Go on a synthesis safari with Pittsburgh Modular, discover the giraffe, crow & gibbon, and become part of the design process.
The Local Florist was a limited-edition module from Pittsburgh Modular. It wasn’t just a super eye-catching module but also served as a preview for the new Pittsburgh designs.
The new Synthesis Safari module series is another glimse in the design process. Three modules, each with a unique set of features and again available in limited quantities. These are so-called proof of concept developments. A welcome idea, as it gives you access to very own modules that may never go into large-scale production. You can also take part in the company’s design process.
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.
Giraffe
The Giraffe is an attenuverter version of the Pittsburgh Modular 2+2 mixer with multiple patching ways. So it can act as a four-channel mixer, pair of two mixers, four independent attenuators, two attenuators, and a two-channel mixer, and more. The channel controls utilize a logarithmic volume curve tuned for audio signals but the module will work with CV as well.
Crow
The Crow pairs a custom diode-based overdrive circuit with a modified version of the 12dB PGH filter and pushes them to their limits. The result is anything from buttery smooth tones to punishing, overdriven noise without ever sounding harsh. The module has a drive attenuator, knobs for frequency & resonance (no self-oscillation), and a mod attenuverter. On the connection side, it has an audio signal input, low and high outputs, and mod input.
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.
Gibbon
Gibbon is a digitally controlled complex random source that generates a pair of both gate and CV signals. The module takes inspiration from the iconic random source on the Buchla Music Easel. Pittsburgh Modular says it works like a classic analog shift register but with an experimental, chaotic touch. It’s a preview of the new Voltage Lab 2 Synthesizer.
When the clock signal triggers an update and the next register value is loaded, there is a chance it will change. The random generator cycles through the steps of the sequence and each time the sequencer jumps to the next step, there is a chance the value stored in that step will be replaced with a new value. The result is a random source that feels both random and evolutionary, with an ever-evolving pattern cycle. Plus, you have an adjustable pattern length, adjustable voltage difference range and the change for triggers on clock subdivision. All this makes it even deeper and chaotic.
Three beautiful modules. Not only visually eye-catching but also interesting fresh concepts. It’s a shame that the modules, like Local Florist before, are only available in limited numbers.
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesis Safari Series 1 is available now for $339 USD. Giraffe is $79, Crow is $149, and Gibbon is $149. The modules are available exclusively through the PM webshop.
More information here: Pittsburgh Modular
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