Sound Path

Understanding how audio flows through the PGB-1 helps you make better mixing and sound design decisions. This page explains the complete signal path from note trigger to audio output.

Overview Diagram

flowchart TB
    subgraph tracks["TRACKS 1-8"]
        seq[Step Sequencer]
        synth[Synth Engine]
        vol[Volume]
        pan[Stereo Panning]

        seq -->|note triggers| synth
        synth -->|mono audio| vol
        vol --> pan
    end

    subgraph lfo["LFO Modulation"]
        lfomod[LFO]
    end

    subgraph inputs["AUDIO INPUTS"]
        line[Line Input]
        mic[Internal Microphone]
        headset[Headset Microphone]
    end

    subgraph fxbus["FX ROUTING · select one per track"]
        bypass[Bypass]
        drive[Overdrive]
        reverb[Reverb]
        crush[Bitcrusher]
    end

    subgraph output["OUTPUT"]
        mix[Final Mix]
        livefx[Live FX]
        out[Speakers / Headphones]
    end

    lfomod -.->|synth params| synth
    lfomod -.->|volume| vol
    lfomod -.->|panning| pan

    pan -->|stereo audio| fxbus
    line --> fxbus
    mic --> fxbus
    headset --> fxbus

    bypass --> mix
    drive --> mix
    reverb --> mix
    crush --> mix

    mix --> livefx
    livefx --> out

The 8 Tracks

The PGB-1 has 8 internal tracks, each with a dedicated sound type:

Track

Type

Description

1

Kick

Bass drum sounds

2

Snare

Snare and clap sounds

3

Hi-Hat

Hi-hat and cymbal sounds

4

Bass

Bass synthesizer

5

Lead

Lead synthesizer

6

Chords

Polyphonic chord synthesizer

7

Sampler 1

First sample playback track

8

Sampler 2

Second sample playback track

Each track follows the same signal path but has different synth engines available.

Signal Path Stages

1. Step Sequencer

The journey begins with the step sequencer. When a step is active and its conditions are met, it sends a note trigger with:

2. Synth Engine

The synth engine converts note triggers and parameters into actual audio. Each track type has multiple engines to choose from (sine kicks, FM basses, etc.). The engine produces a mono audio signal.

The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) can modulate synth parameters at this stage, creating movement and variation in the sound.

3. Volume and Panning

After synthesis, the audio passes through mixing controls:

  • Volume control - Sets the track’s loudness in the mix

  • Stereo panning - Places the sound left, right, or center

The LFO can also modulate volume and panning for tremolo and auto-pan effects.

4. FX Routing

Each track routes to one of 4 effect buses:

Effect

Description

Bypass

No effect applied (clean signal)

Overdrive

Adds warmth and distortion

Reverb

Adds space and ambience

Bitcrusher

Adds digital lo-fi character

One Effect Per Track

Each track can only use one global effect at a time. Choose the effect that best suits each sound.

5. Final Mix

All 4 effect buses are mixed together into a single stereo output.

6. Live FX

After the final mix, the audio passes through the Live FX stage. These are performance effects controlled in real-time holding Cpy/FX:

Effect

Description

Filter

Sweepable low-pass/high-pass filter applied to the entire mix

Stutter

Rhythmic repeat/glitch effect for build-ups and transitions

Unlike the per-track FX routing, Live FX affect the entire mix and are meant for real-time performance.

Audio Inputs

The PGB-1 has three audio inputs:

  • Line Input - 3.5mm stereo jack for external audio devices

  • Internal Microphone - Built-in microphone

  • Headset Microphone - For use with headsets that have a built-in mic

All three inputs can:

  • Pass through to the output with one effect applied

  • Be recorded as samples for the sampler tracks

Audio inputs route to the same FX buses as the internal tracks, allowing you to apply reverb or other effects to incoming audio.

Next Steps