You can check availiability and prices here: EU (Thomann): thmn.to/thoprod/586597?offid=1&affid=623 US (Sweetwater): sweetwater.sjv.io/LXB4rj US (Perfect Circuit): bit.ly/49YEh2M UK (Gear4Music) tidd.ly/3Ik1BfE Affiliate links support the channel at no cost to you
Just ordered one of these after waffling on the desktop Taiga for a bit, the keyboard edition put me over the edge. Anyway, now I'm binging youtube and obsessing over it until arrives, this was a great video :) Thanks
The most interesting part of this video to me in many ways as an amateur is the clear demonstration of sound changes, articulating and identifying what you are hearing, around 17:20 and that section forward. I appreciate hearing and seeing a professional turn knobs, saying "hear this frequency go up, hear this go down" if that makes sense. Basic ear-eye-knob education vis a vis synth sound design.
Greetings from Pittsburgh! I have the West Pest. I get a vicarious thrill knowing these are my neighbors. They make great sounding synths and this is one of them! Ha ha... "Analog is important."
This is the best explanation and demonstration of the Dynamics Module that I've seen. I have the desktop version, and the Taiga's dynamics controls are a little more complex than the West Pest's. It was great to see (& hear) how the DYN CV knob & ADSR 2 work with Response & LPG resonance. Thanks Bo!
This is a great review, thank you! I have the original Taiga Desktop, and the Attack has been altered on the Taiga Keyboard in response to customer requests. So, the first half of the attack is more fine grained in order to facilitate more precise settings for a relatively shorter attack. Hence why you have to turn the knob into the second half to get a slow attack. I will also say that you called the delay bad, rather than saying that you personally didn't like it. I don't know if you did that deliberately to make a specific point about what a 'good' delay is. I like the BBD delay on the Taiga for three main reasons. It doesn't go very long, which offers a lot of shorter variation. This enables you to use it for reverb-like and chorus-like sounds; this makes it much more versatile - although it doesn't do really long delays. Second, it has that low frequency, lo-fi sound of a BBD. Set it to the shortest delay with no feedback, and 100% wet, and you then have a whole different tone to play with. So, to me, the value of the Taiga BBD to the user depends on whether you want that range of options. I find it much more useful than including a digital reverb (which I probably wouldn't use). And a spring reverb would likely add to the cost and size. But what do I know?!? The Taiga is actually my first full-featured hardware synth. And you consistently make much nicer sounds with it than I usually do!
Thank you for the comment! I thought the attack was different from the Taiga desktop. And great if its a change ppl want. Like I said, its a preference thing. I love how snappy it can get! Re: BBD Some good points absolutely! my reason for not liking it is that for a large % of keyboard players, I believe the echo module to be an odd choice. Its difficult to use for sounds that arnt a bit experimental in nature. I never use it unless I want to make odd sounds. And the keyboard will, i think, be interesting to alot of new users. Ppl who might expect something a little more vanilla. But thats just my 2 cents. Appreciate your comment! Its always good with counterpoints and perspectives
Taiga has steadily grown on me every month I've owned it. At first I was excited but grew puzzled and convinced I couldn't make anything good with it. But every time I dive back into it, I realize more and more how utterly powerful it is. I would honestly say it's a pretty "advanced" semi-modular that you really do need to understand how the routing works. I wouldn't actually recommend it for a beginner, it's a bit esoteric to *really* get your money's worth. Specifically, I'd say that the pre-amp distortion and gain adds a ton, and you really need to use the dynamics area with the filter before it really starts to fully and totally "kick ass." Which it can do, just not necessarily right out the box. I agree that the envelopes could use more nuance in the shorter ranges.
"At first I was excited but grew puzzled and convinced I couldn't make anything good with it. But every time I dive back into it, I realize more and more how utterly powerful it is. " Pretty much sums up my experience as well. I went from super excited to regretful purchase disappointed, then thought it must be me and realized yes, yes it my short comings with it. " I wouldn't actually recommend it for a beginner," --Yeah...it would take a special kind of beginner to start with this and not be WTF. It is already pretty WTF on its own.
I agree this really is an excellent concept. As a person that spent the last week deciding between getting a second semi modular or start building a full eurorack...This seems like the perfect 'middle ground'. Ironically, I ordered a Korg ms-20 mini yesterday. The theory is confirmed true. The moment that you've got every piece of gear you need, something new comes along that might do it a tiny bit better 😂
I think for what it does the cost is about right, it’s providing much of what you get with a Moog matriarch for example but for about £600 less (sans delay) The icing on the cake is that the semi Modular nature allows for some interesting combinations /linkage to a larger Modular.
Great review Bo, another proper synth, I never seen you be so hard on a delay before 😉 Spot on, the oscillators and filters are soooo good! As for your video, great job pointing out certain aspects of how performers can totally trick people’s ear, making anything sound great, I think you did a good job of keeping it beginner and advanced user friendly! I totally didn’t see this synth coming but happy they sent you one!
For me the bucket brigade fits perfectly with the design over something digital. Of the modules I have a Joranalogue contour 1 & select 2, Instruo 1f & vinca, and a Steve's MS-22 would go in the slots. The extra coin for bigger knobs, additional LFO, multi-function mod wheel, and keybed with arps and AT seems not TOO overpriced...
I feel you. These things are usually a matter of preference. About taste. The delay works fine, its just the sound and lack of versatility I don’t like.
Great review. This thing sounds amazing! Not sure if I need another mono synth (already have a sub37 and matriarch), but some of the functionality really sound unique. GAS GAS GAS!!
Cool! I've been thinking for a while that there's got to be a wonderful way to easily integrate just 1 or a few Eurorack modules within a non-Eurorack system (to get some of the benefits offered by modular expandability/customization, without having to "go modular" fully. They've done a wonderful implementation and it sounds quite nice. Great video.
They missed a trick with this synth. A little three way switch near the mod/pitch wheels switching between mono/duophonic/3 note paraphonic. The perfect 3 note pad machine :(
I figured it was just a matter of time before a manufacturer made a semi-modular synth with a built-in mini-skiff. A lot of people interested in eurorack just want a customizable, knob per function synth, not a whole Eurorack system. So a semi-modular with built-in “add more customizing” makes sense.
Coincidentally a couple of weeks ago I was looking for their Lifeforms SV-1 and was surprised they didn't make it anymore. This is is completely different.
Watched this vid for the second time,,,,,, Gonna get one tomorrow…….. O by the way your channel is in comparison to other a fresh breath of calming explanation and reason keep up the good work ❤
I want one and I can't even play the keys (drummer) AND I already have a number of analogue and VA keyboards (I use them to play "with" and to write tracks). It looks so much fun. Isn't that what it should be all about?
What a great idea to have a semi-modular keyboard synth with all the basic normalized connections and space for eurorack modules. I wonder if Pittsburg Modular will make an extended keyboard version with more eurorack space.
Bo, thank for this review (I already have a Taiga, and made it the centre of my eurorack case, mainly to add more modulation options), There is 1 important thing when explaining the Dynamics Module that you are missing: you keep using the 2nd ADSR when in LPG or LPG&pluck mode, but this is not necessary and not ideal. To get the best plucks you'll get by clicking the "edit"+"mode" buttons to put it in 'MIDI mode': the ADSR-2 is no longer used, but instead a super short MIDI trigger, this gives the best pluck (and frees up the ADSR). Yes, I agree, the manual (at least the original one) does a poor job of explaining this clearly. It was only after reading the patch example manual that I understood this. Try it out, you'll like it.
Ah but you see, im not trying to get the best plucks. The whole challenge to me is: How do I utilize the LPG (in either mode) with the envelope. Because the envelope does add a lot of articulation. Especially when playing on a keyboard. The question I was asking myself was ”ok, so what does the lpg add when you use it for a more standard sound?”. I have tried turning of the midi, and I agree that for that super plucky west coast sound its the best! Appreciate the comment as I am sure there’s many who find all of this tricky. I did too for a long time!
I can’t understand that they put the patchbay on the original desktop version on the bottom otherwise I would have bought it to sit in front of my modular… this time they do it right but put a keyboard on to it which I don’t need 😅
Is think I’d first fill the empty space with utilities like buffered mults, function generators, maybe some vcas, then an analog chorus, maybe end with a reverb.
Yepp. Its a solid alternative! I think its different product types for slightly different demographics. The desktop unit has a very eurorack/modular feel. This feels more like a GM or Matriarch
True, assuming you want to lose that stuff in the first place. If you do - that's 100% fine; but then this product wasn't for you in the first place (which is also fine). The folks spending the higher price tag clearly want the stuff you mentioned they'd loose. The smaller / less featured version isn't automatically the best for everyone just because it's lower cost.
you lose an lfo and the modwheel mod source also. but if you're into eurorack already that's not a big deal anyway. oh, and you lose the bigger knobs too.
As an analog sound aficionado this sounds pretty damn good and has a lot of design options. I just don’t understand that visual style however. Could be iconic with a really tasteful design.
I have it in my Arturia RackBrute, but the question here is will it fit in the NiftyKeyz, creating somewhat the same as this desktop version. Partly it will, but the Taiga keyboard has a few things (like fine tuning) that my desktop does not. Still I might like NiftyKeyz better. Will see.
im thinking this with a 1010music Bitbox mk2 eurorack module and just enough room left for Erica Synths Pico DSP. ummm FUN! so many cool possibilities with that eurorack bay.
Yeah, having been burnt by the desktop version of this synth, it’s a BIG nope from me. The ADSR’s on the desktop unit were terrible - sounds like they haven’t addressed that problem! They only really seem to work for longer pad style sounds, dialling in anything at the snappy end was pretty much impossible. It felt also they’d accidentally installed exponential pots instead of a linear ones. Really odd envelopes! The biggest problem with the desktop module though was that it was impossible to use without midi. They initialise the midi note to C0, and the VCO’s could only track up to 3v above the midi note. If you turned the pitch knob up to where it was audible, you’d be above the voltage range where the oscillators could track. I guess the keyboard fixes that problem, but would have been nice if they could have not made such a fatal mistake with the desktop unit! The response from the Pittsburgh modular team was: “well, sucks to be you” I’d never buy another synth from that company. I’d also never recommend anyone to buy anything from them either! The Taiga is the single worst experience I’ve ever had from any bit of gear ever!!
yeah the envelopes are definitely the biggest problem with it. well that and the retina-scorching LEDs that really could have used some bigger resistors. I guess the trick for snappy is to just embrace the low-pass gate/dynamics controller. I still like mine but it's certainly not perfect.
@@rgeraldc80s that doesn’t help anyone who already has a Taiga though. It also doesn’t help if your customer service response is to basically flip the bird at your previously loyal customers. I have zero time for Pittsburgh after the way they treated *me*. I have never had such an unpleasant customer experience with any other manufacturer before or since. They have permanently lost a customer, and the experience was not one I’d wish on my worst enemy. It’s rare that I whinge about a company this much, but frankly if it saves someone making an expensive mistake, it’s worth it imho! 🤬
@@iswm sadly mine is entirely unusable. I like the sound of the filter, but that’s the only good thing I have to say about it. It’s been sat in the box since the I bought it. Pittsburgh refused to rectify any of my problems, and I can’t in good faith flog an unusable synth to an unsuspecting mug on marketplace or gumtree. I have a slightly higher moral standard than Pittsburgh it would seem! 🤬
@@robthebloke I didn't know about it being unusable without MIDI since I use MIDI for mine. I would be frustrated too. For what it's worth I asked them about the ADSRs and they said they would mod taiga desktops with the new pots if you send it in to them. Not that I'm trying to change your mind or anything since I know what it feels like to get burned, but maybe they're doing better on the customer service front now.
Have you tried using USB midi with the Taiga? Mine plays back midi FOUR OCTAVES higher than input! Lots of other strange quirks too. Unworkable with midi. Very dissapointing. EDIT:: this problem has been sorted with the firmware update.
Little bit cheaper then putty a Taiga in a NiftyKey like I have, but you get more Eurorack space in the nifty (which can house the few added features or anything else). You also get polyphony options with Nifty. I do like the jacks at the top vs bottom though. It’s probably lighter too. The Nifty gets quite heavy. Of course Nifty is one octave bigger being 49keys so that is a huge plus. Probably cheaper used too.
It sounds gorgeous and makes a lot of sense though you'd have to get used to the aesthetics. Love Pittsburgh stuff. Strange they couldn't have used a better delay on this since they're so good at delay modules.
I just read about this today and realized how bad I want this and how long it’s gonna take me a while to save. Then as soon as I turn on RUclips I see Bobeats with a bigass smile holding one. Smh.
It looks like Pittsburgh Modular really listened to their customers. I appreciate that. A 2nd LFO was sorely needed, and adding the eurorack section on the right is quite brilliant; that way you can just try out a few modules, without spending quite a bit of money first on a case/power/bus. For me, the Taiga was my way into eurorack for above reasons: I really loved my Taiga, but felt I could get a lot more out of it beefing it up with extra modulation sources, VCAs etc. However, personally I won't by synths with keyboards (they just take up space, and I have enough of them), but I totally get it if someone wants to buy this. One thing that they didn't do, and what defintely would be useful is adding a small OLED screen to the control module; at least in the original Taiga, this module is way too complicated and non-intuitive imho.
Great video! I have a question: I'm new to the modular (semi mod) game. Does anybody know if I could also put let's say a Behringer Victor (wavetable synth) into these slots? Thanks!
Such a different synth! XD more versatile and easier to use in a wider range of music styles. Its also 4 note poly. The Taiga is more comprable to Sub25, 37, Grandmother and Matriarch.
@@BoBeats Thanks! I would be interested in a sound comparison if you are up for it, i.e. what those (more expensive) synths can do that something like the Minilogue can't do.
@@Goldlion973 the desktop can be removed from its case and installed in a eurorack setup, so not sure how you can say "no expansion abilities" just because they didn't make the case larger and leave empty space on one side to install eurorack modules like the keyboard version, where the width of the keyboard left empty space for modules.
I would say fairly stable. I have left it on for several hours and no big issues. And often when Ive left a patch dialed in and turned back on the tuning was almost as I left it. Which I feel is pretty good for a synth like this
Hey! I want yo know your opinion about the Ableton Push 3 the autonomous one, if the goal is to not to use a computer can you consider it a dawless option ?
I wouldnt recommend it for dawless over mpc or maschine+ just yet. Its very good, dont get me wrong, i just feel that its best viewed as ”taking ableton with you on the go”.
Interesting that the envelope controls are so touchy in terms of dialing in a usable release length. I have the same issue with my Matriarch. It’s hard to get plucky or snappy envelope settings, which sucks because that’s one of the things that Moogs are famous for!
@@novalogue just talking from the POV of someone who owns a few synths. Moog Mavis has a wave folder and the low pass gate didn’t sound particularly different to a standard envelope. It’s a different calculation if you don’t have a GM and a matriarch
@@BoBeats Shame. One of the things that puts me off so many Eurorack oscillator modules is this large coarse tuning obsession. I guess playing in tune is so last century ;)
@@WilyEPeyoteI'd say just solve the quantized tuning with a module that you like that does just that, and patch everything through it; then you have that feature everywhere you like. Though this requires the synths to be semi modular (but if they are that's half the point I'd say).
@@Daphoid I have no great need for new stuff though, especially Eurorack. Feels like I'd be rewarding the kind of synth design I don't like if I bought it when it so completely misses the mark for my tastes.
Same! Was just thinking that. But with more patch points and actual pitch and mod wheels 🖤. I’d consider trading up if I actually considered getting rid of anything. 🙃💀 MFB Dominion 1 is my fav synth I own, it’s not going anywhere. But the Matriarch and now this are really great spiritual successors.
For me, only because of the patch points. I do like the wheels and I really like the global octave switch. I also like the clean layout because the Dom1 is pretty busy panel wise, even when you get used to it there is a lot going on to keep track of. I'll keep my dominion1 though.
Yeah I hate the ribbons and the lack of dedicated octave buttons. I don’t know why he made those decisions but alas we must live with it. I wouldn’t sell it though, it sounds too good and is so much fun to play. And built like a tank. They’re going up in value, last time I checked it was worth double what I paid for it new. Sad about Manfred too. RIP. He made some fantastic instruments. Proud to own one.
Without a direct comparison to another synth, side by side, it can be very difficult to pick up on differences. Analog synths and even digital ones sound similar. Thats because the building blocks, osc waveforms etc are similar. One difference is the wavefolder. Most analog synths doesnt have one, and definitely not three. Another difference is the filter. Most analog synths do not offer this kind of filter. One thing the Taiga does differently is its low pass gate (dynamics). In the portion of the vid you should clearly hear a distinct difference between a VCA and the lowpass gate modes. The LPG sounds will sound pluckier, with a more resonant sound and with an initial short filter sweep, which doesn’t come from the actual filter but the LPG closing. But. Synths still sound similar. And so I think its more about finding instruments that sound a way that you like.
@@BoBeats thank you, Bo! That's a wonderful explanation. I concur with your sentiment on all fronts; my confusion is more just that when you look at the landscape of available choices, the differences really come down to the vision the designer had for sound design ergonomics. Shooting with my Hasselblad feels like driving a Rolls Royce or something, but the end viewer only sees a square photo. For me, hearing the Taiga is like seeing a square photo.
This synth seems to be another of the almost type, in that it has a lot to interest but too many failings. As a mostly happy owner of a Behringer Neutron, which also has a lacklustre delay (that has to be patched around to avoid noise!), I am wary of buying anything that has underwhelming functions/facilities. The patch points would be better to the side as cables dangling over the keyboard are not fun in a live situation!
I think that color coded knobs are really practical in the dark and help with knob muscle memory, so the intent was good. They could have chosen bolder colors or more intricate/ less flat design, though. Right?
@@infn8loopmusic I don't have a problem with the colours of the knobs, it's the crummy script font that they used and those lame sweeping lines, It looks like it was done by someone who was previously an interior decorator. It's not how I want a synth to look and it puts me right off. Some of their other offerings have been wtf poor in the graphics department too, East Beast, West Pest, for example.
@@bogelmanDDD ты опять ничего не понял) контора американская, основатели Майк и Ричард - американцы. А тайга это ботаническое понятие, тайга это тип лесистой местности, покрывает часть Канады, США и Европы (в том числе Швеции), в рашке тоже есть, но это слово не имеет прямого отношения к рашке.
I refuse to call this innovative. V1, yes. Keys, cash grab. 😂 The og taiga and niftykeyz new is around the same cost, with more functionalty and spare HP. Same-ish cost, no real R 'n' D involved. Pretty, but I hate this thing.
remember- SOMEBODY had to make the original synth that berhinger cloned.. once berhinger put all those innovators and inventors out of business- there will be nothing new to clone. but you do you- lead the way down for the rest of the bottom feeders.
🤣 Behringer kickass! now we can have amazing toys to create banging music that is no longer reserved for the spoilt brat trust funders making sqeeks and fart noizes all day long fobbing us off that its experimental lol could go on all day about synth snobs lol l @@michaeltristan
@@michaeltristan berhinger is a mixed bag. yeah, they clone a bunch of stuff, but they clone stuff that the original manufacturer is no longer producing and no one else is necessarily cloning. You want an analog 303? Have fun spending thousands for one that isn't from berhinger. Meanwhile berhinger will even sell you one with all the popular mods built right in. If roland just gave the people what they want berhinger wouldn't be eating their lunch.
You can check availiability and prices here:
EU (Thomann): thmn.to/thoprod/586597?offid=1&affid=623
US (Sweetwater): sweetwater.sjv.io/LXB4rj
US (Perfect Circuit): bit.ly/49YEh2M
UK (Gear4Music) tidd.ly/3Ik1BfE
Affiliate links support the channel at no cost to you
Thanks, sounds fantastic.
he sells seashells on the sea shore
Just ordered one of these after waffling on the desktop Taiga for a bit, the keyboard edition put me over the edge. Anyway, now I'm binging youtube and obsessing over it until arrives, this was a great video :) Thanks
The most interesting part of this video to me in many ways as an amateur is the clear demonstration of sound changes, articulating and identifying what you are hearing, around 17:20 and that section forward. I appreciate hearing and seeing a professional turn knobs, saying "hear this frequency go up, hear this go down" if that makes sense. Basic ear-eye-knob education vis a vis synth sound design.
Glad you found it helpful!
Greetings from Pittsburgh! I have the West Pest. I get a vicarious thrill knowing these are my neighbors. They make great sounding synths and this is one of them! Ha ha... "Analog is important."
This is the best explanation and demonstration of the Dynamics Module that I've seen. I have the desktop version, and the Taiga's dynamics controls are a little more complex than the West Pest's. It was great to see (& hear) how the DYN CV knob & ADSR 2 work with Response & LPG resonance. Thanks Bo!
I have the original Taiga and use it a lot but this is very tempting! Very useful video.
Keyboard arriving this coming week - having to sell the desktop though to move things around to make way for the keyboard.
This is a great review, thank you! I have the original Taiga Desktop, and the Attack has been altered on the Taiga Keyboard in response to customer requests. So, the first half of the attack is more fine grained in order to facilitate more precise settings for a relatively shorter attack. Hence why you have to turn the knob into the second half to get a slow attack.
I will also say that you called the delay bad, rather than saying that you personally didn't like it. I don't know if you did that deliberately to make a specific point about what a 'good' delay is. I like the BBD delay on the Taiga for three main reasons. It doesn't go very long, which offers a lot of shorter variation. This enables you to use it for reverb-like and chorus-like sounds; this makes it much more versatile - although it doesn't do really long delays. Second, it has that low frequency, lo-fi sound of a BBD. Set it to the shortest delay with no feedback, and 100% wet, and you then have a whole different tone to play with. So, to me, the value of the Taiga BBD to the user depends on whether you want that range of options. I find it much more useful than including a digital reverb (which I probably wouldn't use). And a spring reverb would likely add to the cost and size.
But what do I know?!? The Taiga is actually my first full-featured hardware synth. And you consistently make much nicer sounds with it than I usually do!
Thank you for the comment!
I thought the attack was different from the Taiga desktop. And great if its a change ppl want. Like I said, its a preference thing. I love how snappy it can get!
Re: BBD
Some good points absolutely! my reason for not liking it is that for a large % of keyboard players, I believe the echo module to be an odd choice. Its difficult to use for sounds that arnt a bit experimental in nature. I never use it unless I want to make odd sounds. And the keyboard will, i think, be interesting to alot of new users. Ppl who might expect something a little more vanilla. But thats just my 2 cents.
Appreciate your comment! Its always good with counterpoints and perspectives
Taiga has steadily grown on me every month I've owned it. At first I was excited but grew puzzled and convinced I couldn't make anything good with it. But every time I dive back into it, I realize more and more how utterly powerful it is. I would honestly say it's a pretty "advanced" semi-modular that you really do need to understand how the routing works. I wouldn't actually recommend it for a beginner, it's a bit esoteric to *really* get your money's worth. Specifically, I'd say that the pre-amp distortion and gain adds a ton, and you really need to use the dynamics area with the filter before it really starts to fully and totally "kick ass." Which it can do, just not necessarily right out the box. I agree that the envelopes could use more nuance in the shorter ranges.
"At first I was excited but grew puzzled and convinced I couldn't make anything good with it. But every time I dive back into it, I realize more and more how utterly powerful it is. " Pretty much sums up my experience as well. I went from super excited to regretful purchase disappointed, then thought it must be me and realized yes, yes it my short comings with it.
" I wouldn't actually recommend it for a beginner," --Yeah...it would take a special kind of beginner to start with this and not be WTF. It is already pretty WTF on its own.
Agreed. Not a particularly beginner friendly synth. It is easy to start with but takes effort to master
I’m pretty sure many synth designers will bring the eurorack integration to their new designs. Pittsburgh did it again!
I like this thing a lot already. Cool design!
Just the looks of it is soooo cool! And the sounds is really awesome. Love it!
This one is a beauty for sure. Great demo
I really like the idea of being able to put whatever modules you want in a synth like this. I quite like the sound of it. Nice one!
I agree this really is an excellent concept. As a person that spent the last week deciding between getting a second semi modular or start building a full eurorack...This seems like the perfect 'middle ground'. Ironically, I ordered a Korg ms-20 mini yesterday. The theory is confirmed true. The moment that you've got every piece of gear you need, something new comes along that might do it a tiny bit better 😂
I would still be worried that this would be a gateway to spending tens of thousands on eurorack though 😂
definitely a risk. The modular rabbit hole goes deep.
@@BoBeatsI know. When I started out exploring eurorack, I told myself I will only get this one case. Here we are, three full cases later… 😂
I think for what it does the cost is about right, it’s providing much of what you get with a Moog matriarch for example but for about £600 less (sans delay) The icing on the cake is that the semi Modular nature allows for some interesting combinations /linkage to a larger Modular.
Great review Bo, another proper synth, I never seen you be so hard on a delay before 😉 Spot on, the oscillators and filters are soooo good!
As for your video, great job pointing out certain aspects of how performers can totally trick people’s ear, making anything sound great, I think you did a good job of keeping it beginner and advanced user friendly!
I totally didn’t see this synth coming but happy they sent you one!
Thanks buddy! Appreciate you. Come to Superbooth and just hang. You would love it!
Very original and interesting synth.
I would buy this over any expensive og when my gas is on. The thing is we need new synths like this.
For me the bucket brigade fits perfectly with the design over something digital. Of the modules I have a Joranalogue contour 1 & select 2, Instruo 1f & vinca, and a Steve's MS-22 would go in the slots. The extra coin for bigger knobs, additional LFO, multi-function mod wheel, and keybed with arps and AT seems not TOO overpriced...
I feel you. These things are usually a matter of preference. About taste. The delay works fine, its just the sound and lack of versatility I don’t like.
Great review. This thing sounds amazing! Not sure if I need another mono synth (already have a sub37 and matriarch), but some of the functionality really sound unique. GAS GAS GAS!!
This synth sounds very nice!
looks really nice, i'm on a monosynth kick and likely needs it.
Sounds and looks great.
Cool! I've been thinking for a while that there's got to be a wonderful way to easily integrate just 1 or a few Eurorack modules within a non-Eurorack system (to get some of the benefits offered by modular expandability/customization, without having to "go modular" fully. They've done a wonderful implementation and it sounds quite nice. Great video.
Sounds great!
They missed a trick with this synth. A little three way switch near the mod/pitch wheels switching between mono/duophonic/3 note paraphonic. The perfect 3 note pad machine :(
I figured it was just a matter of time before a manufacturer made a semi-modular synth with a built-in mini-skiff. A lot of people interested in eurorack just want a customizable, knob per function synth, not a whole Eurorack system. So a semi-modular with built-in “add more customizing” makes sense.
Love the sound of taiga
Coincidentally a couple of weeks ago I was looking for their Lifeforms SV-1 and was surprised they didn't make it anymore. This is is completely different.
"don't go buy a bunch of modular on credit, ok?" best advice to someone new to the scene. ;)
Too late! "Declares bankruptcy."
Watched this vid for the second time,,,,,,
Gonna get one tomorrow……..
O by the way your channel is in comparison to other a fresh breath of calming explanation and reason keep up the good work ❤
I want one and I can't even play the keys (drummer) AND I already have a number of analogue and VA keyboards (I use them to play "with" and to write tracks). It looks so much fun. Isn't that what it should be all about?
Agreed! Hardware is about the fun factor
North coast synthesis is the best. Papoose Mukaluk and Seal Eye
What a great idea to have a semi-modular keyboard synth with all the basic normalized connections and space for eurorack modules. I wonder if Pittsburg Modular will make an extended keyboard version with more eurorack space.
Bo, thank for this review (I already have a Taiga, and made it the centre of my eurorack case, mainly to add more modulation options), There is 1 important thing when explaining the Dynamics Module that you are missing: you keep using the 2nd ADSR when in LPG or LPG&pluck mode, but this is not necessary and not ideal. To get the best plucks you'll get by clicking the "edit"+"mode" buttons to put it in 'MIDI mode': the ADSR-2 is no longer used, but instead a super short MIDI trigger, this gives the best pluck (and frees up the ADSR). Yes, I agree, the manual (at least the original one) does a poor job of explaining this clearly. It was only after reading the patch example manual that I understood this. Try it out, you'll like it.
Ah but you see, im not trying to get the best plucks. The whole challenge to me is: How do I utilize the LPG (in either mode) with the envelope. Because the envelope does add a lot of articulation. Especially when playing on a keyboard. The question I was asking myself was ”ok, so what does the lpg add when you use it for a more standard sound?”.
I have tried turning of the midi, and I agree that for that super plucky west coast sound its the best!
Appreciate the comment as I am sure there’s many who find all of this tricky. I did too for a long time!
This thing looks and sounds a beast lucky guy :)
Would be nice if the module bay were big enough for a Zoia Euroburo .. That'd be one helluva powerful combo.
Sounds like the Taiga + Euroburo + NiftyKeyz would work then - I'm thinking about the same thing 😉
The lows still sound clear, which is nice. Other synths just sound like a garbled mess when you play a low note. I wonder what that issue is called
I can’t understand that they put the patchbay on the original desktop version on the bottom otherwise I would have bought it to sit in front of my modular… this time they do it right but put a keyboard on to it which I don’t need 😅
Is think I’d first fill the empty space with utilities like buffered mults, function generators, maybe some vcas, then an analog chorus, maybe end with a reverb.
The sound of analog synths with reverb is just scratching my soul where nothing else can..
I like it. That's a reasonable price as well.
Nice review! Pretty cool with that eurorack part as well. I feel that credit card statement... Tja! ;)
the desktop version is like 1/2 the price, you lose the lkeys and the euro rack slot.. but you keep everything else and save £600
Yepp. Its a solid alternative! I think its different product types for slightly different demographics. The desktop unit has a very eurorack/modular feel. This feels more like a GM or Matriarch
Losing all that doesn't make for much of a saving 😢
a keyboard and a hole.... um i disagree@@Goldlion973
True, assuming you want to lose that stuff in the first place. If you do - that's 100% fine; but then this product wasn't for you in the first place (which is also fine).
The folks spending the higher price tag clearly want the stuff you mentioned they'd loose. The smaller / less featured version isn't automatically the best for everyone just because it's lower cost.
you lose an lfo and the modwheel mod source also. but if you're into eurorack already that's not a big deal anyway. oh, and you lose the bigger knobs too.
As an analog sound aficionado this sounds pretty damn good and has a lot of design options. I just don’t understand that visual style however. Could be iconic with a really tasteful design.
Is'nt it possible to put the semi modular Taiga in a Nifttykeys keyboard case for roughly the same price now ?
My thoughts too, as I purchased Taiga a couple of weeks ago :)
Yes, one can put the desktop Taiga into a modular setup, it's 60 HP.
I have it in my Arturia RackBrute, but the question here is will it fit in the NiftyKeyz, creating somewhat the same as this desktop version. Partly it will, but the Taiga keyboard has a few things (like fine tuning) that my desktop does not. Still I might like NiftyKeyz better. Will see.
Are the pitch CV jacks normalled together? Or do you still need to use an additional mult?
Between this and the Niftykeyz I wonder what the relationship between Pittsburg Audio and Cre8audio is
this synth is a trap. the ability to add modules? Wallets will be harmed.
Hahahah seriously 💰
Bo, keep the Bucket brigade at low speed, use it like a chorus by modulating the speed, then you're in business...
Yeah. That works. I just want a more vibrant delay or reverb that fits for playing keys.
Grand Mother on steroids.
Great sounds. Interesting concepts, good looks. My only complain would be: why not make it 3-voice paraphonic in stead of duophonic?
im thinking this with a 1010music Bitbox mk2 eurorack module and just enough room left for Erica Synths Pico DSP. ummm FUN! so many cool possibilities with that eurorack bay.
Yeah, having been burnt by the desktop version of this synth, it’s a BIG nope from me.
The ADSR’s on the desktop unit were terrible - sounds like they haven’t addressed that problem! They only really seem to work for longer pad style sounds, dialling in anything at the snappy end was pretty much impossible. It felt also they’d accidentally installed exponential pots instead of a linear ones. Really odd envelopes!
The biggest problem with the desktop module though was that it was impossible to use without midi. They initialise the midi note to C0, and the VCO’s could only track up to 3v above the midi note. If you turned the pitch knob up to where it was audible, you’d be above the voltage range where the oscillators could track. I guess the keyboard fixes that problem, but would have been nice if they could have not made such a fatal mistake with the desktop unit!
The response from the Pittsburgh modular team was: “well, sucks to be you”
I’d never buy another synth from that company. I’d also never recommend anyone to buy anything from them either! The Taiga is the single worst experience I’ve ever had from any bit of gear ever!!
yeah the envelopes are definitely the biggest problem with it. well that and the retina-scorching LEDs that really could have used some bigger resistors. I guess the trick for snappy is to just embrace the low-pass gate/dynamics controller. I still like mine but it's certainly not perfect.
Pittsburgh said the ADSR was addressed in the stream today, I wonder if Bo's early one had the old one's.
@@rgeraldc80s that doesn’t help anyone who already has a Taiga though. It also doesn’t help if your customer service response is to basically flip the bird at your previously loyal customers. I have zero time for Pittsburgh after the way they treated *me*.
I have never had such an unpleasant customer experience with any other manufacturer before or since. They have permanently lost a customer, and the experience was not one I’d wish on my worst enemy.
It’s rare that I whinge about a company this much, but frankly if it saves someone making an expensive mistake, it’s worth it imho! 🤬
@@iswm sadly mine is entirely unusable. I like the sound of the filter, but that’s the only good thing I have to say about it. It’s been sat in the box since the I bought it. Pittsburgh refused to rectify any of my problems, and I can’t in good faith flog an unusable synth to an unsuspecting mug on marketplace or gumtree. I have a slightly higher moral standard than Pittsburgh it would seem! 🤬
@@robthebloke I didn't know about it being unusable without MIDI since I use MIDI for mine. I would be frustrated too. For what it's worth I asked them about the ADSRs and they said they would mod taiga desktops with the new pots if you send it in to them. Not that I'm trying to change your mind or anything since I know what it feels like to get burned, but maybe they're doing better on the customer service front now.
Have you tried using USB midi with the Taiga? Mine plays back midi FOUR OCTAVES higher than input! Lots of other strange quirks too. Unworkable with midi. Very dissapointing.
EDIT:: this problem has been sorted with the firmware update.
Was the " Boys don't Cry " for my husband...... because he Cannot Afford this piece of Gear?!!?!......Great Demo anyways!!!! ❤.
Partly sponsored by Biltema! 😆 Hehe I think all Swedes have had such a pen at least once in their life! Great video as usual Bo👍
Thanks! And I dont have one such pen. I have 20!
Sold my Taiga but this may make it worth revisiting. Looks and sounds great! I’m curious, what makes this better than the Moog Grandmother?
Perhaps not better, just a good alternative!
Little bit cheaper then putty a Taiga in a NiftyKey like I have, but you get more Eurorack space in the nifty (which can house the few added features or anything else). You also get polyphony options with Nifty. I do like the jacks at the top vs bottom though. It’s probably lighter too. The Nifty gets quite heavy. Of course Nifty is one octave bigger being 49keys so that is a huge plus. Probably cheaper used too.
The Taiga is quite heavy too, i dont know exact weight
It sounds gorgeous and makes a lot of sense though you'd have to get used to the aesthetics. Love Pittsburgh stuff. Strange they couldn't have used a better delay on this since they're so good at delay modules.
I just read about this today and realized how bad I want this and how long it’s gonna take me a while to save. Then as soon as I turn on RUclips I see Bobeats with a bigass smile holding one. Smh.
It looks like Pittsburgh Modular really listened to their customers. I appreciate that. A 2nd LFO was sorely needed, and adding the eurorack section on the right is quite brilliant; that way you can just try out a few modules, without spending quite a bit of money first on a case/power/bus.
For me, the Taiga was my way into eurorack for above reasons: I really loved my Taiga, but felt I could get a lot more out of it beefing it up with extra modulation sources, VCAs etc.
However, personally I won't by synths with keyboards (they just take up space, and I have enough of them), but I totally get it if someone wants to buy this.
One thing that they didn't do, and what defintely would be useful is adding a small OLED screen to the control module; at least in the original Taiga, this module is way too complicated and non-intuitive imho.
Great video! I have a question: I'm new to the modular (semi mod) game. Does anybody know if I could also put let's say a Behringer Victor (wavetable synth) into these slots? Thanks!
I think you should be able to. See no reason why not. The victor is small enough from what I know
@@BoBeats Great, thanks so much Bo! Really appreciate your help!
@@BoBeatsJust bought one via your link. Thanks again!
Oh wow! Thank you!! That supports what I do a TON@@audiostyler
@@BoBeats No problem, that's great:-)! Love your channel!
Given your past interests... this (without auxiliary modules) vs. Korg Minilogue XD?
Such a different synth! XD more versatile and easier to use in a wider range of music styles. Its also 4 note poly. The Taiga is more comprable to Sub25, 37, Grandmother and Matriarch.
@@BoBeats Thanks! I would be interested in a sound comparison if you are up for it, i.e. what those (more expensive) synths can do that something like the Minilogue can't do.
Now i want them to bring out a desktop version of this 🤣
It’s a shame you can’t fit 28hp Eventide Misha in the 24 hp space
oh no sweet! they do have a desktop version for almost half the price! sweet! hmmmm
Yepp! I reviewed it a year or so back
@@BoBeats I have to catch up bo I tuned out in 2021 when I move to Quebec City. I moved here with a very distracting partner you could say. ;)
No expansion abilities on the desktop version
@@Goldlion973 the desktop can be removed from its case and installed in a eurorack setup, so not sure how you can say "no expansion abilities" just because they didn't make the case larger and leave empty space on one side to install eurorack modules like the keyboard version, where the width of the keyboard left empty space for modules.
How stable is the oscillators' tuning? Stable like a modern keyboard synth, or unstable like a modular synth?
I would say fairly stable. I have left it on for several hours and no big issues. And often when Ive left a patch dialed in and turned back on the tuning was almost as I left it. Which I feel is pretty good for a synth like this
Hey! I want yo know your opinion about the Ableton Push 3 the autonomous one, if the goal is to not to use a computer can you consider it a dawless option ?
I wouldnt recommend it for dawless over mpc or maschine+ just yet. Its very good, dont get me wrong, i just feel that its best viewed as ”taking ableton with you on the go”.
which Arturia plugin gets closest to this ?
hello what eurorack you used next to Metamorph? please thank's
Divkid Ochd and a Doepfer Multi i think it was
Interesting that the envelope controls are so touchy in terms of dialing in a usable release length. I have the same issue with my Matriarch. It’s hard to get plucky or snappy envelope settings, which sucks because that’s one of the things that Moogs are famous for!
Yeah on the flip side the envelopes on taiga can make super snappy sounds! So thats great
Well made walkthrough Bo.
This is a nice synth, but Moog grandmother and matriarch have already covered this ground enough for me.
Thanks for watching!
Huh? The Grandmother is almost redundant owning a Matriarch - rather have a Taiga because you dont have a lpg and the wavefolders
@@novalogue just talking from the POV of someone who owns a few synths. Moog Mavis has a wave folder and the low pass gate didn’t sound particularly different to a standard envelope. It’s a different calculation if you don’t have a GM and a matriarch
Looks like the UAD Polymax
I don't suppose there's a way to quantize those coarse tuning controls to octaves?
No
@@BoBeats Shame. One of the things that puts me off so many Eurorack oscillator modules is this large coarse tuning obsession. I guess playing in tune is so last century ;)
@@WilyEPeyoteI'd say just solve the quantized tuning with a module that you like that does just that, and patch everything through it; then you have that feature everywhere you like. Though this requires the synths to be semi modular (but if they are that's half the point I'd say).
@@Daphoid I have no great need for new stuff though, especially Eurorack. Feels like I'd be rewarding the kind of synth design I don't like if I bought it when it so completely misses the mark for my tastes.
@@WilyEPeyote oh 100%. No one should buy something if it doesn’t fit. And everyone’s needs are different. :)
reminds me of my MFB Dominion1 :)
Same! Was just thinking that. But with more patch points and actual pitch and mod wheels 🖤. I’d consider trading up if I actually considered getting rid of anything. 🙃💀 MFB Dominion 1 is my fav synth I own, it’s not going anywhere. But the Matriarch and now this are really great spiritual successors.
@@thedarkestrainbow true :)
For me, only because of the patch points. I do like the wheels and I really like the global octave switch. I also like the clean layout because the Dom1 is pretty busy panel wise, even when you get used to it there is a lot going on to keep track of. I'll keep my dominion1 though.
@@eyeprod3101 the thing i dont like are the ribbons, but it sounds awesome! to bad the creator of this brand died a couple of years ago :(
Yeah I hate the ribbons and the lack of dedicated octave buttons. I don’t know why he made those decisions but alas we must live with it. I wouldn’t sell it though, it sounds too good and is so much fun to play. And built like a tank. They’re going up in value, last time I checked it was worth double what I paid for it new. Sad about Manfred too. RIP. He made some fantastic instruments. Proud to own one.
This one or ms20?
i don't know Bo, i think this thing might be able to emulate a 303 after all! ;) lol just not for raves :P - just ambient 303 emulation ;)
oh it can 303 alright!
@@BoBeats je pense je pense aussi!
Why not include an oscilloscope? It Really would make this all better. Please!
I have begun to slowly include it and my next modular vid will have one :-)
I want this, but I think i'd rather have a second taiga and a NiftyKeys.
MUST...STAY...STRONG.
MUST...NOT...WANT...THIS.
MUST...NOT...OBSESS.....
Sending my prayers!
@@BoBeats Thank you. I don't think I'll make it without them.😁🙏
Taiga keyboard vs Matriarch, discuss
i guess it's too wide to produce a desktop or rack version of it eh?
The desktop unit came out last year.
Hear me out... my reaction to this synth is that it kind of sounds like every other synth. I truly want to understand.
Without a direct comparison to another synth, side by side, it can be very difficult to pick up on differences. Analog synths and even digital ones sound similar. Thats because the building blocks, osc waveforms etc are similar.
One difference is the wavefolder. Most analog synths doesnt have one, and definitely not three.
Another difference is the filter. Most analog synths do not offer this kind of filter.
One thing the Taiga does differently is its low pass gate (dynamics). In the portion of the vid you should clearly hear a distinct difference between a VCA and the lowpass gate modes. The LPG sounds will sound pluckier, with a more resonant sound and with an initial short filter sweep, which doesn’t come from the actual filter but the LPG closing.
But.
Synths still sound similar. And so I think its more about finding instruments that sound a way that you like.
@@BoBeats thank you, Bo! That's a wonderful explanation. I concur with your sentiment on all fronts; my confusion is more just that when you look at the landscape of available choices, the differences really come down to the vision the designer had for sound design ergonomics. Shooting with my Hasselblad feels like driving a Rolls Royce or something, but the end viewer only sees a square photo. For me, hearing the Taiga is like seeing a square photo.
This synth seems to be another of the almost type, in that it has a lot to interest but too many failings.
As a mostly happy owner of a Behringer Neutron, which also has a lacklustre delay (that has to be patched around to avoid noise!), I am wary of buying anything that has underwhelming functions/facilities.
The patch points would be better to the side as cables dangling over the keyboard are not fun in a live situation!
Gear is just way to expensive these days, companies charging insane for inferrer products compared to some that warrant their price.
Why oh why did Pittsburg Modular go with that shitty "Taiga" font? It gives the synth the look of a cosmetics pallete.
They should have asked you.
@@iamjamessmith It would have looked a lot cooler if they did.
I think that color coded knobs are really practical in the dark and help with knob muscle memory, so the intent was good. They could have chosen bolder colors or more intricate/ less flat design, though. Right?
@@infn8loopmusic I don't have a problem with the colours of the knobs, it's the crummy script font that they used and those lame sweeping lines, It looks like it was done by someone who was previously an interior decorator. It's not how I want a synth to look and it puts me right off. Some of their other offerings have been wtf poor in the graphics department too, East Beast, West Pest, for example.
@@sidefish8362when i see your avatar, i doubt that.
you are hard to understand on an iPad. maybe use a de-esser….?
1200 euros 😒 too much for this. Analogue synth market is flooded at the moment.
sounds like a moog
Тайга? Опять русские? Лучше пусть синтезаторы делают а не ракеты....
Sir, taiga is a kind of forest, we have it here in Sweden too, and Pittsburgh Modular is a US company
@@BoBeats я так и думал) Молодцы шведы!)
@@bogelmanDDD ты опять ничего не понял) контора американская, основатели Майк и Ричард - американцы. А тайга это ботаническое понятие, тайга это тип лесистой местности, покрывает часть Канады, США и Европы (в том числе Швеции), в рашке тоже есть, но это слово не имеет прямого отношения к рашке.
@@ruslanr.6171 спасибо бразе у меня на телефоне переводчик не фурьічит)
I refuse to call this innovative. V1, yes. Keys, cash grab. 😂 The og taiga and niftykeyz new is around the same cost, with more functionalty and spare HP. Same-ish cost, no real R 'n' D involved. Pretty, but I hate this thing.
Over priced over rated rather spend my cash on a Behringer lol
remember- SOMEBODY had to make the original synth that berhinger cloned.. once berhinger put all those innovators and inventors out of business- there will be nothing new to clone. but you do you- lead the way down for the rest of the bottom feeders.
🤣 Behringer kickass! now we can have amazing toys to create banging music that is no longer reserved for the spoilt brat trust funders making sqeeks and fart noizes all day long fobbing us off that its experimental lol could go on all day about synth snobs lol l @@michaeltristan
@@michaeltristan berhinger is a mixed bag. yeah, they clone a bunch of stuff, but they clone stuff that the original manufacturer is no longer producing and no one else is necessarily cloning. You want an analog 303? Have fun spending thousands for one that isn't from berhinger. Meanwhile berhinger will even sell you one with all the popular mods built right in. If roland just gave the people what they want berhinger wouldn't be eating their lunch.
Dammit, I promised myself no more
Seriously this! I have a Korg ms-20 mini coming today. Now I see this 😂🤔😲🤯
lol. You won't regret the Korg. It's a little beast. I will only part with mine if I can find a full size cheap enough.@@infn8loopmusic
You don't need more.
lol. That is very true.@@iamjamessmith
@@mezz3036✊
Mine showed up broken🫤