Erica Synths PERKONS HD-01 User manual

USER MANUAL

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THE ERICA SYNTHS
PĒRKONS HD01 DRUM SYNTHESIZER!
It’s rather sudden– the bolt of lightning strikes quickly, but the roar follows behind, as
if giving one time enough to inhale. Finally, it strikes your ears like the skies breaking
apart and in all its magnificence it rides the wind. PĒRKONS – a deity of old known by
many names and also by ours on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea – THUNDER, lord
of the skies. We at Erica Synths proudly present our newest creation – PĒRKONS
(THUNDER) - a drum machine and synthesizer that will change your approach to
electronic rhythm synthesis – an instrument which bears the weight of a storm
beneath its sturdy casing.
PĒRKONS features four sonically versatile hybrid voices (digital sound engine +
analogue multimode filter with overdrive) and a sequencer with simultaneous control
over all four percussion tracks.
Each voice has 6 sound engine modes, a HP/BP/LP filter and 8 controls for nuanced
sound design, including an internal BBD FX send. All voice parameter settings can be
saved as KITS. To add dynamics to the performance, parameter automation is
implemented and a modulation LFO can be assigned to all parameters.
For a real thunderstorm, integration with external gear is considered - each voice has
a dedicated trigger input, individual output and FX send and return with 6.3mm jack
sockets, along with extensive MIDI implementation. All voices are summed and run
through a built-in compressor.
The PĒRKONS HD-01 is a unique live performance and sound design instrument that
tears down the borders between drum machine, synthesizer and drone instrument.
Time to ride the skies!

4 hybrid voices (digital sound engine and
analogue multimode filter with overdrive)
8 controls per voice
Trigger inputs for drum pads
Individual voice outputs
Individual sends and returns per voice
64 kit and 64 pattern memory + additional
memory on the SD card
Built-in bucket brigade delay digital emulation
Modulation LFO with morphing waveforms
and 8 destinations
4 track sequencer, 4 time divisions and 4 time
multiplications per track
Per-step ratchets and probabilities
Per step parameter locks and automation
recording
4 groove algorithms
MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
WHAT’S INCLUDED
PĒRKONS HD-01 drum synthesizer
Universal 12VDC wall wart adapter
User manual
FEATURES

All four voices have identical
control layouts, but each voice
has different sound generation
algorithms
The Tempo and main controls
section consists of a Master
tempo control as well the main
performance controls
The Master section includes a
built in BBD emulation with time
and feedback control, as well as
a dedicated modulation LFO,
Master volume, Master FX send
control and a Compressor with
threshold/release and
compression amount/gain
controls
The Modulation and configura-
tion section features the
modulation LFO with tempo,
waveform and master level
controls, pattern and kit saving
and loading, performance
oriented controls, as well as
access to the configuration
settings
The Step sequencer provides
simultaneous control over all
four voices – trigger entering
as well as secondary functions –
time divisions and multiplica-
tions, groove settings, play mode
and the modulation matrix
THE USER INTERFACE OF THE PĒRKONS HD01 CONSISTS OF 5 MAIN PARTS: 4 VOICES, THE MASTER SECTION,
THE TEMPO AND MAIN CONTROLS, THE STEP SEQUENCER, THE MODULATION AND CONFIGURATION SECTION.
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MOD LVL
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
COMP. AMT
PROBRATCHET ODDS1 ODDS2
SYNCKITPATTERN MOD
COMP. THRSHLD
MASTER SEND
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
HP
COMP. AMT
COMP. THRSHLD
MASTER SEND
VCF
DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY
GROOVE
PLAY MODE
DIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION
MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
80%
A
B
C
RND
FWD BWD PP RND
MOD LVL
PROB
RATCHET
ODDS1
ODDS2
SYNC
KIT
PATTERN
MOD
THE INTERFACE

In the master output section you
will find a line-level master output,
phones output (the level is tied to
the master level), a master send
output and a master return input
An SD card allows for kit
and pattern saving, as well
as firmware updates
Connect the external power supply here!
Use only the PSU supplied with the unit,
otherwise you may risk permanent
damage to your PĒRKONS HD-01
Full-size DIN5 MIDI In receives trigger note messages,
MIDI clock as well as CC messages or all voice parameters.
Please refer to the MIDI implementation chart in the manual.
The MIDI OUT port outputs trigger and MIDI clock messages
Each voice has a dedicated trigger input, line level audio output and FX
send and return jack sockets, so you can use different FX units or FX
pedals on each voice. FX sends and returns are normalled to the built-in
bucket-brigade delay emulation, so if nothing is connected to relevant
sockets, the built in BBD becomes the default effect for the voices. Trigger
inputs accept triggers from drum sequencers or electronic drum pads
Clock In/Out connectors
are for analogue sync
with external gear.
The PPQ is configurable
in the CONFIG settings
Flip the switch to turn
the PĒRKONS HD-01 on
CONNECTIONS

ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
Each voice of the Pērkons consists of 11 identical
controls – 8 potentiometers and 3 toggle switches,
but the sound generation algorithms for each voice
are different – please refer to the table below. Please
note that all controls in the VOICE section are
scanned and their positions can be saved as KITS so
you can recall them and replicate the sounds you
have created.
The LED on top of each voice indicates the outgoing
signal of the voice.
The ALGO switch selects one of three sound design
algorithms.
The MODE switch selects one of three operation
modes within the selected sound design algorithm.
The VCF switch selects analogue voltage controlled
filter (VCF) modes – highpass (HP), bandpass (BP)
and lowpass (LP) respectively.
The TUNE knob sets the initial tune of the voice.
The DECAY knob sets the decay time of the percus-
sion sound. Each voice and algorithm within the voice
may have different decay time settings. Once set all
the way clockwise (10) the voice turns into a drone
oscillator – in the maximum decay setting the voice
oscillates even if the sequencer is stopped.
The PARAM1 and PARAM2 knobs control different
parameters depending on the algorithm selected.
Please, refer to the table below.
The CUTOFF knob controls the cutoff of the VCF.
Please note that each VCF mode may have a
different cutoff knob response. The low-pass filter will
be fully open with the CUTOFF knob all way clockwise,
while the high-pass filter will be fully open with the
CUTOFF knob all way counter-clockwise.
The DRIVE knob is the Dry/Wet control for the
analogue overdrive circuit – with the DRIVE knob all
the way counterclockwise, the overdrive circuit is
bypassed, while with the DRIVE knob all the way
clockwise all signal flows through overdrive circuit
and maximum overdrive is engaged.
The FX SEND knob determines how much of the
signal is routed to any connected external FX unit or
to the built in BBD if no external FX is connected.
The LEVEL knob sets the volume of the relevant voice.
THE SOUND ENGINES

ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
NAME FOLD DRUM WAVETABLE DRUM RESONANT BASSDRUM
no transient
noise transient
wavetable 1
wavetable 2
-
-
pulse transient
fold amount
wavetable 3
wavetable surf
-
fm mod amount
MODE 1
MODE 2
MODE 3
PARAMETER 1
pitch envelope amount pitch envelope amount tone
PARAMETER 2
As mentioned above, each voice of the PĒRKONS has 3 sound design algorithms with 3 modes within each algorithm.
VOICE 1
THE SOUND ENGINES
ALGORITHM 1 ALGORITHM 2 ALGORITHM 3

VOICE 2
THE SOUND ENGINES
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
NAME FOLD DRUM WAVETABLE DRUM COMPLEX DRUM
no transient
noise transient
wavetable 1
wavetable 2
waveform 1
waveform 2
pulse transient
fold amount
wavetable 3
wavetable surf
waveform 3
mod osc frequency
MODE 1
MODE 2
MODE 3
PARAMETER 1
pitch envelope amount pitch envelope amount pitch envelope amount
PARAMETER 2
ALGORITHM 1 ALGORITHM 2 ALGORITHM 3

VOICE 3
THE SOUND ENGINES
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
NAME RESONANT SNARE SLAP RESONANT BD (TOM)
-
-
retrig mode 1
retrig mode 2
-
-
-
noise tone
retrig mode 3
-
-
fm mod amount
MODE 1
MODE 2
MODE 3
PARAMETER 1
noise decay -tone
PARAMETER 2
ALGORITHM 1 ALGORITHM 2 ALGORITHM 3

VOICE 4
THE SOUND ENGINES
ALGO
MODE
3
2
1
VCF
LP
BP
HP
NAME NOISE HAT -SAMPLE HATS
white noise
pulse stack
-
-
sample 1
sample 2
-
reverb
-
-
sample 3
start point
MODE 1
MODE 2
MODE 3
PARAMETER 1
attack -attack
PARAMETER 2
ALGORITHM 1 ALGORITHM 2 ALGORITHM 3

VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
THE TEMPO & MAIN CONTROLS SECTION
The large TEMPO knob controls the master tempo of the
PĒRKONS.
In order to see what exact tempo is being played, press
and hold SHIFT while turning the knob – it will indicate
the tempo on three of the sequencer rows – each light
on the top row represents 100 BPM, each light on the
middle row represents 10 BPM and each light on the
lowest row – 1 BPM.
Example to the left shows 128 BPM.
The maximum clock rate is 420 BPM and the slowest –
20 BPM. Once you release SHIFT, the PĒRKONS will exit
the BPM menu.
In order to fine-tune the tempo, continue holding shift
and add or remove the steps representing 1, 10 or 100
BPM by pressing them. You can also input a much
slower or faster rate than the one indicated by the knob.
Inputting the BPM manually will override the knob.

THE TEMPO & MAIN CONTROLS SECTION
RESET
The RESET button resets the sequencer when
pressed. This is useful when inputting different
sequence time divisions or multiplications per voice
and synchronizing them becomes necessary.
The REC button allows for the the recording of voice
parameter settings. This button can either be latched
by pressing once to engage/disengage or held while
adjusting voice parameters and released to stop
recording. Recorded parameter movements will
correspond to the tempo grid, so recording move-
ments longer than the 16-step grid is not possible.
RECORD
The PLAY/STOP button is for starting and stopping
the sequencer.
PLAY/STOP

THE TEMPO & MAIN CONTROLS SECTION
HARD RESET
You can also access more tempo controls via this
button – by pressing and holding SHIFT + RESET, the
voice tap keys become a set of controls for fine
tempo adjustment:
The 1st tap key becomes a HARD RESET key –
pressing it will re-start the internal clock which
comes in handy when synchronizing the PĒRKONS
with external gear or live instruments for which MIDI
or analog clock sync is not possible.
The 2nd tap key becomes a TAP TEMPO key –
tapping it once will enter the tempo fine-tuning
menu (the rows of steps represent 100, 10 and 1
BPM per step) and tapping it two more times (or
even more when following a tempo by listening) will
set the tempo based on the tap rate – this will be
displayed on the step rows. Just like fine-tuning
when entering this menu with SHIFT and turning
the TEMPO knob, you can manually add/remove
steps to adjust to a specific BPM.
TAP TEMPO
The 3d and 4th keys become «nudge» keys – by
pressing and holding them, they will nudge the
tempo slightly forward (3d key) or back (4th key) –
think of these as something similar to playing a vinyl
turntable.
Releasing SHIFT and RESET will exit these additional
tempo controls.
TEMPO NUDGE

THE TEMPO & MAIN CONTROLS SECTION
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
The SHUFFLE button allows for setting the shuffle
amount per voice by pressing and holding it. The shuffle
amount for each voice is displayed on the step grid, with
the 1st step representing the minimum value and the
16th step representing the maximum value.
An example to the left shows 30% shuffle on the first
voice, 10% shuffle on the second voice, no shuffle on the
third voice and 50% shuffle on the fourth voice.
The LAST button is for setting the last step per-voice –
by pressing and holding it, you can set the last step for
each voice in the sequencer – anywhere from the 1st to
the 16th step. All active step LEDs will be on. The default
setting is 16 steps.
An example to the left shows 8 steps on the first voice,
4 steps on the second voice and 16 steps on the third
and fourth voices.
If you want to chain patterns, you need to set a MASTER
TRACK LENGTH. To do so, push and hold the SHIFT and
LAST buttons and use the first row of the STEP buttons
to set the master track length.
SHUFFLE SETTING
LAST STEP SETTING

VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
THE TEMPO & MAIN CONTROLS SECTION
You can also clear the assigned modulation when in the
modulation menu – you can clear specificper step
modulation destination assignments by holding CLEAR +
the corresponding step button (all modulations on the
step 4 are cleared in the example to the left).
The CLEAR button is for clearing the sequence for each
voice as well as the recorded parameter settings.
By pressing CLEAR + the corresponding tap key
per-voice, the entire sequence + recorded parameter
automation will be cleared. By pressing SHIFT + CLEAR +
the corresponding tap key, only the recorded parameter
automation will be cleared while retaining the steps
(all modulations on Voice 1 are cleared in the example to
the left).
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
CLEAR ALL PARAMETERS AND AUTOMATIONS
PERSTEP PARAMETER AND AUTOMATION CLEAR

VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
x2
x2 x2
x2
THE STEP SEQUENCER SECTION
The most obvious and straight–forward feature is
trigger entering. Unlike most drum machines and
grooveboxes, the PĒRKONS HD-01 has a step sequencer
for each voice, so you can enter triggers simultaneously
for all four voices. While the sequencer is running, push
the step buttons to activate triggers on each voice.
STEP PROGRAMMING
You can also do tap programming. While the sequencer
is running push and hold the REC button and use TAP
buttons to enter the triggers. The entered triggers will
automatically quantize to the nearest 16th steps and the
corresponding step LEDs will illuminate.
TAP PROGRAMMING
The Step Sequencer provides simultaneous control over all four voices – trigger entering as well as secondary functions – time divisions and multiplications, groove settings, play mode and modulation matrix.

THE STEP SEQUENCER SECTION
You can use the PĒRKONS HD-01 as a drum synthesizer
module with a electronic drum pads (not included with
PĒRKONS HD-01) - connect the drum pads to the trigger
inputs and adjust trigger sensitivity (please, refer to
Configuration Settings on page xx of this manual). Please
note the trigger inputs are not velocity sensitive.
Rhythm can be recorded via the TRIGGER IN for each
voice. The steps will also be quantized, but they will also
record the velocity amount if entered via external
devices such as velocity-sensitive drum pads. Please
note that everything is quantized to a 16-step grid at the
set tempo, meaning that finer nuances (such as drum
rolls/fills) will not record organically.
LIVE DRUM RECORDING
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND

THE STEP SEQUENCER SECTION
The SHIFT button opens access to the secondary
functions of the step sequencer buttons. Like trigger
entering, it works for all four voices simultaneously.
Push and hold the SHIFT button and push one of the
DIVIDE buttons (first four buttons) for master clock
division on the relevant voice. The LED of the relevant
step button will illuminate. An example to the left shows
voices 1 and 3 running at the master BPM, while voice 2
runs at the master BPM divided by 2 and voice 4 is
playing triplets – divided by 4/3.
Push and hold the SHIFT button and push one of the
MULTIPLY buttons (buttons 5-8) for master clock
multiplication on the relevant voice. The LED of the
relevant step button will illuminate. An example to the
left shows voices 1 and 3 running at the master BPM,
while voice 2 is running at the master BPM multiplied by
2 and voice 4 – by 4.
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
TIME DIVISIONS
TIME MULTIPLICATIONS

THE STEP SEQUENCER SELCTION
In order to "humanize" patterns, the PĒRKONS HD-01 has
a special feature - GROOVE - implemented. It's basically
a slight variation of drum volume on specific triggers.
One of four GROOVE algorithms can be selected for
each voice. In order to select the GROOVE algorithm,
push and hold the SHIFT button and push one of the
four GROOVE buttons. An example to the left shows
GROOVE algorithm A on the second voice, algorithm B on
the third voice and algorithm RND on the fourth voice.
GROOVE SETTINGS
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
Each track/voice on the PĒRKONS HD-01 can be in one
of four PLAY MODES - Forward, Backward, Ping-Pong
and Random. In order to select the PLAY MODE, push
and hold the SHIFT button and push one of the four
PLAY MODE buttons. An example to the left shows the
Forward mode (default one) on voices 1 and 3,
Ping-Pong mode on the second voice and Random
mode on the fourth voice.
PLAY MODE SETTINGS

PER STEP PLAY SETTINGS, AUTOMATIONS AND PARAMETER LOCKS
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MOD LVL
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
PROBRATCHET ODDS1 ODDS2
SYNCKITPATTERN MOD
VCF DRIVE
3/2
4/3
MOD LVL
MULTIPLY GROOVE PLAY MODEDIVIDE
MODULATION DESTINATION MODULATION DEPTH
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
A B C RND FWD BWD PP RND
PROBRATCHET ODDS1 ODDS2
SYNCKITPATTERN MOD
You can program PER STEP RATCHETS (trigger repeats
on the specific steps) on the PĒRKONS HD-01. To do so,
push and hold the relevant step button while pushing
and holding the RATCHET button and then pushing one
of TAP buttons. There are x2, x3, x4 and x5 repeats
available. An example to the left shows 4 repeats
programmed on step 5 of the second voice.
Push and hold a step button and press the RATCHET,
ODDS1, ODDS2 and PROBABILITY buttons to inspect
which of these per-step settings have been applied to
the step.
PERSTEP RATCHETS
You can program the ODDS of playing a step on the
PĒRKONS HD-01, meaning, that with odds 1/2, the relevant
step will be played every second time the sequencer is
activating the step. To do so, push and hold the relevant
step button while pushing and holding the ODDS1 (1/2, 1/3,
1/4 and 1/8) or ODDS2 (2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 7/8) button and then
pushing one of TAP buttons.
An example to the left shows ODDS of 3/4, programmed
on step 9 of the third voice. Push and hold a step button
and press the RATCHET, ODDS1, ODDS2 and PROBABILITY
buttons to inspect which of these per-step settings have
been applied to the step.
Take note that only one ODDS or PROBABILITY setting can
be set per-step at a time!
PER STEP ODDS
To “animate” your performance and give it a more “human” feel, per-step automations are available.