Tiptop Audio — MODFX FSU

Manual PDF

Creative Eurorack Patching with Tiptop Audio ModFX & FSU

The Tiptop Audio ModFX and FSU are deep, multi-algorithm effects modules for Eurorack with extensive stereo, modulation, and CV-control capabilities. Let’s explore how you can push them into creative territory with smart patching ideas and synergistic module pairings.

Signal Sculpting & Animation

1. Stereo Animation with Panning & Crossfading

Combine With: Mutable Instruments Frames or WMD AXYS
Patch Idea: The ModFX has many stereo outputs (choruses, multidimensional delays). Use a CV-controllable stereo crossfader/panner to further morph, animate, and spatialize the processed sound in performance. Animate with LFOs or envelopes.

2. CV Modulation & Source Experimentation

Combine With: Make Noise Maths, Intellijel Quadra, ALM Pamela's Pro Workout
Patch Idea: Take advantage of the three CV inputs on each module. Patch in complex LFOs, envelopes, or step-sequenced voltages to morph chorus depth, filter sweeps, or glitch parameters over time.

Effect Feedback and Layering

3. Feedback Loops

Combine With: Befaco A*B+C (for mixing, attenuation), or a Matrix Mixer like Livestock Electronics Maze
Patch Idea: Run one channel of the effect out, loop it through the matrix mixer, and back into the input. Carefully manage feedback amount with the mixer for wild flanging, dub-style delays, or unpredictable textures—especially using the FSU’s distortion and sound-on-sound algorithms.

4. Layered Processing Chains

Combine With: Other stereo effects modules (Strymon Magneto, Make Noise Mimeophon)
Patch Idea: Stack ModFX’s lush ensemble or random vibrato into spatial delays/loopers for hybrid “cloud” atmospheres. Experiment with the order—placing granular or glitch processing after deep modulations or vice versa.

Interface & Utility Integration

5. Voltage-Controlled Stereo Filtering

Combine With: Mutable Instruments Blades or Doepfer A-121-3
Patch Idea: Use ModFX or FSU in parallel with another filter. Crossfade or sequence between two very different filter sounds (e.g., ModFX’s Quad Bandpass LFO vs. analog MS-20 clone) for rhythmic or evolving timbral interplay.

6. Audio-Rate Modulation Sources

Combine With: DPO, Hertz Donut (complex oscillators), or Bitbox Micro (sampling/granular sources)
Patch Idea: Feed complex VCO waveforms, chopped up samples or rich noise into ModFX or FSU. Use the audio as both the sound source and as a modulation (FM, AM, or CV) for ultra-complex motion.

Generative & Self-Running Patches

7. Randomization & Probability

Combine With: Mutable Instruments Marbles, Turing Machine
Patch Idea: Use generative CV sources to randomly address the ModFX/FSU’s FX parameters or program select via bank change/trigger. Have chorus rate, glitch pitch, or granular spread drift and evolve live, never the same twice.

8. Performance Sampling & SOS Looping

Combine With: 4ms Stereo Triggered Sampler, ADDAC 207 Quantizer & Envelope follower
Patch Idea: Use FSU’s Sound-on-Sound looper to grab snippets of live modular jams. Quantize gate signals to trigger the SoS record VCA at musically relevant times. Layer, degrade, varispeed, and pitch-shift your own live patterns for complex performance builds.

Experimental Sound Techniques

9. Vocoded & Formant Synthesis

Combine With: Random*Source Serge Resonant EQ, Mutable Rings (strummed or plucked), Noise Engineering Vox Digitalis (sequencing)
Patch Idea: Run harmonically rich sources (saw, square, or plucked strings) into ModFX’s Formant Ping Pong Delay or Ahh Detuned filters. Gate/sequence the “vowel” range for robot voice leads, or haunting choral pads.

10. Multi-Channel Granular Madness

Combine With: Qu-Bit Nebulae v2, Monome Norns (for live sampling/granular synth), ER-301 Sound Computer
Patch Idea: Route a live granulated signal into FSU’s random grain, pitch grain, or buffer degrade effects. Feedback both modules into each other for shifting digital textures—perfect for ambient, glitch, or leftfield electroacoustic sound design.

Module-Specific Character Pairings

With Drums/Percussion Modules: Patch the FSU glitch bank post-percussion for instant broken-beat, IDM, or deconstructed club textures.
With Harmonic/Polyphonic Sources: Channel chords, pads, or string synths through Chorus/Ensemble for maximum lushness.
For Live FX Morphing: Use a footswitch gate or manual gate to flip programs/transitions in a performance.

Patching Inspiration Summary

Maximize CV: Feed evolving voltages to all parameters for real-time morphing.
Stack stereo: Parallel, chain, or feedback with analog and digital stereo FX for intense spatialization.
Abuse the limits: Overdrive, degrade, feedback, and freeze for hands-on noise and risk.
Use as voices: Some algorithms (Karplus-Strong, Chord Resonator) can be voltage-controlled into string synth territory!

Generated With Eurorack Processor