Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms Foundation 4 - Expandable Analog Modular Synthesizer

The Lifeforms MIDI 3 from Pittsburgh Modular is a 3rd generation MIDI-to-CV converter compatible with the Eurorack format and is designed to convert MIDI note messages into the analog control voltages used by modular and other analog synthesizers, allowing synthesizers to be controlled by a MIDI keyboard, sequencer or DAW. The MIDI 3 has a robust feature set including monophonic and duophonic MIDI response modes, assignable CC, and dedicated velocity outputs. Additionally, the module offers a feature-rich clock source with tap tempo, MIDI and external gate-clock dividers, and multiple arpeggiator responses.

The two CV outputs can be used to control the pitch of an oscillator, the cutoff frequency of a filter, or any other voltage-controlled function. The two gate outputs can be used to trigger envelope generators or any module expecting a gate or clock source. The MIDI 3 is 6hp wide, 1.4"  (35mm) deep, and uses 60mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms Double Helix Oscillator from Pittsburgh Modular is a complex matrix oscillator designed to be the nucleus of a Eurorack analog synthesizer. At the core of the Double Helix are two wide-range precision oscillators with the primary offering a full complement of waveforms and multiple modulation options, while the secondary oscillator features a more focused set of waves and frequency modulation. Both oscillators will run a sub-audio frequency and will work as LFOs for a voltage-controlled modulation source.

The contour section features a highly-tuned wavefolder paired with a dynamic impulse low-pass gate. The first half of the section is a voltage-controlled, 6-stage wavefolder that adds odd harmonics to the incoming waveform. The timbre controls set the density and amplitude of the folds. When processing a sine wave, the wavefolder creates a spectral change from zero harmonics to square, with an infinite harmonic series.

The second half of the contour section is a dynamic impulse low-pass gate that performs similarly to pairing a low-pass filter and VCA together and as the dynamics control is opened, the filter adds harmonics and the VCA increases the amplitude of the waveform. As the dynamics control is closed, the filter removes harmonics and the VCA decreases the amplitude of the waveform, which mimics how sound behaves in the real world, creating a more naturally tonal response.

The modulation section includes an LFO offering simultaneous square, sine, and random waveforms, as well as a noise source for audio or modulation use. Two voltage-controlled routers manage all the CV inputs and create a dual voltage-controlled modulation matrix, well suited for complex signal paths, experimentation, and live performances. The Lifeforms Double Helix is 28hp wide, 1.5" (37mm) deep, and requires 205mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms Mod Tools from Pittsburgh Modular provides a diverse analog ecosystem of modulation capable of a variety of functions including an envelope generator, LFO, noise source, sample & hold, mixer, analog logic, slew, and oscillator.

The module is broken up into four sections: Multi-Function, Analog Logic, Noise / Sample & Hold, and Modulation. The Multi-Function section is a voltage-controlled slope generator that can be used as a voltage-controlled envelope, LFO, oscillator, slew, envelope follower, and more. The Analog Logic section is a two-channel mixer with standard unity gain mix out as well as an analog "or" logic output. The "or" logic outputs the current highest positive-only voltage from either of the inputs, creating interesting modulation or wave shaping options. Patching audio signals through the "or" output creates a half-rectified waveform.

The Noise / Sample & Hold section pairs an analog noise source with a sample & hold circuit to create random stepped CV signals. The Modulation section provides a free-running LFO with both square and wine wave outputs. The Lifeforms Mod Tools module is 8hp wide, 1.5" (37mm) deep and requires 53mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms 2+2 Mixer from Pittsburgh Modular is a flexible, low-noise ambidextrous four-channel mixer and/or attenuator for audio and CV that can be used in several ways. Three of the four channels have an output that can be patched to remove the channel from the mixer circuit and allow it to become a stand-alone attenuator. Each pot is wired with a logarithmic volume curve that is tuned for use with audio but will function with CV as well.

Patching the mix output of 1+2 removes channels 1 and 2 from the mix (3+4) output and creates two, 2-channel mixers. Patching the output of channel 1, 2, or 3 will remove it from the mixer circuit. Channel 4 cannot be removed from the mixer, but if channels 1 through 3 are being used as attenuators, then channel 4 is the only input remaining and can be used as a buffered attenuator. The 2+2 Mixer module is 8hp wide, 0.9" (24mm) deep, and requires 7mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms Dynamic Impulse Filter from Pittsburgh Modular is a variable-response low-pass gate that combines three functions into a single module, including a resonant lowpass filter, a high-quality VCA, and a combined lowpass gate mode that manages both timbre and loudness at the same time. The core of the filter uses a Sallen-Key topology to produce a smooth two-pole filter that will self-oscillate at high resonance settings.

Most lowpass gates utilize a vactrol, a light-dependent resistor that lends itself to organic percussive sounds with a natural decay. The dynamic impulse filter employs a newly developed dynamic response control circuit that emulates a vactrol's sonic characteristics, but with a variable response time that is tunable and adapts to any musical context. The impulse trigger input and the dynamics response control allow the module to add an organic, percussive quality to any sound, or become a versatile analog drum generator. The dynamic impulse filter will uniquely emulate everything from snappy deep kicks to woody toms and expressive hand drums, opening up a new world of electronic percussive sounds. The Lifeforms Dynamic Impulse Filter module is 8hp wide, 0.8" (20 mm) deep, and requires 35mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

Borrowed from the Lifeforms SV-1 Eurorack module, the Lifeforms Binary Filter from Pittsburgh Modular is a classic voltage-controlled, analog, state-variable filter, which offers a wide variety of sounds from very smooth and natural to unpredictable and distorted. The filter offers multiple responses simultaneously including low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass.

With the stable mode selected, the filter provides a warm, organic sweep through the full frequency range. The low-pass is gummy and relaxed, while the high-pass is clean and defined. Switching to unstable mode and without an incoming audio signal, the filter produces a high-quality voltage-controlled sine wave. Adjusting the Q while in unstable mode modifies the shape of the waveform. Add an incoming audio signal to the unstable mode and the output changes dramatically, resulting in anything from ringing fuzz to heavy distortion. The Binary Filter module is 8hp wide, 0.9" (24mm) deep, and requires 22mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms ADSR from Pittsburgh Modular is a four-stage envelope generator with independent controls over attack, decay, sustain, and release parameters. The module is designed to shape gate or trigger signals over time to produce a more expressive instrument. Typically, the module is used to control the amplitude of an oscillator or the cutoff frequency of a filter, but may be used to create a modulation envelope on any function on a module that accepts CV inputs.

The incoming gate signal passes through each stage of the envelope. The initial gate/trigger signal passes to the attack portion, which determines the amount to time needed for the envelope generator to reach the peak output voltage before moving onto the decay stage. Decay sets the amount of time needed to transition to the level set by the sustain knob. The sustain level is maintained if the gate / trigger remains on or high. Once the gate/trigger is released, the release stage takes over and is controlled by the release knob, which causes an abrupt cut of the signal when set low, or will slowly fade out with higher setting. The Lifeforms ADSR module is 6hp wide, 0.9" / 24mm deep and requires 23mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms Distro from Pittsburgh Modular is an active audio and CV interchange Eurorack module with three independent sections for splitting and mixing. All outputs are individually buffered for robust signal separation and unity gain pass-through.

The top two splitter sections create three copies of the incoming audio or CV signal and are well suited for mission-critical pitch-sensitive CV signals, while the mixer section offers both mixing and splitting with a two-channel unity gain mixer and a set of individually-buffered outputs. This section can be used as a two-channel mixer, buffered signal splitter, or both. The Lifeforms Distro module is 4hp wide, 0.8" (20mm) deep, and requires 20mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms Dual-VCA from Pittsburgh Modular works as a voltage-controlled amplifier for audio and CV applications and also functions as a two-channel voltage-controlled mixer. Each VCA offers a high-quality, linear voltage-controlled amplifier with offset gain, CV attenuation, and a dedicated mix output. The Lifeforms Dual-VCA module is 8hp wide, 0.9" (24mm) deep, and requires 34mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Lifeforms Outs from Pittsburgh Modular is a stereo headphone amplifier and line-output module offering dual independent level controls. The module offers stereo 1/8" (3.5mm) inputs for left and right. The left input works with a mono input and will send the same signal to both left and right headphone- and line-level outputs. The stereo TRS 1/4" headphone output features a level control, while the dual mono 1/4" outputs have their own independent level control. The Lifeforms Outs module is 6hp wide, 1.5" (39mm) deep, and requires 20mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable.

The Structure EP-208 from Pittsburgh Modular is a professional Eurorack modular synthesizer case designed to transport and protect up to 40 Eurorack modules. The case is constructed from hand-stained premium hardwood and features four rails, each with 20 sliding square nuts, and 80x black (4-40-sized 1/4") screws for mounting modules. The detachable lid allows for enough clearance to leave the modular fully patched during transport. The overbuilt power supply delivers three times the amount of power than most other cases and is designed for sensitive analog circuitry, power-hungry digital processors, and ground-sensitive user-interface modules. The Structure EP-208 ships with a standard IEC power cord.

This 24-pack of Nazca Noodle Patch Cables from Pittsburgh Modular are hand-made Eurorack modular synthesizer patch cords that are designed to be strong and flexible. Each cable is made with a 3mm width jacket, 5.5mm over-molding, and finished with a 3.5mm mono plug. With the soft and flexible skinny plug over-molding, the cables will fit into the tightest patch points.