock
Modular: Pittsburgh and Doepfer
Mixers Roland M-160 and M-12E
Space Delay Roland RE-3
Reverb/delay:Alesis Microverb III
Effect processor: Yamaha EMP 100
recorder: Tascam DR-60D"

Boom Chick & Assembler by Pittsburgh Modular & Cre8Audio | Superbooth 2025

video upload by Thomann Synthesizers

"At Superbooth 2025, Cre8audio and Pittsburgh Modular unveiled two new analog devices: the Boom Chick drum machine and the Assembler mixer, both designed for standalone use and Eurorack integration.

The Boom Chick is a five-voice analog drum machine featuring kick, snare, hi-hat, and two versatile percussion voices capable of FM synthesis and wave shaping. Its six-track sequencer offers step and live modes, polyrhythms, Euclidean pattern generation, and performance tools like swing, humanize, and probability. Connectivity includes individual trigger inputs and outputs, MIDI I/O, clock sync, and reset, with output levels suitable for Eurorack systems. 

The Assembler is a 10-channel analog mixer with six mono and two stereo inputs, each equipped with preamps offering up to 20x gain, soft compression, and signal contouring. It features three post-fader aux sends with corresponding returns, a dedicated headphone cue output, and compatibility with both line-level and Eurorack signals. The mixer can function as a standalone desktop unit or be mounted in a 40HP Eurorack space.

Both devices are expected to be available in mid-May 2025."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

New Instruments Walk-Thru and Jam Live Stream w/ Cre8audio Boom Chick & Assembler

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"With Richard Nicol"

See the announcement posts here:

Cre8audio Introduces Boom Chick Analog Drum Machine

Cre8audio Introduces Assembler Vintage Inspired Analog Mixer

Check with dealers on the right for availability.