-12v. This stripe needs to line up with the -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 10.1. 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.
Table of Contents Important Instructions ………………….…… 2 Table of Contents …….…….…………….…… 3 Case and Power Specifications ………….… 4 System 10 Package Contents………….…… 4 An Introduction to Modular Synthesis….… 5 Modular Signal Paths ……………..….. 6 Individual Modules ……………………..… 7-18 Patching a Modular Synthesizer ……..…. 19 Patch Guides …………………….….……...
1x System 10.1 Synthesizer 1x Pittsburgh Modular Patch Cable Kit 1x External Power Adapter System 10.1 Case and Power Supply Info External Dimensions: 10.5” x 5.5” x 2.5” Cell [48] DC 48hp Eurorack Case Sliding Nut Mounting System with 9 Nuts Per Rail System 10.1+ Case and Power Supply Info...
An Introduction to Modular Synthesis The Pittsburgh Modular System 10 Synthesizer offers direct access to a wide array of modern, analog monosynth sounds. Without a single patch cable, floor shaking bass and aggressive leads are just a few knob tweaks away. ...
Modular Signal Paths The System 10 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 Synthesizer Box oscillator, LFO running at audio rate, or the resonance of a self oscillating filter.
Individual Modules The System 10 is a collection of 4 modules that will allow you to create complex analog sounds. The semi- modular nature of the System 10 allows for deep experimentation and a rich sound palate. The following pages describe the functionality and controls of each module. ...
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Synthesizer Box Module Description The Synthesizer Box was designed to be the core of the System 10. Each major component is fully patchable and can function independent to the rest of the module. This allows the functionality of the waveforms oscillator, lopass gate, LFO, envelope generator, and VCA to be split apart and used like standalone modules.
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) Waveforms (Complex Waveform Oscillator) The Waveforms oscillator is the heart of the Synthesizer Box. Complex modulation, voltage controlled waveform morphing, and a sub oscillator allow for a deep tones and rich timbres. Waveforms Controls Coarse Frequency and Fine Tune Frequency Controls Sub Oscillator –...
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) Waveforms Patch Points 1V/O IN – One volt per octave input. BLADE IN – Blade wave manipulation input. FM CV IN – Frequency modulation input overrides internal routing to allow for external modulation. MOD CV IN – Waveform modulation input overrides internal routing to allow for external modulation.TRI OUT - Post mixer triangle wave output. S/B OUT –...
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) (Voltage Controlled Lopass Gate) The LPG is a distinctive module that incorporates both a low pass filter and VCA. The lopass gate is unique in the way that it simulates the characteristics of natural instruments. When used in LPG mode, additional harmonic content is added to louder sounds while quieter sounds pass through unmodified.
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) LPG Patch Points LPG CV IN – Frequency modulation input overrides internal routing to allow for external modulation. LPG IN – Signal input overrides internal routing. LFP OUT – Signal output. (Low Frequency Oscillator) Wide Range LFO is perfect for long sweeps or audio rate frequency modulation. LFO Controls Rate Knob –...
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) Envelope (ADSR) Four stage envelope generator. Attack, decay, sustain, release. Envelope Controls Attack Knob – The first stage of the envelope generator. The attack knob adjusts the rise time of the envelope. Decay Knob – The second stage of the envelope generator. The decay knob adjusts amount of time the envelope remains at the maximum level while the envelope input contains a signal.
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) Glide (Portamento) Hardwired between the 1 Volt Per Octave Input (1V/O IN) and the waveforms oscillator. Glide Controls Time Knob – Adjusts the amount of time it takes to shift from one frequency to another. Mixer (Waveforms Output Mixer) Waveform mixer for oscillator outputs.
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Synthesizer Box Module (continued) (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) High quality, linear voltage controlled amplifier. VCA Controls CV Input Attenuator Knob – Adjusts the output level of the VCA. VCA Patch Points VCA CV IN – CV input. The VCA CV IN input is internally patched to the ENV OUT output. This routing can be bypassed by patching into the VCA CV IN input jack.
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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.
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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.
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Outs Module Description A simple way to get sound out of the System 10. 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.
Patching a Modular Synthesizer The following pages contain many examples of how to patch the System 10. These examples showcase the flexibility of the System 10 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 10 while referencing the module description pages within the manual.
Default Patch (no patch cables needed) The System 10 has 3 internal patch cables that allow for faster setup and simpler use. The VCA Output of the Synthesizer Box module is internally patched to the Left and Right inputs of the Outs module. The internal patching can be disrupted by plugging a patch cable into the Left input of the Outs module.
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Auto Trigger Patch The Auto Trigger patch uses the square wave of the LFO to trigger the Envelope. This emulates playing a note on a midi keyboard. This technique can be used to create auto running patches or as a way to continually trigger the envelope as a patch is fine tuned.
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Three Octaves Patch (no patch cables needed) The Three Octaves patch demonstrates how the System 10 can play up to 3 octaves at once. The triangle wave plays the core oscillator frequency. The sub octave is one octave lower than the core oscillator frequency. The blade wave is one octave above the core oscillator frequency.
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Blade Wave Modulation Patch (no patch cables needed) The Blade Wave Modulation patch demonstrates the sound of a modulating blade wave. Adjust the Modulation knob and LFO rate knob to experiment with different variations of modulation.
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Pulse Width Modulation Patch (no patch cables needed) The Pulse Width Modulation patch uses the Modulation knob to modulate both the blade and square wave. The blade wave is modulated along the Y axis and the square wave is modulated along the X axis. Mixing the two waves together creates a very rich sound.
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FM Modulation Patch (no patch cables needed) Extreme modulation using both the FM and Modulation options. The frequency modulation (FM) knob controls the amount of oscillator pitch sweep.
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Drone Patch The Drone patch uses the LFO to sweep the filter frequency. The output is taken directly from the Lowpass gate, bypassing the VCA to create a steady tone.
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Staccato Patch A short plucky sound created using the ping and LPG modes of the filter.
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Klang Percussion Patch The Klang Percussion patch overdrives the VCA by maxing out the levels of the waveforms and VCA creating an aggressive, overdriven sound. The oscillator is modulated with both the FM and Modulation controls using the LFO running at audio rate creating a ring modulation type effect.
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.
TRIMMING PLASTIC BLANK PANEL The Plastic Blank Panel included with the System 10.1+ 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...
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.
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