Pittsburgh Modular Announces Taiga Keyboard

US 3-oscillator analog synthesizer with a unique modular expansion bay 04/03/24

Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers has announced Taiga Keyboard, which they describe as a 3-oscillator analog synthesizer keyboard with a unique modular expansion bay.

Taiga Keyboard is an evolution of the Taiga synthesizer. Taiga presented users with several unique inventions from the Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer team. Now they say that, with Taiga Keyboard, that same powerful collection of tools acts as a foundation for this new keyboard instrument.

A spokesperson told us, "In addition to the Taiga core sound engine, Taiga Keyboard's larger format affords additional room in the layout, spreading controls out and adding larger knobs for better onstage-centric ergonomics. There are also additional modulation sources, more controls, a full-size 37 key premium aftertouch-enabled keybed, and its first-of-its-kind, modular expansion bay."

Here's more details direct from Pittsburgh Modular...

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 wave folder to add even more complexity and depth to the diverse sonic palate of Taiga Keyboard. Dedicated coarse and fine controls deliver maximum flexibility & control over the full range of each oscillator.

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 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.

Open Architecture
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 pre-defined 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 24hp 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 features:

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.

24hp 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

3x Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer developed 100% analog oscillators, each with dedicated coarse and fine controls

Oscillator waveforms - sine, triangle, and saw - Waveforms can be combined

3x Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer 6 stage wave folder/shaper circuit - 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, multi-mode "Pittsburgh No-Dead-Spots" filter (lowpass, bandpass, highpass, modes can be combined)

Sample & Hold circuit

2x 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 lowpass gate circuit, adding release time. (read more on this in the user guide)

2x 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 2-channel mixer and a 3-channel mixer joined together, capable of mixing both audio or control voltages.

Preamp that uses a 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 multi-mod tool - modulation control via CV, random generator, and extra LFO and envelope generator

Internal clock with tap tempo and can be clocked via an external source.

Built-in clock divider

Echos - 100% analog bucket brigade delay

Included in the box - 1x Taiga Keyboard, 1x Taiga Keyboard wall-wart power supply, 10x Amazing Nazca Noodles Patch Cables

Pricing and Availability:
Taiga Keyboard is available now. It is available from pittsburghmodular.com and Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer dealers worldwide

More information: