Tiptop Audio — MIXZ

Manual PDF

Using the Tiptop Audio MIXZ for Full-Length Eurorack Songs

The Tiptop Audio MIXZ module is more than just a utility mixer—it's a tool that enables large-scale set arrangement and structure within a Eurorack system. Crafting a full song on modular not only involves making interesting sounds but also demands transitions, arrangement, and control. Here’s how to take advantage of MIXZ in a song-oriented workflow:

Key Features of the MIXZ in Song Building

Dual 4-Channel Mixing: Mixer A and Mixer B allow you to manage separate groups of sounds or signal paths, each with dedicated or summed outputs.
Master Gain & Individual Control: Mixer A has per-channel gain, Mixer B has a master output control.
Tiptop Bus Mix Integration: Mix drums or other sources from compatible modules via the bus board, freeing up front-panel patch points and enabling mass muting/enabling via jumpers and the module’s BUS toggle.
Low Noise Summing: Clean mixing of audio, CV, and gates, important for layered arrangements and song clarity.

Techniques for Creating Full-Length Songs with MIXZ

1. Song Sectioning Through Mixer Grouping

Assign Sounds to Mixers: Send separate voices (like drums, bass, leads, atmospheres) to different mixer sections.
- Example: Drums via BUS Mix + Mixer B, melodic content via Mixer A.
Manual Transitions: Use patch cable insertion/removal to reroute Mixer A out of Mixer B, effectively muting/introducing sections on the fly—a tactile way to handle verse/chorus/bridge changes.

2. Live Arrangement via Bus Mix

Selective Drum Muting/Enabling: With individual modules enabled/disabled on the bus, and the MIXZ BUS switch acting as a global mute, you can bring in or drop out complex percussion sections instantly—ideal for drops, builds, and breakdowns.
Performance Switch: Flip the BUS switch for dramatic silences or re-entries in your song arrangement.

3. Layering and Spatial Movement

Stereo/FX Sends: Route Mixer B’s output to effects like delays, reverbs (e.g., Z-DSP in the manual’s example), and fade those effects in/out for dynamic intros, outros, and breakdowns.
Stacked Mixing: Have Mixer A process your main harmonic content, route into a filter, then into Mixer B with drums. You can gradually build up your song by bringing in extra tracks via the unused channels in each mixer.

4. Scene Creation and Morphing

Patch Automation: Use voltage-controlled amplifiers (VCAs) or mutes post-MIXZ for automated volume fades or switching sections with external sequencers.
External Control: Use a logic or trigger module to perform “scene” changes by switching which sound groups are routed to the output, or by automating the BUS on/off with external helpers (manual engagement will always be most direct).

5. Dynamic Song Progression

Gradual Build-ups: Slowly raise levels on Mixer A/B, or open the BUS, to create layered introductions.
Breakdowns: Instantly cut sections by pulling a patch cable from Mixer A’s out (removing its sum from Mixer B), or flipping the BUS off.
Jams and Improvisation: With 8+ channels + BUS, you can jam and improvise song structure, bringing in or dropping out voices as needed.

Workflow Example: Building a Modular Song

Intro: Bus Mix and all channels off. Fade in atmospheric elements on Mixer A.
Verse: Bring in drums by flipping BUS switch; add bass via Mixer B.
Chorus: Patch in Mixer A to Mixer B, combine all voices and bring up FX sends for heightened energy.
Breakdown: Pull Mixer A out, flip BUS switch off—only atmospheric effects remain.
Build: Gradually raise levels, re-enable BUS, push signal back into Mixer B for the next section or a final drop.
Outro: Fade everything out using master gain on Mixer B, or manual level fades.

Pairings with Other Modules

Drum Modules: All Tiptop drum modules for easy BUS Mix workflow.
Sequencers: For automating CV/gate changes to dynamics or voice selection.
VCAs & Mute Switches: Post-MIXZ for more automated section changes.
Envelope Followers/Controllers: To modulate levels on MIXZ for dynamic builds.
Effects (e.g., Z-DSP, Echo, Reverb): For spatial transitions and song development.

General Tips

Modular “songs” are about performative arrangement—use MIXZ as your central hub to introduce, remove, and blend elements in real time.
Plan ahead: assign your song elements to different channels or BUS slots to facilitate quick changes on the fly.
Practice transitions! The muscle memory of flipping BUS, patching, and fading will make your live modular songs engaging and cohesive.

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