Hands-On with the Pittsburgh Modular Voltage Lab 2 Touch Controller: A Patchable Playground

The Voltage Lab 2 Touch Controller is introduced as a central tool for modular synthesis, immediately establishing its role as more than just a sequencer or keyboard. Pittsburgh Modular’s approach is, as always, hands-on and exploratory, focusing on how the device can be used to manipulate sound in real time. The presentation style is direct and practical, with an emphasis on what the controller does in a patch rather than abstract features.

From the outset, the video makes clear that this isn’t a one-trick pony. The controller is shown as a versatile interface for both note and modulation duties, with a layout that encourages experimentation. The focus is on how the touch surface and its outputs can be harnessed for a range of musical and sonic manipulations, making it a flexible addition to any modular rig.

A key part of the Voltage Lab 2 Touch Controller’s appeal lies in its array of outputs and CV integration. The video highlights multiple output types—red, blue, and grey—each serving different patching purposes. The blue output, for instance, is dedicated to CV, allowing for direct modulation of other modules. Meanwhile, the red and grey outputs provide further routing options, giving users the ability to send signals to different destinations within their system.

The walkthrough demonstrates how each output can be used independently or in combination, opening up a host of creative possibilities. There’s a clear emphasis on flexibility: users can assign outputs for pitch, gate, or modulation duties, and the controller’s architecture supports complex routing schemes. This modular mindset is at the core of Pittsburgh’s design philosophy, and it’s evident in the way the controller invites users to experiment with signal flow.

The video moves into practical territory, showing how the controller fits into different modular workflows. Multiple outputs are patched to various modules, demonstrating how the device can drive both melodic and percussive elements. The presenter highlights the ability to use the controller for sequencing, modulation, and even triggering events, all from the same touch interface.

By patching outputs to different destinations, users can create layered and evolving soundscapes. The controller’s design encourages a patch-and-play mentality, where experimentation leads to unexpected results. This section underscores the importance of hands-on interaction—touching, tweaking, and rerouting on the fly—to achieve complex, dynamic patches that go beyond static patterns.

Modulation is where the Voltage Lab 2 Touch Controller really comes into its own. The video details how the device’s outputs can be used for intricate modulation tasks, from subtle parameter shifts to dramatic, performance-driven changes. The touch interface allows for real-time control, making it possible to inject human nuance into otherwise mechanical sequences.

Performance tools, such as Euclidean pattern generation and step editing, are also discussed, showing how the controller can be used to build evolving rhythms and textures. The ability to assign different outputs to different modulation targets means users can sculpt sound in a highly interactive way. This is classic Pittsburgh Modular: prioritising tactile engagement and sonic exploration over menu-diving and presets.