tiptop-audio-z-dsp

Tiptop Audio Z-DSP

Hackable cartridge DSP with voltage-controlled madness

26 HP Eurorack module

The Z-DSP is a 24-bit stereo voltage-controlled digital signal processor for Eurorack that loads effect algorithms from swappable cartridges, each containing up to 8 programs including reverbs, delays, granular, and physical modeling effects. Its analog feedback architecture and hackable DSP clock give it a warm, unpredictable character that goes far beyond typical studio plugins. CV control over parameters, clock rate, and program switching make it a deeply modular and live-performance-oriented processor.

Features

  • 24-bit stereo DSP processing with swappable cartridges containing up to 8 algorithms each
  • Open-loop analog feedback architecture with external feedback routing capability
  • Hackable DSP clock input accepts audio-rate signals to bend effects unpredictably
  • Three voltage-controlled digital DSP parameters (VC DSP 1/2/3) with knob offset
  • Analog VCA on each feedback input for CV-controlled feedback gain and AM synthesis
  • Sequential program switching via trigger, gate, CV voltage, or manual button
  • Forward and reverse program stepping via FWD/REV gate input
  • VC-PRG input accepts 0-5V for voltage-controlled program selection
  • Wet/Dry mix knob with dedicated VC input for real-time blend control
  • Analog clipping LED indicator
  • LCD display showing program name and parameter information
  • Open-source coding environment via NumberZ programmer for custom algorithm development

Controls & Jacks (29)

  • Program Select— Illuminated button to manually step through programs on the loaded cartridge
  • IN 1 Level— Audio input level control for Channel 1 (Left)
  • Trigger— Trigger/pulse input for sequential program switching; accepts 0-5V+ pulses to advance to next higher program, wraps from program 8 to 1
  • VC-P2— Voltage control input for Digital Parameter 2; ±2.5V sweeps parameter MIN to MAX, ~100ms response time
  • FDB 2— Feedback gain control for Channel 2 (Right) with VCA, accepts CV control
  • IN 2 Level— Audio input level control for Channel 2 (Right)
  • Clock— DSP firmware clock and sample rate input; accepts audio-rate pulses to dynamically modulate processing speed; ideal source is Z3000 square w
  • FWD/REV— Forward/Reverse program switching direction control; gate signal reverses the direction of program stepping
  • FDB IN 1— Feedback input for Channel 1; breaks internal feedback loop when patched, allows external processing insertion in feedback path
  • FDB IN 2— Feedback input for Channel 2; breaks internal feedback loop when patched, allows external processing insertion in feedback path
  • VC-PRG— Voltage controlled program switching; 0-5V voltage swing switches programs under same terms as TRIGGER input
  • Clip LED— Audio clipping indicator, lights when signal clips; normal on power-up
  • VC DSP 3— Manual control for Digital Parameter 1, acts as offset for VC-P1 voltage with center position nominal
  • Mix VC— Voltage control input for Mix parameter; ±2.5V centered at knob position sweeps from 100% Dry to 100% Wet, responds at audio rate
  • FDB 2— 100% wet feedback output for Channel 2 (Right); internally connected to FDB IN 2 unless patched
  • VC DSP 2— Manual control for Digital Parameter 2, acts as offset for VC-P2 voltage with center position nominal
  • FDB 1— 100% wet feedback output for Channel 1 (Left); internally connected to FDB IN 1 unless patched
  • FDB 1— Feedback gain control for Channel 1 (Left) with VCA, accepts CV control
  • IN 1— Audio input for Channel 1 (Left)
  • OUT 2— Audio output for Channel 2 (Right), mix of dry input and wet DSP output controlled by Mix knob
  • IN 2— Audio input for Channel 2 (Right)
  • VC DSP 1— Manual control for Digital Parameter 3, acts as offset for VC-P3 voltage with center position nominal
  • VC-P3— Voltage control input for Digital Parameter 3; ±2.5V sweeps parameter MIN to MAX, ~100ms response time
  • Display— Audio clipping indicator, lights when signal clips; normal on power-up
  • OUT 1— Audio output for Channel 1 (Left), mix of dry input and wet DSP output controlled by Mix knob
  • VC Select
  • VC-P1— Voltage control input for Digital Parameter 1; ±2.5V sweeps parameter MIN to MAX, ~100ms response time
  • Mix— Wet/Dry balance control, blends between 100% dry input and 100% wet processed signal
  • Control— Audio output for Channel 1 (Left), mix of dry input and wet DSP output controlled by Mix knob

How-To Guides

  • First Stereo Delay Patch
  • Z3000 Clock Hacking Glitch
  • AM Synthesis via Feedback VCA
  • Analog Filter in DSP Feedback Path
  • Rhythmic Program Switching
  • Voltage Controlled Program Selection
  • Self-Oscillating Reverb Drone
  • Dual Source DSP Layering
  • Narrow Pulse Clock Edge Hanging
  • Combined Digital and Analog Feedback Depth

Explore the interactive Z-DSP panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.

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