Tiptop Audio / ART Vortex

VORTEX is an ART wavetable dual oscillator that can be used to build polyphonic and multi-voice patches.

VORTEX comes with a number of wavetables, and user wavetables can be added from the SD card. VORTEX is equipped with a number of wavetables, and user wavetables can be added from the SD card.

The DETUNE knob controls a second VCO for tonal effects ranging from deep phasing to sub octaves, the POSITION knob and CV input morph the waveforms in the wavetables, and the VIBRATO knob and CV input an LFO waveform, FM (frequency modulation) is generated. Like all ART sound generators, it has a dedicated GATE output to control the envelope or modulation source corresponding to the voice.

The VORTEX is a perfect companion to the ATX1 analog VCO and a must-have for digital synth enthusiasts.

Panel Controls:.

WAVEFORM.

This knob is used to select the wavetable of 64 waveforms that the Vortex reads and plays.

DETUNE.

The detune range is from off (turned fully left) to a mild phase effect to an intense detune as it is turned fully right. When turned fully right, the second VCO is one octave lower, creating a sub-octave effect.

POSITION.

This knob and CV input selects which waveform in the wave table is played. It provides continuous control from the first waveform in the table to the second, third, and last waveforms. By changing these waveforms over time, you can create the rich overtone changes and smooth tonal transitions that are the essence of the wavetable sound.

VIBRATO

By connecting an external CV, a small frequency modulation (FM) can be applied to the oscillator pitch, creating a vibrato effect by inputting the CV of an LFO. The input terminals are bipolar and can handle even low frequency LFOs.



Note that Vortex uses the ART signal to exchange pitch and gate information, and does not support 1V/Oct pitch control. 1V/Oct signals require the quantizer module (sold separately) to control the Vortex.

Width 8HP
Depth 40mm
Current consumption +12V : 80mA
-12V : 25mA