Compact Modular System with Colossal Tones
Boundary-pushing synth wizards Erica Synths has declared that the Pico System II is the smallest modular synthesizer with its level of functionality. And synthesists at Sweetwater agree! The Pico System II jams a ton of tone generation into a footprint smaller than, well, some actual footprints! Comprising 13 3HP modules, the Pico System II gives you everything you need to produce ultrafat sounds, complex sequencing, and endless signal manipulation. Built as a plug-and-play desktop unit, the Pico System II excels as a standalone synth, perfect for the home studio and live performances, but it can easily integrate into a larger Eurorack system. Looking for a way to enter the world of modular synthesis or just want to add another tool to your sound design toolkit? Then check out the Pico System II from Erica Synths.
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Deliciously diverse tones and timbres
The Pico System II produces a slew of tones with vast timbral variety owing to a 32-custom waveshape VCO module (with a switchable LFO mode) and the Pico Voice module, which hosts eight sound generation algorithms with adjustable parameters. Choose any of the eight algorithms —Karplus Strong, chords, wavetable, TB303 bassline emulation, PWM, supersaw, wavefold and harmonic saturation — as a jumping-off point, and route them through the Pico System’s II’s other modules for limitless soundscaping. The Pico System II also includes a characterful Polivoks-based self-oscillating VCF with lowpass and bandpass modes that is particularly well-suited for grimy, acid-like basslines and squelching leads.
Slim modules, super-sized sequencing
Packed into the Pico System II’s petite form factor is a powerful drum sequencer comprising two Erica Synths Drums modules and a Trigg four-pattern trigger generator, which also acts as the master clock for the system. Using Erica Synth’s web-based pattern designer, you can program multi-step sequences for each of its four trigger outputs. Or you can sequence patterns right on the system with the Pico Seq module. Pico Systems II’s sample-based Drums modules come equipped with a killer set of factory-loaded sounds. But where it really gets interesting is when you upload your own custom sounds via the included Pico Programmer. Each Drums module contains two inputs for triggering two separate samples; pitch, decay, and level controls; and satisfyingly crunchy 12-bit resolution.
Mountains of modulation
To bend, twist, and morph your signals into brain-bending sonic emanations, the Pico System II offers two modulator devices (RND and MOD) and a DSP-powered stereo effects processor. The RND module outputs sine and pulse wave LFOs and three random modulation sources — random pulse, sample & hold, and noise — for manifesting chaotic, glitched-out textures, evolving ambient tones, and match more. The Pico System II’s DSP module is a scaled-down version of Erica Synth’s renowned Black Hole DSP processor and features a whopping eight stereo effects, such as modulated and granular delays, bitcrusher, clean and saturated reverb, and even a rotary speaker emulation, all with two adjustable parameters.
Pico System II included modules:
- SEQ: 16-step sequencer with 16-pattern memory
- VCO: 32 custom waves in two banks and LFO mode
- VOICE: sound source with eight sound generation algorithms
- VCF1: Polivoks-inspired LP/BP VCF
- TRIGG: four-trigger pattern generator and master clock
- 2 x DRUMS: 64-sample player with three adjustable parameters and CV control
- MULTI: buffered audio/CV/clock signal splitter
- RND: sine and pulsewave LFO and random events generator
- MOD: linear and logarithmic ASR envelope generator and linear VCA
- 2 x A MIX: three-input audio mixer
- DSP: stereo effects processor with eight custom effects
- OUTPUT: stereo output module with headphone amplifier
Erica Synths Pico System II Modular Desktop System Features:
- Small-form-factor modular synth with massive functionality
- Plug-and-play desktop system with 13 modules
- VCO and Voice modules boast produce diverse tones and timbres
- Polivoks-based VCF is ideal for grimy basslines and squelching leads
- Fully featured sample-based drum sequencing
- Upload your own samples with free Pico Programmer software
- Onboard sequencing or computer sequencing web-based app
- Limitless tweakability with two modulation devices and DSP-powered effects processing
