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Pittsburgh Modular Foundation 3.1 Manual And Patch Manual

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PITTSBURGH MODULAR
FOUNDATION 3.1 and 3.1+
SYNTHESIZER
MANUAL AND
PATCH GUIDE
1

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Summary of Contents for Pittsburgh Modular Foundation 3.1

  • Page 1 PITTSBURGH MODULAR FOUNDATION 3.1 and 3.1+ SYNTHESIZER MANUAL AND PATCH GUIDE...

  • Page 2: Important Instructions

    Pittsburgh Modular and other manufacturers. The Foundation 3.1 uses a standard eurorack power rail to connect the modules to the internal bipolar +/-12v power supply. Please pay very close attention to the orientation of the ribbon cable when adding and removing modules. The stripe on the ribbon cable marks -12v. This stripe needs to line up with the -12v pins on the power rail and the -12v pins on the module.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Important Instructions ………………….…… 2 Table of Contents …….…….…………….…… 3 Case and Power Specifications ………….… 4 Foundation Package Contents………….…… 4 An Introduction to Modular Synthesis….… 5 Modular Signal Paths ……………..….. 6 Individual Modules ……………………..… 7-19 Patching a Modular Synthesizer ……..…. 20 Patch Guides …………………….….……...

  • Page 4: Case And Power Specifications

    1x Foundation 3.1 Modular Synthesizer 1x Pittsburgh Modular Patch Cable Kit 1x External Power Adapter Foundation 3.1 Move [104] Case and Power Supply Info External Dimensions Including Removable Lid: 23.5” x 6.25” x 7” 104hp Move [104] Black Eurorack Case Sliding Square Nut Mounting System with 20 Nuts Per Rail External Power Adapter Connection: 2.1mm Barrel Type...

  • Page 5: An Introduction To Modular Synthesis

    An Introduction to Modular Synthesis A complete, fully modular analog synthesizer, the Foundation 3.1 is a modern version of the great 1970's monosynths, conveniently broken down into individual components with no hardwired signal flow to restrict experimentation. Oscillators, mixer, filters, envelope, VCAs, etc., are all individual modules.

  • Page 6: Modular Signal Paths

    Modular Signal Paths The Foundation signal path is divided into two types of signals: audio signals and control voltages. The audio signal is the sound that is produced. The audio signal path starts at a sound source such as a Waveforms oscillator, LFO running at audio rate, or the Filter in oscillator mode.

  • Page 7: Individual Modules

    Individual Modules The Foundation is a collection of 13 modules that will allow you to create complex analog sounds. The modular nature of the Foundation allows for deep experimentation and a virtually unlimited sound palate. The following pages describe the functionality and controls of each module.
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  • Page 8 Midi 3 Module Description A midi to cv module converts standard midi note messages into the analog control voltages used by modular and other analog synthesizers. This allows the synthesizer to be controlled by a midi keyboard, sequencer, or DAW. The two CV outputs on the Midi 3 can be used to control the pitch of an oscillator, cutoff frequency of a filter, or any other function that requires a control voltage signal.
  • Page 9 Waveforms Module x2 Description A wide range, multiple waveform generator. The Waveforms oscillator has a frequency range starting as low as 7 seconds per cycle, allowing it to double as a voltage controlled LFO. Controls Frequency Control – Course frequency setting. Fine Tune Control –...
  • Page 10 LFO2 Module Description A dual low frequency oscillator module. It uses two different types of low frequency oscillator circuits to provide a variety of CV and audio rate modulation options. The top LFO utilizes rate and symmetry controls to generate shifting waveforms. Adjusting the symmetry control varies the shape of the TRI output waveform from a saw tooth to triangle to ramp wave.
  • Page 11 Toolbox Module Description Multi-purpose slew, noise, sample & hold, and voltage inverter module. The slew control smoothly shifts from variable voltages creating a portamento or glide effect. This function works well patched between the CV output of the Midi 3 and the 1v/o input of the Waveforms oscillator.
  • Page 12 Mixer Module Description A flexible, low-noise 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 removes the channel from the mixer circuit and allows it to become a standalone attenuator.
  • Page 13 MixMult Module Description The MixMult is a multi-function module. The top section is a flexible, low-noise three channel mixer and/or attenuator for audio and CV that can be used in several ways. The bottom section contains 2 sets of passive multiples. Two of the three mixer channels have an output that removes the channel from the mixer circuit and allows it to become a standalone attenuator.
  • Page 14 Lopass Gate Module Description The Lopass Gate module is a multi-mode filter/VCA combo module split into lopass gate, filter, and VCA modes. The lopass gate mode is unique in the way that it simulates the characteristics of natural instruments. Louder sounds contain more harmonic content and quieter sounds contain less harmonic content.
  • Page 15 The Filter defines the sound of Pittsburgh Modular. It offers a warm, organic sweep through the full frequency range. The lowpass filter is gummy and relaxed while the highpass is clean and defined.
  • Page 16 Switch It Up (continued) Mode switches between Filter and Oscillator modes. Set to "Filter", the Pittsburgh Modular Filter will not self oscillate. Set to "Oscillator" the Filter produces a high quality voltage controlled sine wave. Adjusting the Q while in Oscillator mode  modifies the shape of the waveform.
  • Page 17 Envelope Module x2 Description The Envelope is a complex multi-stage envelope generator with voltage controllable rise and fall. Using the sustain switch to toggle between modes, the Envelope functions as either a 2 stage attack-decay envelope or a 3 stage attack-sustain-release envelope. This module can perform as a voltage controlled envelope generator, slew (portamento), envelope follower, VCO and LFO, pulse delay, wave shaper, and more.
  • Page 18 Dual VCA Module Description The Dual Index is a dual linear voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) and a two channel voltage controlled mixer.  It has two standalone VCAs and a fully buffered mix output.  Each channel offers offset gain and CV attenuation. The CV and IN of channel 2 are normaled to channel 1.
  • Page 19 Outs Module Description A simple way to get sound out of the Foundation. Outs is a dual independent output module featuring a stereo 1/4" headphone amplifier output and dual mono 1/4" line level outputs.
 
 Left and Right inputs are available. If only the left input is used, the signal is sent to both the Left and Right outputs.

  • Page 20: Patching A Modular Synthesizer

    Patching A Modular Synthesizer The following pages contain many examples of how to patch the Foundation 3.1. These examples showcase the flexibility of the Foundation and highlight as many features from each module as possible. Use the patches provided as a teaching tool. Once you have set up a patch, adjust knobs and remove cables from the Foundation while referencing the module description pages within the manual.

  • Page 21: Patch Guides

    Vintage Monosynth Patch Description - Monophonic Starting Point Notes - Use this patch as a starting point for huge bass and classic leads.
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  • Page 22 Duophonic Synthesizer Patch Description - Basic Duophonic Starting Point Notes - Use this patch as a starting point for a duophonic synthesizer.
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  • Page 23 Dual Monophonic Synthesizers Patch Description - Basic Dual Monophonic Synthesizer Starting Point Notes - Use this patch as a starting point for creating two independent synthesizers.
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  • Page 24 Midi 3 Test Patch Description - Midi 3 Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Midi 3 module.
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  • Page 25 Waveforms Test Patch Description - Waveforms Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition each of the waveforms. The pulse wave is modulated using the Pulse section and PWM CV input. The blade wave is modulated using the Blade CV IN section, Pulse section, PWM CV input, and the Blade Input. The sub oscillator is modulated and gated using the Pulse section and PWM CV input.
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  • Page 26 LFO2 Test Patch Description - LFO2 Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the range and waveforms of the LFO2 module. Use the second knob from the top to adjust the waveform of LFO1. Use the switches to control the range of each LFO.
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  • Page 27 Toolbox Test Patch Description - Toolbox Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition each of the functions of the Toolbox. This patch creates the classic sample & hold random oscillator pitch. Patch the N (noise) output to listen to the noise.
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  • Page 28 Mixer Test Patch Description - Mixer Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Mixer module. Note the first channel is used as a passive attenuator in this patch therefore bypasses the mixer circuit.
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  • Page 29 MixMult Test Patch Description - MixMult Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the MixMult module. Note the first channel is used as a passive attenuator and therefore bypasses the mixer circuit. The multiple section is used to split an LFO square wave and send it to two separate destinations.
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  • Page 30 Lopass Gate Test Patch Description - LPG Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the LPG module. Test the FCV (frequency CV input) and PNG (ping gate input) separately. The RES (resonance) control works only in L (low pass filter) mode. 
...
  • Page 31 Filter Test Patch Description - Filter Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Filter module. Test each of the outputs separately. The QCV (resonance CV) control and FCV (frequency CV) control are attenuverters so left of 12 o’clock is inverting, 12 o’clock is off, and right of 12 o’clock is positive.
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  • Page 32 Envelope Test Patch Description - Envelope Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Envelope module. Test each of the outputs separately. The Rise CV control and Fall CV control are attenuverters so left of 12 o’clock is inverting, 12 o’clock is off, and right of 12 o’clock is positive.
...
  • Page 33 Dual VCA Test Patch Description - Dual VCA Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Dual VCA module. Test each of the outputs separately. CV inputs and signal inputs are normaled so patching into the top VCA routes the signal to the bottom VCA unless a patch cable is patched into the inputs of the bottom VCA.
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  • Page 34 Outs Test Patch Description - Outs Module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Outs module. Test each of the outputs separately. Left and Right inputs are normaled so patching into the Left input routes the signal to the Right input unless a patch cable is patched into the Right input of the Outs.
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  • Page 35 Bad Jazz Patch Description - Bad Robot Jazz Guitarist Jamming With Itself Notes - Self-generating patch in honor of noodlers everywhere.
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  • Page 36 Stereo Synthesizer Patch Description - Stereo Synthesizer With An Oscillator For Each Channel Notes - Sending each oscillator to a separate output channel and controlling them with the same envelope.
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  • Page 37 Panning VCA Patch Description - A Single Oscillator Panning Left To Right Notes - Using a single oscillator and 2 envelopes to pan a sound left to right.
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  • Page 38 Filter Oscillator/Distortion Patch Description - Example Of The Quirks And Noises Available From The Filter In Oscillator Mode Notes - Adjust the Filter Q and Frequency to test the limits of the Filter in self-oscillation mode.
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  • Page 39: Installing Modules

    INSTALLING MODULES Adding new modules to the case is a simple process. Please follow the instructions below to ensure that new modules are installed safely and correctly. Experiment with system layout by resting a few modules in the case before installation. 1.

  • Page 40: Trimming Plastic Blank Panel

    TRIMMING PLASTIC BLANK PANEL The Plastic Blank Panel included with the Foundation 3.1+ is meant to be trimmed as modules are added to the case. Use an X-ACTO or utility knife to cut the panel to fit around the added...

  • Page 41: Year Limited Warranty

    Synthesizers LLC, are warranted to function properly and be free of defects in materials and workmanship. Should a factory installed module fail during the warranty period, contact Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC. We will repair it (or at our option, replace it) at no charge, and pay the cost of shipping it back to you.

  • Page 42: Service And Other Information

    Service and Contact Information Please contact us for service or other information. info@pittsburghmodular.com www.pittsburghmodular.com/contact...
  • Page 43 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers Copyright 2014 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC...

This manual is also suitable for:

Foundation 3.1+ move [208]Foundation 3.1 move [104]

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