Tiptop Z4000 Envelope Generator - Manual (Page 2)

Introduction.
2
The Z4000 is a four segment envelope generator with an additional CV processor
that can be used to scale, invert, mirror, and clip the generated envelope. With its
snappy envelopes, the Z4000 can generate complex CV signals for controlling any
CV input in your modular.
Let’s get started.
To start using the Z4000, plug in a gate signal into the gate input, set ATTACK to
minimum, DECAY to 50%, SUSTAIN to 50%, and RELEASE to 50%. Set the
ATTENUVERTER all the way to the right and set the DEVIATER to 50%. Connect the
OUT jack to the CV of a VCA or the FM of a filter like the Z2040, or the FM input
of the Z3000. When the gate goes high, the led should turn red indicating an
envelope. You should also hear the effect of the envelope over the VCA or filter.
Playing with segment knobs will let you set different envelopes, and playing with the
Attenuverter will let you scale down the envelope and invert it if set left of the 50%
position
With the Deviater you can offset the envelope’s position, pushing it into the negative
voltage range (CCW, yellow light) or positive voltage range (CW, red light). By
applying CV into the Deviater’s CV input, the same effect can be done using
external cv control from sequencers, LFO’s, or another Z4000. You can even
feedback the signal from the Z4000 into itself for further manipulation of the curve
shapes and time.
Segment Control Knobs Range up to 50%
You might have notice that the segments control knobs start being responsive from
about 50%. Although that might seems odd at first, there is a good reason.
Creating snappy envelopes requires fast transients, but fast transients can also add
artifacts to the sound the envelope is applied to: This is known as pop or click.
In some sound design, this click is a welcomed part of the sound but in other
designs, there is a desire to reduce the click yet keep a snappy response.
Those two qualities are in opposite relation to each other. The Z4000’s first 50% of
the segments’ knob range is dedicated to that initial area of sound design, providing
you high resolution for fine tuning of the envelope segments in the millisecond
range. This large millisecond range makes up for a great kitchen to cook up
transient sounds and percussive elements.