Tiptop Audio Z-DSP NS VC-Digital Signal Processor

Tiptop Audio 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 unique digital synthesis is what Z-DSP is all about.

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 plug-ins can't do that is unique to Z-DSP.

Z-DSP has revamped 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. An analog dry/wet circuit has been implemented to remove a 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 front panel matches Tiptop's colorful modern 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.

An assortment of interchangeable cards programmed by Tiptop Audio and specialists like Valhalla DSP provide a wide range of boutique effects algorithms such as Halls of Valhalla, Time Fabric, Clocked Delays and Grain De Folie. Tiptop Audio also offers blank Z-DSP cartridges and a development tool called NumberZ (both sold separately) for developers, students and power users who want to design their own effects and cards with the FV-1 DSP chip programing language. Blank cards can be loaded using programs that are freely available for non-commercial use and can be found in the modular community through online forums. With each card swap Z-DSP takes on new effect algorithms, changing like a digital chameleon and bringing colorful digital effects processing to your eurorack setup.

Z-DSP comes with two cards included: Halls of Valhalla and Dragonfly Delay MKII. Other cards are sold separately.

• Effects-generating platform for modular synthesizers
• Interchangeable cartridges with an exclusive array of boutique effects like chorus, reverb, delay, pitch shifting and granular, to name a few
• 24-bit sampling, 15kHz of bandwidth
• Dedicated audio processing hardware
• Dedicated clocking of DSP chip
• CV parameters for stereo feedback, program switching and DSP features
• Clear display for easy reading and tracking