Tiptop Audio Z3000 Released!

Hey folks - I'm incredibly excited to announce that the Z3000 Smart VCO has finally been released! For many of you who have been patiently following along on the forum, you know what a long wait it's been - six months! I think in the world of synth modules, this is a really long time, and I want to thank everyone who has been extremely patient through this process, putting up with little hints and teases while we wait for the release.

Now that it's finally official, it brings me enormous pleasure to be able to say that all testing and production is done, and modules are now in-stock at Analogue Haven!

A little bit about this module - this may not be news to some of you, as I'm actually not the first blogger to write about it today, and there has been some juicy bits of info dropped in the forum recently.... but for those who don't know, or are looking for some more, here's my personal summary (official information available of course at Tiptop Audio's website)....

The Z3000 "Smart VC-Oscillator" is, as you would probably imagine, a Eurorack VCO. My opinion is that another VCO option is *always* a welcome thing, however the Z3000 brings some really interesting and unique functionality to the table.

First of all, I feel compelled to mention, this is an ALL ANALOG VCO. Tiptop is known for working some digital into their modules, and the digital/analog question has come up many times. The entire VCO circuit is completely analog. I'd also like to say that it is a really warm, thick, 'lively' sounding VCO. One of the design goals was to avoid creating an ultra-stable, static VCO, and the guys at Tiptop have been incredibly successful in this respect. All the waveforms really sound wonderful, however the sinewave in particular is something I find extremely compelling - I can't say exactly what it is, it's not a perfect sine, but it sounds somewhat bright and animated compared to the sinewaves from my other VCOs (Livewire AFG and Blacet VCOs).

So, where does the digital fit in? This is another very exciting part of the story - and what gives the Z3000 the 'smart' part of its moniker. Built alongside the analog VCO is a digital frequency counter... this is an amazingly flexible feature to add to the module, and it functions in a variety of different manners... by default, it displays the current operating frequency (in Hz) of the oscillator. This display can be changed to two other modes - an octave display, and a note display. The note mode is very cool... it will tell you the frequency in Hz, until you tune to a specific note, and then it displays the note and octave number. Really cool! I now have no excuse for 'not tuning my modular', and in specific setting up harmonic intervals between multiple oscillators is really easy. Multiple oscillators? Yes! The Z3000's frequency counter has an "Ext In" jack, allowing you to patch in any sawtooth wave from any oscillator, and you can then use the frequency display to tune your external oscillators as well. Extremely cool and I have to say this one seemingly simple feature has led me to start using my modular synth in ways I never have in the past.

So, what else is special about the Z3000? I'm glad you asked :) The FM response of it is wonderful - there are two Linear FM inputs (with attenuator knob), as well as a single exponential FM input. Comparing it to the AFG and Blacet, the response to FM in the Z3000 is much deeper and more 'dynamic' sounding. I have to admit that I'm not the most knowledgable FM synthesist, however the incredible tones I've been able to pull from this beast have ensured that I'm going to spend a LOT more time exploring FM than I have in the past.

Another amazing (and as far as I can tell unique) feature is the HSM "Hard Sync Modulation" input. The main Sync input allows for some of the coolest, sharpest sync sounds I've been able to hear from an oscillator so far, however the HSM jack allows a variety of different sync sources to be used, not just square waves. The range of possible sounds is simply enormous. My Z3000's sit next to my AFG, and as much as I love the AFG, I have to say I find myself working with the Z3000 far more often - the sound is just so rich and lively.

I want to take a moment to highlight the beta testing process.... I know a lot of people found it took a very long time. There were a few revisions of the digital part of the code, as well as some changes to the tuning functions (testers found it 'touchy' and hard to tune to a specific note - this was fixed when we all sent our modules back for both a software and hardware update). There was a lot of stuff to focus on with this module, and we were really lucky to have a very motivated and excited testing team, all of whom have contributed in their own unique way to the development of this module. To highlight just a few of the many efforts, Mark Pulver was vocal and essential in making sure this was not another 'static' oscillator.... Matthew Davidson applied his enormous experience testing all functions of this VCO, and even working on the panel graphics...and of course the Tiptop team working hard to build, ship, receive, update, rebuild, reship and get these modules out there. Just an amazing job by everyone and the six months flew by extremely fast to be honest with you.

I'm really excited about this module - it's as close to perfection as I can personally imagine. I'm extremely grateful to the team at Tiptop for once again giving me the chance to be involved with a really exciting project, and putting up with my often travel-delayed replies to emails and discussions. At $245, I can't see any reason why most eurorack users will not want to add this to their setup, it's an absolute no-brainer decision as far as I'm concerned.

A huge congrats to Tiptop on the release of what they have very honestly called 'their baby'. This has been a huge effort and one I think they should be extremely proud of. Please do check it out.

More information at Tiptop's webpage

Z3000 for sale at Analogue Haven

My synth reborn!

Any of you who have seen my synth know what a pain in the ass the layout is/was.

Those stupid rolling racks which I have outgrown have modules right down near the floor - makes it so hard to use them. Plus they take up way too much space, are too far apart, are hard to move, and are ugly as hell. I get so jealous when I see someone with wooden housings for their modulars, I think that wood and modulars complement each other so well.

Anyway, I couldn't find anything available to solve my problem at all, so I took matters into my own hands. I know nothing at all about woodwork, but I put in some effort and took my time, and things worked out far, far better than I had ever hoped they would. I solved all my problems, AND the entire project only cost me $40!

Here's a couple more pics for you, as always be sure to click for fullsize...





Finally, if you'd like to see the step-by-step process of making these, have a peek here at this forum thread where I documented the whole project.

Really, REALLY happy about this. My synth finally has the enclosure it deserves, and a layout that is fun and easy to work with. It's waaaaaay overdue.

It's here! Tiptop Audio's Z5000!

Well, let me tell you - this is *really exiting* and has been VERY hard to keep a lid on over the last couple of months.

I'm really truly proud (and grateful to the guys at Tiptop!) to be able to break the news of a really exciting brand new synth module!

Some of you may have noticed the 'Teaser' post I put up a couple of days ago, and I know a bunch of you have been following along with the 'Mystery Module' thread over at the forum (where you'll find a few of my own samples - clipping and overall crumminess due to my own poor skills, not the fault of this cool module!).

Well, the mystery is finally over! Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm and for playing along - it's been a lot of fun, and like I said, pretty hard to not spill the beans on this.

Anyway, on to the module - I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the testers, and I can tell you that I've had a TON of fun with this! It is a euro-rack module, but it has no problem at all being powered by a frac-rack 15v power supply, and I had no trouble integrating it into my rig - where it's been playing very nicely with all the rest of my gear.

What is it? And who are these guys? Those are great questions! Let me give a little summary, and then paste in the official press release.


As you may have guessed from the images, the Z5000 is a voltage controlled, stereo multi effects processor, powered by a 24bit/48khz DSP. This is the first DSP-powered VC'd multi effect device I'm aware of that's been designed explicitly to work within a modular synth - it's built to handle the signal levels found in all modulars (with lots of headrooom), and obviously gives you CV control over the effects themselves. On board the module are 16 different effects 'programs', 13 of which are voltage-controllable. This all results in a really nice hybrid of analog and digital - providing some of the unique advantages of DSP, within the typically analog structure of a modular synth.

Now, the 'analog/digital' debate has gone on and on forever - but many of the forward-looking synth developers have always taken a hybrid approach, using analog where it can benefit the sound, and using digital where it can add some unique options. Of course Buchla has been a pioneer in this sort of work, and companies like Wiard and The Harvestman have continued this 'best of both worlds' tradition in the modern age.

Tiptop Audio comes to the table with the same philosophy - they seek to bring the advantages of DSP to a world that they recognize is mostly analog. The results are fantastic! And also not what you may expect... luckily these guys took the stance of NOT trying to replace your favorite Eventide unit (or whatever you may use.....), but instead to provide some unique effects that are more closely related to the 'experimental' approach most modular synthesists prefer. (One of my favorite things about this module is the 'quirky' results you get when applying CV control to the three programs that are NOT specced for CV - some very, very interesting things happen!)

I won't get into too many of the module's specs here in this post - the press release below gives all that information better than I can. However I can tell you some of the things that I really like are the fact that this is a stereo module, allowing some interesting patching options - putting one signal into one side of the processor and a different signal into the other allows for some amazing results. Also the module can take in a mono source, and then output a stereo one, which can have a great effect on your sound. And I must say that my favorite programs in the module are the "Non-linear Reverb" (in particular when under voltage control), as well as the "Chorus+Room Reverb". Some AMAZING sounds to be had here.


Now, who are these guys? Well, they are Tiptop Audio - and you just might know them already. You can find their website (where this announcement should be up now - or very imminently) at http://www.tiptopaudio.com/. Based in LA, Tiptop is comprised of SDIY-meister Sean Coulter (who has been building the modules, working with the testers, setting up dealers & distribution and acting as the 'face' of the company), and designer Gur Milstein, the engineer responsible for the module's circuitry and DSP. You may recognize Gur's name from work he's done in the past, including designing the TM-116 Sequencer, ACS Quantizer and a variety of other custom electronic instruments and control devices.

Let me tell you that this is just the start, and Sean and Gur have some *really* exciting plans for the future of their DSP applications. I can also tell you that these guys are INCREDIBLY cool, nice, humble, laid-back and just great to deal with. They really have a great community spirit (look, they let me leak info and gave me the OK to break the official news on my blog!) and are really excited about getting to work with all the modular musicians out there.

The module is in stock at Analog Haven, costs $185, and is ready to ship! We are all really excited about hearing what some of you maniacs are going to be able to do with this!



So, without further ado (this is turning into a long post!), here's the list of the FX programs and below that, the official press release. Be sure to hit up Tiptop Audio's website for more info, including some great audio demos!


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Multi-effect processors have been used for years to post-process sounds generated by analog synths, providing harmonies, delay, and reverb. Here, for the first time in an analog modular synthesizer format, is a multi-effect processor that has been specially designed for use deep with the actual process of creating synth sounds and timbres. The Z5000 is an analog-controlled digital module that fits perfectly at the heart of any analog system, bringing new and original patch options and sound manipulation capabilities. The results are exciting, progressive sounds and timbres created and enhanced by a powerful DSP engine running 16 FFT algorithms of 24-bit digital audio.

As an integrated synthezier module, the Z5000 makes post-processing modular synth sound in both mono and stereo as easy as it can possibly be. No more long cables with phone jack adapters running to external multi-effects processors and no more clipping from un-matched signal levels. Because the Z5000 is designed to handle "hot" modular signals with up to 16Vpp of headroom before clipping, it can be integrated into a system like any other module and going directly from any signal generator directly to the multi-effect processor is effortless.

Z5000: The power of voltage controlled digital signal processing seamlessly integrated into an analog package!

Features:
13 Voltage-Controlled Stereo Effects
16 Total Effects

Custom FFT programs running on Tiptop Audio DSP core at a resolution of 24 bits at 48kHz

Specially designed for modular synthesizer signal level inputs and outputs

Independent gain level light for each input

4 Input/Output Combinations:
Stereo In to Stereo Out
Stereo In to Mono Out
Mono In to Mono Out
Mono In to Stereo Out

Input / Output Gain Control

Wet / Dry Control

Effects Parameter Control

Effects Parameter CV Control

Mechanical Specifications:
Format – Eurorack
Width – 14HP / 71mm / 2.8”
Depth – 84mm / 3.3”

Electrical Specifications:
Dynamic Range, SNR – 97dB
THD+N – -88 dB
Frequency Response – 20Hz to 16kHz
Maximum Audio Input Level – 16Vpp (Before Clipping)
Maximum Audio Output Level (Dry/Wet) – Rail / Input
CV Input Range – 0V – 5V
Power - +/-12V or +/-15V
Current – 160mA

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Again, I just wanted to say a HUGE thanks to Sean & Gur for giving me the chance to work with this module, letting me tease my forum members, and allowing me to break this exciting news on the web. Congratulations on the big release! I know it's been a ton of work getting there. I'm really excited for you guys, the module, and the future of Tiptop Audio! Looking forward to seeing this get out there and to learning more about your future modules....