Tiptop Audio Spring Waves Z-DSP Cartridge

Spring Waves brings a set of physical behavior modeling algorithms for the Z-DSP. It dives deep into the experimental digital sounds design techniques knows as Waveguide Synthesis: a 1998 patent of Stanford University developed by Julius O. Smith III and a step forward from Karplus-Strong techniques. In addition to that are two Spring models space synthesis making real Newtonian physics calculation at sample rate.

The principle behind these algorithms is basically a mathematical feedback formula excited by external signals, which self oscillate as a damped tone. The type and harmonic content of the external signals these algorithms can react to is extremely wide and so are the tones that they can impart to a sound.

The card contains six Karplus-Strong and two Spring models. When fed with an external pulse or burst of noise they self oscillate creating synthetic sounds similar to glass, spring, bell and a variety of string stones. When structured sounds like high pitched FM tones, drones, drum sounds and vocals pass though they get a harmonized type effect, many time in an unexpected way. This card is anything but standard as it takes the natural “springy” artifact of digital audio, and instead of fighting to eliminate it, actually makes use of it as a new source of sound inside the modular.