Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Guest Soundtrack #2 with Dysonant

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Guest soundtrack by Dysonant
https://dysonant.bandcamp.com/music

All sounds were made using the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga synthesizer. More information about Taiga is available at https://pittsburghmodular.com/"

Richard, Buscrates, and Soy Sos Taiga Chat and Live Performance

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard Nicol, Buscrates, and Herman "Soy Sos" Pearl are together again! The team returns to discuss interesting(?) patching techniques followed by a modular synth jam @ Tuff Sound Recording. Feel free to join in the live chat or just hang out and remember to keep the fire burning."

Introducing The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Paraphonic Synthesizer

video uploads by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers (click for additional posts)

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga: A Deeper Dive


Another Michael's One Minute Synthesis Minute


Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Talk with Richard and Michael


Additional user videos further below.

Taiga - Paraphonic Modular Synthesizer
New desktop synth from Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers packs a powerful punch with 3 oscillators, wave folders, innovative vactrol-less dynamics, and more!

January 31st, 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA - Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers today announced Taiga, a 3-oscillator paraphonic synthesizer.

Taiga is a powerful, complete, modern, and modular instrument that's a tour de force of the Pennsylvania based analog synth R&D team's recent inventions. Taiga wraps these new tools into a surprisingly accessible package that provides a massive pallet of 100% analog sounds to its users.

Taiga’s sound can be attributed to three uniquely Pittsburgh innovations. A trio of huge analog oscillators, the unmistakably smooth sound of the Pittsburgh Filter, and the warmth + punch of the unique Dynamics Controller. These enable you to not only create sounds that would be traditionally expected from an analog synthesizer but also to explore new sonic textures and performance possibilities.

Taiga oscillators
Waveforms generated by the three Taiga oscillators stretch beyond the basic geometric shapes and sounds associated with analog synthesis. Taiga waveforms pass through up to three proprietary, cascading waveshapers designed to precisely manipulate their symmetry and harmonic content. In addition, each oscillator includes a robust six-stage wave folder to add even more complexity and depth to the diverse sonic palate of Taiga.

The 'Pittsburgh Filter'
The Pittsburgh filter has defined the sound of Pittsburgh Modular from the moment it was introduced. A signature gummy and relaxed sound with no dead spots that has been tweaked to perfection. It offers a warm, smooth sweep through the full frequency range and a sweet resonance that does not roll off the low end. This generation of the Pittsburgh filter is specifically designed to ensure a remarkable interplay with Taiga’s oscillators.

Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller
Pittsburgh's new Dynamics technology imparts Taiga with a uniquely organic depth and presence. By simultaneously managing both amplitude and harmonic content, the Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller expands beyond the one-dimensional VCA found in other synthesizers. It does this by utilizing new advancements from traditional low pass gates to add additional definition and dimension to the voice of Taiga.

When used in low pass gate mode, sounds shed harmonic content and become warmer as they decrease in volume. This mimics how sound waves react to their environment. Because of this connection, the Taiga sounds more natural or complex compared to other instruments.

Echos, Mixer, MIDI, and much more
Pulling no punches in rounding out Taiga’s capabilities, Pittsburgh has included MIDI to CV conversion, mixer, preamp with soft clipping overdrive limiter circuit, analog bucket brigade delay, dual envelope generators, digital multi-modulation tool, LFO, noise generator, clock-synced arpeggiator, and an internal clock with tap tempo (can be externally synced too). You can use Taiga without patching or dive into its 60 patch points to use its components as separate modules with external devices or reroute its internal patching. The creative possibilities abound!

TAIGA Review // What if Bob Moog & Don Buchla collaborated on a synth in the 70s? // Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:50 Overview
5:10 Oscillators
10:05 Sync
11:10 Glide
11:30 3 more LFOs
12:20 Mixer
13:00 Preamp
14:20 Mix/Split
15:00 Filter
18:30 Dynamics
21:55 Delay
22:45 Modulation
23:30 Ctrl module
23:55 Arp
25:25 Sequencer
25:45 Vel modes
27:40 CC modes
28:00 S&H
28:30 Pros & cons
31:40 Outro

Pittsburgh Modular TAIGA synthesizer REVIEW // 3 things I LOVE & 1 thing I DISLIKE
video upload by BoBeats

CONTENT:
00:00 What is the Taiga?
03:36 Part 1: OSCILLATORS explained
13:56 Design, Mixer, Preamp & a few other things
16:02 Part 2: FILTER module explained
21:05 Part 3: i don't like this...
25:15 A few more functions worth mentioning
26:35 Part 4: DYNAMICS module explained
30:47 Final Verdict: is it worth buying?

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Review

video upload by

Index:
Intro - 0:00
Getting close up - 8:17 (this is longer than I thought, sorry)
Oscillators - 13:28
FM - 14:39
Waveforms - 15:20
Wave folding - 17:16
Tuning - detuning - 19:36
Make a bassline - 21:24
The Filter - 24:29
Dynamics - 27:22
Dynamics - VCA Mode - 27:43
Dynamics - LPG Mode - 28:31
Dynamics - LPG Mode + Pluck - 34:04
Summary so far - 35:58
Digital Control Section - ARP and stuff - 38:02
MIDI Vs Eurorack - 41:33
Sync - 46:19
Oscillator chords - 46:59
Preamp - 47:37
Separate oscillator sequencing - 48:54
2-note polyphony in Paraphonic Mode - 51:15
Conclusions - 53:02

A Journey into Taiga

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Our adventure with Taiga begins on Jan 31st 2023."

Ambient Fish with Richard

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Abstract audio and visuals by Richard Nicol"

Taiga Demo Track 3 by Richard Nicol

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Third track recorded over a long weekend using the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga synth.

Raw anime footage is public domain sourced from archive.org."

The Story of Taiga

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"What is Taiga? Join us as we discover together.

Our adventure with Taiga begins on Jan 31st 2023."

Michael's One Minute Synthesis Minute

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Michael Johnsen, Analog Engineer for Pittsburgh Modular, offers a few nuggets of synthesis wisdom.

Our adventure with Taiga begins on Jan 31st 2023."

Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Teaser Massacre

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"The day turns tragic for the team shortly after filming wraps for the new Pittsburgh Modular Taiga synthesizer teaser video.

This video was meant to be released on Halloween but the release schedule was bumped from October to January so lets all agree to pretend this is still seasonally appropriate.

Our adventure with Taiga begins on Jan 31st 2023."

Introducing the Okapi Mixers and Koi Mult with Richard Nicol

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard walks through the 2+2 Okapi mixer, Stereo Okapi mixer, and Koi mult modules. More information at www.pittsburghmodular.com"

"Pittsburgh Modular Safari Series 6 feeds on our love of fish and vintage mixers. The 2+2 Okapi and Stereo Okapi mixers use our newly developed soft compression/saturation circuit add vibe to any mix and the Koi is a quality fish themed buffered multiple.

2+2 Okapi Mixer & Stereo Okapi Mixer
Two different versions of the same idea. The 2+2 Okapi and Stereo Okapi mixers add a vintage console vibe to sounds by using soft compression and saturation to glue the mix together.

Both modules include per channel LED monitoring and two mixing modes. Clean mode utilizes the mixing circuit of the SV-1 for a transparent mixer that works great with both audio and CV signals. Saturate mode adds soft compression and saturation to the mix. This effect can be used subtly to add vibe or pushed further to press additional harmonics out of the mix. A global mute is available on both versions of the mixer as well. The 2+2 Okapi offers a mute and phase switch for each channel. The top two channels can be split off allowing the mixer to be used as two independent mixers. This is very handy for both small and large systems. The Stereo Okapi has a pan pot for each of the four channels along with a left and right output. Perfect as an output mixer or a sub-mixer for drums.

Koi Buffered Splitter
The Koi is pretty simple but very handy. Three chained, fully buffered multiples. Each section has a dedicated LED for keeping an eye on the signals. We know you have your choice of fish themed eurorack signal splitters, but we think ours is the best.

Price, Availability, and More Information
The retail price for the 2+2 Okapi and Stereo Okapi is $149 each. The retail price for the Koi is $99. Because these modules are considered experiments, production has been limited to 200 numbered 2+2 Okapi, 200 Stereo Okapi, and 200 Koi. The modules are available now through the Pittsburgh Modular web shop. More information regarding the Okapi and Koi Eurorack Modules is available at pittsburghmodular.com/safari."

Cre8audio East Beast Vs West Pest + String Quartet | Fraternal Twins

video upload by the machine in the botanical garden

"Composition for Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest synthesizer +String Quartet. Short review of the two synthesizers.
East Beast and West Pest are two small semi-modular synthesizers created by cre8audio in association with the Pittsburgh Modular team.
I have written the score with the Staffpad score player and editor. The library used for the winds sounds is Berlin strings First Chairs from Orchestral tools (Staffpad version).

The composition is titled: Fraternal Twins 1"

East Beast Demo and Thoughts

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Oliver of Patchwerks shares an overview, demo and his thoughts on the Cre8audio East Beast, a semi-modular synthesizer.

Learn more about the East Beast here: https://bit.ly/east_beast

East Beast’s oscillator, designed in partnership with the too serious for words people from Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, is a part of their 5th generation of analog oscillators stemming from a super-serious 10 years of continued research into analog oscillator development.

Cre8audio’s super serious friends at Pittsbugh Modular Synthesizers are just as serious about filters as they are about oscillators. East Beast’s filter is a multi-mode filter, meaning it can be used as a low pass filter, high pass filter, bandpass filter, or a combination of the three for an even wider sonic palate.

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Oliver Bacon
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32), and Oliver Bacon (Looma)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Richard and Soy Sos Synth Chat and Live Modular Performance

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard Nicol and Herman 'Soy Sos' Pearl are together again! The team returns to discuss interesting(?) patching techniques followed by a modular synth jam @ Tuff Sound Recording."

Pittsburgh Modular New Module Lab with Richard

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard dermos the Elephant Drum and Narwhal Cymbal eurorack modules while answering questions from the live chat."

Richard and Perry NAMM 2022 Live

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard and Perry onhand at NAMM 2022 to explain synthesizers."

New West Pest Synthesizer from Cre8audio in Partnership with Pittsburgh Modular

The Dimension of the West Pest - Cre8audio West Pest Film video upload by Cre8audio

On the heels of the East Beast based on East Coast Moog style synthesis, Cre8audio and Pittsburgh Modular introduce the West Pest based on West Coast Buchla style synthesis.

cre8audio West Pest Sound Demo (no talking)

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Cre8audio West Pest synthesizer review

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Cre8audio's second little synth is the West Pest. Inspired by West coast synths it has a big fat wavefolder and a fabulous Dynamics Controller that gives it a very different feel to the East Beast."

Index - 0:00
Intro - 1:17
Overview - 6:22
Wavefolding - 9:21
Oscillator waveforms - 15:26
Dynamics Controller - 17:54
LFO - 25:20
Multi-wave noodle with delay and reverb - 29:25
Sequencer and Arpeggiator - 31:23
Multi Engine - 34:50
Couple more sound demos - 39:37
Conclusions - 42:01
Dueling synths - 47:36

"Designed and developed in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, West Pest is a powerful monophonic full voice, integrating imaginative sound-shaping tools with traditionally “west coast” concepts.
Test the pest!

West Pest’s unique sound has been influenced by Pittsburgh’s acclaimed Voltage Research Lab synthesizer.

The Pittsburgh-designed core oscillator technology has matured through the development of their SV-1 and later with Voltage Research Laboratory. This iteration’s waveforms have been optimized to be run through West Pest’s wavefolder.

Wave folding/shaping is integral to West Pest’s foundation. Wavefolding amplifies incoming waveforms. Rather than clipping or distorting, the wavefolder circuit folds the waveforms back onto themselves, creating upwards of six folds to add vast harmonic complexity and depth.

West Pest’s snappy, responsive articulation is accomplished by the “Dynamics Controller,” Pittsburgh Modular’s original invention. This unique concept is designed to behave like a traditional filter, a VCA, and an envelope generator, all at once. Upon note trigger, the filter opens fully and rapidly, producing a sharp, percussive attack. At release, the Dynamics Controller adds a ringing, resonant decay, resulting in a rounder, more musical sound. The Dynamics Controller is the product of years of research by Pittsburgh’s founder Richard Nicol, and Chief of R&D Michael Johnsen. Inspired by the developments of West Coast synthesis pioneer Don Buchla, Pittsburgh Modular has modernized and evolved these concepts, taking them into new realms, adding wider range, consistency, stability, and resonance control, as well as an infinitely variable, ringing decay.

Going beyond these analog sound-sculpting tools, West Pest also includes a deep new digital multi-mod /multi-function tool concept to add more flavor to the Pest’s production. The multi-mod lets users select between additional clock synced LFO, decay envelope, MIDI-controlled modulation, and random voltage generator modes.

West Pest’s compositional and performance capabilities are as robust as its ferocious sonic engine. West Pest can be controlled via MIDI, control voltage (CV/Gate), and its function keys, which double as a keyboard controller. Also included is an integrated sequencer & arpeggiator that can also be controlled via MIDI and is externally clockable.

A semi-modular synthesizer, West Pest has basically 8 different patchable modules (Oscillator, wave contour, dynamics controller, LFO, multi-mod tool, MIDI to CV converter, step sequencer, and button keyboard) with a whopping 18 Eurorack compatible patch points to plug into itself and your other gear. As a starting point, West Pest comes intuitively patched internally to create a bold and flexible full synth voice. Using the patch points enables users to reroute internal signal flow, as well as use with external eurorack format modules and synthesizers. To promote experimentation, Cre8audio has included a set of premium Nazca Noodles patch cables.

CLICK FOR MORE »

The Mystery of the East Beast Fully Analog East Coast-Style Semi-Modular Synthesizer by Cre8audio

video upload by Cre8audio


via Cre8audio

Superbooth, Berlin, May 10th, 2022, Cre8audio today announced East Beast, a new semi-modular desktop synthesizer.

Designed and developed in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, East Beast is a powerful monophonic full voice with many unique sound-shaping tools and deep performance capabilities.

Beware the beast!
East Beast’s massive sound has been heavily influenced by Pittsburgh’s highly successful SV-1 and SV-1b synthesizers.

At its core, you’ll find its 100% analog, Pittsburgh-designed oscillator. The oscillator features sine, saw, triangle, and square waveforms that can also be used in combinations. Rounding out its sonic core is FM and pulse width modulation (PWM).

To shape the sound, East Beast includes an analog envelope generator, VCA, LFOs, and a Pittsburgh “Zero Dead Spot” multi-mode filter. The “Zero Dead Spot” filter is the product of years of research into analog filter design by Pittsburgh’s founder Richard Nicol, and Chief of R&D Michael Johnsen. Unlike more traditional ladder filters, the PGH “Zero Dead Spot” filter does not distort as readily and features no sonic dead spots. The result is a fully sweepable frequency range that produces a rich velvety sound throughout each of its lowpass, high-pass, and bandpass modes.

In addition to the analog sound-shaping tools mentioned previously, East Beast also includes a deep new digital multi-mod /multi-function tool concept to add more options. The multi-mod lets the user select between an additional envelope, clock synced LFO, MIDI CC control, and random voltage generator modes.

A semi-modular synthesizer, East Beast has basically 9 different patchable modules (Oscillator, filter, envelope, VCA, LFO, multi-mod tool, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and button keyboard) with a whopping 18 Eurorack compatible patch points to plug into itself and your other gear. As a starting point, East Beast comes intuitively patched internally to create a bold and flexible full synth voice. Using the patch points enables the users to reroute internal signal flow as well as use with external eurorack format modules and synthesizers. To help facilitate experimentation, Cre8audio has included a set of premium Nazca Noodles patch cables.

East Beast’s playing and performance capabilities are as strong as its powerful sonic core. East Beast can be controlled via MIDI, control voltage (CV/Gate), and its function keys double as a keyboard controller. Additionally, included is an integrated sequencer & arpeggiator that can also be controlled via MIDI and is externally clockable.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Cre8audio East Beast Trailer #3

video upload by Cre8audio

"East Beast is a new synthesizer made by Cre8audio in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Find out more about the East Beast on May 10, 2022"

Cre8audio East Beast Trailer #2

video upload by Cre8audio

"East Beast is a new synthesizer made by Cre8audio in partnership with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers. Find out more about the East Beast on May 10, 2022 - Comming soon to https://cre8audio.com"

Pittsburgh Modular New Module Lab with Richard

video upload by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard walks through The Wolf Channel Strip VCA, A Filter of Crows, and Dynamics Controller Bat eurorack modules while answering questions from the live chat."