At Superbooth 2024, being held May 16-18 in Berlin, Pittsburgh Modular has introduced the Voltage lab 2 Analog Synthesis Laboratory, a new version of their Voltage Research Laboratory that adds new wave-shaping technologies, an addictive tactile performance controller and more.

PM describes Voltage Lab 2 as “a playground of new analog synthesis tools”. It pairs a curated selection of synthesis tools with  specially designed Touch Controller to provide hands-on performance control.

Here’s the official intro video:

Voltage Lab 2 Oscillators

Voltage Lab 2 includes a pair of Laboratory Oscillators. Each offers a unique set of waveshaping tools designed to expand the sonic potential of analog synthesis.

Laboratory Oscillator 1

Oscillator 1 introduces Center Clipping. Center clipping unlocks independent control over the top and bottom of the waveform, allowing for detailed manipulation of harmonics and timbre, without affecting pitch. It does this by processing waveforms from the center out as opposed to traditional methods which work from the peaks inwards.

Laboratory Oscillator 2

Oscillator 2 introduces a host of new sonic possibilities with two new waveshapers. Pulse Symmetry and Reflection.

• Pulse Symmetry creates a new species of pulse wave that adds a step between the top and bottom of the waveform. The resulting wave looks like a set of stairs where the depth of the center step can be adjusted in addition to the pulse width.
• Wave Reflection takes the bottom half of the waveform and reflects it onto the top half. Each waveshape responds to this differently. For example, a saw wave morphs into a triangle while triangle and sine waves lose their fundamental harmonic and jump up an octave.

Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller

By simultaneously managing both amplitude and harmonic content, the Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller expands beyond the VCA found in many synthesizers. It does this by utilizing new advancements from traditional low pass gates to add additional definition and dimension to the voices of the Voltage Lab 2.

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, they say that Voltage Lab 2 sounds more natural or complex compared to other instruments.

Touch Controller 2

The Touch Controller 2 lets you blend traditional pitched performances with the freedom to openly experiment. Two independent channels offer a combination of real-time, expressive playing and in-depth sequencing.

Other features include assignable scales, step conditions, jumps, chance effects, generative sequencing and more.

A Florist and Echos

The Voltage Lab 2 includes a set of analog time based effects, Florist and Echos.

• The Florist is a flanger/chorus hybrid that focuses on brighter, short time shifts with highly controlled feedback allowing for maximum ringing before self oscillation.
• Echos is a more traditional, darker analog BBD delay that also utilizes highly controlled feedback to provide a larger number of repeats before falling into self-oscillation. Both effects are perfect for traditional workflows and unconventional experimentation.

Here are the official Voltage Lab 2 demo videos:

The Lab Report Episode 1: Building on the Past

The Lab Report Episode 2: New Waves

The Lab Report Episode 3: Hands-On Sound

Pricing and Availability

Voltage Lab 2 has an expected street price of $1999.99 USD and it is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected in June 2024.