L-Fusion Electronics Introduces Analog Kicks 808+909 Eurorack Module

video upload by LFusion Electronics

"Updated demo video showcasing L-Fusion Modular Analog Kicks Eurorack module with walkthrough through all the parameters, also tips how to get most of it using filtering and EQ. For best listening experience use studio headphones/speakers that can handle the low end.

Module is available on Reverb.

808 kick generates softer more boomy kick sound while 909 outputs more aggressive punchy kick often used for making techno. Built using modern components – Audio grade Burr-Brown OpAmps, low noise transistors as well as quality capacitors including legendary WIMA German ones where larger values are needed - module provides two clean analog sound outputs with dynamic range of over 90dB.

808 kick is based on T-Shape resonator, often used in Electro/Acid tracks. It has decay, pitch and tone knobs. The circuit has been modified for longer maximum decay.

909 kick is more complex, it generates more aggressive punchy kick sound often used making techno, its core is based on integrated triangle shape oscillator. This kick drum can be controlled with original attack, decay, tune, tune decay potentiometers. Original 909 circuit has been improved for longer maximum decay, we have also integrated extra potentiometers for soft clipping distortion and fast decaying attack noise control."



"Introducing new kick drum module with famous 909 and 808 base kick drums based on on original discrete transistor circuits. 808 kick generates softer more boomy kick sound while 909 outputs more aggressive punchy kick often used for making techno. Built using modern components – Audio grade Burr-Brown Opamps, low noise transistors as well as quality capacitors including legendary WIMA German ones where larger values are needed - module provides two clean analog sound outputs with dynamic range of over 90dB.

Both base kicks are designed to be triggered with 5V/10V gates. Gate inputs are conditioned for on-off signals of any length. Accent inputs are optional, they can be used with separate gates where accent gate-on generates stronger kick; 0..5V or -5V..5V CV can also be used for full range volume control. Accent circuit is equipped with dedicated trimmers to adjust for use with gate or CV.

808 section outputs classic boomy kick based on T-Shape resonator, often used in Electro/Acid tracks. It has decay, pitch and tone knobs. The circuit has been modified for longer maximum decay.

909 kick is more complex, it generates more aggressive punchy kick sound often used making techno, its core is based on integrated triangle shape oscillator. This kick drum can be controlled with original attack, decay, tune, tune decay potentiometers. Original 909 circuit has been improved for longer maximum decay and lower minimum pitch, we have also integrated extra potentiometers for soft clipping distortion and fast decaying attack noise control.

Please note that 808 and 909 kick circuits output dry kick sound. In modern electronic music they are often used with compression, heavy distortion and/or main frequency boost. Main frequency boost can be easily implemented with a high pass filter open almost all way up to match base kick frequency with some resonance to boost it. Such method also removes inaudible ultra-low frequencies improving overall track quality. Kicks can be also boosted with analog or digital equalizer by simply increasing the low frequency response.

Both kicks can be used at the same time, second kick can be filtered or side chained with our envelope follower+VCA to be used as sub oscillator, 808 is more suitable for that. Second kick drum can also be shortened and used for clicking sounds, it can also be pitched up and used as a tom or cymbal.

All potentiometers are precision Alpha variety with rubber knobs for soft touch for easy grip and pleasant tactile feedback.

Revision 2.0: New SoundPlus audio grade OpAmps from Texas Instruments, sounds exactly the same but with slightly more precision and less noise, increased maximum gain according to feedback received.

Power consumption: +12V - 50mA, -12V - 30mA

Module width: 9HP

Module depth: 3.8 cm

Input: BD808 Gate, BD909 Gate (0 to 5/10V), BD808 Accent, BD909 Accent (0 to 5V gate or -5/0 to 5V CV, adjustable with trimmers)

Outputs: BD808 Output, BD909 Output (-5 to 5V)

808 kick control potentiometers (left part): Gain, decay (kick sound length till it decays to silence), Tone (pitch), Tune (attack intensity control / low pass filter).

909 kick control potentiometers (right part): Gain (large knob), Attack (initial impulse strength), decay, tune, tune decay (pitch decay speed at the beginning of the sound, adds puncyness), distort (adds analog distortion, soft clipping, almost hard clipping at max level, often used in industrial/hard techno), noise (adds fast decaying analog noise to the beginning of the sound, adds wooden box/real drum flavor to it).

Component count: 223, transistors: 21 , OpAmps: 11 (89 distinct parts)

Frequency range: 15Hz - 25kHz

Noise level (max): -85dB

Input impedance: 100kΩ

Output impedance: 1kΩ 0.1%

Indicators: Led indicators for 808 and 909 kick outputs

Warranty: 3 years from purchase date, warranty is voided if disassembled and pins bent, damaged by liquids or soldering works done on the module.

Testing: Fully tested before dispatch"