Superbooth 21: Tiptop Audio ModFX And FSU

US Effects modules for modulation and to f**k s**t up 23/09/21

Tiptop Audio has expanded their effects module line with two new additions: ModFX, described as a modulation effect processor with a smooth sound and wide stereo spread and FSU, which they say is an experimental processor code name F**K S**T UP that you won't understand it till you start to use it.

Tiptop Audio tells us that both are built from the same platform as ECHOZ, ZVERB and the Z5000 they have the same easy to use and compact UI with CV control over all three DSP parameter and the unique analog clock control that drives the internal DSP processor. Here's their press release with the full details...

The Tiptop Audio effects module line continues with two new additions: ModFX and FSU. Built from the same platform as ECHOZ, ZVERB and the Z5000 they have the same easy to use and compact UI with CV control over all three DSP parameter and the Fidelity control over the DSP clock. Both are available in the White panel as well as the newer backlit Black panels.

ModFX offers three banks of modulations effects from classic stomp box and rack effects to more experimental processing not found in any other hardware. One of the strengths of this module is the creative ways it moves static mono sources into expansive stereo sound fields.

The Chorus bank has effects essential to electronic music production. Many classic synths like the Solina or Juno series used chorus as part of their trademark sounds. While Chorus is often a subtle process the widens and deepens the source sound – one that you almost don't notice until it's turned off – these eight programs include some more esoteric options that can create wobbly ambiences or deep detuned rooms particularly when combined with the Fidelity control.

Flange effects come from the modulation of very short delay times and this bank expands on that to include Karplus and Resonant pitch effects and panning using the Haas effect. Programs like the Chord Resonator can turn percussive tracks into harmonic material and the Haas panning creates wide stereo spreads without pitch or amplitude modulation.

ModFX's Filter bank doesn't have the typical high and low pass options common to synths and instead features a set of highly modulated and unusual filtering options. Programs include a couple of vintage inspired all pass filter based phasers, filter based panning and some vocal formant options.

FSU brings some more aggressive and destructive processing to the FX lineup form guitar pedal inspired distortion to granular processing to tape recorder style Sound on Sound looping. Distortions include Ring Modulation and Frequency Shifting for some vintage analog mayhem. Glitch bank has time based effects that abuse the aspects of delay and pitch pushing them to more experimental and extreme sounds. And Sound On Sound recreates one of the more interesting features of reel to reel tape decks that allowed overdubbing endlessly without multi-tracking. This bank uses a short tape loop and adds a variety of digital processes like pitch shifting and granular playback to make it even more experimental.