If you're on the hunt for an analog semi-modular synth that combines the best of the East and West coast designs, then the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is the synthesizer you’ve been looking for.
Another collaboration between Pittsburgh Modular and Cre8Audio, the Taiga takes what the two brands started with the East Beast and West Pest semi-modular synth, and combines it all into a bi-coastal inspired powerhouse.
This paraphonic synth boasts three oscillators and a resonant multimode filter that showcase clear shades of Moog influence in subtractive synthesis. However, when you look closer, you'll discover two key features that characterize West Coast synthesis: Buchla-inspired wave shapers and a low-pass gate.
If you're not sure how to take advantage of the impressive capabilities that waveshaping offers, fear not. In the video above, our host Fess Grandiose shares five ways you can use the waveshaping power of the Taiga.
First up, Fess explains how to use the Taiga's wave shapers to create a range of unique, warped wave options. He demonstrates how you can tweak each of the oscillators' waveforms to create everything from sharp, angular shapes to smooth, rounded ones.
Next, he turns his attention to using the wave-shaped pads to produce some ambient soundscapes. He shows how you can use the Buchla-style wave shapers to add subtle nuances and textures to your pads, and how you can integrate the low-pass gate to create a more organic sound.
Fess then dives into using the wave shapers to create LFOs. He shows how you can take advantage of the Taiga's cascaded wave shapers to create intricate, evolving LFOs that can be used to modulate a range of parameters across your patches.
From there, he explores creating bass patches, showing you how you can use the wave shapers to add harmonic content and character to your bass sound. And, in addition, how the low-pass gate can help you create a more dynamic and expressive performance.
Finally, Fess demonstrates how to use the Taiga's wave shapers to create some lead patches by combining the different waveforms to create unique and interesting lead sounds. Here too, the low-pass gate can help you achieve a more varied and expressive performance.
All of these examples highlight the incredible value you get with the Taiga. For only $799, you can get your hands on an extraordinary synth that boasts features that would cost well over $1,000 dollars to build from scratch. With its 60 patch points and a unique analog bucket brigade delay that you won't find in any other model, the Taiga is a must-have for anyone who's serious about creating cutting-edge analog synth sounds.
Order your Taiga today and start exploring the power of waveshaping.