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Lifeforms KB-1 Manual

Pressure sensitive keyboard controller
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pittsburgh
modular
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lifeforms
kb-1
user
manual
v.1
pressure sensitive keyboard controller
The Lifeforms KB-1 provides a multi-function, expressive, capacitive touch keyboard designed for
performance. The KB-1 contains a powerful one octave adjustable, pressure sensitive keyboard complete with
arpeggiator, step sequencer, four voltage memory pads and two trigger pads. Eleven outputs and a deep
feature set enable you to explore new sonic territory with an unprecedented level of control.

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Summary of Contents for Lifeforms KB-1

  • Page 1 The Lifeforms KB-1 provides a multi-function, expressive, capacitive touch keyboard designed for modular performance. The KB-1 contains a powerful one octave adjustable, pressure sensitive keyboard complete with arpeggiator, step sequencer, four voltage memory pads and two trigger pads. Eleven outputs and a deep feature set enable you to explore new sonic territory with an unprecedented level of control.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    table of contents 4 clock source - table of contents page 15 5 global burst settings - page 16 1 important information - page 6 gate triggers - page 17 2 user interface - page 4 7 preset voltage memory sequencer - page 18 3 pressure sensitive keyboard - page 5...

  • Page 3: Important Information

    Pittsburgh Modular enclosure power rail, the -12v pins are clearly labeled. On the Lifeforms KB-1 module, the positive side of the pin connector is on top, and the negative sides of the pin connector is on the bottom so the red stripe should be toward the bottom of the module.

  • Page 4: User Interface

    2. user interface 1. setup button - modify global parameters. 18. trigger 1 pad - pressure sensitive controller pad. 2. channel 1 gate led - indicates the status of the channel 1 gate output jack. 19. trigger 2 pad - pressure sensitive controller pad. 3.

  • Page 5: Pressure Sensitive Keyboard

    3. pressure sensitive keyboard 3.1 overview 3.3 keyboard controller pad calibration The Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms KB-1 utilizes a multi-function, pressure Capacitive touch circuitry is sensitive to many outside variables. Different power sensitive keyboard to control an array of functions and outputs. The keyboard sources can create a different capacitive touch sensitivity response.

  • Page 6: Monophonic Keyboard Mode

    3.4.2 monophonic response modes 3.4 monophonic keyboard mode There are 6 unique monophonic keyboard responses available. To select a monophonic keyboard response, press and hold the edit button and then press one of the keys listed below. Monophonic keyboard response allows for full control over a monophonic synthesizer voice.
  • Page 7 3.4 monophonic keyboard mode (cont.) 3.4.3 monophonic controls Ch 1 gate and ch 2 gate output responses are identical. Press a keyboard controller note to generate a 5v gate signal. Depress the key to return to 0v. Ch 1 v/o and ch 2 v/o output responses are identical. Press a keyboard controller note to generate a scaled 1 volt per octave signal.

  • Page 8: Duophonic Keyboard Mode

    3.5.2 duophonic response modes 3.5 duophonic keyboard mode There are 2 unique duophonic keyboard responses available. To select a duophonic keyboard response, press and hold the edit button and then press one of the keys listed below. Duophonic keyboard response allows for full control over two synthesizer voices.
  • Page 9 3.5 duophonic keyboard mode (cont.) 3.5.3 monophonic controls Ch 1 gate and ch 2 gate output responses are unique. Press a keyboard controller note to generate a 5v gate signal. Depress the key to return to 0v. Ch 1 v/o and ch 2 v/o output responses are unique. Press a keyboard controller note to generate a scaled 1 volt per octave signal.

  • Page 10: Arpeggiator Keyboard Mode

    3.6.2 arpeggiator response modes 3.6 arpeggiator keyboard mode There are 4 sets of responses available to control note order, probability gate bursts, arpeggiator range, and channel 2 output octave. To select a arpeggiator response, press and hold the edit button and then press one of the keys listed Arpeggiator keyboard mode repeats a monophonic pattern of notes in sync with below.
  • Page 11 3.6 arpeggiator keyboard mode (cont.) 3.6.3 arpeggiator controls Ch 1 gate and ch 2 gate output responses can be the same or unique depending on the selected arpeggiator response mode. Gate outputs can switch between 0 and 5v. Ch 1 v/o and ch 2 v/o output responses are can be the same or unique depending on the selected arpeggiator response mode.

  • Page 12: Sequencer Keyboard Mode

    3.7.2 sequencer response modes 3.7 sequencer keyboard mode There are 4 sets of responses available to control note order, probability gate bursts, sequence first note, and channel 2 output octave. To select a sequencer response, press and hold the edit button and then press one of the keys listed Sequencer keyboard mode repeats a step programmed pattern of notes and below.
  • Page 13 If the sequencer is running, press run to stop the sequence. Press rec (record) to enter record mode. The KB-1 will erase and start a new sequence after the first note is pressed. Press a note to begin recording a new sequence. After each note is pressed, a sequence modifier can be added to the note by pressing one...
  • Page 14 3.7 sequencer keyboard mode (cont.) 3.7.6 sequencer controls Ch 1 gate and ch 2 gate output responses are identical. Press a keyboard controller note to generate a 5v gate signal. Depress the key to return to 0v. Ch 1 v/o and ch 2 v/o output responses can be the same or unique depending on the selected sequencer response mode.

  • Page 15: Clock Source

    In external clock mode, the incoming clock signal can be divided to allow the KB-1 to respond to a division of the incoming clock signal. To modify the clock division, press and hold the Clock button and then press one of the keys listed below.

  • Page 16: Global Burst Settings

    5. global burst settings 5.1 changing global burst settings The arpeggiator and sequencer utilize probability based gate bursts to randomize and enhance sequences and arpeggios. Whether or not the bursts include rests and the depth of the gate bursts are global settings controlled using the setup button and the keyboard controller pad.

  • Page 17: Gate Triggers

    6. pressure sensitive gate triggers 6.1.1 selecting pressure sensitive gate trigger functions 6.1 overview To cycle through the pressure sensitive gate trigger functions, press and hold the edit button and then press one of the trigger pads. The trigger LED will blink to identify which function is selected.

  • Page 18: Preset Voltage Memory Sequencer

    7. preset voltage memory sequencer 7.1.1 selecting preset cycle mode 7.1 overview To select a preset mode, press and hold the preset button and then press one of the preset voltage touch buttons. The preset voltage memory sequencer includes 4 assignable voltages. Each preset channel can hold a single analog voltage between 0 and 5 volts.
  • Page 19 7.1.1 clocking the preset voltage memory sequencer The sequencer in the Preset Sequencer is synced to the active clock. Using the preset button, different clock divisions can be selected. To modify the preset sequencer clock, press and hold the preset button and then press one of the keys listed below.

  • Page 20: Troubleshooting

    Below is the calibration procedure. Simply repeat the the procedure on each channel. The trimpots are located on the left side of the Lifeforms KB-1 module. The trimpots are labeled CH1 and CH2. The trimpots are precision 25 turn pots but adjust using small turns.

  • Page 21: Eurorack Specs

    9. eurorack specs 9.1 Lifeforms KB-1 module specs Panel size 42hp. Module depth 38mm. Power consumption 160mA with reversed power polarity protection.

  • Page 22: Warranty

    10. warranty 10.1 one year limited warranty For a period of one year after the date of original purchase, the Lifeforms KB-1 manufactured by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC, is warranted to function properly and be free of defects in materials and workmanship. Should a factory installed hardware fail during the warranty period, contact Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC.

  • Page 23: Service And Other Information

    11. service and other information 11.1 contact info Please contact us for service or other information related to the Lifeforms KB-1 or any other Pittsburgh Modular product. www.pittsburghmodular.com/contact...
  • Page 24 pittsburgh modular synthesizers Copyright 2016 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC...

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