6.16.2014
Mutant Bassdrum user manual v1.05
PG2
hexinverter.net electronics, 2014
BASSDRUM CONTROLS
TONE CONTROL
This control works like a lowpass filter on the bassdrum. Having the control UP
allows more high frequencies through and makes the bassdrum more pronounced
and punchy sounding while having it turned DOWN will soften the bassdrum’s
character.
DECAY CONTROL
This control adjusts the decay of the bassdrum from short to long and can be
voltage controlled by plugging in a signal to the DECAY CV input.
BD LVL CONTROL
This control adjusts the volume of the bassdrum at the CLEAN output. If using the
DISTORTION, this control adjusts the volume
before the signal arrives at DIST IN.
CLEAN OUTPUT
The clean bassdrum signal appears at this output. This is a modular level output and can produce very HOT signals (up
to 20V peak-to-peak). The ENV indicator LED beside it will light along with the intensity of the bassdrum sound you are
generating.
PITCH CONTROL
The bassdrum’s fundamental frequency can be altered by using this control. The frequency can be adjusted from
subsonic to frequencies high enough for a full range of tom drums. The adjustment range is approximately 2 octaves
and varies from module to module due to component tolerance (just like the classic machines!). The pitch can be varied
by the PITCH CV input using voltage control. Please note that the input is NOT v/oct though you will find it has a
near
exponential response. The amount of PITCH CV can be ATTENUATED by the PITCH CV knob.
TRIG INPUT
This input has an approximately 1V trigger threshold and activates the bassdrum when that threshold is met. Almost
any signal can be used here as long as it goes all the way back down to 0V and up again with each repetition.
ACC INPUT
This is the ACCENT input. Applying a 0-5V signal here will vary the ACCENT amount of the bassdrum from least (0V) to
most (5V). ACCENT varies the volume of the bassdrum as well as makes the attack of the sound more aggressive when
at maximum.
While not shown on the image to the right here, production modules
have an ADJUSTMENT SCREW below the DECAY control knob on the
panel. Use a small screwdriver to adjust the maximum decay of the
control to your taste. Too much decay and the bassdrum will SELF
OSCILLATE. This is desired some people but not by others, so, we
decided it would be best to offer you the ability to easily adjust this
parameter to your liking. So, experiment with it until you like the
response!
When nothing is plugged into the ACC INPUT, the ACCENT defaults to either minimum or maximum ACCENT based
on the jumper setting on the back of the module. To change whether the input is pulled up (MAXIMUM) or down
(MINIMUM) by default, turn off the power to your modular and remove the module from your case so you can move
the jumper on the back of the PCB to the desired setting.
