This is an introduction and overview of the Analog Kick by Recovery Effects And Devices, available at Takazudo Modular.
The Analog Kick is a compact kick module that makes classic analog sounds easily accessible. With two parameter controls, Fundamental and Contour, this compact 3HP module can produce tom-like percussive attacks and bass sounds reminiscent of TR-808 kick derivatives.
This product is available for purchase below.
- Product Photos
- What Kind of Module Is the Analog Kick
- Sound Characteristics of the Analog Kick
- How to Use the Analog Kick
- Similar Module: AD110 Analog Drums
- Similar Module: ADDAC106 T-Noiseworks
- Reference Videos
- Specifications
- Included Items
Product Photos
What Kind of Module Is the Analog Kick
This module appears to be based on a sine wave, producing bass and kick sounds with strong low-end character similar to a TR-808 kick pitched down and extended, as well as tom-like percussion sounds with short, popping tones.
To use it, input a Gate signal into the TRIGGER jack and audio is output from the OUT jack. The FUNDAMENTAL and CONTOUR knobs adjust the sound character. The FUNDAMENTAL parameter can also be controlled externally via CV input. Despite its compact 3HP size, it's a module capable of producing characterful low-end percussion and bass sounds.
Sound Characteristics of the Analog Kick
The terms FUNDAMENTAL and CONTOUR on this Analog Kick are somewhat uncommon in music equipment. While "Fundamental" can be translated as "basic" and "Contour" as "outline," they might seem a bit vague. After experimenting with the module, it seems these terms suggest that the changes aren't simply about pitch or decay alone.
Here's how the sound changes when you turn these knobs:
FUNDAMENTAL- Turned fully left, it produces a somewhat higher tom-like sound. Turning it right shifts to a deeper tone.
CONTOUR- Turned fully left, it produces a very short, decayed sound. Turning it right creates a droning bass-like sound, though this change seems to also involve pitch variation.
For modules that create this type of percussion sound, it's common to have ones where pitch and decay change independently. But from my experience, these two parameters seem to interact with each other to shape the final sound.
There's also a quality I notice when listening to demos from the Recovery Effects And Devices brand across their pedals and modules: a slightly distorted, fuzz-like tone that seems to come through in this module as well.
The FUNDAMENTAL knob has the most significant impact on pitch, with pitch dropping as you turn it right. It's clearly not designed for 1V/Oct control. You'd use it more for sequencing CV or feeding envelopes to create atmospheric bass-like textures rather than playing precise pitches.
The sound produced isn't something designed to faithfully reproduce an acoustic instrument. It's more of a primitive, classic analog sound produced by analog circuitry, with the distinctive Recovery Effects And Devices character layered on top.
How to Use the Analog Kick
As described above, the primary use for this module is as a tom or TR-808 kick-style percussion instrument, and as a bass-like sound source where precise pitch isn't required.
Additionally, from my experience, turning the CONTOUR fully right produces something more like a deep, buzzing, slightly fuzzy sustained low-end sound rather than a bass, which suggests interesting possibilities when combined with other modules for punchier expressions.
In short, this module is a strong candidate when you need low-end percussion and bass-like sounds.
Similar Module: AD110 Analog Drums
When I tried the Analog Kick, the first module that came to mind as one I'd used in a similar role was Weston Precision Audio's AD110 Analog Drums:
The AD110 is a module that creates a range of analog-style drum machine sounds, and its kick sound has a strong TR-808-like character.
My personal preference leans toward hard techno, so I was using the B2 Kick as my main kick for that 909-style sound. When combined with the main kick, the AD110 served as an excellent bass-like low-end complement:
I have sessions using them this way, such as this one and this one. As a reference, when you play these kinds of low kicks with a long release, they can serve as bass-like sounds. If this is new to you, I'd encourage you to give it a try.
The AD110 itself offers only minimal control over each individual sound, so I was adjusting the low kick using just the Pitch and Resonance knobs. The Analog Kick is similar in that it essentially extracts that kick sound and adds CV control capability.
This may have been a roundabout explanation, but if you can relate to what I'm describing, I think you'll have a good sense of what the Analog Kick is all about.
Similar Module: ADDAC106 T-Noiseworks
Another similar module worth mentioning is the ADDAC System ADDAC104 VC T-Networks:
This module also produces similar TR-808 kick-like analog sounds. It's essentially a module born from the discovery that applying a notch filter aggressively created interesting results.
You can hear its sound character in this session where it's tapping away throughout. Please check it out for reference.
Compared to the ADDAC104's sound, the Analog Kick can produce longer release times and adds that distorted, fuzz-like quality.
From my experience, modules that shape analog circuitry's interesting sonic qualities into musical instruments tend to reveal new discoveries when you actually get hands-on with them.
For example, imagine you're searching through sampled material to build a track. If you came across a sample of something just resonating and tapping along, you probably wouldn't be inclined to use it. The appeal of these modules comes from having the actual analog instrument in front of you and the experience of playing it. That's something I personally feel strongly about.
So if you're intrigued by analog sound, this is definitely a module worth checking out. I plan to create some content using this module myself and add it to this page.
Reference Videos
Below is a demo video of the Analog Kick published on the official Recovery Effects And Devices YouTube channel. It's a simple demo showing the kick sound variations.
Specifications
- Width: 3HP
- Depth: 16mm
- Power consumption: 100mA +12V / 0mA -12V / 0mA +5V
Included Items
- Power ribbon cable
- Screws
Recovery Effects Devicesについて
Recovery Effects Devicesはアメリカシアトルのモジュラーシンセメーカーです。
このメーカーのモジュールは非常に実験的でありつつも、実用性が高いユニークなモノばかりです。現在最も看板となっているモジュールは「Cutting Room Floor」で、これは高度にサンプルスライシングとグリッチを行うことができる、他では見ないタイプのモジュールとなっています。
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That concludes our introduction of the Analog Kick.
We hope you find this helpful.