Tiptop Audio ART Polyphonic Modules: A New Era in Modular Synthesis
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Tiptop Audio ART Polyphonic Modules: A New Era in Modular Synthesis · Source: Tiptop Audio
The first polyphonic modules of the Tiptop Audio ART system mark a paradigm shift in modular synthesis: For the first time, you can build fully polyphonic patches using just a handful of modules. The new Tiptop Audio ART modules are shipping now and you can order them today!
Tiptop Audio ART
Tiptop Audio ART: Polyphonic Patching Made Easy
Tiptop Audio caused quite a stir when the manufacturer announced the ART system at Superbooth in 2023. The idea: by replacing traditional 1/8” patch cords with special “Polytip” cables that can carry polyphonic audio and CV signals over a single connection, ART allows for the creation of polyphonic modules.
Eurorack wasn’t designed for polyphony. Building a polyphonic system used to mean running multiple oscillator modules through multiple filters, controlled by multiple envelopes and VCAs – not to mention the hot mess of patch cords required to connect everything. For each additional voice, you had to invest in a whole new set of modules and the rack space to accommodate it. With the new polyphonic ART modules, you can set up a polyphonic system using just a handful of modules.
While the first ART-compatible modules came out about a year ago, it took Tiptop Audio a bit longer to release the polyphonic oscillator, filter, and envelope modules announced when the standard was unveiled. And now they’re here: the polyphonic era has arrived!
Tiptop Audio ART: Vortex6 and Octopass
For now, the Vortex6 oscillator module is the main sound source of the system. The six-voice wavetable oscillator uses 8-bit converters similar to those found in the PPG Wave. In the Detune and Sub modes, a second oscillator per voice is added. The module also has six ASR envelope generators for modulating the wavetable positions. Vortex6 can import user wavetables.
Octopass is an analog eight-voice filter module based on the classic 2044 chip. In addition to Polytip inputs and outputs for eight channels of audio, the module has two Polytip modulation inputs. There’s also a traditional mini jack input, which allows you to control the modulation intensities for the eight channels globally using a single external control source.
Tiptop Audio ART: Octostages and Octogain
Octostages is an analog eight-voice ADSR envelope generator based on the circuit design of the Oberheim OB-X. It offers Polytip gate inputs and envelope outputs, as well as Polytip CV inputs for velocity and attack. Moreover, the module has eight LEDs for visualizing the eight envelopes.
Octogain is an eight-voice VCA and mixer. In addition to Polytip connectivity, the module has minijack connectors for all eight VCAs, which allows for flexible integration into a traditional Eurorack setup.
Tiptop Audio ART: Octo I/O, Octovert, M
Octo I/O is a utility module that bridges the gap between Polytip and the traditional Eurorack environment. The module outputs the eight channels of a Polytip input via eight minijacks. In addition, Octo I/O includes a Polytip mult.
Octovert is a CV processor that can scale, invert, and offset polyphonic modulation signals controlled by external CV. And lastly, M is a five-way Polytip mult.
Prices and Availability
You can now order the new polyphonic Tiptop Audio ART modules from Thomann*. The prices are as follows:
- Vortex6: $553 / £529 / €629
- Octopass: $455 / £437 / €519
- Octostages: $399 / £385 / €459
- Octogain: $399 / £385 / €459
- Octo I/O: $101 / £96 / €115
- Octovert: $280 / £268 / €319
- M: $101 / £96 / €115
The Polytip cables are also available at Thomann* in four different lengths.
More Information
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One response to “Tiptop Audio ART Polyphonic Modules: A New Era in Modular Synthesis”
Finally!
Nice one Tip Top Audio