"The Safari Series continues to provide artists with an advanced preview of innovative new concepts stemming from our research and design process. The seventh Safari Series reinvigorates the sound of one of our favorite vintage Pittsburgh modules.
Pittsburgh Modular The Toad phase shifter is a creamy, 12 stage, all analog effect module designed to expand on the classic swirls, rich swooshes, and doppler effects associated with the phaser.
The Toad has a single 12 stage audio signal path to create a very rich, full sound. Dual phased audio outputs are tapped from stages 7 and 12 and can be used together for wide, flowing, stereo effect. Each output has a switch that allows the phased signal to be mixed with a positive or inverted dry signal resulting in even more sonic flavors to melt with.
An attenuverting CV input and onboard triangle LFO allows for maximum flexibility for custom modulation options. Feedback can be positive or negative and The Toad is more than happy to self oscillate in either direction.
Price, Availability, and More Information The retail price for Toad is $299 USD each. Because these modules are considered experiments, production has been limited to 200 modules."
"A new song written for a live performance at the Sculpture Center Queens, NY. This track was inspired by the art installation Too good to be OK by Julian Abraham 'Togar'. https://www.sculpture-center.org/exhi...
Instruments used: Pittsburgh Modular Taiga (leads and blips), Cre8audio East Beast (bass), and Pittsburgh Modular Safari eurorack drum modules (drums) are heavily featured along with a Juno 60 (sweep)."
Introducing Influx, an audio sub-mixer for eurorack.
A streamlined design taking 16HP.
Six channels having LED mutes, level, and pan.
A stereo input pair having level control.
Stereo mix output.
In this video I'm putting the Influx mixer though it's paces.
I put together an elegant live performance patch using all 3 of my cases.
Be sure to listen on headphones or quality monitors to hear all the sub-bass frequencies.
Drum Modules | Pittsburgh (PGH) modular Safari
Snare | PGH Polar Bear | PGH Local Florist | PGH Analog Delay Unit | Feedback Squeez compressor
Bass | Cre8audio Capt'n Big-O | G-Storm 101-VCF
Lead | PGH Primary Oscillator | G-Storm SH5-VCF | Happy Nerding FX Aid - Clouds Reverb Algo
Sample | Erica Sample Drum | G-Storm Pro-VCF | Mutable Clouds | Shakmat Gemini Path
Percussion Gates | Malekko Varigate 4
Bass/Lead Sequencing | Keystep Pro
Recorded direct, no other mastering or effects.
"Manage the Influx of audio signals in your Eurorack modular system. Influx is a streamlined 8-Channel audio sub-mixer. Suitable for your mixing needs within smaller to medium sized systems. Or chain two Influx units together for larger systems.
6 Mono Input channels each having: Bourns 20mm throw audio level faders w/ 3x gain possible, blue LED latching audio mute button, pan pot, and a scribble strip!
One Stereo Input pair of Left/Right inputs on channels 7/8 - Audio level rotary pot w/ 3x gain possible, Channel 7/(mono) is normalized to both L/R if nothing is plugged into Channel 8/R jack.
For larger systems you can chain two units together for a total of 14-Channels. Simply patch the output pair of one Influx to the 7/8 input of another. A 10-to-16 pin ribbon cable is included. Each module is 142 solder points all crafted by hand in limited quantities, and tested for quality assurance.
Specs:
16HP (80.5mm) Module width 22mm Module depth 21 mA on +12V 9 mA on -12V 5V not used Influx pairs well with:
"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."
"Pittsburgh have been working on the Safari range of modules, a series of short run experimental modules pushing their design ideas and testing what works. People seem to love them, but thats because Richard Nicol is a bit of a genius analog designer. Shown here are:
Filter of Crows - filter
Dynamic Controller - Bat
Wolf VCA
Prototype Step Sequencer, drum and percussion modules too
Coming soon to a module or instrument from Pittsburgh."
A Filter of Crows
Our classic Pittsburgh Filter pushed to the limits. The overdrive preamp from original Crow module paired with switchable filter response, resonance instability mode, and voltage control over both frequency and resonance. A Filter of Crows can be both menacing and subtle with a massive sonic palette. Shifting from buttery smooth sweeps to punishing, overdriven noise without ever sounding harsh or uncomfortable. This is the most interesting variant of the Pittsburgh Filter we have created.
A Filter of Crows is a unique filter module that builds on the concept of the highly sought-after Safari Series #1 module, 'Crow'. It combines three Pittsburgh-designed 100% analog technologies.
Ultra-high-gain preamp:
The first is an ultra-high-gain preamp circuit. The preamp, taken directly from the original Crow offers a unique up to 75x of variable gain overdrive. This circuit provides unmatched dimensions of overdrive without sounding harsh. Additionally, the circuit can be completely bypassed to allow for a completely clean exploration of the other aspects of the module.
PGH Filter:
Next is a 12db State Variable 'no-dead-spot' Filter, The classic PGH Filter with manually selectable and stackable filter responses. Lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter responses can be enabled or disabled individually for instant parallel processing.
The PGH filter has been continually refined over the last 12 years of research and altered to fit the demands of each system that it has been a part of. One of its unique defining characteristics is its ability to offer a complete sweepable range without any noticeable dead spots. Dead spots are uneven / muted portions of the swept range due to non-linearities in the circuitry. The PGH filter has no noticeable dead spots and is voiced to interact well with the high-gain preamp circuit. The result is a rich, even, fully sweepable range.
Resonant Stability Circuit:
Lastly is Pittsburgh’s Resonant Stability Circuit. This circuit enables the PGH filter to provide near-infinite resonance without slipping into self-oscillation, unless the user wants it to. Set to stable, Crows will not self-oscillate. It operates as a clean, organic filter. Set to unstable mode, the character of Crows changes dramatically. At normal settings, the incoming signal modulates the self-oscillating filter to produce harmonically complex sounds. In more extreme settings, Crows will start to struggle with controlling the oscillating resonance, adjusting the resonance shifts from ringing fuzz to heavy distortion to an extremely musical total failure."
Dynamics Controller Bat
Both a resonant filter and a VCA, the Pittsburgh Modular Dynamics Controller Bat is a modern re-interpretation of Don Buchla’s famous 'lopass' gate. The original lowpass gate was limited to a static response time that varied from unit to unit. For better or worse, this made each lowpass gate a little different. The Dynamics Controller Bat solves this issue and expands on the original concept by adding a unique voltage controllable response curve and variable resonance to the lowpass gate. Nothing has more depth, sounds more natural, or feels more alive than the our Dynamics Controller. Not only is this module unique in the world of modular synthesis, it sounds amazing.
Both a resonant filter and a VCA, the Pittsburgh Modular Dynamics Controller Bat is a modern reinterpretation of Don Buchla’s famous 'lowpass' gate.
Unlike a VCA, which simply changes the loudness of the sound without modifying the harmonic content, the lowpass gate circuit uniquely simulates the characteristics of how sounds interact in natural environments.
When used in lowpass gate mode, louder sounds contain more harmonic content and quieter sounds contain less harmonic content. The result is a more organic, complex, and rounded sound.
Don Buchla’s original lowpass gate (LPG) was limited to a static response time that varied from unit to unit. For better or worse, this made each lowpass gate a little different. Pittsburgh’s research that has made its way into the Dynamics Controller Bat solves this issue. It modernizes Don Buchla's concept by adding a unique voltage controllable response curve and variable resonance to the lowpass gate. This allows for all the sonic depth of the LPG while providing the same kind of sustain control offered by a more traditional VCA. The resulting Pittsburgh innovation is the best of both worlds, natural and alive sound, that's completely controllable."
The Wolf Channel Strip VCA
The idea was to design a VCA that makes everything sound better. Through the use of a custom Wolf preamp circuit, parametric EQ, and a high quality, linear VCA, The Wolf adds depth and presence to any patch. A custom preamplifier with variable gain control shifts between .5x and 7x gain followed by a soft clipping limiter. Results range from fully transparent to warm saturation to overdrive depending on how hard it is pushed. A three stage, 15db EQ pairs sweeping low and mid range channels with a fixed frequency high shelf followed by a second soft clipping limiter identical to the one in the preamp to keep it smooth. Green, Yellow, and Red LEDs are both fun and informative! Located after the EQ and before the VCA in the signal path, the LEDs offer insight into the audio signal.
The Wolf is a Channel Strip VCA designed to improve and provide more control over any input source. It does this through another three unique circuits.
Wolf Preamp
The Wolf’s Preamp is a custom preamplifier with variable gain control shifts between .5x and 7x gain followed by a soft-clipping limiter. The soft-clipping limiter is a way to control the amplitude of the signal while avoiding harsh distortion. Depending on how hard it is pushed, the results of running a signal through this circuit range from fully transparent to warm saturation to overdrive.
Wolf three-stage Semi-Parametric 15db EQ
The Wolf also has a three-stage Semi-Parametric 15db EQ featuring sweeping low and mid-range channels, as well as a fixed frequency high shelf. The EQ section is followed by an additional soft-clipping limiter identical to the one in the preamp. This evens out the signal keeping the audio sounding smooth.
Wolf VCA
The Wolf’s VCA is a low noise, high quality, linear voltage controlled amplifier with both manual level and CV attenuator controls.
Metering
No channel Strip would be complete without metering. Wolf’s LED Meter provides Green, Yellow, and Red LEDs for fun and informative listening. Located after the EQ and before the VCA in the signal path, the LEDs offer useful insight into the audio signal."
Price, Availability, and More Information
The retail price for the A Filter of Crows, Dynamics Controller Bat, and The Wolf Channel Strip VCA is $249 USD each. Because these modules are considered experiments, production has been limited to 200 A Filter of Crows, 250 Dynamics Controller Bat, and 200 The Wolf Channel Strip VCA modules. The modules are available now through the Pittsburgh Modular web shop. More information regarding the A Filter of Crows, Dynamics Controller Bat, and The Wolf Channel Strip VCA Eurorack Modules is available at pittsburghmodular.com/safari.
"Richard discuss and demo the Llama Kick Drum and Polar Bear Snare Drum modules. Should all analog drums sound like an 808? We hope not."
"Pittsburgh Modular Safari Series 3 showcases the first results of our research into analog drum synthesis. These circuits were designed as part of a larger project but large projects are slow and we are excited about these sounds NOW so a small batch of modules for us and our friends was necessary.
The Llama and Polar Bear are an attempt at creating realistic(-ish) kick and snare drums using our own unique designs. These modules are not based on the sound of any famous drum machine, instead they represent a new approach to building synthesized kick and snare drums informed by the world around us. The results are something that sound not completely unlike kick and snare drums, but with a flexibility that bends beyond the limits of a physical instrument.
Llamas Make the Best Kick Drums
The Llama is a majestic creature known almost exclusively for the unique way it generates kick drum sounds when it is angry. Our module pays tribute to this soulful, sonic wonder. We think it sounds very nice.
Polar Bear Rhymes with Snare
Although most polar bears are born on land, they spend the majority of their life on the sea ice hunting for the perfect snare drum. Most hunts end in failure. However, with a little bit of luck, the Polar Bear is rewarded with a glorious snap! We think this one sounds very nice too.
Price, Availability, and More Information
The retail price for the Llama and Polar Bear is $199 each. Because these modules are considered experiments, production has been limited to 200 Llamas and 200 Polar Bears. The modules are available now through the Pittsburgh Modular web shop. More information regarding the Llama and Polar Bear Eurorack Modules is available at pittsburghmodular.com/safari.
Side note…
We designed a new set of knobs. This may be the nerdiest, and therefore the coolest thing we have ever done! Llama and Polar Bear are the first Pittsburgh Modular modules to ship with our new knobs. A color forward, modern design that pairs the soft touch exterior with a bold interior and integrated indicator. We now have four new knob sizes with infinite color options ready for all the future Pittsburgh Modular and Cre8audio projects!"
Just got the new Pittsburgh Modular Safari Flamingo module in.
It's a harmonic interpolation device using a previously unrealized method known as center clipping.
Flamingo can deform and undulate your audio sources in new and interesting ways.
In this video I'll discuss Flamingo and make some patches.
The last section will show how well Flamingo processes control voltages.
0:00 Cold Open Sounds
0:20 Introduction
1:14 Patch Explorations
11:15 Using Flamingo for Control Voltages"
"Modular Synthesis Safari
Limited Production Experiments
A glimpse into our design process, the Safari modules give Richard and Michael an opportunity to highlight interesting concepts, test ideas for future instruments, and scratch their creative itch. We have built a small number of each of the Safari modules and because these designs are meant to be a proof of concept or work in progress, we do not plan on making more.
Series 2
Flamingo (available soon)
Expanding on a concept discussed but never implemented by Don Buchla, the Flamingo introduces Center Clipping and Harmonic Interpolation to analog synthesis.
Center Clipping is a method of shaping a waveform from the inside out. Independently pulling the top half or bottom half of a waveform toward the middle. Fun.
Taking it a step further, Overtone adds another dimension to the analog waveform gymnastics by sliding and inverting the top and/or bottom of the waveform back on itself creating new types of wave shapes and shifting the fundamental in and out of the waveform.
The complex wave shaping capabilities of Center Clipping come at a cost. Center Clipping is a destructive process that can dramatically reduce the amplitude of waveforms. Harmonic Interpolation is the process of attempting to restore the center clipped waveform by allowing the analog circuitry to guess what the waveform should look like. Results will vary."
Just got a couple of new Pittsburgh Modular Safari Crow filters in. Running them through some percussion patches, sounds nice :D
Part I 0:00 Dropped the first Crow into my 2-row percussion rack. The first demo showing it being used in classic Nicol fashion... Crow is used in highpass mode on the Feedback Static noise source for high-hat duty. Hats: Static | Crow HP | Bastl Skis II | Pittsburgh Analog Delay Unit Kick: Pittsburgh Synth Box LPF self res | Snareish thing: Basimilus | Local Florist Misc Percussion: Gibbon CV | FR Transient (Sequenced by Varigate 4) | DC571 A pair of Feedback Squeeze compressors strapped on the outputs. Digitakt sequenced via Erica Midi To Trigger
Part II 3:26 2nd Crow went into the 3-row synth rack. All sound: G-Storm Transistor-82 | Crow LP | Pitch mod: Pittsburgh Primary Osc B Noise Type mod: Batumi Osc/Noise mod: Pittsburgh Toolbox S/H Crow mod: G-Storm 2xADSR FX: Timefactor and Big Sky Room setting Sequenced by Keystep Pro"
A glimpse into our design process, the Safari modules give Richard and Michael an opportunity to highlight interesting concepts, test ideas for future instruments, and scratch their creative itch. We have built 200 of each of the Series 1 modules and because these designs are meant to be a proof of concept or work in progress, we do not plan on making more.
Series 1
Giraffe How much mixer can you fit in 4hp? Perhaps not groundbreaking analog synthesis research, but we were running low on mixers at the workshop. The Giraffe is an attenuverter version of our 2+2 mixer and can be patched as a 4 channel mixer, a pair of 2 channel mixers,4 independent attenuverters, 2 attenuverters and a 2 channel mixer, or 1 attenuator and a 3 channel mixer.
Crow Black on black and inspired by an afternoon Richard and Michael spent surrounded by a murder of crows at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, the Crow was designed to destroy beautiful sounds. “How far can we push our overdrive circuit?” was the question this module needed to answer, and now we know. Probably further than anyone should ever go.
Gibbon A pseudo-random shift register research facility along with a peek into the chaotic side of the upcoming Voltage Lab 2, the Gibbon expands on the random shift register concept from original Voltage Research Laboratory with more options and deeper control. Originally inspired by the random source on the Buchla Music Easel, the Gibbon has evolved into it’s own unique species
I want to start by thanking everyone that comes to MATRIXSYNTH and helps make it what it is - the readers, the supporters, and of course all the sponsors on the right.
THANK YOU and have a GREAT 2015!!!
This site is a labor of love and a ton of work. This site is ultimately meant to be an testament to everything synth in the making. We have over nine years of daily synth history captured here, 119,983 published posts. I can't wait to see what the future brings us in 2015!
That said, here are a few interesting bits from 2014 in the longest post of the year. ;)
