Abstract Data Kicker User Manual

User Guide

Kick Drum & Low Frequency Percussion Synth

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ON: Left: Power On Right: Power Off

PUNCH: Left: Off Right: On

ENV ATTACK: Left: Fast Attack Right: Slow Attack

LED: Power On indicator

OSC1 PITCH: Sets the fundamental (centre) frequency of Oscillator 1

ENV DECAY: Sets the Envelope Decay Time

OSC2 LEVEL: Sets the volume of Oscillator 2

OSC2 PITCH: Sets the fundamental (centre) frequency of Oscillator 2

OSC2 PARAM1: Used with OSC2 PARAM2 this affects the frequency that Oscillator 2 sustains at once

triggered and the amount of time it will oscillate. These two controls affect the oscillator directly and range from short, snappy pulses to high-pitched self oscillation.

OSC2 PARAM2: Used with OSC2 PARAM1 this affects the frequency that Oscillator 2 sustains at once triggered and the amount of time it will oscillate. These two controls affect the oscillator directly and range from short, snappy pulses to high-pitched self oscillation.

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AUDIO OUT: Main Audio Output: 6.5mm (1/4”) Mono Socket

CV TRIGGER IN: +DC Pulse from approx. +5 to +20V DC at approx. 20 milliseconds or less

6.5mm (1/4”) Mono Socket

AUDIO TRIGGER IN: Accepts most fast-attack, short-duration audio signals at line level

6.5mm (1/4”) Mono Socket

*POWER IN: 12 Volt DC @ approx. 300mA

2.1mm Socket Tip = Negative

Kicker has short-circuit and over-voltage protection built in, but using the wrong

adapter can cause damage to your instrument. Please check the polarity, spec and condition of your adapter before use.

Please also conserve energy and resources by powering down and unplugging Kicker when it is not is use.

*Power adapter not included

SPECIFICATIONS: Dimensions (mm): (W) 132 x (H) 68 x (D) 77

Weight (kg): 0.45 Case Construction: 0.9mm Mild Steel (CR4)

Kick Drum & Low Frequency Percussion Synth

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Kick Drum & Low Frequency Percussion Synth

Features: • 100% Analog

• 2 independent sine-wave oscillators

• Wide-range synthesis controls

• Second oscillator will self oscillate

• Capable of very low frequencies

• Punch switch for high-impact hits

• Attack switch & Envelope Decay control

• Triggers via line-level Audio & CV Pulse

• Trigger sensitivity allows for accents

• Trigger speed goes to audio frequencies

• Chrome-plated case & pro hardware

• Limited-edition run

Troubleshooting: Problem: Kicker does not power up Solution: Check the polarity of the DC adapter. The ‘TIP” must be Negative (-)

Problem: The Audio Trigger doesn’t appear to be doing anything Solution: The threshold for the Audio Trigger is approx. -6dB. Try slowly turning up the volume of the signal you are using as your Audio Trigger

Problem: The Audio Output sounds like it is overly distorted using the Audio Trigger Solution: If the volume of the signal your are using as your Audio Trigger is set too high it will distort the triggered sound. Try slowly turning down the volume of the signal your are using as your Audio Trigger

Problem: The Audio Output sounds like it is overly distorted using the CV Trigger Solution: The CV Trigger must be short enough to trigger the internal oscillators without distorting them. Most MIDI to CV converters, analog trigger outs and DC (or positive going) oscillators with a good pulse-width control should be able to trigger Kicker without problems

Problem: The Envelope Decay control seems to have stopped working Solution: Kicker uses a ‘non-retriggering’ Attack/Decay Envelope. It is possible, when using a Decay time that is much slower (longer) than the trigger speed (Tempo), that the Decay section of the Envelope Generator might briefly ‘latch up’. This is intentional and using the tail of the Decay portion of the Envelope to affect the Attack section can produce great results. To reset the ‘latch-up’ simply turn the Decay time back down

Problem: Oscillator 2 has gone mad Solution: The OSC2 PARAM1 and OSC2 PARAM2 controls are linked. They must both be set in order to achieve the desired sound. They both have an affect on the Pitch and Decay of Oscillator 2 before it is routed to the VCA. It is possible to push Oscillator 2 into ‘self-oscillation’ so that it will continue to sound even though there is no trigger input. If this is a problem slowly and gradually lower both OSC2 PARAM1 and OSC2 PARAM2 until the oscillations only occur on triggering

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Print or photocopy this sheet to record the settings of your favourite sounds.

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Kick Drum & Low Frequency Percussion Synth