Create unbelievable effects for your Eurorack modular setup with the Tiptop Audio Z-DSP, a cartridge-based open-source digital-sound-processing and effects-generating platform that provides lush audio processing, greater stereo depth, and a unique set of digital synthesis tools.

At the heart of the Z-DSP beats a stereo digital sound processor with 24-bit sampling and 15 kHz of bandwidth. The module offers voltage-controlled parameters for stereo feedback, DSP parameters, equal power crossfading dry/wet mixing, as well as sequential program control switching and a clear display. The clocking input for the DSP chip does wonders to passing sound by bending the algorithms in an unexpected ways, a hardware technique computer plug-ins can’t do—unique to the Z-DSP. The module ships with two DSP cards and a ribbon power cable.

Cartridge-Based Open Source DSP    Digital Sound Processing and Effects    Lush Audio Processing    Greater Stereo Depth    Unique Set of Synthesis Tools    24-Bit Sampling + 15 kHz Bandwidth    Voltage Control of Several Parameters    Advanced Feedback Loop and Control    DSP Clocking for Wild Experimentation    Halls of Valhalla + Dragonfly Delay MKII

• Cartridge-based open-source digital-sound-processing and effects-generating platform
• Lush audio processing, greater stereo depth, and a unique set of digital synthesis tools
• Stereo digital sound processor with 24-bit sampling, 15 kHz 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
• Dedicated clocking input for the DSP chip changes the sampling rate of the ADC and the associated speed that the DSP is processing data. It does wonders to passing sound by bending the algorithms in an unexpected way

• All newly designed analog circuitry
• Lower-noise signal path
• Clearer sound of the entire frequency range
• Lower distortion
• Better immunity to noise emitted by other modules sharing the same power supply
• New analog dry/wet circuit removes the 3 dB gain drop when the mix knob passes through the center of the dial
• Reverse polarity protection
• Single printed circuit board and surface-mount technology improves reliability during production and use
• Z-DSP engine remains the same as the original Z-DSP module and all cards are compatible across both versions

Halls of Valhalla

• Halls of Valhalla is a reverb cartridge for the Tiptop Audio Z-DSP. The cartridge contains 8 original reverb algorithms custom designed for the Z-DSP and the Eurorack environment. Voltage control over reverb decay, tone, and modulation allows the user to create reverbs ranging from small rooms to large halls to near-infinite decays.
• The Halls of Valhalla brings the artifacts of fixed point digital signal processing to the forefront, resulting in a thickness and warmth that evokes the classic digital gear of the 1970s through the early 1990s. The goal of the algorithms is not to evoke physical environments, but rather to create unreal spaces that range from subtle to bombastic, light to dark, with a lushness that turns simple input sounds into rich orchestral washes. The Halls of Valhalla brings the Valhalla DSP aesthetics into the hardware world: Minimalist interface, Maximalist sound.

DragonFly Delay MKII

• Dragonfly MKII is a set of eight voltage-controlled time-based delay effects for the Z-DSP. MKII features advanced delay programs with added filters and additional taps, spicing up the original set of Dragonfly programs.
• With up to 1000 ms of delay time and feedback control on each program, the Dragonfly MKII is perfect for deep, stereophonic, spacey washes of sound covering all delay effect duties within a modular and more.
• The external feedback loop on the Z-DSP lets you feedback through other modules like filters and VCAs, or just about any other module, to further process the Dragonfly repeats.
• Hook up an oscillator for a variable clock of the DSP processor chip to mess up the algorithm’s processing speed, shifting from clear digital repeats to grungy lo-fi warbles. This is where binary DSP bits meet up with the organic analog circuity of the Z-DSP.

• 28 HP Eurorack format module
• Maximum depth: 1.0" (25mm)
• Includes power ribbon cable with Eurorack power headers
• Power consumption: +12V: 200mA, -12V: 0mA

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Question for "K" – you say the gears have a little play. Is it significant enough to make it annoying to use? Any idea how this might compare with an ARCA D4 or cube? TIA for any insights, Roy

A: Sorry to hear of the play on K's unit, but I'd like to address that it is possible to tighten the gearing on the PCH unit. Users can unscrew the locking nuts by twisting them counter clockwise. Once that has been done, there is a nut inside that can be adjusted to tighten or loosen the gearing mechanism. Hope this addresses the review, and some of the other questions as well.

Q: 2. Can the Ui12 model be rack mounted?

A: The Ui12 is not designed to be rack mounted. USB, Ethernet as well as power switch are located on the left and right sides of the unit.

Q: 3. How good are the mic preamps?

A: They are as good or better than Mackie's mic pre's and that certainly is a good thing. Soundcraft is a quality product with an excellent reputation for providing quality and value and reliability at every price point. This mixer is no exception. Depending upon your application, this might be a great choice for you.

Q: 4. What is the minimum height?

A: The minimum height for this product is 4 feet.

Q: 5. Does this unit USB connect to a PC (like Behringer XR18) and DAW recording with multiple recording software? IF not is the XR18 the only unit out there that does?

A: No, The USB connection are used for software updates, snapshots, play audio files and recording. I don't know of a unit at this price that will what the XR18 does with the USBs. There are others but they are more expense.

Q: 6. can I export the UI 16 to india

A: Most European countries will allow electronic devices to be shipped. To be sure you will need to contact your carrier to find out if they will be able to send that unit.

Q: 7. Shipping cost to Rockhampton , WLD , Australia

A: Unfortunately Australian Customs & Border Protection Advisory / Due to export regulations and/or manufacturers restrictions, we are unable to accept orders with a shipping address in AUSTRALIA for the following item(s): Soundcraft Ui16 16-Input Remote-Controlled Digital Mixer.

Q: 8. Does the Soundcraft UI series mixers support Dante interface?

A: No, the Soundcraft Ui Series mixers do not support Dante. However, an option card can be added to mixers in the Si Series to enable Dante compatibility.

Q: 9. can I use ui 16 as a stagebox?

A: The Ui16 is a mainly a mixer which is meant to be placed on, or near the stage, and controlled via a tablet or PC. This will not interface as a digital snake for other mixers.

Q: 10. Is this mixer good for video live production to bring the audio to my switcher?

A: Yes, that would be a use for this mixer.