KICK_ME
We are not responsible for blowing up your speakers!
Snazzy’s first step into the world of drum modules, the KICK_ME is our
take on the all imporant bass drum. As usual, we prefer tweakability over
vintage pedigree, so the KICK_ME doesn’t sound just like your classic
XOX drum machine. However, with a wide range of useful sounds easily
created with a few knob twists, we think that’s a good thing.
Features
• Two separate kick channels from one trigger input
• Kick drum “A” features a wide variety of kick styles, from tight
rock kicks to blown out techno bass drums
• Kick drum “B” features control of decay and is designed for
maximum sub bass
• Linear CV input allows for useful pitch FX
• Designed to allow for live changes, the KICK_ME works well
during a show or improvisation without any nasty surprises
• Clipper switch for special blown out sounds
• Can go from tame and tiny to mean and angry
• With two separate kick outputs, you can setup interesting patches
utilizing distortion, filtering, or FM
• Unique sound, not based on any XOX box
Width 8HP
Current draw 10mA
Front panel
I. Damp (A)
II. Pitch (A)
III. Trigger LED
IV. Beater (A)
V. Decay (shell)(A)
VI. Kick B decay
VII. Clip switch
VIII. CV input
IX. Trigger input
X. Kick output B
XI. Kick output A
I. II.
V.
VII.
VI.
IV.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
III.
Controls and operation
DAMP
Controls how much the kick drum resonates. Lower values are good for
short, tight kicks. Turn this all the way up for completely over the top kick
drums. Interacts with BEATER control and CLIP switch.
PITCH
Controls initial tuning of the main kick drum (Kick A). At lower values,
pitch will be far more noticeable with long decay times and damping set to
50% or higher. Set this knob to 50% for best results with external pitch
CV. Interacts with DAMP, DECAY and CLIP.
DECAY (shell body)
This knob allows control over a simple decay envelope which adds body
and weight to the main kick drum. Can be used to add mass or thud to
kicks which need more impact. An easy technique is to start by creating a
kick drum using the other knobs first, then adding the right amount of
decay to thicken up the kick, or with the clip turned on, the right amount
of blown out speaker you want to add.
Interacts with DAMP, BEATER, CLIP.
BEATER
Turn this knob to adjust the tonality of your drum's attack. When turned
clockwise, the drum will be brighter and clickier. Turned counter
clockwise, softer kicks are possible, reaching almost pure bass. Highly
interactive with the damp knob. There are sweetspots around 60%, where
the overall resonance of the drum can be increased depending on the level
of click in the drum. Interacts with DAMP, PITCH and CLIP.
KICK B (decay B)
This knob is the only control for kick drum B. Kick B is almost entirely
sub-bass, and this decay control simply determines how long the boom
lasts. When mixed with a clicky kick A, decay can be set so that the boom
is just the right length for the current tempo. Controls for kick A do not
effect kick B and vice versa. One interesting technique, however, is using
the kick B output as a CV source for kick A. Another neat technique is
using the same ouput as CV input for the Kitty Eyes, or as a trigger for an
envelope. There are many useful things you can do with this extra kick
output – it works perfectly as an input into the HI_GAIN or into the Tidal
Wave.
CLIP
With the clip switch off, KICK_ME is capable of producing a range of
tight kick drums from polka to disco, as well as rock and pop bass drums.
Even with max decay and damp, the module will still lean toward tamer
kick sounds. However, once you turn the swith on, KICK_ME can
immediately move into brutal slab of concrete sounds. When you engage
the clip switch, it is highly recommended that you have your finger on the
damp knob! Normally, start with the decay at zero, then figure out the
damping and beater, and finally start bringing in the thud with the decay.
Interacts with DAMP, PITCH, DECAY, BEATER.
CV IN
Use this input to add subtle pitch change to a bass drum with long decay.
The response is linear, not 1V/Oct, and is pre-attenuated to allow for
usable pitch FX from a slow LFO. Set pitch to 50% for best results. Try
using a saw or sine locked to the same clock as the sequencer driving the
KICK_ME for synced “melody” kick lines. Interactive with DAMP,
PITCH, BEATER, CLIP
Note: with short, tight kick drums, CV may not be noticeable as the CV
only effects pitch.
TRIG IN
This is the input to trigger the kick drum, which you usually do by sending
in triggers or short pulses. Therefore, if you don't plug any triggers in, you
won't get any sound, making this input super important.
OUT B
This is the output for the secondary (sub-bass) kick drum output.
OUT A
This is the output for the main kick drum.
Note: level will be louder with the clip switch turned on.
LED
This LED will turn on when a trigger is received.
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