Sound Design Laboratory

The Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 is a cutting edge synthesis laboratory that offers a new palette of analog textures and waveforms to sonic researchers. Newly developed wave shaping capabilities paired with powerful synthesis tools, and a deep, performance oriented controller join together to create a complete sound design laboratory. This instrument has a very physical sound. The tones it creates feel natural and alive, with traditional waveforms becoming the seeds of unique new shapes and sounds that shift between analog physical modeling and more unfamiliar, abstract timbres.

Laboratory Oscillator 1

Voltage Lab 2 includes a pair of Laboratory Oscillators. Each with a unique set of newly invented waveshaping tools designed to expand the sonic potential of analog synthesis. Laboratory Oscillator 1 introduces Center Clipping to analog synthesis. Center clipping unlocks independent control over the top and bottom of the waveform, allowing for detailed manipulation of harmonics and timbre without affecting pitch. It does this by processing waveforms from the center out as opposed to traditional methods which work from the peaks inwards.

Laboratory Oscillator 2

Laboratory Oscillator 2 introduces a host of new sonic possibilities with two new waveshapers. Pulse Symmetry and Reflection. Pulse Symmetry creates a new species of pulse wave that adds a step between the top and bottom of the waveform. The resulting wave looks like a set of stairs where the depth of the center step can be adjusted in addition to the pulse width. Wave Reflection takes the bottom half of the waveform and reflects it onto the top half. Each waveshape responds to this differently. For example, a saw wave morphs into a triangle while triangle and sine waves lose their fundamental harmonic and jump up an octave.

Pittsburgh Dynamics Controllers

Our new Dynamics technology imparts Voltage Lab 2 with a uniquely organic depth and presence. By simultaneously managing both amplitude and harmonic content, the Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller expands beyond the one dimensional VCA found in other synthesizers. It does this by utilizing new advancements from traditional low pass gates to add additional definition and dimension to the voices of the Voltage Lab 2.

When used in low pass gate mode, sounds shed harmonic content and become warmer as they decrease in volume. This mimics how sound waves react to their environment. Because of this connection, Voltage Lab 2 sounds more natural or complex compared to other instruments.

Touch Controller 2

The Touch Controller 2 enables artists to blend traditional pitched performances with the freedom to openly experiment, creating a flexible playground for music creation. Two independent channels offer a combination of real time, expressive playing and in-depth sequencing. Assignable scales, step conditions, jumps, chance effects, generative sequencing, and a host of other tools, come together allowing musicians to both create and interact with complex systems.

A Florist and Echos

The Voltage Lab 2 includes a set of analog time based effects, Florist and Echos. The Florist is a flanger/chorus hybrid that focuses on brighter, short time shifts with highly controlled feedback allowing for maximum ringing before self oscillation. Echos is a more traditional, darker analog BBD delay that also utilizes highly controlled feedback to provide a larger number of repeats before falling into self oscillation. Both effects are perfect for traditional workflows and unconventional experimentation.

Complete Set of Modular Tools

The Voltage Lab 2 includes a host of fully modular, analog and digital synthesis tools to support and enhance it’s core functionality. Analog tools include flexible mixers, a pair of complex function generators, noise, sample and hold, and an LFO. Digital tools cover external MIDI, arpeggiator, and a robust chance sequencer. The Voltage Lab 2 toolset is deep enough for all types of sonic experiments.