Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers has officially introduced Taiga, a 3-oscillator paraphonic synthesizer.
It’s a semi-modular analog synthesizer that you can use without patching, or you can use its 60 patch points to access its components as separate modules. It follows the Moog Mother-32 precedent and can be used standalone, or you can remove the 60HP panel and install it into a larger Eurorack system.
They describe Taiga as “a tour de force of the Pennsylvania based analog synth R&D team’s recent inventions”, attributing the synth’s sound to three things: A trio of analog oscillators, the sound of the Pittsburgh Filter, and the warmth + punch of the unique Dynamics Controller.
These enable you to not only create sounds that would be traditionally expected from an analog synthesizer but also to explore new sonic textures and performance possibilities.
Taiga oscillators
Waveforms generated by the three Taiga oscillators stretch beyond the basic geometric shapes and sounds associated with analog synthesis. Taiga 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 wave folder to add even more complexity and depth to the diverse sonic palate of Taiga.
The “Pittsburgh Filter”
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’s oscillators.
Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller
Pittsburgh’s new Dynamics technology imparts Taiga 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.
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 sounds more natural or complex compared to other instruments.
Echos, Mixer, MIDI, and much more
Pulling no punches in rounding out Taiga’s capabilities, Pittsburgh has included MIDI to CV conversion, mixer, preamp with soft clipping overdrive limiter circuit, analog bucket brigade delay, dual envelope generators, digital multi-modulation tool, LFO, noise generator, clock-synced arpeggiator, and an internal clock with tap tempo (can be externally synced too). You can use Taiga without patching or dive into its 60 patch points to use its components as separate modules with external devices or reroute its internal patching. The creative possibilities abound!
Taiga can be played straight away with no patching required, or users are free to get stuck in and use the 60 patch points to re-route the instrument’s internal patching, or use its components as separate modules with the rest of their modular rig.
Pricing & Availability
Taiga is available to pre-order now, priced at €799.99.