Pittsburgh Modular System 90 User manual

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PITTSBURGH MODULAR
SYSTEM 90 SYNTHESIZER
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MANUAL AND
PATCH GUIDE
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Important Instructions – PLEASE READ
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Read Instructions:
Please read the System 90 Synthesizer manual completely before use and retain for future reference.
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IMPORTANT Ribbon Cable Power Information:
The System 90 combines a set of individual modules to create a complete instrument. The individual modules can be rearranged,
removed, and replaced with any compatible eurorack modules from Pittsburgh Modular and other manufacturers.
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The System 90 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. 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.
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Do NOT remove individual modules from the Foundation while synthesizer is plugged in.
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Do NOT unplug ribbon cables from the Foundation or individual modules while the Foundation is plugged in.
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Table of Contents
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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 …………………….….…… 19-35
1 Year Limited Warranty……………….…... 36
Service and Other Information ….….…… 37!
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Case and Power Specifications
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System 90 Package Contents
1x System 90 Modular Synthesizer
1x Pittsburgh Modular Patch Cable Kit
1x External Power Adapter
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Case and Power Supply Info
External Dimensions: 19.5” x 5.5” x 3”
Internal Specifications:
90hp Eurorack Case
Sliding Nut Mounting System with 18 Nuts Per Rail
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External Power Adapter:
Connection: 2.1mm Barrel Type
Output: 12V-15V AC / 2000mA
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An Introduction to Modular Synthesis
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The System 90 Synthesizer is a complete, standalone, fully modular synthesizer that bridges the gap between classic east coast synthesis and west coast
experimentation. The System 90 Synthesizer contains all the components necessary to create massive monosynth leads and basses, complex evolving
soundscapes and textures, along with everything in between. Innovative oscillators matched with a stunning filter pushes the Synthesizer System 90 to a
league of its own.
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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
triangle output of an oscillator or as complex as a self running patch using all the modules.
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Modular Signal Paths
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The System 90 signal path is divided into two types of signals: audio signals and control voltages.
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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. The
audio signal is then patched through other modules used to shape the sound such as mixers, filters, and
amplifiers.
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Control voltages (CV) manipulate the audio signal in several different ways.
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Gates are represented by a high or low control voltage. A gate can be generated using a square or
pulse wave from an oscillator or LFO, or by using the GATE output from the Midi2 module. A gate
can be shaped using an envelope generator to control the attack, decay, sustain, and release of
the gate. The modified gate signal can then be sent to any CV input on the Foundation.
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A second use for control voltages is as a modulation source. For example, a control voltage
from the CV output of the Midi2 module patched into the 1V/O input on the Waveforms
oscillator module controls the frequency of the oscillator based on the midi note received.
The LFO2 module provides two separate low frequency oscillators that make perfect control
voltage modulation sources. Audio signals also make a great control voltage source for
oscillator FM (frequency modulation).
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As always, experimentation is essential to getting the most out of the System 90.!
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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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Midi2 Module
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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.
1. Monophonic - (M) Gate2 and CV2 outputs mirror the outputs of Gate1 and CV1. Monophonic mode works great when using a modular as a
single voice synthesizer.
2. Duophonic - (P) The Midi2 module uses the two sets of Gate and CV outputs to allow two notes to be played simultaneously. The first midi
note is sent to the Gate1 and CV1 outputs and the second is sent to the Gate2 and CV2 outputs. Duophonic mode is perfect when working
with a two voice modular synthesizer.
3. Dual Monophonic - (D) Gate 2 and CV2 outputs are controlled by a different midi channel than the Gate 1 and CV 1 Outputs. "Dual
Monophonic mode allows a modular to be controlled by two separate sets of midi data. This mode works well when using a modular as two
single voice synthesizers.
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Controls
GT1 Output – Note on = Gate high (+5v), Note off = gate low (0v).
CV1 Output – 1 volt per octave voltage derived from note played on keyboard.
GT2 Output – Note on = Gate high (+5v), Note off = gate low (0v).
CV2 Output – 1 volt per octave voltage derived from note played on keyboard.
Sync Output – Outputs gate based on beat 1 of the incoming midi clock.
Midi Input – Input jack for a standard 5-pin midi cable.
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DNA Symbiotic Waves Module
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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.
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Controls
Frequency Control Knob – Adjusts the center frequency.
Fine Tune Control knob – Fine tune frequency adjustment.
Wave 2 Detune Knob – Adjusts the pitch of wave 2 relative to wave 1. Range is 0 to +1 octave.
Wave 1 Select Knob – 16 step waveform selector.
Wave 2 Select Knob – 16 step waveform selector.
Balance Control Knob – Adjust the processor output balance between wave 1 and wave 2.
Balance CV Attenuator Knob – Balance CV input attenuator.
Processor Selector Knob – 16 step processing mode selector.
Processor Controller Knob – Processor mode specific function controller knob.
Processor Controller CV Attenuator Knob – Processor controller CV input attenuator.
1 V/O Input – One volt per octave CV input.
Balance CV Input – Balance CV Input
Control CV Input – Processor control CV input.
Wave 1 Output –: Preprocessor waveform output of Wave 1.
Wave 2 Output – Preprocessor waveform output of Wave 2.
Processor Mix Output – Post processor mix output.!
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Waveforms Module
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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.
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Controls
Frequency Control – Course frequency setting.
Fine Tune Control - Fine tune frequency setting.
Pulse Width CV Attenuator - Controls the amount of CV used to adjust the pulse width of the pulse wave.
Pulse Width Control - Manually controls the pulse width of the pulse wave.
FM CV Attenuator Control and Input - Frequency modulation CV input and attenuation control.
FM Type - Switches FM response type between linear and exponential.
Blade CV Attenuator Control and Input - Blade wave Y-axis modulation CV input and attenuation control.
1v/o Input - CV input used to track the oscillator at 1 volt per octave.
Reset Input - CV Input used to hard reset the Oscillator on the falling edge of the incoming waveform.
Blade Input - CV or audio rate input used to modulate the blade wave creating a ring mod type effect.
PWM Input - Pulse width modulation CV input. Affects the pulse width of the pulse wave.
Sub Output - Square wave sub oscillator output. Sub Oscillator is 1 lower than the oscillator core.
Sine Output – Sine wave output.
Triangle Output – Triangle wave output.
Blade Output – Blade wave output.
Saw Output – Saw wave output.
Pulse Output – Pulse wave output.!
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LFO2 Module
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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. The symmetry control also adjusts the pulse width
of the SQR wave output. The bottom LFO is a simple triangle based low frequency oscillator with rate control over the triangle and square
outputs.
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LFO 1 Controls (top)
Rate Control - Coarse frequency setting.
Symmetry Control - Modify the shape of the waveforms.
TRI Output - Saw / Triangle / Ramp wave output.
Range Switch - Switches the frequency range.
SQR Output - Square / Pulse wave output.
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LFO 2 Controls (bottom)
Rate Control - Coarse frequency setting.
TRI Output - Triangle wave output.
Range Switch - Switches the frequency range of LFO 2.
SQR Output - Square wave output.
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Toolbox Module
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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. The Sample & Hold samples the voltage patched to the input and outputs that voltage until a new sample voltage is taken. A
sample is taken when the Hold input receives a positive gate or trigger. The invert function is a simple voltage inverter. Send a positive 3 volts
in and receive -3 volts from the output.
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Slew Controls
Amount Control - Controls the amount of glide between voltages.
Slew Input - Voltage input.
Slew Output - Slewed voltage output.
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Noise / Sample & Hold Controls
N Output - Noise output.
H Input - Hold input.
I Input - Sample input.
O Output - Sample and hold output.
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Invert Controls
I Input - Voltage input.
O Output - Inverted voltage output.
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MixMult Module
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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.
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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. The pots are wired with a logarithmic volume curve that is tuned for use with audio but it will work with CV as well.
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Patching the output of channel 1 or 2 will remove it from the mixer circuit. Channel 3 cannot be removed from the mixer circuit, however
if channel 1 and 2 are all being used as attenuators, channel 3 is the only input remaining in the mixer allowing it to be used as a
buffered attenuator.
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The mixer section can be used as a…
3 Channel Mixer
2 Channel Mixer and 1 Attenuator
3 Independent Attenuators
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The bottom of the module contains two sets of passive multiples. Patching a signal into one of the multiple jacks will split the signal to
the remaining two jacks, allowing a single audio or CV signal to be used in two places at once.
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LPG (Lopass Gate) Module
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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. Low pass filter mode adds a resonance control creating a modern, aggressive filter
sound. The VCA is an extremely clean, quiet voltage controlled amplifier.
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Controls
Frequency Control – In filter mode, the frequency knob controls the center frequency of the filter. In VCA mode, the frequency knob
controls the pass through signal level. In lopass gate mode, the frequency knob controls both the center frequency of the filter and the
pass through signal level.
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Resonance Control - In filter mode, the resonance knob controls the amount of resonance. In VCA mode and lopass gate mode, the
resonance knob is not active.
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Mode Switch - Switch between G (Gate/VCA), B (Both/Lowpass Gate), and L (Low pass filter) modes.
FM CV Attenuator Control and Input - Frequency modulation CV input and attenuation control.
Invert Switch - Inverts the FM CV signal from positive to negative or negative to positive.
IN - Audio signal input.
PNG - Gate or trigger input used to ping the vactrol and quickly modulate the frequency of the module.
OUT - Audio signal output.
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Envelope x2 Module
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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.
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Controls
Rise Response Switch - Switch between linear (up), and non-linear (down) response curve for rise.
Rise Control - Adjust the rise portion of the envelope. Left (short response). Right (long response).
Rise CV In Attenuverter - Attenuverter for Rise CV In. Also functions as log/lin/expo response control.
Sustain Switch - Enable (right) or disable (left) envelope sustain.
Fall Response Switch - Switch between linear (up), and non-linear (down) response curve for fall.
Fall Control - Adjust the fall portion of the envelope. Left (short response). Right (long response).
Fall CV In Attenuverter - Attenuverter for Fall CV In. Also functions as log/lin/expo response control.
Cycle Switch - The envelope will retrigger at the end of the fall stage. Creating a cycling envelope or LFO.
Rise CV Input - Rise CV input.
Both CV Input - Joint Rise and Fall CV input.
Fall CV Input - Fall CV input.
In - Main signal input.
EOA Output - Gate signal output. Signal goes high at end of rise.
Trigger Output - Trigger output. Trigger created at end of fall.
Output - Main signal output.!
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Dual VCA Module
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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. "If left unpatched, channel 2 will operate using the channel 1 CV and IN signals.
Controls
Index 1 (VCA 1):"
CV - CV Input used to control the VCA."
CV Control - CV input attenuator."
In - Signal input."
Out - Signal output.
Index 2 (VCA 2):!
CV - CV Input used to control the VCA."
CV Control - CV input attenuator."
In - Signal input."
Out - Signal output.
Mix - Fully Buffered mix of the VCA 1 and VCA 2 outputs.
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Outs Module
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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."
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Left and Right inputs are available. If only the left input is used, it is sent to both the Left and Right outputs.
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Patching A Modular Synthesizer
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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. This will help you develop an understanding of what function each part of the
patch is performing. Red patch cables are CV signals. Green patch cables are audio signals. The blue dots represent the relevant control settings. These dots
are meant to represent a starting point and are not definitive settings. Experimentation is essential.
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The patch guide provides at least one "Module Test Patch” for each module within the System 90. These
patches showcase the core functionality as well as additional features of the highlighted module. In
general, the test patches will provide a way to focus attention on the capabilities of a single module and
may not provide results that would be considered musical.
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Working with individual modules can be fun but the true power of any modular synthesizer comes when
different modules start to interact. Patching the output of one module to the input of another is a
fundamental part of modular synthesis. Even though the System 90 is designed to be a tabletop
modular, the patches can become complex quickly. Any output on the System 90 can be patched to
any input. Understanding the capabilities and functionality of each module will allow even the most
complex patches to be understood easily.
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If you come up with a good patch, we want to try it! Send all your interesting patches to
[e-mail].
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Vintage Monosynth Patch
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Description - Monophonic Starting Point
Notes - Use this patch as a starting point for huge bass and classic leads.!
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Duophonic Synthesizer Patch
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Description - Basic Duophonic Starting Point
Notes - Use this patch as a starting point for a duophonic synthesizer.!
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