This is an introduction to the Kick V2 by NoisyFruitsLab, available at Takazudo Modular. Kick V2 is an 808-style kick drum module with thoughtful controls.
This product is available for purchase below.
- What is Kick V2?
- Key Points of Kick V2
- Waveform Indicator Lights Up
- Reference Videos
- Other Specifications
- Included Accessories
- About NoisyFruitsLab
What is Kick V2?
The predecessor to this module, the 808 Kick Drum (V1), was a module that reproduced the 808 kick drum sound using analog circuits with added pitch control (though V1 was not sold in Japan).
Kick V2 is the updated version, featuring the following capabilities:
- Accent controllable via CV
- Pitch controllable via CV
- Pitch decay over time controllable via knob (pitch change depth / Decay)
- Built-in diode distortion, controllable via knob
It's a compact yet feature-rich kick drum module.
Key Points of Kick V2
Kick V2 is based on the 808 kick sound but with thoughtful parameter adjustments, making it capable of producing quite punchy tones — at least that's my impression.
This is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but I personally lean toward harder techno, so whether it's a 909 or 808, I almost always apply distortion or similar processing. The 808 in particular, with its original sound, tends to get buried when there's a lot going on, so distortion-type processing is often desired. I usually prepare a separate distortion specifically for the kick. This module already has that built in — diode distortion included, and turning the knob up adds grit. That's the first convenient point.
Second, a commonly used technique to make kicks stand out more is to apply pitch change over time. When taken to extremes, the sound character changes from a steady thump to a swooping "pyuun" sound. Many percussion modules implement controls to fine-tune this sweep. Kick V2 has this feature — pitch decay over time control. That's the second convenient point.
With these two features, you get an 808 kick that can also feel somewhat 909-like, capable of producing a fairly punchy kick. Please check the reference videos below for details.
Having the kick pitch controllable via CV is also appreciated by regular modular users. That's the third convenient point. Unlike groove boxes where such timbral changes can be difficult, feeding LFO or Envelope signals into the pitch CV lets you use the kick module for purposes beyond just kicks. This kind of flexible patching is one of the fun aspects of modular synth. The pitch CV input isn't 1V/Oct, but it's sufficient when you don't need that level of precision.
This module is a compact 4HP / 20mm deep, making it easy to fit into shallow cases. For those wanting an 808-style kick and its variants, this could be an excellent choice.
Of course, there's first the big decision of whether to generate drum sounds within the modular system or handle them externally. For those who choose the former, this module is worth considering.
Waveform Indicator Lights Up
The waveform design at the top of the panel has an LED behind it that lights up yellow according to volume. It's a visually enjoyable module. (The green one is the 808 Snare Drum.)
Reference Videos
Below is a video of me (Takazudo) playing this module. I'm adjusting various knobs and also sending sequences to Accent (ACC) and Pitch CV (CV) inputs, so it should give you a good reference for how it operates. (I'm also using the 808 Snare Drum and Sproom DSP from the same brand.)
Here's another reference video for the Kick V2 found on YouTube.
Other Specifications
- Width: 4HP
- Depth: 20mm
- Power consumption: +12V 9mA / -12V 9mA
Included Accessories
- Power ribbon cable
- Screws
- Banana keychain
- Banana sticker
About NoisyFruitsLab
NoisyFruitsLab is a German synthesizer manufacturer run by Samuel Biniaszczyk. Despite being small-scale, they release many high-quality modules, and many of their modules are also available as DIY panel & PCB kits.
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That concludes our introduction of the Kick V2.
Kick V2 is one of the first modules stocked from NoisyFruitsLab. My reason for carrying NoisyFruitsLab modules is that I wanted to introduce modules that are simple enough for modular synth beginners to understand easily, with good ergonomics and appropriate sizing. Kick V2 is exactly that kind of module.
As mentioned in the article, whether you handle drums within your modular system or use something like a Roland TR-8 groove box is a matter of personal preference. There's a valid perspective that drums are more conveniently managed in dedicated hardware for pattern management.
I (Takazudo) was also recently using an iPad to program rhythm patterns and controlling them via MIDI controller. But after wanting real-time, CV-controllable individual drum sounds, I eventually settled on generating drums within the modular system.
Naturally, this makes the modular system larger, but it has increased compatibility with other modular elements. For those who, like me, play drums in a modular setup and want an 808-style kick, this is a module I'd definitely recommend.
We hope you find this helpful.