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Pittsburgh Modular System 90 Manual And Patch Manual

Pittsburgh modular system 90 synthesizer
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PITTSBURGH MODULAR
SYSTEM 90 SYNTHESIZER
MANUAL AND
PATCH GUIDE
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Summary of Contents for Pittsburgh Modular System 90

  • Page 1 PITTSBURGH MODULAR SYSTEM 90 SYNTHESIZER MANUAL AND PATCH GUIDE...

  • Page 2: Important Instructions

    -12v pins on the power rail and the -12v pins on the module. Failure to match up the pins correctly can result in damage to one or all the modules in the System 90. On the power rail, the -12v pins are clearly labeled. On the individual modules, the positive and negative sides of the pin connectors are labeled next to the power header on either the top or bottom of the PCB.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Important Instructions ………………….…… 2 Table of Contents …….…….…………….…… 3 Case and Power Specifications ………….… 4 System 90 Package Contents………….…… 4 An Introduction to Modular Synthesis….… 5 Modular Signal Paths ……………..….. 6 Individual Modules ……………………..… 7-17 Patching a Modular Synthesizer ……..…. 18 Patch Guides …………………….….……...

  • Page 4: Case And Power Specifications

    Case and Power Specifications System 90 Package Contents 1x System 90 Modular Synthesizer 1x Pittsburgh Modular Patch Cable Kit 1x External Power Adapter Case and Power Supply Info External Dimensions: 19.5” x 5.5” x 3” Internal Specifications: 90hp Eurorack Case...

  • Page 5: An Introduction To Modular Synthesis

    Because each module performs a single function, without patch cables the System 90 will not produce sound. A synthesizer voice must first be patched up using cables to wire modules together. The System 90 allows the signal flow to be rewired with every patch. The voice can be as simple as listening to the...

  • Page 6: Modular Signal Paths

    Modular Signal Paths The System 90 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 DNA Symbiotic Waves oscillator, Waveforms oscillator, LFO running at audio rate, or a self oscillating LPG module.

  • Page 7: Individual Modules

    Individual Modules The System 90 is a collection of 11 modules that will allow you to create complex analog sounds. The modular nature of the System 90 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 Midi2 Module Description The Midi2 converts standard midi note messages into the analog control voltages used by modular synthesizers. This allows a modular synthesizer to be controlled by a midi keyboard, sequencer, or DAW. The Midi2 module has 3 distinct modes of operation set using the switch on the front panel.
  • Page 9 DNA Symbiotic Waves Module Description A powerful 9-bit digital oscillator and waveform processor. A unique dual oscillator system paired with a comprehensive waveform processing and modulation section. Detailed info available at pittsburghmodular.com/dna- symbiotic-waves. Controls Frequency Control Knob – Adjusts the center frequency. Fine Tune Control knob –...
  • Page 10 Waveforms Module 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 - Fine tune frequency setting.
  • Page 11 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 12 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 Midi2 and the 1v/o input of the Waveforms oscillator.
  • 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 LPG (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 Envelope x2 Module 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 16 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 17 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, it is sent to both the Left and Right outputs.

  • Page 18: Patching A Modular Synthesizer

    Patching A Modular Synthesizer The following pages contain many examples of how to patch the System 90. These examples showcase the flexibility of the System 90 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 System 90 while referencing the module description pages within the manual.

  • Page 19: 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 20 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 21 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 22 Midi2 Test Patch Description - Midi2 module Features Highlight Notes - Audition the features of the Midi2 module.
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  • Page 23 DNA Symbiotic Waves Test Patch Description - DNA Symbiotic Waves module Features Highlight
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  • Page 24 Waveforms Test Patch 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 25 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 26 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 27 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 28 LPG (Lowpass 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.
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  • Page 29 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.
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  • Page 30 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 31 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 32 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 33 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 34 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 35: 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 36 Service and Contact Information Please contact us for service or other information. info@pittsburghmodular.com www.pittsburghmodular.com/contact...

  • Page 37: Service And Other Information

    Copyright 2014 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC...

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