Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers Lifeforms Double Helix

12 MONTH SPECIAL FINANCING*
Applying for Financing is Quick and Easy!
- Apply: There are two easy ways to apply for financing. A credit application can be completed over the phone in a matter of minutes with a Kraft Music team member. Applications can also be completed online.
- Purchase: All financing orders are completed over the phone. Once you're approved, give us a call at 800-783-3368 to place your order! Or you can contact us and set up a time that works best for you!
Terms and Conditions
No interest if paid in full within 12 months*
On purchases of $299 or more made with your Synchrony credit card. All Yamaha products require a $499 minimum purchase amount. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 Months. Minimum monthly payments required.
*Qualifying purchase amount must be on one receipt. No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo purchase by the end of the promo period. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the remaining promo balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%. Minimum interest charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Credit is extended by Synchrony Bank.
Special Offers
- CELEBRATE SYNTHS OF SUMMER!FREE Limited Edition Synths of Summer shirt with purchase.
Designed to be the nucleus of a synthesizer, Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers Lifeforms Double Helix Oscillator is a modular waveform generator like no other. A set of beefy analog oscillators paired with voltage-controlled shape contouring, deep modulation, and a performance-ready voltage-controlled modulation matrix create a dynamic analog waveform playground.
At the core of Lifeforms Double Helix are two wide-range precision oscillators. The primary oscillator includes a full complement of waveforms and multiple modulation options. The secondary oscillator offers a more focused set of waves and frequency modulation. Both oscillators reach deep into LFO range and can be used as voltage-controlled modulation sources.
The contour section of Lifeforms Double Helix features a highly-tuned wavefolder paired with Pittsburgh's exclusive dynamic impulse low pass gate. The contour signal chain starts with a two channel mixer; this allows multiple waveforms or multiple oscillators to be combined before passing though the contour section. The first half of the contour section is a voltage-controlled six-stage wavefolder used to add odd harmonics to the incoming waveform. The timbre and timbre CV controls set the density and amplitude of the folds. When processing a sine wave, the wavefolder creates a spectral change from zero harmonics to square, with an infinite harmonic series.
The second half of the contour section is a dynamic impulse low pass gate; the effect of the low pass gate is similar to pairing a low pass filter and VCA together. As the dynamics control is opened, the filter adds harmonics and the VCA increases the amplitude of the waveform. As the dynamics control is closed, the filter removes harmonics and the VCA decreases the amplitude of the waveform. This pairing mimics how sound behaves in the real world, creating a more naturally tonal response. The impulse input adds the ability to strike or 'ping' the low pass gate circuit, creating a very organic percussive sound. The decay time of the impulse input is set by the dynamics response control, allowing the strike to be tuned to a specific musical context.
The modulation section includes an LFO offering simultaneous sine, square and random waveforms. A noise source is also available for audio or modulation use.
A pair of voltage-controlled routers manage all the CV inputs, creating a dual voltage-controlled modulation matrix perfect for complex signal paths, experimentation and live performance. The matrix consists of two voltage-controlled amplifiers designed to control the modulation amount inputs that can be routed to any of the Double Helix CV inputs. Each of the CV inputs can be switched to channel a, bypass or channel b and mixed with a dedicated CV input.
- Physical specifications
- Size: 28hp
- Module depth: 37mm
- Power usage: 223mA @ +12V, 205mA @ -12V. Does not require +5V. Reversed power polarity protection.
SKU | PIT-LFDOUBLEHELIX |
---|---|
MPN | PMS2036 |
Manufacturer | Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers |
Condition | New |
Included from Manufacturer | |
Module Type | Oscillator |
Module Width | 28hp |
Depth | 37mm |
1U Module | No |
Module Power Usage | 223mA @ +12V 205mA @ -12V |
+5V Required | No |
Unique Features | Contour section includes wavefolder coupled with lowpass gate |
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers Limited Warranty
For a period of one year after the date of original purchase, the instrument and all factory installed parts and modules manufactured by Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC. are warranted to function properly and be free of defects in materials and workmanship.
Should a factory installed module fail during the warranty period, contact Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers, LLC. Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers will repair it (or at its option, replace it) at no charge, and pay the cost of shipping it back to you.
The case and all case related hardware are warranted to function properly and be free of defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year.
Patch cables are not covered by the 1 Year Limited Warranty.
This warranty is void if in the opinion of Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers the instrument has been damaged by accident, mishandled, altered, improperly serviced, or repaired by the customer where such treatment has affected its performance or reliability. This includes but is not limited to damage related to incorrectly attaching power ribbon cables. In the event of such misuse/abuse by the customer, costs for repairs plus two-way shipping costs will be borne by the customer. Instruments found defective should be returned to the factory carefully packed, as the customer will be responsible for freight damage.
Incidental or consequential damages or costs incurred as a result of product malfunction are not the responsibility of Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers LLC.
- Ground shipping is FREE for all orders $99 and up.
- Our central, midwest location ensures fast delivery times.
- See below for transit day estimates. Please note, these are estimates and are not guaranteed.

Generally, package estimated transit days are as follows:
- Upper Midwest: 1-3 days
- Central US, South East US, and East Coast: 2-4 days
- West Central US: 3-5 days
- West Coast: 4-6 days
- Alaska & Hawaii: 7+ days