Here's What a Single Patch on Erica Synths Pico Modular System Can Sound Like

If you didn’t already know (or follow our coverage from Superbooth16… Shame on you ;) about the Erica Synths Pico system. Here is what it is in a nutshell. It’s probably the smallest modular system in the world. Pico modules are just 3HP wide! And each module is relatively inexpensive too.

Watch the video demo here:

And here’s what Perfect Circle Audio tell us about this video demo:

In this patch, the Pico Trigger module sets the clock. The Pico Seq receives that clock and provides 1v/oct pitch CV to the oscillator(s) as well as a gate signal that triggers the envelope. The simple sequence was created in just a few knob turns due to the unique design of the Erica Synths SEQ module. 

The patch is changed a bit throughout the video, first starting with the 2nd VCO modulating the filter cutoff. Later, the envelope signal going to the VCA is multiplied and also sent to filter cutoff. At this point, the 2nd VCO is then mixed with the first to create a chord. 

Erica Synths Pico modular synth system.

The envelope is tweaked throughout. At one point, the rate parameter is changed and it shows how much of a difference that creates in the rhythm of the sequence. This is a very useful parameter for shaping the modulation. 

On top of being the master clock, the Trigger module also triggers both Pico Drum modules. The drum sounds are switched a few times throughout the video, demonstrating the range of samples available. 

Towards the end of the video, the choice of drum sounds builds tension when combined with a gradual opening of the filter's decay and sustain. At the very end, the tempo (coming from the Trigger module's clock) is slowed down, resolving that tension.