Tiptop Audio

Notes: Introducing the BD808, part of our new series of drum modules that brings analog percussion into the modular synth world, instantly turning your system into a self-contained music machine. Its small size, minimalist design, and modern production methods have allowed us to bring the world's most famous bass drum sound generator back at a very low cost. The real thing is here again.

The BD808 is the Roland TR-808's Bass Drum circuit adapted for use in Eurorack format and tuned to sound like a machine that comes fresh off the original 80's assembly line. The adaptation to modular format has allowed us to add some special features like independent Accent levels, a high-powered gain stage, dual-input pulse-shaper, and extended decay - all without compromising the signature sound of the TR-808.

A widely used technique with TR-808 machines is to run the drum sounds through outboard amplifiers to add gain and then pass the sound through just about anything to generate additional harmonics caused by clipping and distortion. In the BD808, we have already included this high-powered output gain stage capable of producing signals up to 20Vpp, extending from the original palette of sounds and allowing you to get an assorted array of harmonized bass drums ranging from sharp attacks to crushed tones using this simple yet effective technique! On the inputs, we have also designed a dual pulse-shaper circuit so you can trigger your BD808 with Trigger/Gate signals from step sequencers, clock dividers, or any other pulse/clock sources. This saves you the need to shape the pulses sent to the module and ensuring the same stable sound at its peak power, regardless of differences in your pulse source.

All these little, but unique, features make integrating this legendary sound generator into your modular easy, unleashing the power of real analog drums and making those speaker cones shake.

Notes: Mariana Trench is an FDN card for the Z-DSP. Feedback Delay Networks (FDNs) are built around multiple delays which are connected to their inputs thanks to a feedback matrix designed for its stability and lossless properties. FDN can mimic the recursive process of sound waves bouncing back and forth in an acoustic space. They were first suggested for artificial reverberation by Michael Gerzon (1971) and later John Stautner and Miller Puckette (1982) introduced four-channel FDN reverberator with general stability conditions.

FDN can also be used as a special case of digital waveguides, they can be tuned, or also used as complex delays. The Mariana Trench Z-DSP cartridge is designed to explore these more unusual sides of the FDN algorithms. Mariana Trench Z-DSP cartridge is designed by Christophe Duquesne Anckorage - Haken Audio developement team - La Voix du Luthier.

Notes: MISO is a multipurpose utility module, a laboratory for synthesizing control voltage signals and audio. MISO combines multiple CV tools into one module for making complex CV shapes at the output stage. The name comes from the four main functions available: Mix, Invert, Scale, and Offset.

MISO's 2 sections (1/2 IN and A/B IN) are identical. Each section has two inputs that can be used to Mix signals, Invert polarity/shape, Scale magnitude and Offset voltage. Each function can be used independently or simultaneously with the total shape summed to the mix output.

At the centre of the module is another processor, an accurate smooth linear voltage-controlled crossfader that mixes equally between the outputs of the top and the bottom MISO sections. Feed the MISOs with envelopes, LFOs, Sequences to create new shapes and then crossfade them manually or with CV using the centre section for even further complexity of shapes and animation of control signals. Crossfade between the waveforms of a VCO or audio samples with CV for more motion.

There are an endless number of ways to patch MISO with unexpected and inspiring results. MISO is the kind of module that gives modular synthesizers its incredible replay value, rewarding hours of creative explorations and its experimental and non-traditional mixing.

MISO offers a lot in a small comfortable module that matches Tiptop's system look with clean white faceplate styling. A red/yellow indicator light next to each section makes it easy to see signals and visualize polarity.

Notes: MIX7 is a seven channel analogue summing mixer module for Eurorack. It is designed for summing any of the different types of signals you'll find in a modular system: Audio, CV, Triggers, or Gate.

MIX7 gives ability to sweeten your mix with more headroom using the power of low noise analog summing. A compact 3HP Eurorack utility module, MIX7 is an attractive mixing addition to any rig, especially with the ability to also combine rhythms, note patterns or CV automations from different control sources. The main output of one section can be connected to the input of another MIX7 to create larger mixing groups and complex signal routes inside your modular.

The MIX7 summing mixing circuit is built with low-noise operational amplifiers, giving it an excellent sound quality for mixing audio, the beautiful texture of classic analog mixing with plenty of headroom to handle hot modular signals, and the versatility to sum non-audio signals in your system to open up new creative possibilities.

Each input is labeled with a number of dots, 1-7, yellow for input and green for output. The module matches Tiptop's system look with clean white faceplate styling.

At the back of the module is a user-configurable jumper allowing users to configure the MIX7 for either unity gain (OUT = IN) or give increased headroom (OUT = 0.4IN) for use with hot audio signals, which makes it a great pairing for Tiptop Audio percussive modules. A peak indicator light on the front panel warns the user of even the slightest audio clipping in the mix, helping to keep all the incoming sound sources at their full original quality.

Dimensions:
3 HP
43 mm deep

Current draw:
25 mA +12V
20 mA -12V

Notes: MIXZ is a multi-channel mixing module for mixing audio, CV, and gate signals with excellent linear response and low noise. Balancing a clear visual layout and multiple mixers in a small footprint makes the MIXZ easy to use in a variety of configurations within a modular synth. Its high-quality analog mixing circuitry makes for a great sounding mixer with plenty of headroom, providing a smooth, organic merge of dynamics and excellent separation of mixing sections and channels. MIXZ has three sections:

Mixer A: a low-noise, 4-channel mixer with independent gain control for each channel.
Mixer B: a low- noise, 4-channel mixer with master gain control.
MixBus: a multi-channel mixer that mixes signals from modules utilizing the Tiptop MixBus.

Mixer A and B can be configured as either two independent, 4-channel mixers or as a single 8-channel mixer. If the output of Mixer A is not in use, then Mixer A will be routed internally to Mixer B forming the 8-channel mixer.

Tiptop MixBus is a new method we have developed to mix audio signals through the Eurorack power bus board without patch cables. A little bit of magic, eh? Although this technique is not ideal for a low-noise mix, we found it to be useful for some applications, including mixing our drum modules, which all have a MixBus-enabled output. The result is that your drum modules are always available and mixed on the master out of the MIXZ with a flip of a switch. This will save you time and frees up cables for repatching sound again and again, while keeping the channels of MIXZ free to bring other signals into the mix.

Combining the MixBus with Mixer A and B, the MIXZ sums dozens of channels in only 10HP.

Dimensions:
10 HP
36 mm deep

Current draw:
14 mA +12V
14 mA -12V

Notes: "It f*cks with the fabric of time" Tony Visconti describing Pitch Shifting to Brian Eno and David Bowie in 1976. That not so subtle description does quite neatly sum up what the Pitch Shift programs on the 'Time Fabric' card do!

Pitch shifting in the Z-DSP uses a technique called 'rotating tape head' delay lines named after pioneering tape based experiments in Germany in the 1960s. The tape heads move at speeds independent of the tape playback path and two heads are crossfaded to make a continuous output capable of beautiful pitched delay effects, harmonization and smooth reverbs.

These pitch shifting algorithms are much like the earliest digital pitch shifters released. Sounds similar to the Eventide H910, AMS 15-80 (with Pitch board) and Publison DHM 89 can be achieved. These programs are intended more for pure effects rather than the complex multiple harmony lines later devices and plugins became known for producing. Chords from single VCOs can easily be made using the 'Interval' programs on the card though.

Using a Z3000 to clock the Z-DSP, complete chaos from the delay lines and pitch shifting emerges, creating great and unexpected new sounds. Modulating the stereo pair of analog VC-Feedbacks animates the time and distance of the pitch shift opening up these algorithms for additional control from CV and audio signal alike.

Notes: A full dual processing, with true stereo separation accomplished by using the DSP processor chip as two separate lanes. This card bundle contains four cards, each cover a different territory but all share the concept of dual parallel processing for a true stereo in stereo out effects. These are great for cascading stereo effect modules with the Z-DSP to maintain and enhance the full stereo image. Use it with modules with stereo outs or ins, or use each channel with a different source like two VCOs for spatial experiments.

True Stereo Bundle: Stereo Echo

These delay programs work in true stereo and include BBD, Digital and Tape models for your stereo sources. More advanced programs have modulation, cross feedback or diffusion for more creative.

True Stereo Bundle: Stereo Mod

A group of 8 classic modulation effects that maintain the stereo image of the source.

True Stereo Bundle: Stereo Pitch

This card has a set of programs that use pitch shifting to add depth to the stereo source and include a selection of delay with pitch algorithms too.

True Stereo Bundle: Stereo Filter

A collection of digital models of analog low, high and band pass filters plus a few with internal modulations like Sample and Hold and envelope following.

Notes: The microZEUS is a 4HP power supply module for Eurorack format synthesizers. It is the smallest and most powerful power supply available for its size.

uZEUS with flying bus boards: this version features two ribbon bus boards. All you have to do is plug in your modules and play.

The uZEUS mixes linear and switching power technology to produce 1000mA at +12V, 500mA at -12V, and 170mA at +5V and uses a standard +15VDC non-regulated wall adapter for power.

Notes: Z-Rails are mounting rails for the Eurorack modular synthesizer format and are designed to be used for professional and DIY case mounting assemblies.

Z-Rails are sold in sets of two (2) aluminium, clear or black anodized rails, each containing a nickel-plated brass threaded strip with 3mm threads using 5.08mm spacing. The racks are easy to install into any frame using two (2) M4 screws, one for each side of the individual Z-Rails.

Notes: ZVERBZ is a collection of new stereo reverb algorithms for the Z-DSP. They range from typical reverbs to more complex effects that combine delay and pitch shifting with reverb. The effects are grouped by decades based on either the era an algorithm was introduced or the time when the effect was most popular. This variety of reverbs covers small to epic size spaces with the addition of shimmering, feedback tunneled pitch shifting, tape delay drivers, gated reverbs and a lot more. Analog clocking of the DSP chip and CV over the parameters enables even more experimentation. This is a collection inspired by the best from the past right at your fingertips.

Please note: The Z-DSP module is not included with this purchase- it is for demonstration purposes only.