Tags: Kick drum module

Notes: Introducing the BD808, part of our new series of drum modules that brings analog percussion into the modular synth world, instantly turning your system into a self-contained music machine. Its small size, minimalist design, and modern production methods have allowed us to bring the world's most famous bass drum sound generator back at a very low cost. The real thing is here again.

The BD808 is the Roland TR-808's Bass Drum circuit adapted for use in Eurorack format and tuned to sound like a machine that comes fresh off the original 80's assembly line. The adaptation to modular format has allowed us to add some special features like independent Accent levels, a high-powered gain stage, dual-input pulse-shaper, and extended decay - all without compromising the signature sound of the TR-808.

A widely used technique with TR-808 machines is to run the drum sounds through outboard amplifiers to add gain and then pass the sound through just about anything to generate additional harmonics caused by clipping and distortion. In the BD808, we have already included this high-powered output gain stage capable of producing signals up to 20Vpp, extending from the original palette of sounds and allowing you to get an assorted array of harmonized bass drums ranging from sharp attacks to crushed tones using this simple yet effective technique! On the inputs, we have also designed a dual pulse-shaper circuit so you can trigger your BD808 with Trigger/Gate signals from step sequencers, clock dividers, or any other pulse/clock sources. This saves you the need to shape the pulses sent to the module and ensuring the same stable sound at its peak power, regardless of differences in your pulse source.

All these little, but unique, features make integrating this legendary sound generator into your modular easy, unleashing the power of real analog drums and making those speaker cones shake.

Notes: Bring the boom with the Mosaic Bass Drum. Bass Drum is a dedicated kick voice, and an essential piece of any percussive section. With v/oct tracking, Bass Drum can play the role of both rhythm and melody, rounding out the low end of your patch. With control over character and dampening, your kicks can shake the house, or sit in the pocket.

Tech Specs:
Width: 14HP
Depth: 28mm
Front Panel: Intellijel format, Pulp Logic replacement panels available here.

Notes: A clever combo of kick drum synthesis, sidechain compression and digital reverb, Kickain allows you to generate rhythm tracks and work on your stereo mix simultaneously. Clever approach to mixdowns in Eurorack.

Supplier's Notes:
Introducing Kickain. The perfect pairing of a 909 inspired kick drum and side chain compressor. Designed to work in tandem as a single easy to control module, Kickain will revolutionise your side chain workflow, making it a breeze to tame the very heartbeat of your music, intelligently managing low frequency artefacts and removing any clashing frequencies or overlapping transients. The end result will leave you speechless, producing a cleaner, tighter mastering standard mix featuring the most powerful kick drum on the planet.

Spectral Compression

As well as the regular side chain effect of ducking the volume around the kick drum, Kickain also features two spectral compressor modes that intelligently eq the incoming mix to fit around the triggered drum sound, adjusting it continuously 1000s of times a second. The effect has to be heard to be believed, optimising the loudness of your kick without any intrusive 'pumping' on the overall mix. Tracks sound tighter and richer in the bottom end, whilst the kick is always punching through.

Tune to the Room

As with all Knobula products our focus is on performance, so we've given you the essential controls you need to design a kick that fits your tune, your room or your sound system without diving into menus or clicking encoders. The controls allow you to quickly create kicks for a whole host of genres and tempos as well as protect your ears and speakers. And if that's not enough there is a Send/Return option for further processing.

Reverb

Featuring 24bit stereo digital reverb, linked to the decay envelope, you can add subtle room effects or big 10 second bass drops at the twist of a single knob.

Dimensions:
12 HP
32 mm deep

Current Draw
80 mA +12V
80 mA -12V
0 mA 5V