The Tiptop Audio Model 296t Programmable Spectral Processor at a glance:

TipTop Audio has collaborated with Buchla to realize a fully Eurorack-compatible version of the 296 Spectral Processor. The 296t is a 16-channel bandpass filter with integrated analysis and synthesis functions and can be used as a real-time performance filter, compound equalizer and even as a spectrum-transmitting vocoder. The centre frequencies of the bands are chosen to complement the ear's discrimination curve. Each frequency band has its own VCA input, envelope follower output and audio output, so quite complex sound changes are possible.

Inputs and outputs

Three audio inputs offer the possibility to feed signals into all bands or into the Even/Odd groups. Similarly, there are eight audio outputs in total. The Attenuator outputs provide the signal set with the sliders. The Comb outputs contain the fully processed and filtered sums of the Even and Odd groups. The three Programmed outputs can be animated across bands with two control voltages. The decay times of the envelopes are adjustable and the pre-emphasis can be used to smooth the frequency response during vocoding.

Independence

The 296t's design allows the two signals to be processed and output independently; the results give widely differing results because the frequency bands for even and odd are not the same. The 296t is much more than the sum of its function, complex filtering, Vocoder sounds and especially very organic and lively soundscapes are its domain.