Modular synthesizer enthusiasts in search of an affordable compact yet powerful-sounding fully analog modular synthesizer system will be thrilled with the erica synths Pico System III, a pint-sized powerhouse of a modular synthesizer with Eurorack compatibility. The Pico System III uses a multifunctional design (instead of single-function modules found in the Pico System II), which is intended to encourage creativity in modular patching.

The system has 31 inputs and 20 outputs (master output is duplicated) + 7 switches. It features a set of modules for advanced sound design, experiments in modular patching, and educational purposes. The system includes a 2-3-4 step sequencer, two VCOs, a VCO controller/VCA module, three mixers that work both with CV and audio signals, a modulator (syncable LFO, random CV, and noise source), two voltage-controlled ASR envelope generators, two low-pass gates, and a BBD delay.

The voicecard patch system allows users to change patches instantly and radically, which makes the system well suited for experimental live performances. The system comes with 5 great-sounding factory preset voicecards, and 5 DIY voicecards that are empty for users who wish to develop their own patches. The Pico System III is a Eurorack module and includes mounting screws and a ribbon power cable as well as a stackable patch cable and patch notes.

Fully Modular System for Studio & Stage    Voice Card Patch System for Fast Recall    31 Inputs and 20 Output + 7 Switches    2-3-4 Step Sequencer, Two VCOs    VCO Controller / VCA    Three Audio and CV Mixers + BBD Delay    Modulator (Sync LFO, Random CV, Noise)    Two VC ASR Envelopes    Two Resonant Low-Pass Gates    Includes Power Supply and Patch Cables

• 2-3-4 step sequencer
• Two VCOs
• VCO controller / VCA module
• several mixers that work both with CV and audio signals
• Modulator (syncable LFO, random CV and noise source)
• Two voltage-controlled ASR envelope generators
• Two resonant low-pass gates
• BBD delay

• Sequencer: Straightforward fully analog 2-3-4 step sequencer/waveshaper with adjustable sequence length. A particularly interesting use of the SEQ2 is waveshaping—just apply any audio source to the Clock CV input, tweak the knobs, and be amazed.
• VCO1: Powerful, fully analog VCO with great tracking over 8 octaves with simultaneous triangle and pulsewave outputs, pulse-width modulation and exponential frequency modulation.
• VCO2: Fully analog VCO with built in waveshaper of unique functionality—it continuously morphs a triangle wave into a pulse wave with adjustable pulse-width, adding harmonics to the signal on the output. The waveshape is manually and CV controlled. VCO2 has manually and CV-controlled linear FM for experiments in FM synthesis.
• VCO Controller / VCA: Intended to control FM levels of the VCOs. It also features a VCA that can be used for manual and CV controlled Linear FM depth control, or it can be used as regular DC-coupled VCA for other applications.
• Modulator: Combined clock/LFO/random voltage-source module. It generates sine and pulse LFO waves, white noise, S&H CV, and random triggers; basically, everything you need to bring some uncertainty in your modular setup.
• VC EG: Versatile looping AD/ASR envelope generator with voltage control over attack and decay times. It has automatic Trigger/Gate detection, as well as drone mode—at the fully clockwise setting of the Decay knob, the envelope is fully open. In the Loop mode, you can retrigger envelopes for even more interesting modulations.
• Low-pass Gate: Classic Don Buchla LPG designs with vactrols in the circuit for that signature sound, plus added resonance control of the LPG circuit. When resonance is full CW, the module goes into self-oscillation and can be used as a sound source.
• BBD: Fully analog 4092-stage bucket-brigade delay module. Besides nice and clean flanger and delay effects, full CV settings of time and feedback can produce extreme sonic artefacts.
• Mixers: Two independent DC-coupled mixers for mixing audio and CV signals with individual outputs and shared outputs, where signals from both mixers are mixed together.

The Pico System III comes with 5 factory preset voicecards:

• LPG Techno
• Synthesizer
• Space Computer
• Drone Master
• Droid Breakdance

DIY Voice Card

• The DIY voicecard allows you to build a custom patch by soldering small wires on the voicecard. The voicecard replicates the layout of the system, so building a patch on the voicecard is similar to patching the system. You will need a soldering iron and small wires to build a patch on the voicecard (if you do not have soldering tools, ask a friend). You can mimic stackable patch cables by routing the same output to several inputs on the voicecard. And don’t forget to name the voicecard—invent a name for the patch and use a permanent marker to write the name on the white area of the voicecard.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does the Nvidia Connect-X 5 VPI EDR card work with this if we connect it to a hub?

A: While you can connect the Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Desktop Expansion System to Thunderbolt hubs, we do not recommend doing so, as the hub may impact the GPU's performance. It is best to connect your EGPU directly to your host computer's Thunderbolt port.

Q: 2. Does this bracket work with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera?

A: No, the Really Right Stuff L-Plate Set for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Mark III is not compatible for use with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 3. Does this come with the connecting cable?

A: This does not come with connecting accessories.

Q: 4. Will a DeckLink 8K Pro G2 PCIe card with the HDMI daughter card fit in this? And if so, will it leave one slot open for use?

A: Yes, the Blackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro G2 Capture Card would fit inside the Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Rackmount Expansion System, and you should be left with one open slot to use.

Q: 5. How well does this fit the Mk III?

A: This bracket will fit well with the EM-1 MK3.

Q: 6. Does this take PCIe cards?

A: Yes, the Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Rackmount Expansion System has one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x8 slots.

Q: 7. Will the receiver be damaged if it fires an old flash like the Vivitar 2800?

A: I have no idea,an older flash just didn't have ETTL Sorry I couldn't answer your question.

Q: 8. does this work with Sony A7R4?

A: Unfortunately, this receiver hasn't been tested with the Sony A7R IV to our knowledge. Your results may vary.

Q: 9. Can you send one PCIe card/slot to one computer, and the second to another computer?

A: The Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Rackmount Expansion System can only connect to one computer at a time; the second Thunderbolt 3 port is for daisy-chaining additional Thunderbolt devices.

Q: 10. Does the rack module have the ability to hold two of these units? I see in the picture that there's a bay on the left side as well?

A: The bay on the left side is the power supply.