Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keyboard Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer with 24 HP Eurorack Expansion Bay

Pittsburgh Modular TAIGAKEYS Overview

Create your next masterpiece with the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keyboard, a complete analog semi-modular synthesizer with a 37-note full-sized keyboard. The instrument is wired for instant access to classic tones without needing a single patch cable. Out of the box, the keyboard is capable of generating huge basses, shimmering leads, lush pads, and warm drones. The Taiga Keyboard is compatible with all Eurorack modules and systems, and features a complete set of patch points so you can override the internal audio and CV signal paths.

The Taiga Keyboard features a powerful digital control module with a MIDI-to-CV converter, tap-tempo clock, 32-step sequencer/arpeggiator, and multifunction modulation tool with tons of options. The sound generation section is supplied by three complex oscillators that leverage cascading waveshapers and a wavefolder to generate massive harmonic content. The multimode filter features the signature Pittsburgh gummy and relaxed sound with no dead spots. An advanced dynamic section goes well beyond traditional VCAs with its redesigned low-pass gate. Rounding out the instrument is dual ADSR envelopes, two LFOs, noise generator, and an analog bucket-brigade delay. The Taiga Keyboard includes a 24 HP powered Eurorack modular expansion bay that allows you to install your favorite Eurorack modules for epic sound design and manipulation. The Taiga Keyboard ships with 10 Nazca patch cables and a power supply.

• Paraphonic synthesizer with unique additive elements.
• 37 note aftertouch equipped keybed with full-sized keys.
• Fully patchable—use Taiga Keyboard’s components as separate modules with external devices or reroute its internal patching.
• 24 HP powered Eurorack modular expansion bay.
• 64-point patch bay for rerouting internal signal flow and integrating external sound and modulation sources.
• Controllable via MIDI, CV, and integrated pseudo random sequencing mode.
• Clock-synced arpeggiator.
• Three Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer developed 100% analog oscillators, each with dedicated coarse and fine controls
• Oscillator waveforms—sine, triangle, and saw - Waveforms can be combined.
• Three Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer 6-stage wavefolder/shaper circuits—folds inputted waves back onto themselves to increase harmonic content.
• Oscillators include frequency modulation (FM).
• Noise generator—pitched somewhere between pure white and pink noise. Perfect for percussion or adding a bit of edge to a sound.
• Variable state, multimode Pittsburgh no-dead-spots filter (low-pass, bandpass, high-pass, modes can be combined)
• Sample-and-hold circuit
• Two analog ADSR / envelope generators
• Pittsburgh dynamics section—an alternative to an envelope generator and a VCA, the dynamics controller is a Pittsburgh Modular invention that adds a dimension of control over a vactrol-less low-pass gate circuit, adding release time.
• Two Dual range analog LFOs with square and triangle wave outputs.
• LFO Range High: 2 Hz to 500 Hz Low: 41 seconds to 5 Hz.
• Dual Channel Mixer—2-channel mixer and a 3-channel mixer joined together, capable of mixing both audio or control voltages.
• Preamp uses high-gain soft clipping overdrive limiter circuit to increase the level of audio signals. The preamp can be used to cleanly increase the level of external audio to internal signal levels, or it can be used as an overdrive/limiter for internal signals.
• Digital multimod tool—modulation control via CV, random generator, and extra LFO and envelope generator
• Internal clock with tap tempo can be clocked via an external source.
• Built-in clock divider.
• Echos—100% analog bucket-brigade delay.

Taiga Keyboard Oscillators

Waveforms generated by the three Taiga Keyboard oscillators stretch beyond the basic geometric shapes and sounds associated with analog synthesis. Taiga Keyboard waveforms pass through up to three proprietary, cascading waveshapers designed to precisely manipulate their symmetry and harmonic content. In addition, each oscillator includes a robust six-stage wavefolder to add even more complexity and depth to the diverse sonic palate of Taiga Keyboard. Dedicated coarse and fine controls deliver maximum flexibility and control over the full range of each oscillator.

The Pittsburgh filter has defined the sound of Pittsburgh Modular from the moment it was introduced. A signature gummy and relaxed sound with no dead spots that has been tweaked to perfection. It offers a warm smooth sweep through the full frequency range and a sweet resonance that does not roll off the low end. This generation of the Pittsburgh filter is specifically designed to ensure a remarkable interplay with Taiga Keyboard`s oscillators.

Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller

• Pittsburgh`s new Dynamics technology imparts Taiga Keyboard 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 voice of Taiga Keyboard.
• 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, the Taiga Keyboard sounds more natural or complex compared to other instruments.

Echos is a beautifully dark analog delay tuned to enhance the source material by repeating it over and over. Echos utilizes a pair of bucket brigade delay chips to produce a classic voltage-controllable analog delay effect that helps to place the sounds of Taiga Keyboard in a simulated environment.

Taiga Keyboard has an internally defined signal path. Patch cables are not necessary to begin exploring. Attach a MIDI keyboard and plug the output into a speaker or DAW, and Taiga Keyboard is ready to go with a robust but familiar workflow. When your ideas grow beyond the predefined signal path, a 64-point patch bay opens up a fully modular instrument with access to an even deeper set of features and tools.

Modular Expansion Bay

Staying true to our modular roots, we`ve added a 24 HP powered Eurorack Modular Expansion Bay that lets you personalize your Taiga Keyboard to your sound and performance needs. Simply remove the metal plate that covers the bay and add Eurorack compatible modules. The modular bay helps you make Taiga Keyboard`s sound completely your own.

Taiga Keyboard includes a host of fully modular, analog, and digital synthesis tools to support and enhance its core functionality. Analog tools include a flexible dual mixer, a pair of plucky four-stage envelope generators, noise, and sample and hold. Digital tools cover external MIDI, arpeggiator, clock sync`d modulation tools, and a robust collection of random generators. The Taiga Keyboard tool set is deep enough for any type of sonic exploration.

Keybed and Additional MIDI Control

• Taiga Keyboard, as its name would suggest, has an integrated 37-key keyboard with aftertouch, pitch bend, and a modwheel. The keyboard can be used as a separate USB/DIN MIDI controller, using the Local On/Off modes.
• Taiga Keyboard’s key range can be easily changed using the dedicated octave up and down buttons that are located adjacent to the pitch bend and modwheel.