Pittsburgh ModularVoltage Research Lab Standalone Modular Synthesizer

Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Research Lab

Pittsburgh Modular lets the curtain fall on their hotly anticipated stand-alone modular synthesis environment—The Voltage Research Lab. A powerhouse of a synthesizer, the Voltage Research Lab is a West Coast-inspired system with specific eyes toward the likes of the Buchla Music Easel and the EMS VCS3: two monolithic synthesizers in their own right. The Voltage Research Laboratory is no slouch, featuring an array of functionality that represents a watershed moment for Pittsburgh Modular.

The centerpiece of this system's voice architecture is its complex oscillator. The Primary Oscillator acts as a carrier for the secondary oscillator. The Primary Oscillator makes use of 4 waveforms that are selectable via a switch on the front panel. The Oscillator's timbre control is a pseudo-waveshaper that can warp and weave your waveforms into complex textures reminiscent of the classic Music Easel. The Secondary Oscillator can behave as a modulator for the first, but can also be used as a separate voice thanks to its own dedicated output. Both of these oscillators have extensive modulation capability, including CV control of the Primary's axis input as well as control of the Secondary's FM, and shape.

The Voltage Research Lab provides two independent function generators, each with identical functionality: they create envelopes and LFOs with rise and fall time based on the position of their faders. Each function generator provides a response knob for dialing in anything from exponential to logarithmic shapes. The function generators also feature a unison mode, as well as sub-options for sustain, trigger, and cycle. Their CV inputs consist of control over Rise, Fall, or Both, and they feature an input that can be used for multiple functions such as filtering or VCA-like behavior, as in the classic Serge DUSG. Additionally, they both feature logic outputs that produce the Or between generators A and B, or the contrast of generators A and B.

The Voltage Research Lab's Dynamics section, like its functions section, is comprised of two identical Dynamics Controller submodules. The Dynamics Controller utilizes an analog circuit representation of a Vactrol process, giving the user the ability to choose from pluckier behavior to a more rounded response normally present in Low Pass Gates. The Dynamics module also features a resonant filter that combines with the VCA to create gooey, heavier sounds great for bass or drone music. The Dynamics Module features 2 inputs per module as well as CV inputs for both Dynamics and Response. The Dynamics section additionally features a mix output for combining the audio signal from both modules A and B.

The Analog Delay is a pulsing BBD-based delay module that features Dry/Wet mixing as well as CV control of its delay time. This is very useful for adding sputtering momentary effects or wide washes of ambience.

Included with the second tier of the system is the Lifeforms Touch Controller module. The Touch Controller is a Serge TKB inspired module that expands upon its inspiration by offering two sets of five multi-dimensional touchpads. The module is configurable between duophonic and monophonic behavior, while its channel animator can quickly generate complex sequences. Each section features its own CV A and B outputs as well as a combined output. Each of these sections provides outputs for Gate and Y-axis position CV. The Channel Animator is controlled by scan, reset, and step inputs.

The Research Lab also features MIDI functionality, so that it can interface with your Hardware setup or DAW, a utility style sample and hold, and a random generator with outputs for both GATE and CV.

Last but not least is the Research Lab's System Utilities Module. The System Utilities module is an output module that features unity gain and line level versions of the Research Lab's signals for its Left and Right Outputs as well as a headphone output.

The Voltage Research Lab represents an incredible leap for Pittsburgh Modular. Here they have crafted an instrument that is truly worth celebrating: the convergence of so many modules with such interesting functionality has served to create an ecosystem that is truly something to behold.\f

Voltage Research Lab Features

• 6u Standalone eurorack synthesizer
• Complex Oscillator
• Dual Function Generators
• MIDI implementation
• Hybrid LPG/Filter hybrid
• Analog BBD Delay
• Lifeforms Touch Controller
• Utility output Module