Tiptop Audio — MA808
Tiptop Audio MA808 Manual PDF
Tiptop Audio MA808 Cheat Sheet
Overview
The MA808 is a Eurorack adaptation of the Roland TR-808 Maracas sound engine, with additional controls and Eurorack-friendly features including white noise out, independent accent control, and an extra Attack parameter to adjust sound character.
Panel Controls & Jacks Reference
Knobs
- LEVEL: Master output volume of maracas sound.
- ATTACK: Adjusts the envelope attack time.
- Counter-clockwise: Sharper, snappier, more hi-hat like.
- Clockwise: Slower, softer, delayed maraca sound.
- Dot position: Classic 808 sound.
- ACCENT: Sets the amount of dynamic accent (how much louder accented hits will be).
Input Jacks
| Jack |
Function |
Details/Voltage Ranges |
| ACCENT IN |
Gate/trigger for dynamic accent |
Standard 5V trigger/gate |
| GATE IN |
Gate/trigger to play maracas sound |
Standard 5V trigger/gate |
Output Jacks
| Jack |
Output |
Details/Voltage Ranges |
| MA OUT |
Maracas main audio out |
Line level Eurorack modular audio |
| 808 W-NOISE |
Raw analog white noise out |
Line level audio (use for other patching) |
Quick Start
- Patch a gate/trigger (5V, ~>2ms) to GATE IN.
- Patch MA OUT to mixer or audio interface.
- Set LEVEL to 12 o’clock, ACCENT full up, ATTACK at the dot.
- Trigger and you’ll get the classic 808 maraca sound.
- Adjust:
- ATTACK counter-clockwise for sharper/hi-hat like tone.
- ATTACK clockwise for slower maraca with delayed onset.
Feature Tips
- White Noise Out: Use 808 W-NOISE output as raw noise source for other drum synthesis or modulation.
- Accent:
- No patch to ACCENT IN: Gate is normalized to accent, ACCENT knob becomes a fine volume control.
- Patch a gate to ACCENT IN: Independent control of accented notes; ACCENT knob scales accent amount.
- Classic 808: Dot on ATTACK = original 808 behavior.
Voltage Control
- Gates/Triggers: Standard 5V logic. Higher voltage up to 12V usually safe for gate inputs.
- Audio Outputs (MA OUT, 808 W-NOISE): Modular level audio (~10Vpp typical).
Creative Patching Suggestions
- Run 808 W-NOISE into filters, VCAs, or envelopes for custom hats/snares.
- Use 808 W-NOISE as random modulation or to clock sequencers (random bursts).
Manual: https://tiptopaudio.com/808-2
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