Pittsburgh Modular — Gamesystem

Manual PDF

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Modulation & Creative Patching with the Pittsburgh Modular Game System

The Pittsburgh Modular Game System is an innovative and deep multi-sequencer module for eurorack, featuring six "game modes" that excel at both traditional and experimental sequencing. With its joystick, buttons, and fully voltage-controllable interface, the Game System stands out for external modulation. The following are some patching and modulation ideas targeting distorted percussion, aggressive basslines, and atmospheric pads.

1. General Patch Ideas for Modulation

Voltage Control Possibilities

Every Game/CV control (LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN, BUTTON, MODE, RESET, CLOCK) can be triggered or modulated via CV/gate input. This makes it perfect for CV/Gate automation, LFOs, random sources, or triggers to push the sequencer in unexpected directions.

Joystick/Step Modulation

Use a chaotic LFO or stepped random (e.g., Wogglebug, Pam’s New Workout, Turing Machine) patched to the UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT CV inputs to automatically navigate the Game System’s matrix/steps.
Envelope generators or rhythmic gates can "press" BUTTON or MODE, toggling modes or filling in steps—great for live algorithmic changes.

2. Distorted Percussive Sounds

Best "Game": DRUM SEQUENCER (GAME 3)

Patch Tips:
Patch the Drum Sequencer gates (Outputs 1-4) to a variety of percussion voices (classic drum modules, analog noise sources, or even envelopes keying VCAs).
Mult or stack the same gate output to trigger several modules for layered percussion.
Send your percussion voices through wavefolders, saturation, or distortion modules for aggressive, industrial tones.
Modulate the joystick/cursor position via random or clocked stepped CV to create erratic, glitchy fills—like random drum rolls or unexpected accent patterns.
Use MODE input (CV) to automate flipping green/red sequencers for dynamic, evolving rhythm structures.

Supercharged Patches: - Patch a CV sequencer or stepped random voltage into UP/DOWN or LEFT/RIGHT to make the Drum Sequencer continuously select different steps (auto-drum fill generator!). - Mult a noisy gate output to both a drum voice and a distortion/wavefolder’s CV input for interactive overdrive. - Run a clock divider into RESET or MODE for shifting groove accents and live muting.

3. Crazy Dubstep/Drum & Bass Basslines

Best "Games": MUSIC SEQUENCER (GAME 2), PROBABILITY MACHINE (GAME 5), EUCLIDEAN RHYTHMS (GAME 6)

Patch Tips:
Music Sequencer: Sequence 32 steps of 1V/oct bass (with slew on the output, if desired, for slides/portamento). Outputs are quantized for precise tuning. Patch through LPG with envelope for punch.
For movement, automate joystick left/right (step select) and up/down (pitch) with a slow or chaotic CV—basslines evolve in real-time!
Hold Joystick Button for "last step" resets to create odd-length sequences and polyrhythms, perfect for D&B.
Use Probability Machine: Patch gate outputs to bass voice envelopes. CV outs can FM or modulate bass harmonics for unexpected timbral variety.
In Euclidean mode: Automate sequence length/beats via LFOs or random CV for shifting, skittering syncopated bass.

Supercharged Patches: - Sync the Game System clock to your master clock for tight grooves, then modulate the clock division via CV for drop/build effects. - Clock-sync CV LFO into the BUTTON input and random source into RIGHT/LEFT for evolving steps. - Use the Probability Machine’s paired CV/gates for bass voice cutoff and amplitude—randomized snarling movement. - Patch a gate out to flip a waveshaper or distortion's mode in sync with bass pattern hits.

4. Haunting Atmospheric Pads

Best "Games": MUSIC SEQUENCER, EUCLIDEAN RHYTHMS, TIME TRAVELLER

Patch Tips:
Use CV outs for slow-moving pitch or filter number sequences on dual/four-voice oscillators with long envelope releases.
Use external LFO or random source into UP/DOWN and LEFT/RIGHT for generative cursor motion—notes or chord changes all drift unpredictably.
In Time Traveller mode, send random or slow periodic voltages into joystick CVs for shifting polyrhythmic clocks that gate VCAs, filters, or reverb processors.
Euclidean mode: Program lush, polyphonic sustained chords or pulses, modulate beat count for evolving textures.
Use RESET or MODE button CV for sudden, ghostly pattern morphs.
Run CV and gate outs through delay and reverb for deep space.

Supercharged Patches: - Mult the same CV output across several detuned oscillators for thickening. - Use the Game System’s random CV sources (like Meteor Shower or Probability Machine) as slow modulator signals for ambient washes. - Slowly randomize clock speed or division via CV for warbling effect.

5. Combining CV Inputs for Maximum Modulation

Chain your control sources: Set up a sequential switch or logic module feeding random, LFO, and envelope signals to the Game System’s control inputs. This gives real-time or automated variation across all game modes.
Stack clock divisions, clock multipliers, and logic signals to the CLOCK input for complex, non-repetitive rhythmic foundations.

Example Patch Chain for Chaotic Bass-Drum Combo: - Use Probability Machine in crazy mode for main bassline pitch sequence (CV out), clocked at double-time. - Drum Sequencer triggers main drums—MODULATE its cursor via a triggered random CV, driven in sync with Probability Machine gates for reactive percussion. - Patch gate outs to trigger distortions and amplitude/fold parameters for bass growls.