NEWS  Musical Instruments  March 5, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Pittsburgh Modular has once again captivated the electronic music community with its latest innovation: the Taiga Keyboard. Building upon the success of the Taiga semi-modular synthesizer unveiled in 2023, this new iteration seamlessly integrates keyboard functionality with modular synthesis capabilities, offering musicians a versatile instrument for sonic exploration.

The Evolution of Taiga: From Semi-Modular to Fully Modular

Introduced as a semi-modular synthesizer, the Taiga Desktop garnered attention for its fusion of East- and West-Coast synthesis elements, offering a unique sonic palette for experimental musicians. However, Pittsburgh Modular has elevated the Taiga experience with the introduction of the Taiga Keyboard, effectively transforming it into a modular keyboard instrument.

Retaining the core features that made the Taiga Desktop exceptional, including three oscillators with versatile waveform options, a multi-mode filter, and extensive modulation capabilities, the Taiga Keyboard expands upon its predecessor's capabilities. Notably, the addition of a second analog LFO and a dynamic VCA section further enhances the instrument's expressive potential.

Unlocking Creativity with Modular Expansion

While the Taiga Keyboard maintains its semi-modular architecture at its core, Pittsburgh Modular has ingeniously integrated a 24HP powered Eurorack expansion bay into the instrument, allowing users to customize and expand their sonic palette with additional modular modules. This groundbreaking feature empowers musicians to tailor the instrument to their specific needs, whether augmenting modulation sources, adding effects, or integrating sequencers.

By seamlessly blending semi-modular functionality with modular expandability, the Taiga Keyboard offers a limitless canvas for sonic exploration, providing musicians with the tools to craft unique soundscapes and compositions.

Enhanced Interface and Performance Features

In addition to its modular capabilities, the Taiga Keyboard boasts a redesigned interface, providing musicians with a more intuitive and ergonomic playing experience. The expanded layout offers ample space between controls, facilitating seamless tweaking and parameter adjustment during performance and sound design.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a 37-note keyboard with velocity and aftertouch, coupled with pitch and mod wheels, enhances expressiveness and playability, making the Taiga Keyboard a versatile instrument for both studio production and live performance.

A New Addition in Modular Synthesis

With the introduction of the Taiga Keyboard, Pittsburgh Modular has once again redefined the possibilities of analog synthesis, merging the worlds of semi-modular and modular synthesis into a single, cohesive instrument. By offering musicians the flexibility to customize and expand their sonic toolkit, the Taiga Keyboard empowers creativity and exploration, ushering in a new era of modular synthesis innovation.

For more information on the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga Keyboard, visit Pittsburgh Modular website.

 MEDIA CREDITS: PITTSBURGH MODULAR