Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 — a semi-modular analog synthesizer with two thru-zero oscillators, two State Variable filters, and a built-in 37-key keybed. The successor to the legendary SV-1, the industry's first fully modular standalone voice, with a completely redesigned signal architecture.

The thru-zero triangle core oscillators with thru-zero FM and phase modulation stay in tune even under extreme frequency modulation — a problem that typically detunes classic analog oscillators under aggressive FM. The Pulse Symmetry waveform adds a second, "vertical" dimension of modulation to pulse waves, and the proprietary Blade waveform generates a sawtooth variant with a dense, natural chorus effect from harmonic content manipulation, without needing an extra effects module.

Analog character without sacrificing filter precision

The State Variable filter's Character modes — Warped and Warped and Rectified — reshape a waveform either without altering its harmonic content or by slicing and rebuilding the wave mid-cycle, giving a completely different result depending on the input waveform. An engineer after both a clean, precise character and an industrial, dirty signature has access to both extremes in a single filter, without switching between separate modules.

Six saturation points across one signal path

Six independent saturation and overdrive stages distributed through the signal path — from switchable mixer saturation, through a variable preamp with up to 30x gain, to saturation built into the spring reverb — let you shape tonal character at multiple synthesis stages at once, rather than relying on one distortion point at the end of the chain. Monophonic, one-button paraphonic, and patchable full duophonic voicing modes extend voicing options without leaving the internally defined signal path.

KEY FEATURES

• 2 thru-zero triangle core oscillators: Pulse Symmetry, Blade, Sine, Triangle, Saw, Random
• 2 voltage-controlled triangle core LFOs, usable as audio oscillators too
• Square sub-oscillator with -1/-2 octave outputs, analog white noise
• 2 State Variable filters with Character modes (Warped, Warped and Rectified) and overdrive
• 6 independent saturation/overdrive stages throughout the signal path
• Voicing modes: monophonic, one-button paraphonic, patchable duophonic
• Complex arpeggiator, sample and hold, 2 ADSR envelopes, 2 independent VCAs
• Spring reverb with Tonal Tilt EQ shaping and feedback into self-oscillation
• 24hp Eurorack expansion bay with 84-point patch bay and 3 power headers
• 37-key keybed with pitch and modulation wheels

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: semi-modular analog synthesizer with keybed
• Oscillators: 2 x thru-zero triangle core + sub-oscillator
• Filters: 2 x State Variable (HP/BP/LP/Combo/Random)
• Expansion: 24hp Eurorack bay, 84-point patch bay
• Keybed: 37 keys, pitch/mod wheels
• Power: 15V, center-positive, 2.4A, 4 interchangeable plugs included (US/UK/EU/AUS)
• Instrument dimensions: 63 x 38cm (front), 4.75cm depth at back
• Instrument weight: approx. 8.4kg
• Included: 10 patch cables (5x 25cm, 5x 50cm), hex key, getting-started guide