Behringer K-2 Quick Start Guide - Page 16

30 K-2 K-2 Getting started (EN) Step 3: Getting started OVERVIEW This 'getting started' guide will help you set up the K-2 analog synthesizer and briefly introduce its capabilities. CONNECTION To connect the K-2 to your system, please consult the connection guide earlier in this document. Caution: Do not overload the 3.5 mm inputs. They can only accept the correct level of voltages as shown in the specification tables. The 3.5 mm outputs should only be connected to inputs capable of receiving the output voltages. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the K-2 or external units. SOFTWARE SETUP The K-2 is a USB Class Compliant MIDI device, and so no driver installation is required. The K-2 does not require any additional drivers to work with Windows and MacOS. HARDWARE SETUP Make all the connections in your system. Use the rear panel MIDI switches to set the K-2 to a unique MIDI channel in your system. Connect an external MIDI keyboard directly to the K-2 MIDI IN 5-pin DIN type input. Apply power to the K-2 using the supplied power adapter only. Ensure your sound system is turned down. Turn on the K-2 rear panel power switch. WARM UP TIME We recommend leaving 15 minutes or more time for the K-2 to warm up before recording or live performance. (Longer if it has been brought in from the cold.) This will allow the precision analog circuits time to reach their normal operating temperature and tuned performance. VCO 1 and VCO 2 SECTION The K-2 has two oscillators, VCO 1 and VCO 2. The VCO 1 waveform can be selected from triangle, reversesawtooth, pulse, and noise. When pulse is selected, the pulse width can be varied from squarewave to narrow pulse. The frequency scale can be selected from 32', 16', 8', and 4'. The VCO 2 waveform can be selected from reverse-sawtooth, square, narrow pulse, and ring. When ring is selected, both oscillators are used. The VCO 2 pitch can be varied independently. The VCO 2 frequency scale can be selected from 16', 8', 4' and 2'. VCO MIXER SECTION The VCO Mixer section allows you to adjust the volume of VCO 1 and VCO 2 to create an overall mix. Initially, you might just try just turning the VCO 1 level up, leaving VCO 2 at 0. In the Output section, adjust the main volume. Now, if you play a note on your MIDI keyboard, you should hear the sound of Oscillator 1 only. Turn up the VCO 2 level to create a mix, and adjust the VCO 2 controls as needed to create interesting effects. FILTER SECTION Play with the cutoff frequency, and peak controls, and listen to their effects on the sound. The high-pass and low-pass filters allow a great deal of control over the sounds achievable by K-2. The high-pass filter reduces the level of signals that are below the cutoff frequency. It effectively reduces the level of the fundamental, and lower order harmonics. The low-pass filter reduces the level of signals that are above the cutoff frequency. It reduces the levels of the higher-order harmonics. The peak control gives an emphasis in level to the signals at the crossover frequency. FREQUENCY MODULATION SECTION The two controls in this section allow the frequency of the oscillators to be modulated. If no other connections are made, the default modulation sources are the modulation generator (MG) and envelope generator 1 (EG 1). Turning each control will vary the depth of the modulation from each source. CUTOFF FREQUENCY MODULATION SECTION The controls in this section allow the high-pass and low-pass cutoff frequencies to be modulated. If no other connections are made, the default modulation sources are the modulation generator (MG) and envelope generator 2 (EG 2). Turning each control will vary the depth of the modulation from each source. MODULATION GENERATOR SECTION The modulation generator has two main waveform types, and each can be adjusted using the waveform control. The default type can be varied from reverse sawtooth, to triangle, to sawtooth. The other can be varied from negative narrow pulse, to square, to positive narrow pulse. The frequency of the modulation can be varied by the frequency control in this section. ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 SECTION Envelope generator 1 can be used to modulate the frequency of the oscillators, as mentioned in the frequency modulation section above. The controls for delay time, attack time, and release time allow you to adjust the envelope shape. ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2 SECTION Envelope generator 2 can be used to modulate the cutoff frequency of the high-pass and low-pass filters, and to control the output of the VCA. The controls for hold time, attack time, decay time, sustain level, and release time allow you to adjust the envelope shape. EXTERNAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR SECTION This section allows you to enter the audio from an external source and to adjust its level, apply high-pass and low-pass filtering, and use it for controlling the synthesizer through patching. PATCH BAY SECTION This section is essentially an "interactive block diagram" of the synthesizer, and allows you to see the overall signal flow. The printed lines between blocks show the internal connections. Patching different blocks together overrides the internal connections, and allows you the versatility to create many different sounds with the synthesizer. EURORACK The K-2 synthesizer can be taken out of its factory chassis and fitted into a standard Eurorack case (not supplied). FIRMWARE UPDATE Please check our website behringer.com regularly for any updates to the firmware of your K-2 synthesizer. The firmware file can be downloaded and stored on your computer, and then used to update the K-2. It comes with detailed instructions on the update procedure. HAVE FUN The K-2 has many useful controls to create new sounds and recreate many different instruments. The patch bay allows for further experimentation and expansion to other K-2 units and modular synthesizer equipment. With all these controls, the possibilities for musical creativity are endless, rather like an artist with a new box of paints. We hope that you will enjoy your new K-2. Quick Start Guide 31