KAT Percussion KT-M1 User manual

KT-M1
Quick Start Guide
(English)

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Contents
1First Steps................................................................................................................3
1.1Connecting Pads..............................................................................................3
1.2Connecting the Hi-Hat......................................................................................3
2Operation.................................................................................................................4
3Menu Structure.........................................................................................................
4Saving Your Settings................................................................................................7
Setting Up and Calibrating the Hi-Hat......................................................................9
6KAT eHAT2 Settings..............................................................................................12
7Connections........................................................................................................... 12
8USB........................................................................................................................ 13
9File System............................................................................................................14
10KIT Bank..............................................................................................................17
11Editor Software.....................................................................................................18
12User Manual......................................................................................................... 18
13Sound Downloads................................................................................................18
14Connecting FSR Pads..........................................................................................19
1 Compatibility List..................................................................................................21
16Connection Options and Trigger Types...............................................................22
17Important Safety Precautions ..............................................................................2
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Printed by KAT Percussion
Version 3.3
Thank you…
for choosing a KAT Percussion KT-M1 module. You have chosen wisely. Your new
sound module comes with an open sound architecture and a universal trigger
interface. To get up and running with your KT-M1 module, we recommend taking
the time to read this Quick Start manual.
It provides a concise presentation of all functions you need to be aware of and
everything you need to know to come to grips with this feature-rich instrument.
Have fun!
1 First Steps
1.1 Connecting Pads
Connect your pads to the KT-M1 module. See Chapter 6 for connectivity options.
Next, head over to the UNIT-TRIG menu and specify which pad types you
connected. See Chapter 13 for a list of options.
1.2 Connecting the i- at
To ensure your hi-hat responds as expected, there is some setting up and
calibration you need to do. See Chapter 5 for the required steps.
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2 Operation
The module’s user interface is highly intuitive and based on two menu items (UNIT
and KIT), each with a number of parameter pages. The parameter pages can be
selected sequentially using the PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN buttons. There are no
secondary levels or hidden menu items.
The main page comprises six logical areas. The three DATA buttons above the
display are assigned to the values or functions that appear in the top row. Press the
button above the desired entry to set values or select functions.
The three entries in the bottom row are controlled using the rotary knob below the
display. This knob can be used to set the value of the parameter that is currently
selected. To select a different parameter in the bottom row, simply press the knob.
The flashing entry refers to the parameter that is currently selected. Hold MORE
and press the knob to toggle between alternative parameters indicated by an arrow.
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3 Menu Structure
UNIT Menu
The UNIT menu contains settings that apply to the module as a whole. This means
that they affect all KITs (presets).
MIX: This is where the internal mixer is located. The mixer allows you to set
and balance the levels of all channels/instruments.
C AN: This is where you can select trigger channels for editing (although you
can also select trigger channels simply by hitting the corresponding
pad).
TRIG: This is where you will find the main trigger settings for each channel.
Here are a few examples: What pad type did you connect? How
responsive should the pad be? Which dynamics curve best matches
your playing style?
It would be a good idea to take some time to familiarize yourself with
these settings. We are confident you will be impressed by the KT-M1
module’s responsiveness once all settings are in place.
CAL*: This is where you set up your hi-hat and calibrate the corresponding
pad. See below and the User Manual for a detailed discussion of these
settings.
SET*: This page is used to fine-tune the settings you made on the HCAL
page. Use it to ensure the response matches your playing style.
SPEC: This page allows you to set aspects that help you avoid double
triggering and crosstalk. This is especially important for acoustic drum
triggers you may be using.
INTF: This page is used to specify the MIDI and routing settings for each
individual channel. Here you can select MIDI channels, route the
signals to the mixer and assign the required channels to DIRECT
OUTs.
OUT: This page allows you to set the output routing. Which signals should be
assigned to the MAIN outputs (OUT 1 and 2) and which to the
PHONES connector?
METR: This is where you select the sound of the built-in metronome.
MIDI: This page allows you to set global MIDI parameters. Should the module
respond to program change messages, and which control change
messages should the hi-hat transmit? These settings are important for
recording MIDI data with your computer.
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PREF: This page is used to manage the SAVE function and to reset the
module to its factory defaults.
MEM: This is where you can check the remaining memory capacity for
additional sounds.
INFO: This page displays the firmware’s version number.
* (only available after selecting the hi-hat channel)
KIT Menu
The KIT menu allows you to manage and edit the internal memory slots. The
module comes with 100 factory KITs (memory slots). Those KITs can be edited and
overwritten with your own settings.
The KIT menu allows you to assign the desired sounds to the selected KIT, to edit
their settings, to configure the metronome and playback functions and to adjust the
built-in equalizer.
PROG: The KIT home page allows you to select a KIT and to start/stop the
built-in metronome or song player.
DRUM: This page is used to assign a sound to the selected drum channel and
to set the tuning and volume.
The channel can be selected using the CHANNEL buttons (left) or
simply by hitting the assigned pad.
Note: The Rim channels of toms 1 through 4 and the snare (PERC
1~ ) can be selected by simultaneously pressing the MORE and TRIG
buttons.
ENV: This is where you fine-tune the selected sound and specify the loop
setting for each channel.
CFNC: If you like, you can also assign a function to a pad rather than a sound.
Doing so would allow you to start and stop the metronome, or to select
the next KIT by hitting such a pad.
KFNC: The HHPOS function on this page allows you to set the hi-hat’s
opening level (“bashiness”) without recalibrating the pad. This is
especially useful if the left foot is used for something else (like double
bass drum playing, for instance).
VOL: This is where you set the level and stereo placement (pan) of the
selected channel.
EQ: Each KIT is equipped with a 3-band equalizer. It can either be applied
to all instruments or just for a specific channel.
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ACMP: This page contains the built-in player. Use it to specify whether you
wish to play to a song or the built-in metronome. The metronome’s
settings and the tempo can be customized and saved.
4 Saving Your Settings
Any changes you make can be saved internally.
Important: Your settings can only be saved after unlocking the SAVE function in
the UNIT-PREF menu (you only need to do so once). Press the
leftmost DATA button to switch the SAVE function “On”.
Saving one KIT
Changes you wish to keep after editing the settings on a KIT page require that you
save the KIT in question.
If the settings of selected KIT no longer correspond to the stored version, a “?”
symbol appears next to SAVE on the KIT home page.
Press the leftmost DATA button above the display.
Pressing the button above SAVE yet again will write your changes to the selected
KIT.
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Renaming a KIT
To rename a KIT, press the button above SAVE on the KIT home page.
You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers as well as several special
characters for the names you enter. Use the knob to select the desired character
(KEY flashes) or hold down the MORE button while pressing the knob to insert a
space. Press the knob without holding down the MORE button to select the CUR
parameter. Now, the knob can be used to move the flashing underline cursor to
another position you want to edit.
Holding down the MORE button while rotating the knob towards the right allows you
to insert new spaces. Rotating it to the left in this state deletes the character at the
cursor position. To confirm the name, press the leftmost DATA button above the
display (SAVE).
Copying, Moving and Swapping KITs
Existing KITs can be moved (MOVE) to a different memory slot, swapped with other
KITs (SWAP) and copied (COPY).
Start by pressing the leftmost button above the display.
Rotate the knob to select the number of the KIT that should act as target for the
currently selected KIT. After specifying the new KIT number, you can select among
three functions: COPY, MOVE and SWAP.
Pressing the leftmost DATA button allows you to copy the selected KIT to the target
memory. MOVE allows you to move the KIT towards the target memory (the KITs at
and behind this position move one slot). SWAP, finally, causes the two selected
KITs to change places. In this example, KIT no. 1 moves to memory 80, while the
settings of KIT no. 80 move to memory location 1.
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If you like, you can rename the settings during the COPY, MOVE or SWAP
operation.
Saving Your UNIT Settings
When you change a setting in the UNIT menu, a “?” appears next to SAVE. Press
the leftmost DATA button to save the changes if you want to keep them. The “?”
disappears and your changes will be remembered. Please be aware that this is only
possible if SAVE mode on the PREF page has been switched on. If the “?” doesn’t
disappear after pressing the leftmost DATA button, the SAVE function is currently
disabled.
5 Setting Up and Calibrating the i- at
The hi-hat is the most complex instrument of your drum kit. The KT-M1 module has
been designed to accommodate a vast number of hi-hat pads and controllers of
several manufacturers. This flexibility, however, also means that there are a number
of parameters that need to be set to take advantage of the KT-M1’s full potential. In
most instances, these setup and calibration steps only need to be performed once.
Just follow the steps below to set up your hi-hat within minutes.
1. Connect the hi-hat pad and optional hi-hat controller (if available) to the
corresponding inputs on the module. Input A is to be used for the trigger
signals while Input B is to be used for the control commands.
2. Navigate to the UNIT-HCAL page. Remember that this page is only displayed
while the hi-hat channel is selected. Use the CHANNEL buttons to select the
hi-hat channel or simply hit the hi-hat pad.
3. Next, specify the hi-hat type you connected.
DEF All popular hi-hat types and brands
2BOXHH 2BOX DrumIt Five Hi-hat
ALEHH Alesis Crimson hi-hat controller, KAT eHAT2
4. Start the calibration process:
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4.1. Press the leftmost DATA button once. A closed hi-hat icon appears in the
display and starts flashing.
4.2. Close the hi-hat pad or press the controller’s pedal with your foot.
4.3. Press the leftmost DATA button a second time. An open hi-hat icon
appears in the display and starts flashing.
4.4. Open the hi-hat pad or remove your foot from the pedal.
4. . Press the leftmost DATA button yet again to exit the calibration function.
4.6. The display shows “done”. The hi-hat has been successfully calibrated. If
the message “NoChg” is displayed instead, the calibration could either not
be performed or was repeated with the exact same settings. If the
calibration routine failed, try adjusting the HH CAL screw on the back
panel, then repeat steps 1~4 to calibrate your hi-hat again.
. If the calibration was successful, you can now check whether the hi-hat
responds to your playing as expected. If you are not happy with the response,
either repeat the calibration steps or fine-tune the following parameters.
RAW (HH CAL back panel screw) This adjusts the hi-hat calibration
range. Adjust this screw to shift the RAW values positive or
negative. Changing the screw position will also change the
PFACT value.
PFACT Increase this value to raise the calibration threshold. This is useful
for a consistent “foot chick” (pedaled hi-hat) and “foot splash”
(quick release of the pedal after a chick) sound. We recommend
taking your time to find the setting that you are most comfortable
with.
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POFF This parameter allows you to change the size of the the hi-hat’s
calibration range: higher values extend the range, while lower
values narrow it down. Bear in mind that changing this setting
also affects the PFACT setting. We recommend editing this
parameter only once you are thoroughly familiar with the system.
6. Another important aspect is the hi-hat channel’s trigger response. This can be
set using the relevant menu items (see the downloadable User Manual for
details).
UNIT-TRIG This is where you set the hi-hat pedal’s response and
sensitivity. Set the main parameters (GAIN, THRES,
CURVE) to match your playing style.
The most important of these is GAIN. Set it so that only the
most forceful strikes produce a Level value of 0.0.
UNIT-HSET This page is used to set the hi-hat pedal’s sensitivity/level
(SENS) and its dynamic response (CURVE).
This completes the hi-hat settings!
6 KAT e AT2 Settings
GAIN = 0 PFACT = 60
THRESHOLD = -36 RAW = 847-997
TYPE = ALEHH POFF = 27144
CURVE = NORM
Important: A Mono cable must be used with the eHAT2 with the ALEHH pedal type
setting.
The POFF and RAW number values depend on where the HH CAL screw is set .
The KAT eHAT2 has a very wide dynamic range, and can be successfully
calibrated regardless of the HH CAL screw position. The settings above were
calculated using the default HH CAL screw position.
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7 Connections
This module provides the following inputs and outputs:
USB Use a commercially available USB cable to connect the module to
your computer.
12V DC This is where you connect the external power supply.
MIDI IN Connect this to the MIDI OUT socket on the external MIDI controller
to allow the module to receive MIDI messages.
MIDI OUT Connect this to the MIDI IN socket of the device that should receive
MIDI messages from the module.
Channels Connect your pads to the inputs that correspond to the instrument
you wish to trigger. The hi-hat controller needs to be connected to
the HIHAT B socket. The B channels of CYMB 1~3 are intended for
pads that accommodate 2 stereo cables.
For single zone pads and cymbals, a mono or stereo cable can be
used. For 2 zone pads and cymbals, use a stereo cable.
OUT 1~4 These are the KT-M1’s outputs, which can be connected to a mixer
or amplifier. By default, OUT1 and 2 transmit the mixed stereo
signal. OUT3 and 4, on the other hand, are assigned to BUS3 and
BUS4 respectively. If necessary, OUT 1 and 2 can also output BUS
signals (BUS1 and BUS2). This can be set on the UNIT-OUT page.
PHONES This is where you can connect a commercially available pair of
headphones (recommended impedance 32 Ω - 600 Ω).
LINE IN This is where you can connect an external signal source. You can
use a stereo cable (for your smartphone, for instance) or a mono
cable (e.g. to listen to the monitor signal via the KT-M1 in a live
setting).
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8 USB
When the KT-M1 module is connected to a USB port on your computer (PC or Mac)
and booted in USB mode, the computer will consider it a “regular” storage device. In
this case, the module behaves exactly like a USB hard disk or an SD card (in a card
slot). You can drag and drop sound files from your computer to your KAT module
and exchange files between the module and the computer. Managing KAT sounds
is thus as straight-forward and fast as exchanging digital photos, MP3 files and
Office files. To boot the KT-M1 module in USB mode, press and hold the leftmost
DATA button above the display while switching the module on.
The display now looks as follows:
No USB connection Active USB connection
If the module is connected to and recognized by the computer, the letter “R” (below
“Stat”) refers to read mode, while “W” refers to write mode. Please bear in mind that
severing the USB connection while the module is in Read (R) or Write (W) mode
may damage the data file structure.
Below please find an explanation of the KT-M1’s file and folder system.
9 File System
At the root level, you will find the following files:
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Empty.dkit Standard blank KIT Bank. This file contains no KIT or
UNIT settings.
TPK USER.dkit This file contains the KIT and UNIT settings
programmed at the factory for trapKAT User KITs.
TPK FACTORY.dkit This file contains the KIT and UNIT settings
programmed at the factory for trapKAT Factory KITs.
DrumItOS1.3x.xx.bin Firmware (operating system) of the KT-M1.
TPK 4.01 FACTORY.syx MIDI System Exclusive file for trapKAT 4.01 Factory
Kits.
TPK 4.01 USER.syx MIDI System Exclusive file for trapKAT 4.01 User
Kits
TPK .0KS FACTORY.syx MIDI System Exclusive file for trapKAT .0KS Factory
Kits.
TPK .0KS USER.syx MIDI System Exclusive file for trapKAT .0KS User
Kits
KT-M1 x.x.pdf Quick Start Guide in PDF format.
globalconfig.dcfg Index file, which is required for Mac operating systems.
.metadata_never_index System file.
Note: The trapKAT 6.0 contains both Factory and User Kits. An upgrade chip is
available to upgrade from 4.01 or from .0KS to version 6.0. The .syx files
contained on the KT-M1 memory card are for those who wish to keep their current
trapKAT version, but still use the 6.0 KT-M1 KITs. Only one .syx file can be loaded
into the trapKAT at a time. Each .syx file contains 24 KITs that can be loaded into
the User Kits of the trapKAT.
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Note: By pressing the MORE and the KIT button for 2 seconds you will enter a
menu where you are able to switch to another KIT Bank. At next power up, KT-M1
will start with the last chosen KIT Bank.
The folders contain the KAT sound files in the .dsnd format.
Feel free to change the folder structure so as to organize the files in a way that
works for you. Given the KT-M1 module’s display size, we recommend using short
folder names and working with a limited number of folder levels.
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10 KT-M1 Compatibility
The KT-M1 default programming is designed to be used with the trapKAT. The
Sound Bank contains a collection of sounds from the 2 BOX Sound Library. There
are 2 KIT Banks containing 24 KITs each for the 24 User and 24 Factory Kits
available in the trapKAT. There are a wide variety of great sounding drum,
percussion and electronic KITs. However, the KT-M1 is not limited to just the
trapKAT. There are many instruments and controllers that are compatible with the
KT-M1, and due to the open sound architecture, the operating system, Sound Bank
and KITs for the 2 BOX Drumit 3 can also be used with the KT-M1.
For those who wish to use the 2 BOX Drumit 3 sounds and KITs, simply download
the Drumit 3 card content on the 2 BOX website, connect the module to your
computer, and replace the entire KT-M1 card content with the Drumit3 card files.
The 2 BOX Drumit 3 KIT Bank contains 90 freely editable preset KITs plus 10
empty memory slots.
The first 40 KITs are a selection of various kits taken from the 2 BOX sound library.
Amongst them are several Signature KITs recorded by the following artists:
Randy Black, Simon Phillips, Mike Müller, and Marco Minneman.
Another 0 KITs were custom programmed to match various songs/artist. Feel free
to edit them to fit your own style. These KITs contain typical sounds/loops/effects
that you would associate with particular songs. This might be a finger snap on the
rim of Tom 3, an 808 hand clap on Tom 4 or a set of timbales on Tom 3 and 4 – but
of course always play the full drum set and enjoy these KITs in total. The name of
the KIT gives you an idea which song/artist we had in mind when creating the
preset. Play these KITs to the songs in question and have fun!
Finally, there are 10 empty memory slots for own creations. If there’s a factory KIT
which you like, and you want to edit it but still keep the original, then just copy this
particular KIT to one of these empty slots and tweak it.
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11 Editor Software
The KAT KT-M1 is fully compatible with the 2 BOX Drumit Editor. Using this free
editor software, you can create your own sounds and set the main KIT parameters
on your PC/Mac. The editor makes converting WAV files to highly usable KT-M1
sounds a breeze. This includes multi layers with up to 127 velocity levels!
To work with the editor software, you need to put the module in USB mode.(see
section 8)
12 User Manual
On our web page, you will find a comprehensive KT-M1 manual that you can
download free of charge as a PDF.
www.katpercussion.com
13 Sound Downloads
One special feature about the KT-M1 is its open sound architecture. You can
transfer new sounds to your module and delete sound files you never use (consider
backing them up on your computer, however).
You will find a host of additional sound files from the 2Box Sound Library which can
be downloaded free of charge. Just help yourself to new signature sounds, specialty
percussion instruments and/or legendary electronic drum sounds!
Download the desired ZIP archives and extract the sound files onto your computer.
Those sound files can now be copied to the KT-M1 module via USB and used just
like the original factory sounds.
www.2box-drums.com
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14 Connecting FSR Pads
The KTB (KAT Trigger Box) and the FTB (FSR Trigger Box) are devices that
enables you to use FSR (Force Sensing Resistor) heads and pads. The KTB and
FTB can accommodate up to 12 single zone heads or 6 dual zone heads, as well as
multi-zone FSR instruments such as Alternate Mode's jamKAT™ and hybriKIT™.
The outputs of the KTB or FTB can then be connected directly to the KT-M1.
Compatible products for the KTB and FTB include:
Alternate Mode's hybriHEAD™, hybriPAD™ altZONE™ eRIM™, jamKAT™,
hybriKIT™
Aquarian's onHEAD™ and inHEAD™
KAT's trigKAT™
Setting Up The KTB or FTB for FSR eads and Pads
Plug in the AC adapter and turn the "Sensitivity" dial until it clicks. This powers on
the unit.
For single zone heads, use a MONO 1/4" cable to connect from the head to the 1/4"
input of the KTB/FTB. Use another MONO 1/4" cable to connect from the 1/4"
output of the KTB/FTB to the KT-M1 Module.
For dual zone heads, use a STEREO 1/4" cable to connect from the head to the
1/4" input of the KTB/FTB. Use another STEREO 1/4" cable to connect from the
1/4" output of the KTB/FTB to the KT-M1 Module.
The center zone of the dual zone pad or head is the "HEAD" signal, and the outer
zone is the "RIM" signal.
Important: The correct cable must be used or the pads and heads will not work.
Start with the following settings and adjust to your liking.
KTB/FTB Sensitivity = Set the Sensitivity Dial 3/4 up (or 3 o'clock)
Pad Type = PADPP
Gain = 4
Threshold = -38
XTalk = OFF
Curve = NEG1
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Using Multi-Zone Instruments Such As The jamKAT™ and
hybriKIT™ With The KTB or FTB
The KTB/FTB has a HD1 IN and a HD1 OUT connector. This is for connecting
Alternate Mode's jamKAT™ or hybriKIT™ instruments to the KTB/FTB. Use
Alternate Mode's "HD1 Input Cable" to connect from the jamKAT™ or hybriKIT™
to the HD1 IN on the KTB/FTB. The HD1 IN connector is routed to both the HD1
OUT and the 1/4" OUT connectors of the KTB/FTB simultaneously. This means you
can either use the HD1 OUT connector or the 1/4" OUT connectors to connect to
the KT-M1.
The best way to connect a multi-zone instrument from the KTB/FTB to the KT-M1 is
to use Alternate Mode's "HD1 Output Cable". This breakout cable is a HD1 to
1/4" cable. The Mono plugs are numbered with the pad number it connects to (eg.
TRS plug #1 connects to pad #1 of the instrument). Choose a KT-M1 channel for
each pad on the instrument, plug the corresponding TRS jack into the KT-M1 input
for that channel, and assign the desired sound to that channel.
D15 Output Cable
Note: The KT-M1 has 10 trigger inputs. If using a multi-zone instrument with more
than 10 zones, a "Y" cable must be used on any of the KT-M1's dual channel
inputs. The Snare and Tom channels are all dual channel inputs. This will create an
additional input for the instrument. From there, a sound can be assigned to each
zone of that channel (Snare, Snare Rim or Tom, Tom Rim).
Refer to the KTB/FTB manual for more details on connectivity.
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