Modular Hybrid: Synthesizer and DAW in Harmony – Perfect Match!
Everything Here Ffits Together, Inspiring Your Next Purchase
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Modular hybrid – that’s the keyword for this perfect match! We’d like to introduce three products that complement each other perfectly. Today, we’re focusing on the seamless interaction between a semi-modular synthesizer and your computer. It’s a hybrid set for creative sessions in the studio and on stage. Everything can be expanded as desired.
All About Modular Hybrid – Perfect Match
Modular Hybrid: The Perfect Solution for Connecting Modular Synths and Computers
In-the-box or hardware? Why not both? Today, we’re showing you the perfect match for a modular hybrid setup, where a modular synthesizer and computer merge seamlessly.
We present three products, all of which represent comparable gear or similar software. We explain what to look out for when setting up a hybrid system like this and provide tips on how to expand it.
Specifically, we’re talking about a small, semi-modular synthesizer – the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga – which provides a flexible foundation for entering the world of modular synthesis. To integrate this synthesizer with your computer, we use the Bitwig Connect 4/12 audio interface. We recommend Bitwig Studio as a DAW because it offers useful features when used with the in-house audio interface for modular synthesizers.
Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is a Semi-Modular Synth with lots of Potential for Expansion
The Taiga from Pittsburgh Modular forms the basis of the small modular hybrid set. This semi-modular synthesizer has a fully analog signal path and features three oscillators with controls for pitch, FM, and wave shape (sine, triangle, sawtooth, and square). It also has a waveshaper. The Taiga combines concepts from East Coast synthesis, in the style of Moog, with ideas from West Coast synthesis, like Buchla. You get the best of both worlds! This is also evident in the dynamics section, which resembles a low-pass gate.
The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is highly flexible in this configuration and is complemented by a noise generator, a four-channel mixer, an LFO, two ADSR envelopes, a multimode filter, and features such as an arpeggiator, a random sequencer, a clock divider, a clock generator, and a sample-and-hold unit.
In addition, a few extras make the Taiga stand out as a modular hybrid setup. With the built-in MIDI interface, you can play the synthesizer the traditional way via MIDI. External signals can also be sent through the synthesizer and filter. For this, the signal first passes through an adjustable preamplifier with overdrive circuitry. Additionally, the 60 TE-wide Taiga can be transported in a Eurorack case. At the same time, the desktop version of the synthesizer is compact enough to fit in a backpack.
With 60 patch sockets, the semi-modular synthesizer is extremely well-equipped for endless sound experiments. CV makes it easy to address individual oscillators, which can be output separately – so there’s a lot you can do with it!
In short, the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is a powerful semi-modular synthesizer that will enhance your modular hybrid setup. Read our brief review below, and check out a few comparable synthesizers as possible alternatives. The Taiga is available in two versions. In addition to the desktop version*, there is a keyboard version* that offers extra space for additional Eurorack-format modules.
Bitwig Connect 4/12: The Perfect USB Audio Interface for a Small Modular Hybrid System
The Bitwig Connect 4/12 audio interface provides the perfect link between a modular synthesizer and your computer. This interface stands out because it provides four inputs and twelve outputs for recording and playing back audio, and four of the outputs and two of the inputs are also suitable for CV signals. These control voltages are the standard method of controlling synthesizers with the appropriate jacks.
With the Bitwig Connect 4/12, you can send four control voltages to the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga to control oscillators or other elements, provided there is a compatible jack.
Bitwig’s audio interface offers MIDI (in/out), which allows you to control the Taiga via MIDI for a sequence, for example, and make specific modulations with four signals. You could also use CV to get two sequences from individual oscillators simultaneously. These are just two examples; the possibilities are endless.
To make this modular hybrid system even better, you can send control signals to two inputs on the interface and experiment with them. We’ll discuss this more when we talk about the Bitwig Studio DAW.
The Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a solidly built, easy-to-transport interface thanks to its compact dimensions. It draws its power directly from the computer’s USB port. Another great feature is that the Connect 4/12 is compatible not only with macOS and Windows but also with Linux. Read our review and check out the interface at Thomann*.
Note that DC-coupled inputs (for CV signals) and such outputs are not typical features of audio interfaces, so pay attention to these specifications if you are looking for an alternative.
Bitwig Studio: A DAW for the Modular Hybrid Set
Now, let’s discuss the software that will complete your modular hybrid system. Bitwig Studio is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that has borrowed many ideas from Ableton Live but has also forged its own path in some respects. Bitwig Studio gets many things right.
For example, it impresses with its excellent integration of CV signals and the entire modulation system. With features such as modulators and the Grid, the DAW functions like its own modular system, which is why Bitwig Studio is becoming popular among synth enthusiasts.
Fans appreciate its stability, Linux support (in addition to macOS and Windows), and fast workflow. The latest version expands automation capabilities and introduces further workflow improvements.
Interacting with the Bitwig Connect 4/12 audio interface works seamlessly. You can use the special Bitwig mode to use the interface as a controller for entering parameters. The transport functions on the Bitwig Connect 4/12 can be used directly, eliminating the need for detours such as the Mackie Control Standard and ensuring a smooth workflow.
Bitwig Studio and Bitwig Connect 4/12 are definitely a perfect match, so I highly recommend them together. Ableton Live is also recommended, although the integration of CV is not quite as successful there as it is with Bitwig Studio.
The CV inputs on the interface allow you to easily integrate control voltages from your modular system into Bitwig Studio, enabling you to control virtual instruments or effects. You can also send CV to your modular synthesizer and record everything together at the same time.
Version 6 of Bitwig Studio is currently only available as a beta version. However, when you purchase the current version here at Thomann*, an upgrade plan for 12 months is included. This allows you to upgrade to version 6 when it becomes available in a few weeks.
Conclusion: Why This Modular Hybrid Trio Is a Perfect Match
With the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga, the Bitwig Connect 4/12, and the Bitwig Studio DAW, you can create a small modular hybrid setup. When combined with your computer, this setup offers endless possibilities in the studio and on stage.
The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga impresses with its semi-modular concept, extensive features, flexibility, and great sound. Bitwig Connect 4/12 allows you to integrate the synthesizer into your system. The Bitwig Studio DAW is perfectly matched not only to the interface but also to your creative flow with the synthesizer.
Together with a laptop, this modular hybrid setup is compact and suitable for stage performances. You can also expand this setup with software modular systems such as VCV Rack and other gear. It’s simply a perfect match!
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