Modular Monthly: TipTop Audio Z DSP Tutorials

Modular Monthly: TipTop Audio Z DSP – Part 1: Chorus

Published on Jan 27, 2017 Future Music Magazine

"In this series of special Modular Monthly tutorials, we're going deep in on TipTop Audio's powerful Z DSP processor. In this first episode we take a look at what its chorus algorithms can do."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tiptop Audio Numberz the Z-DSP Programmer

"Numbers digital audio lab for the Z-DSP

So what is Numberz?
Numberz is a USB device that communicates with a software front-end (for PC) and can be used to download DSP programs and display text to blank, non-volatile cartridges for use with the Z-DSP.

This allows us to use a wide variety of DSP programs that are freely available on the Web, many excellent examples of which are available from the Spin Semi website. There are even more on the Spin Semi forum where FV-1 users were kind enough to share their creations.

Some of those programs are very cool and some are not, it really depend on what you are looking for. I really like some of the Reverbs, but not everything appeals to my personal sonic tastes.

How does it work? Before using it for the first time you will have to install drivers, but then just connect the USB cable, place Numberz in front of you, and insert a blank or used cartridge into the Numberz’s cartridge socket. Then, with a few mouse clicks and the help of SpinAsm and Pickit2 software, you can 'burn' a cartridge. You can burn a single program or a complete project with up to eight programs and write your own text that will appear on the Z-DSP display.

(The downloads currently available on the Spin Semi website do not contain the text file for the display, but users can write their own and we’ll talk more about it as Numberz becomes available.)

Numberz can also act as a real-time programmer for the Z-DSP. Just connect the USB cable, insert a cartridge into the Numberz’s cartridge socket, flip the Numberz unit over so the cartridge is facing down and insert Numberz into the cartridge socket of your Z-DSP. The Z-DSP will 'see' Numberz and communicate with it.

This will let you use Numberz to write, test, and debug programs and hear the results in real-time. No need to power cycle, just write your code, click 'Download' and Numberz will do it all for you. The Z-DSP will load the new program and you will hear your changes instantly.

Numberz is intended to be an open source development environment, so anyone out there interested in developing new DSP programs, or even tools for Numberz is invited and encouraged to do so. You are free to do whatever you want: share, sell, no restrictions.

Numberz will be sold with three blank cartridges that are good for approximately 10,000 “burns”.

Additional blank cartridges will be available from our distributors.

I also wanted to talk a little bit about the FV-1 DSP chip and its capabilities and limitations. This is important to me because I want to make sure people know what to expect to avoid any frustration or disappointment.

The FV-1 DSP processor is not intended to match the processing power of your computer or high-end multi-effect boxes, so don't expect intensive DSP vocoder or heavy granular effects like you might find in your plug-ins.

The Z-DSP as a whole is built to do something very different with DSP code. It has CV inputs, program-execution/sample rate clock input, stereo analog VC-Feedbacks, analog VC-Mix, and VC/Gate program switching; all these were made so that digital audio can be bent/stretched/deformed/distorted by interacting with your modules. So, all of a sudden, a digital delay does not sound like a delay but something completely different. That is the concept.

Numberz is designed to help to push this concept to the next level by providing the tools for the talented minds in our vibrant and some time crazy little community to come up and further extend the library of these digital audio algorithms.

Numberz will probably be in the range of $150 and blank cartridges should run for a couple of bucks.

Sorry it took so long and I really appreciate those who were patient and supportive! At the same time, I fully understand those who didn't want to wait any longer. This was a complex project that went through a lot of ups and downs, not the least of which was the sudden death of Keith Barr, the designer of the FV-1 DSP chip and the owner of Spin Semi.

Numberz is dedicated to the memory of Keith Barr."

http://tiptopaudio.com/

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

via Tiptop Audio
"It’s time to get ready to clear up 28HP of your precious modular space for a unique sonic experience, watch out, the Z-DSP is coming your way. The module is currently in the final stages of beta testing and the first batch is expected to be available sometime in November. A number of the Z-DSP’s components are custom made and supplied to us in small quantities; as a result the first run is limited to 40 modules and we hope to have another batch made during December.

One of the unique features of the Z-DSP is its ability to change applications on-the-fly with the algorithm cartridges. The first cartridge to be offered for the Z-DSP is the Dragonfly Delay, a collection of 8 time-based VC-Stereo-Delay algorithms that behave gently and sweetly, but, with the twist of a knob, switch of a button, or patch addition, it can suddenly become extremely rude and unexpectedly bend the space-time of your waves in a unique manner. Next in line will be the Spider Filter, a collection of 8 brutal VC-Digital Filters (VCDF) with deep cut/pass filters and attacking resonance that really bites. This cartridge is currently rated NC-17 here in Hollywood, so beware.

Coming soon..."

You might recognize the image from this post. Be sure to check it out for more info and samples.

Update: some audio via Tiptop Audio on SoundCloud:

Z3000>Z2040>Z-DSP filters >Z5000 by Tiptop Audio
"Had some fun last night testing the filters of the Z_DSP. The baseline is made using Z3000 PWM pulse into the Z2040. This then get into the Z-DSP, the Z-DSP use the Bat Filter Cartridge, and the output of the Z-DSP goes in stereo to the Z5000 that adds the stereo delay. The growling are Frequency sweeps of the Z-DSP Bat Filter cartridge using program No.7 VC - 4Pole Digital State Variable Filter. At the end of the track I replace the Z-DSP cartridge to the Dragonfly Delay and switch the Z5000 to Reverb to make some strange pad. This pad is made by modulating the Z-DSP clock and a tiny bit of the VC-Time on both channels."

Tiptop Audio Buchla 266t Source Of Uncertainty, Black Z-DSP & New Card Bundles

via Tiptop Audio

"Today we are officially releasing Buchla and Tiptop Audio Model 266t Source Of Uncertainty which will start shipping to our dealers this week. This is one of those moments with a sense of accomplishment from making a wonderful module Don Buchla created in 1976 available again nearly half a century later, and also producing it in large enough numbers that it gets into everyone’s hands.

Price is $299 and pre-orders should be open at your favorite retailers now. The User manual is uploaded on the website, please check it out, this is a complex module with plenty of unique functions!"

CLICK FOR MORE »

NEW TIPTOP AUDIO - Z-DSP VC Digital Signal Processor (24 bit/variable clock) Details

TIPTOP AUDIO - Z-DSP from Tiptop Audio on Vimeo.


via Tiptop Audio

'Tiptop Audio’s Z-DSP is a cartridge-based open source digital sound processing and effects generating platform for your modular synthesizer. Lush audio processing, greater stereo depth and a unique set of digital synthesis is what the Z-DSP is all about.

The Z-DSP has a stereo digital sound processor with 24-bit sampling, 15kHz of bandwidth, voltage-controlled parameters of stereo feedback, program switching, DSP parameters, equal power crossfading dry/wet mixing, as well as sequential program control switching and a clear display – all in Eurorack format. A dedicated clocking input for the DSP chip does wonders to passing sound by bending the algorithms in an unexpected way, a hardware technique computer plugins can’t do and is unique to the Z-DSP.

In a recent update, the Z-DSP (NS) got an all new design of its analog circuitry, contributing to a lower noise signal path, clearer sound of the entire frequency range, lower distortion and better immunity to noise emitted by other modules sharing the same power supply. A new analog dry/wet circuit has been implemented to remove the 3db gain drop when the mix knob passes through the center of the dial making the use of this function more practical in a live application. A reverse polarity protection has been added as well. The new front-panel matches Tiptop’s colorful design, and a single printed circuit board and surface mount technology improve reliability during production and use. The powerful Z-DSP engine remains the same as the original Z-DSP module and all cards are compatible across both versions."

Follow-up to this post.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tiptop Audio Z DSP with Custom Black Panel

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"This Z-DSP is fully functional and in Mint condition. Included are the Dragon Fly Delay and Halls of Valhalla Cartridges.
Fitted with a custom black panel. Original panel is included as well.

The Z-DSP is an open-source, cartridge-based, digital sound processing and generating platform for your modular synthesizer. The Z-DSP has a stereo DSP processor with 24-bit sampling, 15khz of bandwidth, smooth voltage controlled parameters, and has the ability to be programmed - all in a Eurorack format. While the Z-DSP cannot compete with the processing power found on personal computers, it does provide direct control of the DSP hardware and has a unique set of features aimed at the manipulation of digital effects. With the Z-DSP, digital audio can be bent, stretched, deformed, and distorted by interacting with your modules; something personal computers just can't do.

The Z-DSP interface includes VC digital parameters, VC Mix/Dry, manual and sequential program switching, and a pair of VC feedback loop paths with exposed patch points that let you insert the rest of your modular into the DSP process. The Z-DSP lets you go far beyond ordinary processing, breaking the rules and allowing you to patch right into the heart of the DSP chip through the clock input, allowing for some digital madness and creative sound design.

Width: 28HP
Depth: 59mm
Consumption: 130 mA +12V / 36 mA -12V"

CLICK FOR MORE »

NYZ - DSP TRX / PPLZ SYNF

Two new releases from NYZ, aka Noyzelab, who's work has been featured here on MATRIXSYNTH numerous times (see the previous two posts). Noyzelab is both a musician and a maker of some pretty esoteric gear. He has worked with Richard D James of Aphex Twin, Chris Watson, Oren Ambarchi, amongst others.

"David Burraston returns for his third release at P / Psi / P, the mindmelting 4-hour DSP TRX. His second 4xCD-R set in our catalog, after the equally monolithic PPLZ SYNF.

DSP TRX is sometimes manic, turning itself into shapes that seem impossible or unfathomable, and at other times it becomes more stable, barely moving like a deep pool beneath an occasional wind gust. As is Burraston's custom, DSP TRX delivers its most potent and stimulating moments after the sounds themselves have sustained long enough to remove your awareness of time as a reference point. Not quite drone, not only synthesizer music, but wholly a displacing other. The shuddering tone fields stretch out for miles, expanding forever, and then contract again into more observable sections, like a muscle. We're never certain if we're hearing feedback with mathematically-divided holes poked in it, or a radio custom-built by Burraston that tunes into millions of digital bubbles, following traced lines toward a central frequency of his own devising. DSP TRX is both bright and dark, a dramatic rapid tremolo of silence and noise, infinitely revolving, inverting and slowing down - or is it speeding up? Once again, Burraston delivers proof that he is not operating on our plane of reality, or the neighboring ones, but above them all, in an undefined place outside time, space and everything in between.

DSP TRX is available as an edited digital edition (2 tracks) or as a full four-disc/16 track excursion. An unabridged digital release will follow later at Boomkat.

released March 27, 2018

W/P by David Burraston. Recorded March & September 2017 onto 2 tracks / edited December 2017 at Noyzelab. Custom programmed in Spin FV-1 Assembler using the Tiptop Audio Z-DSP Eurorack module and Numberz programmer. All recordings were made direct from the Z-DSP outputs, with minimal post processing other than a slight bit of EQ and stereo placement.

Instruments: 2x Braids Macro Oscillators, ALM Akemie's Castle, Tiptop Z-DSP & Numberz, SpinAsm FV-1 DSP Assembler, MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid, Apple iMac 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 4GB RAM / Logic Pro 9.

Thanks to Tiptop Audio for the Z-DSP and Numberz programmer (www.tiptopaudio.com/z-dsp/ ) Matthew at ALM for the Akemie's Castle (www.busycircuits.com/alm011/ ) Braids custom dark face build by Finlay Shakespeare (www.twitter.com/FinShakespeare )"

"David Burraston returns to Psøma Psi Phi with possibly his most expansive release to date - PPLZ SYNF. A gigantic 3.5 hour work consisting of seven pieces created using an ongoing self-build (as Burraston notes) of the Serge/CGS Paperface analog synthesizer, in conjunction with a custom built modular rig. Laid to digital disk space at Burraston's Noyzelab studio in August, PPLZ SYNF is a monolith of drone synthesis that absorbs the listener into some kind of greater collective metaconsciousness. It is both an impressive exercise in longform drone music, and an immersive and hypnotic atmosphere that confounds the mind, transfiguring your surroundings from its unique and singular perspective. A monument, literally and figuratively, in the sound field, etched and erected by a master of the craft.

Given the scope and size of such a release, PPLZ SYNF has been committed to a very special, and very limited, triple-cassette set, housed in a dustproof binder. These are extremely finite and assembled by hand in every possible way, making no two copies exactly alike. The digital version available at Bandcamp consists of cuts from the first of the three tapes, while the full release is spread across two 60-minute tapes and one 90-minute tape.

UPDATE 2018.03.04: The 4xCD-R reissue is now stocked at Norman Records in the UK www.normanrecords.com/records/169774-nyz-pplz-synf
credits
released November 14, 2017

W/P by David Burraston. Field recorded in MONO 96kHz/24bit on Zoom F8, August 2017 at Noyzelab (www.noyzelab.com). Created with Serge/CGS Paperface ongoing self build and Mutable Instruments Braids x2 custom dark face build by Finlay Shakespeare. David Burraston and the NYZ logo appear courtesy of Noyzelab. This is Psøma Psi Phi number NYZ-II, and 2nd in Burraston's private NYZ catalog. Cover design by The Analog Botanist."

A Circadian Rhythms composition features Valhalla Z-DSP Shimmer

A Circadian Rhythms composition features Valhalla Z-DSP Shimmer from Tiptop Audio on Vimeo.

"Description of patch:

Left case has two Circadian Rhythms in Syncbus mode, driving everything in that system, including all the drums and the hi voice. The hi voice is a one Z3000 goes into a Z2040 and then into the Feedback inputs on the Z-DSP. the Drums are mixed in the MIXZ and the output is going to the Z-DSP In 1 and 2, and also to the external mixer mono in. So basically the Z-DSP gets both the Hi pitch voice and the drums at its inputs. The Z-DSP uses a prototype of the new Shimmer card from Sean Costello at Valhalla DSP. This makes everything lush and full and is a beautiful new set of algorithms. On the right case two Z3000 are mixed and FM one each other, they go into the Z2040 which is controlled by a Z4000 Envelope, the audio from the Z2040 goes into the Z-DSP running the Dragonfly Delay program 2 for a nice big stereo image. The Z8000 in the left case provide pitch for all voices, the Circadian Rhythms in the right case provide sequencing for the voice in the right case.

The Bass drum is made by mixing both the BD808 and BD909 together in an external mixer.

Everything is recorded stereo in to a DAW using the amazing Apogee Symphony, no editing or any effects in the DAW."

ValhallaDSP Shimmer Cartridge for Tiptop Audio's Z-DSP Released

First revealed back in January of 2015, and in the video above in June of 2015, the Valhalla Shimmer Cartridge for the Tiptop Z-DSP is now available. Details follow via ValhallaDSP:

"The Z-DSP Shimmer cartridge has 8 original algorithms, designed to combine lush reverberation with multiple voices of pitch shifting, to create ethereal pads, rich chordal textures, dissonant clouds of sound, and a variety of other sounds that are perfect for electronic music. The algorithms are customized to work with the Tiptop Audio Z-DSP Eurorack module.

There are 6 reverb algorithms in the Z-DSP Shimmer cart, arranged in order of complexity:

Fast Shimmer: A modulated reverb that quickly decays away into an endlessly pitch shifting tail. The shift interval can be set between +/- 12 semitones. Perfect for that classic “octave up” shimmer sound.
Slow Shimmer: Similar to Fast Shimmer, but with a much slower attack.
Dual Shimmer: Two pitch shifted voices, embedded within a larger modulated reverb network, shifting the reverb decay in both positive and negative directions. Try slowly sweeping the Shift control in this mode for ridiculously cinematic sounds.
Triple Shimmer: Two pitch shifted voices embedded within the reverb decay network, plus a third voice external to the network. This allows the user to have a reverb with +12 and -12 semitones of feedback, plus a stable +7 semitones voice without feedback.
Quad Shimmer: Four pitch shifted voices feeding into a lush modulated reverb. This allows for a variety of dissonant and consonant chordal textures, with the max Shift setting corresponding to a rich major chord.
ClusterVerb: Four pitch shifted voices embedded within the feedback network of a modulated reverb. The result quickly becomes dissonant or metallic. Perfect for insta-Ligeti, or Penderecki In A Box™.
In addition, the Z-DSP Shimmer cart features 2 special effects algorithms:

Quad Detune: 4 short pitch shifted delays, feeding back on each other. A variety of chorus, detuned, and dissonant effects can be obtained through this mode. Turn up the Feedback for maximum fun.
PitchEcho: A single pitch shifting voice, combined with a tape echo emulation = sound mangling joy. Turn up the feedback for barberpole self oscillation, and sweep the decay time for all sorts of swoopy glitches.
The Z-DSP Shimmer cart retails for $75, and will be available at your favorite Eurorack store in the next few days."

NEW Z-DSP CARD: MARIANA TRENCH #2

NEW Z-DSP CARD: MARIANA TRENCH #2 from Station 252 on Vimeo.

"Mariana Trench - a new card for Z-DSP eurorack module by Tiptop Audio.

Algorithm #2: FDN WAVEGUIDE

Running a submix of saturated Tiptop Audio drums and voice samples through FDN Waveguide on Z*DSP #1

other sounds: Cassa BD, R*S VQVCF bass line, Tiptop ONE V Haus chords.

FX: Halls Of Valhalla Plate on Z*DSP #2, Clocked Tape Delay on Z*DSP #3

tiptopaudio.com/z-dsp-2018/#marianatrenchcard"

Tiptop Audio Z DSP mk2 & the Time Domain FX bundle

Published on Dec 20, 2018 DivKidVideo

"**TIMING INDEX & SECTIONS BELOW** Boy oh boy do I love the Z-DSP. I've had two (and have two again) and as a platform for hosting DSP FX I really love it. There's a lot of great things going on with it including plenty of CV and gain staging and a wide range of FX cards. In this video we'll go through what the Z-DSP is, updates to the mk2 (more than a new panel) and the new Time Domain bundle of FX cards with the Mod Delay, Hydra and Spirals. All 3 cards aim to evoke the feeling and sound of classic time based FX from the 1980s - 2000s. We go through analogue synth sounds, guitar and some granular looping samples to show off the FX in a wide range of situations. Also don't forget about the variable internal sample clock rate there's a whole lo fi world you can open up by taking advantage of that one. Check out the other Z-DSP videos I have below.


TIMING INDEX & SECTIONS

00:23 Patch previews

01:35 What is the Z-DSP? What are the updates to version 2?

03:39 Time Domain Bundle - 3 new Z-DSP Delay/Time based FX cards.

04:08 Variable clock - clocking it with oscillators and changing the internal processing sample rates … WARNING! Lo-Fi action :)

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tiptop Audio - Z-DSP

YouTube via thedeepelement
"www.trashaudio.com Gur of Tiptop Audio sent me his very own Z-DSP to show off at the Trash_Audio synth meet and while I have it in my grasp, a lot of time is being spent with the Z-DSP and with permission I am making a video of some of those moments. The sound of this module fits into my setup perfectly and while it does beautiful delays and reverbs, I can only imagine what the future holds for the open source programming."

via Gur on TRASH_Audio:
"The Z-DSP will be supplied with the Dragonfly Delay card. There are several more cards in development, it is theoretically endless as the Z-DSP is an audio microcomputer that like any computer all it needs is different softwares to perform an infinite array of features. Right now the cards I'm developing are reverbs, more types of delays, CV processing, LFOs, DCOs and a few others. I just finished testing a digital ring modulation and it sounds very different from analog. The next card to be available is the Bat Filter, a collection of 8 VCDF (VC digital filters), its a killer set of filters!
There is also a programmer that will be available. It is a USB device that goes into the card slot of the Z-DSP and there is a PC code development environment that connects to it. This programmer allow users to either write their own programs, share with others, or download some free algorithms that are available online. This programmer will be sold separately and will require signing a NDA that is made to protect the IP of both TTA and the user against anyone who might want to take advantage of the 'open source' approach to copy algorithms from the cards and use them for commercial use."

DSP Synthesizer Euro Modules Now Open Source

via DSP Synthesisers:

"A number of DSP Synthesizer Euro modules has now been open sourced.

Among those the popular CZ-VCO Phase Distortion Oscillator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GKuV4bnFPg [embed below]

PCB's and code can be found in the 3HP Paperface blog:
https://janostman.wordpress.com/the-3hp-paperface-euro-modules/"

First Play: CZ-VCO & Strakal Brulu

ApolaKipso
Published on Oct 21, 2016

"First play with these two modules, also testing whether the camera still works. CZ-VCO'S EASTER EGG IN THE DESCRIPTION.

PATCH NOTES

Clocked and sequenced from Ableton Live using the Arturia MicroBrute as sound source and as CV interface for the CZ-VCO.

The two voices go into the Optomix (used as dual VCA) and on into the Pittsburgh Modular MIX3, which isn't more than a buffered mult to feed the two inputs on the Tiptop Audio Z-DSP.

The Z-DSP is my end-of-chain reverb and running the Valhalla card, obvs.

Maschine and Mutable Instruments Peaks supply the drums (the latter being sequenced from the Beatstep Pro).

CLICK FOR MORE »

Tiptop Audio Numberz Officially Launches

http://tiptopaudio.com/

"Numberz is a USB device that communicates with a software front-end (for PC) and can be used to download DSP programs and display text to blank, non-volatile cartridges for use with the Z-DSP. Numberz can also feed directly into the Z-DSP's cartridge socket for realtime programming."



Analogue Haven should have in in stock on Tuesday, international distributors have there orders on the way.

Getting started with Numberz

YouTube via GM1ify | February 14, 2011 |

"Installing the software design tools and burning a cartridge"

Z-DSP Realtime Programing with Numberz

GM1ify | February 14, 2011 |

"A tutorial explaining how to use the SpinAsm and Numberz to try programs with Z-DSP in real time"

Using Numberz to burn display TEXT to Cartridges

GM1ify | February 14, 2011 |

"Learn how to use Numberz with the Pickit software to burn text for the Z-DSP display in Cartridges."

Endorphin.es Furthrrrr Generator Buchla Panel

via this auction

Note this is a supporting member, post. The seller has a ton of other modules listed as well.

Here are the direct links:

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

2nd Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP Halls Of Valhalla DSP Card

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP Time Domain Cards

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP Chorus card

Intellijel Mutamix V2

Industrial Music Electronics Argos Bleak

Analogue Systems Rs100s Lowpass Filter

Intellijel Cylonix Cyclebox II

Hexinverter Mutant Hihats

The Harvestman Hertz Donut MkI

The Harvestman Lider Suboctave

And one pic for each:

CLICK FOR MORE »

HYDRA: Band Taps Chorus

HYDRA: Band Taps Chorus from Station 252 on Vimeo.

"Testing the new HYDRA card for Tiptop Audio Z-DSP. Playing with the fourth algorithm: Band Taps Chorus

Voice 1: ONE playing DOTS sound > Vermona VcDrive > Toppobrillo Multifilter HiPass > Tiptop Z2040

Sending ONE into Band Taps Chorus on Z-DSP via aux sends on the Mackie mixer.

Voice 2: ONE playing DOTS sound (metallic percussion)

Sending ONE into Halls Of Valhalla Room on Z-DSP and later to Band Taps Chorus via aux sends on the Mackie mixer

Voice 3: appears at the very beginning. Verbos CO > Tiptop FOLD Processor > R°S VQVCF

Sending CO into Halls Of Valhalla Room on Z-DSP via aux sends on the Mackie mixer

Kick Drum: TTA BD808

http://tiptopaudio.com/z-dsp/"

eVerb: new Z-DSP Card

eVerb: new Z-DSP card (part1) from Station 252 on Vimeo.

"Testing the new eVerb card for Tiptop Audio Z-DSP processor.

Sending a simple dry chord sequence (3x Tiptop Audio Z3000s going through a filter) into the module via auxiliary send from a Mackie mixer. Signals are properly Modular Line level converted. No EQ, compression, delays and whatever else other than the eVerb was used.

Part 1: going through the first 4 algorithms."

Update:


eVerb: new Z-DSP card (part 2) from Station 252 on Vimeo.

"Testing the new eVerb card for Tiptop Audio Z-DSP processor.

Sending a simple dry chord sequence (3x Tiptop Audio Z3000s going through a filter) into the module via auxiliary send from a Mackie mixer. Signals are properly Modular Line level converted. No EQ, compression, delays and whatever else other than the eVerb was used.

Part 2: going through the last 4 algorithms (5-8)"

Tiptop Audio Announces Granular Effects and Time Fabric Pitch Cards for the Z-DSP

http://www.tiptopaudio.com

Grain de Folie

"Granular Synthesis uses small slices of sounds (‘grains’) to compose new sounds from existing material. By combining multiple grains of differing lengths, amplitude, pitch and speed new sound are created which are often very different from the original sound recorded in. Xenakis claims to have invented the technique and indeed his ‘Analogique A-B’ [see the embed below],composed of tiny tape splices of pure tones, is credited as the first piece of granular music bacon 1959.

In the context of the Z-DSP, a block of memory is set to hold digital samples for playback: the Z-DSP has one second of memory for the audio used in processing. From this audio buffer the grains will sample and modify smaller sections for playback. The number of grains in the process determine how dense the overall output sounds. these programs have 3, 4, or 6 grains for playback. Each grain plays from a random point in the audio buffer and have an independent envelope controlling their duration. The envelope time is the ‘grain size’ parameter in many of the programs.

The French phrase for the cartridge is “Grain de Folie” which could be translated as “seeds of madness”, but in French “grain” also translates to “grain”, and “madness” evokes the strange disassembling/reassembling granular process. Also, “avoid un grain de foil” is a typically French expression to describe people behaving in a non conventional way, thus a fitting play on words quite nicely describing the unpredictable nature of this set of algorithms."

Time Fabric

"“It fucks 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. Modulations the stereo pair of analog VC-Feebacks animates the time and distance of the pitch shift opening up these algorithms for additional control from CV and audio signal alike."


Iannis Xenakis ‎– Analogique A et B

Published on Dec 2, 2014 Polyphonie X

"Format: 4 × CD, Compilation, Boxed Set Country: France
Released: 2011 Genre: Electronic, Classical Style:
Contemporary, Musique Concrete

Analogique A et B
Tape – Iannis Xenakis

Analogique A Et B: Recorded 1958/1959 GRM Paris. ℗ 1964 GRM under license to Classics & Jazz France, un label Universal Music France (label d'origine : Philips)
Composed By – Iannis Xenakis"

Tiptop Audio: Z-DSP

flickr by Analogue Haven

"The next Eurorack module to be released from Tiptop Audio will be the Z-DSP. Here is a picture of the incredibly complex prototype. The module will be out in around 4-6 weeks. It features many fx types and includes a memory card slot for loading additional algorithms/fx programs. Users and other manufacturers will be encouraged to program their own effects via a custom cable, and memory cards can be sold seperately with this data. LINK."

via Mr. Array

Update:

Tiptop Audio: Z-DSP programmer cable

"Here is a diagram of the programmer cable needed to hook up the Z-DSP to a computer. This is a USB to memory card connector and it will be sold seperately from the module itself. There will be a free programming compiler for writing code and downloading it to the Z-DSP via this cable."

Valhalla DSP Shimmer card for Tiptop’s Z-DSP

Valhalla DSP Shimmer card for Tiptop's Z-DSP from Tiptop Audio on Vimeo.

"After the release of the Halls Of Valhalla Z-DSP card we thought things couldn’t get better then that, but Sean hit us again with this killer Shimmer card, I plugged it in and wow, this thing is an instant pad generator inside my modular. In this patch two Z3000 are mixed and sent to a lowpass filter and into the Z-DSP running Valhalla Shimmer. This is an all Tiptop system with an exception of the beautiful Cwajmen MMF-6 filter. The pitch is played by the Z8000 that is triggered manually by the Circadian Rhythms. Very simple patch to give you a simple idea of the potential of this card."

http://www.tiptopaudio.com