User manual
Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms System 301 -

User Manual for Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms System 301 - Expandable Eurorack Modular Performance System

• Product category: Synthesizer Modules Pittsburgh Modular
• Brand: Pittsburgh Modular
• Description and content of package
• Technical information and basic settings
• Frequently asked questions – FAQ
• Troubleshooting (does not switch on, does not respond, error message, what do I do if...)
• Authorized service for Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer Modules

Product description

• Lifeforms SV-1 Analog Synthesizer Eurorack Module The Lifeform SV-1 from Pittsburgh Modular is a complete analog synthesizer module that is wired for instant access to classic tones without needing a single patch cable. Out of the box, the module is capable of generating huge basses, shimmering leads, lush pads, and warm drones. The SV-1 is compatible with all Eurorack modules and systems and features a complete set of patch points able to override the internal audio and CV signal paths.
  
  The SV-1 features a powerful MIDI-to-CV converter, two independent, full-range oscillators, a dual-chained mixer, a four-stage envelope generator, an analog state-variable filter, an LFO, a VCA, two splitters, and an output section with headphone and main-out connectors. The Lifeform SV-1 is 48hp wide, 1.4" (35mm) deep, and requires 230mA of power. The module includes a ribbon cable and a 1/8" (3.5mm) to MIDI adapter.

  Integrated Synthesizer Components

  MIDI
  • 
    
    • The integrated MIDI-to-CV converter is based on the MIDI 3 module with a modified source code to create a feature set specifically designed for the SV-1. This MIDI-to-CV converter enables you to connect all your MIDI-compatible gear and convert it to control voltage right inside the SV-1. Volt per octave and gate outputs allow you to connect to your MIDI keyboard or DAW and take control of the SV-1 your way
    • Extensive patch options give you access to glide, CC, and velocity. A digital clock-syncable LFO with triangle and quantized random voltage waveforms provides even more modulation options. A clock input allows you to override the internal or MIDI clock and sync to external CV and gate clock signals. A built-in arpeggiator provides all of the deep arpeggio responses from the MIDI 3, including as played, double-triggered, random, and random with random gate. This unlocks another level of playability and the capacity to create complex and fresh musical patterns out of just a few notes.
    Oscillator 1 and Oscillator 2
    • 
      
      • The next-generation dual-analog oscillator provides the sonic framework for massive synth sounds or deep exploration of west coast-style frequency modulation. Sine, triangle, saw, and square waves are at your control, all available to modulate via FM and hard sync. As a bonus, Oscillator 1 also contains our unique blade wave. The shape of the blade wave can be controlled using the width CV input, creating a sweeping or chorusing effect.
      • Oscillator 2 is normalled to the FM of Oscillator 1, providing huge analog FM bass, deep percussive hits, searing leads, and thick, warm analog pads which all come to life from these two modern, organic sounding oscillators. Both analog oscillators dip well below audio rate, allowing them to function as voltage-controllable LFOs.
      Modulation and Tools
      • 
        
        • A wide-range utility LFO with triangle- and square-wave outputs is ideal for VCA or filter-frequency sweeps. Or, turn it up and release the dynamic FM capabilities of either oscillator. A Tools section provides access to two sub-octave oscillators, derived from Oscillator 1’s core frequency. Analog noise and sample & hold finish out the Tools section—the hold function is initially pre-wired to MIDI clock, and equips you to create perfectly timed, random voltage steps.
      Mixer
      • 
        
        • This versatile four-channel mixer comes pre-wired for fast access to Oscillator 1’s sine, saw, pulse and sub. However, you are just a patch cable away from instantly making your own unique blend of waveforms from the SV-1. The mixer can be split into two independent two-channel mixers simply by patching into the top output.
      State-Variable Filter
      • 
        
        • Rich and thick, the sound of the revered Pittsburgh Modular Filter is unmistakable. Absolutely stunning harmonic character with voltage control over the entire frequency range. A provided attenuverter lets you dial in exactly how much CV to feed the frequency input, even inverting the input for dramatic changes in modulation. Separate high-pass, low-pass, and band-pass outputs are provided as breakout options, each with its own powerful sonic timbres. Turn up the resonance for an added growl, giving your tones an aggressive edge that no soft-synth can match.
      Four-Stage Envelope Generator
      • 
        
        • Designed specifically for the Lifeforms SV-1 with a plucky, organic feel, the four-stage analog ADSR allows you to generate envelopes with remarkable, precise control over each stage. Pre-patched to receive gate signals directly from MIDI, the gate input may be overridden by any available clock, trigger, or square-wave source.
      VCA - Voltage-Controlled Amplifier
      • 
        
        • The amplifier section not only controls the overall level of the output, but is voltage controllable. A clean, responsive VCA, capable of everything from transparent control to mild overdrive, contours audio or CV signals. The ADSR is pre-patched to the level CV providing shape to the synthesizer audio.
      Splitters
      • 
        
        • Two unbuffered audio or CV-splitter sections allow you duplicate your signal in creative ways, routing a single audio or CV source to multiple destinations.
      Line-Level and Headphone Outputs
      • 
        
        • High-quality stereo headphone amplifier and monophonic line-level outputs are controlled by a master volume knob.
    • Lifeforms KB-1 Pressure-Sensitive Keyboard Controller / Sequencer - Eurorack Module The Lifeforms KB-1 from Pittsburgh Modular offers a set of unique and intuitive tools for controlling Eurorack modular synthesizers and features a multi-function capacitive-touch keyboard with an arpeggiator, step-sequencer, voltage-memory pads and trigger pads. The eleven outputs allow you to explore uncharted sonic territories with an unprecedented amount of control. The module can be set to function in monophonic or duophonic modes with user-selectable note priority and retrigger options, while the 10-note programmable arpeggiator generates patterns and includes the ability to single or double trigger notes as well as generate random gates to add complexity. The Lifeforms KB-1 is 42hp wide, 1.5" / 38.0mm deep, and requires 160mA of power. The module ships with a ribbon cable.

      KB-1 Components

      Touch Keyboard
      • 
        
        • The Lifeforms KB-1 provides a multi-function, capacitive-touch keyboard designed for performance, offering a powerful one octave adjustable, pressure-sensitive keyboard complete with arpeggiator, step sequencer, four voltage-memory pads, two trigger pads, and eleven 1/8" / 3.5mm outputs
      Arpeggiator
      • 
        
        • The Lifeforms KB-1 features a playable, ten note arpeggiator. This robust arpeggiator can cycle through one to three octaves and contains three different arpeggiator modes, including single- or double-note trigger, and random monophonic or duophonic note cycling with random gates. Probability gate-burst mode can trigger additional random gates to add complexity to arpeggios. This feature enables you to have rolling pulses divided by the clock source, allowing for dramatic rhythmic variations of your sequence
      Sequencer
      • 
        
        • The feature-packed sixty-four step sequencer with multiple play modes gives you precise control over the cycling of your sequence, including forward, reverse, or random. Sequences are quickly created by step programming and each step can have one of six step modifiers: pitch bend, tie, single trigger, double trigger, quad trigger, and whole note. Once the sequence is complete, the first note of a sequence can be shifted back or forward, resulting in generating new sequences out of your initial performance. Probability gate-burst mode is also available to sequences adding real-time complexity to a performance.
      Triggers
      • 
        
        • The two assignable trigger buttons enable you to unleash your creative potential in new ways. Trigger 1 and trigger 2 can be independently assigned to one of six different trigger button modes including pressure-sensitive pitch bend, gate, latch enable/disable, trigger, pressure-sensitive trigger-burst generator, and a pressure-sensitive clock divider
      Preset Voltage Memories
      • 
        
        • The programmable voltage-memory section can function as a four-channel sequencer, cycling forward, reverse, or randomly; or the active channel can be selected manually allowing the section to function as a 4-channel voltage memory. Voltages are unquantized analog voltages between 0 and 5 volts. Multiple clocking options are available to drive the preset voltage-memory sequencer
      Clocking
      • 
        
        • The Lifeforms KB-1 can be clocked internally via tap tempo or from an external clock source such as a sequencer, square wave, trigger, or clock divider. This allows you to either play on your own, or perform locked in time with external devices
    • Structure EP-208 - Professional Eurorack Modular Synthesizer Case The Structure EP-208 from Pittsburgh Modular is a professional Eurorack modular synthesizer case designed to transport and protect up to 40 Eurorack modules. The case is constructed from hand-stained premium hardwood and features four rails, each with 20 sliding square nuts, and 80x black (4-40-sized 1/4") screws for mounting modules. The detachable lid allows for enough clearance to leave the modular fully patched during transport. The overbuilt power supply delivers three times the amount of power than most other cases and is designed for sensitive analog circuitry, power-hungry digital processors, and ground-sensitive user-interface modules. The Structure EP-208 ships with a standard IEC power cord.
      Enclosure
      • • Hardwood and steel construction
        • Two 104hp rows
        • 208hp total space available
        • Removable lid
        • Lid fits over fully patched system (No need to remove patch cables)
        • Edge-to-edge rails reduce gaps between modules and the case side
        • 20 smooth-sliding square nuts per rail (Holds up to 40 modules)
        • Includes 80 black (Size 4-40 1/4") module-mounting screws
        • Beautifully hand-stained hardwood
        • Matching black-steel hardware set
      Power
      • • 4 amps of clean +12V power
        • 3 amps of clean -12V power
        • 2 amps of clean +5V power
        • 30 keyed Eurorack power headers
        • External power switch with LED
        • Universal IEC power connector
    In the Box Bundle Items Lifeforms SV-1 Analog Synthesizer Eurorack Module vurxqxevtsyazequfsdrsx
    • Ribbon Cable
    • 1/8" to 5-pin DIN MIDI Adapter
    • Limited 1-Year Warranty
    Lifeforms KB-1 Pressure-Sensitive Keyboard Controller / Sequencer - Eurorack Module
    • Ribbon Cable
    • Limited 1-Year Warranty
    Structure EP-208 - Professional Eurorack Modular Synthesizer Case vurxqxevtsyazequfsdrsx
    • 80-Pack of Screws (Size 4-40)
    • Standard IEC Power Cord
    • Limited 1-Year Warranty
  
  

  Also Includes

  • 12 x Nazca Braided Eurorack Patch Cables
  • Blank Logo Panel
  • IEC Power Cord
  Table of Contents

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Technical parameters

• Lifeforms SV-1 Analog Synthesizer Eurorack Module

  Control Knobs	MIDI Glide Oscillator 1 & 2 2x Coarse-Frequency control knob 2x Fine-Tune control knob 2x FM CV (LFO) control knob Width CV control knob Filter Frequency control knob Resonance control knob Freq CV control knob LFO Rate control knob Envelope (ADSR) Attack control knob Decay control knob Release control knob Mixer Channel 1 control knob Channel 2 control knob Channel 3 control knob Channel 4 control knob VCA Level control knob Output Level control knob
  Control Buttons	MIDI Control Mode Edit Hold Clock LFO
  Patch Points	MIDI LFO: 2x 1/8" / 3.5 mm CC: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Velocity: 1/8" / 3.5 mm V/O: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Gate: 1/8" / 3.5 mm MIDI In: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Clock I/O: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Oscillator 1 Sync: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Blade: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Pulse: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Sine: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Triangle: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Saw: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Oscillator 2 V/O: 1/8" / 3.5 mm FM CV (MOD): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Square: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Sine: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Triangle: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Saw: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Modulation Triangle: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Square: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Mixer Channel 1 (Sine 1): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Channel 2 (Saw 1): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Mix 1+2: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Channel 3 (Pulse 1): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Channel 4 (Sub 1): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Mix 3+4: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Filter Freq CV: 1/8" / 3.5 mm In (Mixer): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Band-pass: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Low-pass: 1/8" / 3.5 mm High-pass: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Tools Sub 1: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Sub 2: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Noise: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Sample (Noise): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Hold (MIDI): 1/8" / 3.5 mm S&H out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm ADSR In (MIDI): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Amplifier In: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Level CV (ADSR): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Splitter In: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm OutputsIn (VCA): 1/8" / 3.5 mm Phones: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Main: 1/8" / 3.5 mm
  Power Usage	230 mA
  Size	Horizontal Pitch (hp): 48
  Depth	1.4" / 35.0 mm

• Lifeforms KB-1 Pressure-Sensitive Keyboard Controller / Sequencer - Eurorack Module

  Keyboard	13-note multi-function, pressure-sensitive, touch-capacitive keyboard
  Trigger Pads	Trigger 1 Trigger 2 Preset 1 Preset 2 Preset 3 Preset 4
  Control Knobs	Preset 1 control knob Preset 2 control knob Preset 3 control knob Preset 4 control knob
  Control Buttons	Setup Key Octave Down Octave Up Mode Edit Record Run Hold Preset
  Patch Points	Channel 1 & 2 Gate: 2x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Channel 1 & 2 V/O: 2x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Pressure 1 & 2: 2x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Trigger 1 & 2: 2x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Clock In: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Clock Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Preset CV: 1/8" / 3.5 mm Preset Gate: 1/8" / 3.5 mm
  Power Usage	160 mA
  Size	Horizontal Pitch (hp): 42
  Depth	1.5" / 38.0 mm

  Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	10.7 x 6.4 x 3.4"

• Structure EP-208 - Professional Eurorack Modular Synthesizer Case

  Size	Horizontal Pitch (hp): 208
  Screws	4-40-Sized Panel Screws: 80
  Header	Module Power Header: 30
  Lid	Removable
  Dimensions (W x D x H)	External Depth with Lid: 9.3" / 23.5 cm External Depth without Lid: 5.5" / 14.0 cm External Height: 12.3" / 31.1 cm External Width: 22.0" / 55.9 cm Internal Depth Above Power Supply: 2.8" / 7.0 cm Internal Depth Above Bus Board: 3.8" / 9.5 cm Internal Depth Above Nothing: 4.3" / 10.8 cm

  Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	24.25 x 14.5 x 14.5"

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