Pittsburgh Modular Taiga

The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is a semi-modular analogue synthesizer designed for musicians, producers, and sound designers seeking a powerful desktop instrument with Eurorack compatibility. This comprehensive module delivers instant access to classic tones without any patch cables. Right out of the box, Taiga can produce a wide array of sounds, including massive basses, shimmering leads, lush pads, and warm drones. It offers full compatibility with all Eurorack modules and systems and an extensive array of patch points for overriding the internal audio and CV signal paths.

Core Features and Control Module

The Taiga features a robust control module equipped with a MIDI-to-CV converter, a tap tempo clock, a 32-step sequencer/arpeggiator, and a multifunctional modulation tool offering a wealth of options. The sound generation capabilities are driven by three complex oscillators utilizing cascading waveshapers and a wavefolder to create rich harmonic content. The multimode filter is known for its signature Pittsburgh gummy and relaxed sound, ensuring smooth sweeps across the frequency spectrum without any dead spots. An advanced dynamics section surpasses traditional VCAs with its redesigned low-pass gate, adding depth and dimension to the sound. The package comprises dual ADSR envelopes, an LFO, a noise generator, and an analogue bucket-brigade delay, providing a versatile toolkit for sound creation. The Taiga module can be removed from its enclosure for integration into any standard Eurorack case. It comes with Nazca patch cables, a power supply, and a 3.5mm MIDI adapter, offering everything needed to get started.

Oscillator Module and Sound Generation

The Digital Control Functions of the Taiga include a MIDI-to-CV converter, tap-tempo clock source, octave shifting, and a 32-step sequencer/arpeggiator, along with a multifunction modulation tool featuring a clock-synced LFO, decay envelope, and random voltage generator. The oscillator module produces sounds through a sophisticated wave shaping circuitry, forming the core of Pittsburgh's organic analog synthesis concept.

Utility Modules: Mixer, Preamp, LFO, Noise, and More

The dual mixer/preamp module enhances audio or CV signals with high-gain, soft-clipping overdrive limiter circuitry, offering versatile mixing capabilities. Additional utility modules include an analogue LFO, a transistor core noise source, a sample-and-hold circuit for voltage sampling, and a mixer/splitter for signal routing flexibility.

Filtering, Envelopes, and Dynamics for Sound Shaping

The PGH Filter Module features a voltage-controlled analogue 2-pole, 12 dB state-variable filter with several output responses, including high-pass, band-pass, low-pass, and notch. The filter is designed to provide a warm, organic sweep through the full frequency range. The ADSR modules offer expressive control over sound shaping, while the dynamics module adds a unique touch by simulating natural-world characteristics in sound processing.

Echos Module and Output Options

The Echos module, utilizing BBD chips, produces a voltage-controllable analog delay, offering varying delay times with adjustments for fidelity and clock-noise bleed. Lastly, the output module includes line level and headphone outputs, ensuring the Taiga can easily integrate into any studio or live performance setup.