Eight Voices, 16 Analog Oscillators, Endless ART-fueled Synthesis
Across decades of synthesizer evolution, true polyphony has consistently been regarded as the proverbial "White Whale" of Eurorack modular synthesis. That is, until Tiptop Audio mastermind Gur Milstein and his team developed the groundbreaking ART system. The Tiptop Audio Triax8 is the latest to emerge with full ART-fueled polyphony at the ready. Armed with an 8-voice architecture, the true-analog Triax8 Eurorack module utilizes dual triangle-core oscillators for each voice, resulting in two VCOs — powered by 16 total oscillators — for wielding wave-shaping wizardry of the utmost aural acuity. Across 10 individually shapable waveforms (including the revered XOR waveform), Tiptop’s explosive Through-Zero Linear FM technology masterfully maintains laser-tight tuning precision, resulting in a beast of FM-capable analog polyphony that has Sweetwater’s synthesists aghast at the module’s capabilities. Moreover, octets of Gate and Audio outs complement expansive Sync, Velocity, Keytracking, PWM, and cross-mod capabilities, while dedicated ART and Polytip connections join MPE compatibility to unlock prismatic dimensions of polyphonic patching, per-voice modulation, and serious sonic sorcery.
Note: Polytip connectors require compatible Polytip cables. Unapproved cables, including USB cables, pose a risk of serious damage to your module. Please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer with any questions or concerns.
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Powerful potential to unearth
At a robust 40HP form factor, Tiptop Audio designed the Triax8 Eurorack module to maximize the multidimensional musicality of every millimeter. For starters, the Triax8’s systems are purpose-built to process the conditions of its surrounding case environment, dynamically adapting to any changes, guaranteeing VCO tuning stability for laser-focused polyphonic contouring. A mélange of modulation magic abounds, with a multiplicity of selectable FM Source waveforms complementing blendable cross-oscillator FM that’s part of nine possible combinations that include two sets of hard- and soft-sync options. Moreover, each VCO features a dedicated, voltage-controllable PWM capability, joining additional CV inputs for per-VCO Vibrato and FM parameters. As if all this weren’t enough to explore, Triax8 is capable of operating in Polyphonic, Unison, and Dual modes, with onboard voice-management tools to further refine your performance preferences. Additionally, each of the eight polyphonic voices features per-voice Mix and Gate outputs, alongside full-module Gate Mix and audio-level Mix outputs, enabling near-limitless interoperative integration.
MPE and the ART of prismatic Polytip-patching possibilities
You can read more on the history and design philosophy of Tiptop Audio’s ART and Polytip technologies below, but this ecosystem, in short, answers the question, “What if Eurorack modules could transmit and receive polyphonic and multimodal signal information, similar to MIDI?” Thus, the ART format and Polytip cable were born, and the Triax8 spares no effort in wielding its kaleidoscopic power to the fullest extent ART and Polytip connections allow. When used with compatible ART-capable modules, gate, velocity, CV, pitch, level, and audio information are transmitted simultaneously via Polytip patches. Individuated Level values for the Saw and Pulse waveforms of each VCO, as well as the Sub-oscillator and XOR levels of VCO 1 and VCO 2, respectively, are discretely controllable via Polytip. Furthermore, Audio and Gate outputs send information for all eight voices at once, while a Polytip CV input unlocks menacing modulation. When it comes to expressive performances, the ART input is fully compatible with MPE information, and a Polytip output for the module’s trio of selectable Velocity modes ensures every nuance is captured and applied with exacting precision.
Discover the ART of next-gen synthesis
What is ART? In short, it’s the next stage of Eurorack’s evolution. More expansively, it’s the brainchild of Tiptop Audio founder Gur Milstein, marking a groundbreaking, open-spec control signal technology that expands the sonic scope of modular synthesis possibilities. Utilizing ART-capable modules allows synthesists and sound designers to explore complex modular terrains, including polyphonic Eurorack synthesis and inventive modular arrangements through paired gate or velocity outputs. Because ART modules utilize Eurorack signal levels for both oscillator audio and CV/gate controls, alongside sharing the same power connectors, these can be seamlessly intermixed with standard Eurorack gear via 3.5mm patch cables. Unlike the Eurorack-standard 1V/octave model, ART signals transmit multiple dimensions of information with near-zero latency, including velocity, modulation, and pressure values, as well as precise pitch information.
At its core, the ART signal replaces the prohibitively tricky, time-consuming, and creatively stifling method of tuning modules with 1V/octave CV. Select ART modules feature innovative connectors that utilize Tiptop Audio’s custom-developed Polytip patch cables, directly enabling polyphonic performances via lightning-fast transmission of detailed information between modules. So, why create with ART? This framework unlocks the full potential of the Eurorack modular architecture by solving the artistic, harmonic, and structural woes that were an inevitable outcome of the space’s nascent technological limitations. In other words, ART expands Eurorack without compromising the spirit that’s inspired countless musicians for decades, producing exciting vectors to summit the previously insurmountable heights of modular synthesis.
Tiptop Audio Triax8 Features:
- Multidimensional Eurorack module features 8 voices of true-analog polyphony
- 16 triangle-core oscillators support 3 voicing options for an aural architrave of 2 VCOs for each of its 8 polyphonic voices
- 9 FM configurations include 2 sets of hard- and soft-sync options, alongside 5-source FM, an external CV input, and cross-oscillator modulation
- 10 onboard waveforms include XOR, Sub, Pulse Width, and further options, each with a dedicated control knob for per-waveform level adjustments
- State-of-the-art Through-Zero Linear FM undergirds the module’s systems that monitor and adapt to your case environment for unwavering tuning stability and management
- Full Mix and Gate Mix outputs join per-voice Gate and Audio outs for extremely pliable patching possibilities
- Integrated, groundbreaking ART and Polytip technologies allow for expansive signal-processing and information-transmission capabilities for unrivaled expression and detail
