Modular synthesizer enthusiasts in search of an affordable compact yet powerful-sounding fully analog modular synthesizer system will be thrilled with the erica synths Pico System III, a pint-sized powerhouse of a desktop modular synthesizer with Eurorack compatibility. The Pico System III uses a multifunctional design (instead of single-function modules found in the Pico System II), which is intended to encourage creativity in modular patching.
The system has 31 inputs and 20 outputs (master output is duplicated) + 7 switches. It features a set of modules for advanced sound design, experiments in modular patching and educational purposes. The system includes a 2-3-4 step sequencer, two VCOs, a VCO controller/VCA module, three mixers that work both with CV and audio signals, a modulator (syncable LFO, random CV, and noise source), two voltage-controlled ASR envelope generators, two low-pass gates, and a BBD delay.
The voicecard patch system allows users to change patches instantly and radically, which makes the system well suited for experimental live performances. The system comes with 5 great-sounding factory preset voicecards, and 5 DIY voicecards that are empty for users who wish to develop their own patches. The Pico System III also includes 20 patch cables, a stackable patch cable, patch notes, and a power supply.
At a Glance
- 2-3-4 step sequencer
- Two VCOs
- VCO controller/VCA module
- several mixers that work both with CV and audio signals
- Modulator (syncable LFO, random CV and noise source)
- Two voltage-controlled ASR envelope generators
- Two resonant low-pass gates
- BBD delay
Modules
- Sequencer: Straightforward fully analog 2-3-4 step sequencer/waveshaper with adjustable sequence length. A particularly interesting use of the SEQ2 is waveshaping-just apply any audio source to the Clock CV input, tweak the knobs, and be amazed
- VCO1: Powerful, fully analog VCO with great tracking over 8 octaves with simultaneous triangle and pulsewave outputs, pulse-width modulation and exponential frequency modulation.
- VCO2: Fully analog VCO with built in waveshaper of unique functionality-it continuously morphs a triangle wave into a pulse wave with adjustable pulse-width, adding harmonics to the signal on the output. The waveshape is manually and CV controlled. VCO2 has manually and CV-controlled linear FM for experiments in FM synthesis.
- VCO Controller / VCA: Intended to control FM levels of the VCOs. It also features a VCA that can be used for manual and CV controlled Linear FM depth control, or it can be used as regular DC-coupled VCA for other applications.
- Modulator: Combined clock/LFO/random voltage-source module. It generates sine and pulse LFO waves, white noise, S&H CV, and random triggers basically, everything you need to bring some uncertainty in your modular setup.
- VC EG: Versatile looping AD/ASR envelope generator with voltage control over attack and decay times. It has automatic Trigger/Gate detection, as well as drone mode-at full clockwise setting of the Decay knob, the envelope is fully open. In the Loop mode, you can retrigger envelopes for even more interesting modulations
- Low-pass Gate: Classic Don Buchla LPG designs with vactrols in the circuit for that signature sound, plus added resonance control of the LPG circuit. When resonance is full CW, the module goes into self-oscillation and can be used as a sound source.
- BBD: Fully analog 4092 stage bucket-brigade delay module. Besides nice and clean flanger and delay effects, full CV settings of time and feedback can produce extreme sonic artefacts
- Mixers: Two independent DC-coupled mixers for mixing audio and CV signals with individual outputs and shared outputs, where signals from both mixers are mixed together.
Voice Cards
The Pico System III comes with 5 factory preset voicecards:
- LPG Techno
- Synthesizer
- Space Computer
- Drone Master
- Droid Breakdance
DIY Voice Card
- The DIY voicecard allows you to build a custom patch by soldering small wires on the voicecard. The voicecard replicates the layout of the system, so, building a patch on the voicecard is similar to patching the system. You will need a soldering iron and small wires to build a patch on the voicecard (if you do not have soldering tools, ask a friend). You can mimic stackable patch cables by routing the same output to several inputs on the voicecard. And don t forget to name the voicecard-invent a name for the patch and use a permanent marker to write the name on the white area of the voicecard.
erica synths Pico System III Desktop Specs
Item Type | Eurorack Module |
Sound Generation | Analog |
Keyboard | None |
Expression Controls | None |
Number of Pads | None |
Display | None |
Sounds
Number of Sounds, Kits, or Samples | 5 x Factory Sound Preset 5 x User Sound Preset |
Maximum Polyphony | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Built-In Effects | Delay: Bucket Brigade Delay |
Performance Functions | None |
Built-In Speakers | None |
Synthesis
Oscillators | 2 x Fixed (Square, Triangle) |
Mixer | Oscillator, Oscillator 2, Noise, External Audio (Level) External Audio (Level) External Audio (Level) |
Amplifiers | 1 x VCA |
Envelopes | 2 x VCA/VCF/Assignable Envelope Generator: Attack, Sustain, Release (Loopable) |
Filters | Number of Filters: 2 per Patch Characteristic: Analog Type: Low-Pass Gate |
LFOs | Number of LFOs: 1 x Global Waveforms: Sine, Square, Random, Sample & Hold, Noise LFO Rate: 0.21 to 20 Hz Controls/Modes: LFO Sync, Rate/Frequency |
Sequencing & Recording
Sequencer | Number of Steps: 2 x Step / 3 x Step / 4 x Step |
Arpeggiator | None |
Connectivity
Audio I/O | 11 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Unbalanced Mono Instrument Input (Eurorack Compatible) 14 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Unbalanced Mono Instrument Output (Eurorack Compatible) |
Pedal Support | None |
MIDI I/O | None |
CV/Gate I/O | 4 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS CV Output 15 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS CV Input 2 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TS Trigger Input |
Control Voltage Level | ±5 V |
Patch Points | None |
Sync I/O | None |
Network I/O | None |
USB | None |
Media/Memory Card Slot | None |
Audio Performance
Maximum Input Level | +10 V p-p |
Included Software | None |
Mobile App Compatible | No *As of May, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
Power
Power Requirements | AC/DC Power Adapter (Included) |
AC Input Power | 110 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz |
AC/DC Power Adapter | 15 VDC (Included) |
Current Consumption | 400 mA |
Physical
Color | Black |
Horizontal Pitch | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
Included Accessories | None |
Dimensions | 9.4 x 5.5 x 3.1" / 24 x 14 x 8 cm |
Weight | 2.2 lb / 1 kg |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 4 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.1 x 7.7 x 4" |
In the Box
- erica synths Pico System III Eurorack Modular Synthesizer System (Desktop)
- 5 x Voice Cards with Factory Preset Patches
- 5 x DIY Voice Cards
- 20 x Patch Cords
- Stackable Patch Cable
- Power Supply
- 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
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