Tiptop Audio — Fold Processor
Tiptop Audio Fold Processor Manual (PDF)
Creative Uses for the Tiptop Audio Fold Processor in Eurorack
The Fold Processor is a particularly flexible analog module, bringing Serge-inspired wavefolding and unique octave subdivision to your rack. Here are some advanced, creative, and fun ways to get the most out of it:
1. Classic Wavefolding with VCOs
- Patch: Sine or triangle output from a VCO (e.g., Make Noise DPO, Tiptop Z3000, Intellijel Dixie II) into the IN1.
- Result: Animate simple waveforms into complex, harmonically-rich timbres. Use the FOLD and INJECT CVs with modulating sources (envelopes, LFOs) to keep the sound evolving.
- Suggestion: Run the OUT to a low pass filter (Mutable Instruments Ripples, Doepfer A-120) to tame harmonics and sculpt the tone further.
2. Analog Distortion for Drums or Sampling Modules
- Patch: Audio out from a drum module or sample player (e.g., ALM Squid Salmple, Tiptop ONE, or Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas) into Fold IN1.
- Result: Use the module as an analog distortion, achieving characterful grit and crunch—analog "drive" inside your rack for percussive elements, similar to using guitar pedals with beats.
- Tip: CV-modulate the FOLD amount with a snappy envelope for punchy, distorted attacks.
3. Sub-Oscillator Magic with SUBDIV Section
- Patch: After folding, send OUT to SUBDIV OUT. The SUBDIV section generates four divisors, each an octave apart, mixed to taste.
- Result: Create fat, layered sub-basses or chord-like intervals from a single oscillator. Great for beefing up mono lines or adding pseudo-polyphony.
- Suggestion: Feed SUBDIV OUT through a wavefolder (such as Intellijel uFold) or frequency shifter (Doepfer A-126) for evolving bass textures.
4. Wild Octave Pulse Processing
- Patch: Feed a complex or noisy source—such as the output from Mutable Instruments Plaits or Random Source Serge—into the Fold Processor.
- Result: Extreme harmonics, drones, and unpredictable octave pulses, especially fun when sweeping FOLD and INJECT knobs, then modulating those with synchronized or cross-modulated LFOs.
- Combo: Send SUBDIV OUT to a clocked delay (e.g., Make Noise Mimeophon) to capture wild rhythmic artifacts.
5. Harmonic Animation via Feedback Paths
- Patch: Place the Fold OUT or SUBDIV OUT into the feedback path of a digital FX processor like Tiptop Z-DSP or Mutable Instruments Clouds.
- Result: Folding in the feedback loop adds dynamic harmonics and new timbres with every repeat, mutating delays and reverbs into lush textures.
6. FM & Timbre Feedback
- Patch: Patch OUT or SUBDIV OUT into the FM input of a second oscillator (or the same oscillator in a feedback patch).
- Result: Achieve FM sounds with more upper harmonics—great for metallic or bell-like tones, or pseudo-chaotic feedback networks for experimental music collaborations.
7. Voltage-Controlled Harmonics (Automated Sound Design)
- Use envelopes, LFOs, or sequencers (e.g., Make Noise Maths, Intellijel Quadra, Malekko Voltage Block) to modulate FOLD, INJECT, and their CV inputs for living, moving waveforms ideal for generative and self-playing patches.
8. Cross-Processing with Other Analog Effects
- Try running OUT > Ring Modulator (Doepfer A-114), Wave Multiplier (STG .MIX or Serge Wave Multiplier), or Wavefolder (Intellijel uFold).
- Double or triple up on folding/distorting for unstable, aggressive analog sounds perfect for industrial, noise, or glitch.
9. Unusual Sidechaining and Ducking
- Use the SUBDIV OUT for audio-rate amplitude-modulation or gating effects. Patch it into a VCA's CV input, and route a rhythmic element to the Fold Processor IN1 for musically reactive gating.
10. Strange CV Generation
- Feed CV-rate signals or LFOs into IN1 or modulate with audio-rate sources. Due to the analog wavefolding and subdivision, Fold Processor can transform or quantize CVs for unconventional modulation shapes.
Bonus:
Try patching both OUT and SUBDIV OUT simultaneously into two channels of a stereo FX unit or mixer for wide, weird stereo images.
Generated With Eurorack Processor