The Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 represents a cutting-edge synthesis laboratory designed for sonic researchers and sound designers seeking new analog textures and waveforms. This comprehensive instrument transcends traditional synthesis boundaries by combining newly developed wave shaping capabilities with powerful synthesis tools and an intuitive, performance-oriented controller system.

The Voltage Lab 2's defining characteristic is its distinctly physical sound quality. The tones it generates feel natural and alive, transforming traditional waveforms into unique shapes and sounds that bridge the gap between analog physical modeling and more abstract, unfamiliar timbres. This instrument serves as a complete sound design laboratory, offering both familiar synthesis foundations and groundbreaking sonic possibilities.

At the heart of the Voltage Lab 2's innovation are its newly invented waveshaping tools, which significantly expand the sonic potential of analog synthesis beyond conventional boundaries. The instrument's organic depth and presence stem from its advanced Dynamics technology, which simultaneously manages both amplitude and harmonic content, creating a more three-dimensional approach to sound synthesis compared to traditional single-dimensional VCAs.

The system is designed to accommodate both traditional pitched performances and open experimentation, creating a flexible playground for music creation that supports complex generative systems while remaining accessible for real-time performance.

Technical Specifications

Core Architecture

• Type: Analog synthesis laboratory with digital control elements
• Configuration: Fully modular design with integrated components
• Sound Character: Physical, natural, and alive analog tones

Laboratory Oscillators

Laboratory Oscillator 1

• Innovation: Center Clipping technology (new to analog synthesis)
• Functionality: Independent control over top and bottom waveform sections
• Processing Method: Center-out waveform processing (vs. traditional peak-inward methods)
• Capabilities: Detailed harmonic and timbre manipulation without pitch affecting
• Unique Feature: Unlocks independent waveform half control

Laboratory Oscillator 2

• Waveshaper 1 - Pulse Symmetry:
  • Creates new species of pulse wave
  • Adds adjustable step between waveform top and bottom
  • Stair-step appearance with variable center step depth
  • Independent pulse width and step depth control
• Waveshaper 2 - Wave Reflection:
  • Reflects bottom waveform half onto top half
  • Waveform-specific responses:
    • Sawtooth → Triangle transformation
    • Triangle/Sine → Lose fundamental harmonic, octave jump

Pittsburgh Dynamics Controllers

• Technology: Advanced Dynamics processing system
• Functionality: Simultaneous amplitude and harmonic content management
• Architecture: Beyond traditional one-dimensional VCA design
• Method: Utilizes advanced low pass gate technology
• Sound Behavior:
  • Harmonic content reduction with volume decrease
  • Warmer tones at lower volumes
  • Mimics natural sound wave environmental reactions
• Result: More natural and complex sound compared to other instruments

Touch Controller 2

• Channels: Two independent channels
• Performance Modes: Real-time expressive playing + in-depth sequencing
• Scale System: Assignable scales
• Sequencing Features:
  • Step conditions
  • Jumps
  • Chance effects
  • Generative sequencing capabilities
• Workflow: Supports both creation and interaction with complex systems

Time-Based Effects

Florist (Flanger/Chorus Hybrid)

• Type: Analog time-based effect
• Character: Brighter, short time shifts
• Feedback: Highly controlled for maximum ringing before self-oscillation
• Applications: Traditional workflows and unconventional experimentation

Echos (Analog Delay)

• Type: Traditional analog BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) delay
• Character: Darker analog delay sound
• Feedback: Highly controlled for maximum repeats before self-oscillation
• Applications: Traditional workflows and unconventional experimentation

Modular Synthesis Tools

Analog Components

• Mixers: Flexible mixing capabilities
• Function Generators: Pair of complex function generators
• Noise Generator: Analog noise source
• Sample and Hold: Analog sample and hold circuit
• LFO: Low Frequency Oscillator

Digital Components

• MIDI: External MIDI connectivity and processing
• Arpeggiator: Built-in arpeggiator functionality
• Chance Sequencer: Robust chance-based sequencing system

Documentation and Support

• Manual: Comprehensive user manual available for download
• Patch Guide: Dedicated patch guide for programming assistance
• Firmware Updates:
  • Updatable firmware system
  • Version 2.2 available
  • Version 2.1 available

Design Philosophy

• Modularity: Fully modular analog and digital synthesis tools
• Experimentation: Designed for all types of sonic experiments
• Integration: Core functionality supported and enhanced by comprehensive toolset
• Performance: Balance between deep programming and real-time performance control