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.
- LFO/Envelope Switch: Switch between envelope and LFO cycling mode
- Sustain / Sustain Off Switch: Input level following sustain on or off
- Rise Control Knob: Adjusts the rise/attack time of the envelope or rising side of the LFO
- Length CV Attenuverter Knob: Rise and fall modulation level attenuverter
- Length CV Input Jack: Rise and fall modulation input jack
- Signal Indicator LED: Signal indicator LED represents the current voltage level within circuit
- Input Jack: Main signal input jack
- Output Jack: Main signal output jack
- Fall Control Knob: Adjusts the fall/decay time of the envelope or falling side of the LFO
- Input A Jack: Mixer channel A input jack normaled to the Multi-Function Output Jack
- Input B Jack: Mixer channel B input jack normaled to the Modulation Sine Output Jack
- Or Output Jack: Unity gain, positive only logical 'or' output of Input A and Input B
- Mix Output Jack: Unity gain mix output of Input A and Input B
- Noise Output Jack: Analog noise output jack
- Sample Input Jack: CV sampling input jack normaled to Noise Output Jack
- Hold Input Jack: Stepped CV output jack normaled to Modulation Square Output Jack
- Sample & Hold Output Jack: Stepped CV output jack
- Frequency Knob: Frequency control sweeps through LFO range
- Square Output Jack: Square wave output jack
- Sine Output Jack: Sine wave output jack