VC-Digital Signal Processor

The Z-DSP is an open-source, cartridge-based, digital sound processing and generating platform for your modular synthesizer. The Z-DSP has a stereo DSP processor with 24-bit sampling, 15khz of bandwidth, smooth voltage controlled parameters, and has the ability to be programmed - all in a Eurorack format. While the Z-DSP cannot compete with the processing power found on personal computers, it does provide direct control of the DSP hardware and has a unique set of features aimed at the manipulation of digital effects. With the Z-DSP, digital audio can be bent, stretched, deformed, and distorted by interacting with your modules; something personal computers just can't do.

The Z-DSP interface includes VC digital parameters, VC Mix/Dry, manual and sequential program switching, and a pair of VC feedback loop paths with exposed patch points that let you insert the rest of your modular into the DSP process. The Z-DSP lets you go far beyond ordinary processing, breaking the rules and allowing you to patch right into the heart of the DSP chip through the clock input, allowing for some digital madness and creative sound design.

Multiple effects cartridges with presets are available.

The Z-DSP is also set to use Numberz, a USB device that communicates with a software front-end (for PC) and can be used to download DSP programs and display text to blank, non-volatile cartridges for use with the Z-DSP. Numberz can also feed directly into the Z-DSP’s cartridge socket for real-time programming.

With Numberz you can:
– Download free Z-DSP programs from the web and “burn” them into cartridge.
– Modify programs for new and interesting effects.
– Write and Debug Z-DSP programs in a real-time environment.
– Share your programs online with other Numberz users.
– Share your programs on Z-DSP Cartridges with other Z-DSP users.
– Create your own text for the Z-DSP LCD display.