Erica Synths Perkons HD-01

Full Description

Lightning percussion

Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 is an intricate and contemporary hybrid drum machine. Its key function is as percussion however it can produce melodies and can function as a drum synthesiser. Named "Perkons" after the Baltic god of thunder and lightning, the stormy techno percussion of the HD-01 lives up to the name Erica Synths has entitled it. The Perkons HD-01 is a hands-on synthesiser, ideal for live performances and improvisation. It forces you to take a creative approach to your rhythm composition.

The Voices

The core of the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01 is four digital voice channels, with individual sound generation algorithms. Each voice is equipped with 11 identical controls that affect each sound engine differently. The ALGO switch changes the digital noise initially produced by the channel, the MODE switch selects the operation mode of the chosen algorithm. The TUNE dial sets the initial tune and the DECAY knob sets the decay time of the digital voice. The decay will become a drone oscillator at the extreme of the clockwise rotation. PARAM 1 and PARAM 2 control different parameters based on the algorithm selected. The CUTOFF dial controls the voltage-controlled filter (VCF) with setting 0 acting as the high pass and 10 as the low pass, a VCF switch allows you to select between the 3 analog filter settings. The DRIVE knob controls the wet/dry signal flow of the analog drive. Send and return to each channel are controlled by the FX SEND, all four channels have individual send and return meaning each voice can have a different FX unit on it. Each of the voices resembles a certain percussive sound: V1 = kick, V2 = synth voice/tom, V3 = snare, V4 = hi hat. These sounds can be manipulated by the voice controls to create unique and experimental sounds.

The tempo, main controls and sequencer

Unlike drum machines the Perkons HD-01, has an intricate operation process and a unique style of play. The HD-01 has a 16-step sequencer with individual rows for each voice channel and tap keys situated at the end of each row. The sequencer has a range of functions, from rhythm design to displaying the tempo whilst holding down the shift key and operating the tempo dial. The mode of operation of the sequencer is distinctive in the fact that it works on a one bar loop rather than the same as traditional drum machines using multiple bars. This simplifies the sequencing and requires constant adjustment of the controls for variation, compelling the user to take a hands-on approach to playing the HD-01. The HD-01 sequencer rows also act as a menu for other functions and controls by pressing certain buttons.

The Perkons HD-01 is equipped with MIDI and an analog clock, in addition to a manual master tempo control. The MIDI and analog clock provides the HD-01 with compatibility with other synths and hardware during recording or performance. The manual master tempo allows the Perkons to be used as a stand-alone system and delivers a flexible tempo adjustment. The beats per minute can be displayed on the sequencer by pressing the shift key and moving the tempo knob, showing the BPM in multiples of a hundred on the first row, tens on the second and single digits on the third; the BPM can also be adjusted by pressing the buttons on the sequencer when in this menu.

Pattern saving and parameter recording

Saving patterns and recording parameter variations on the Perkons HD-01 is easy and grants you the power to diversify your rhythms. Press the PATTERN to save drum patterns to individual buttons on the sequencer and select them. You can save the same pattern to different buttons so you can edit them with variations and chain patterns together to create multiple bar loops by setting a master pattern length. All parameter changes can be recorded and saved.

Features

• Four hybrid voices
• Digital sound engine delivers precise and accurate tones
• Analog multimode filter with overdrive circuit for gritty and aggressive sounds
• Eight controls per voice
• Velocity sensitive trigger inputs for drum pads
• Individual sends and returns
• Individual voice outputs
• Store up to 64 kits and 64 patterns via internal memory
• SD card storage location to store more kits and patterns
• Built-in studio-grade effects including bucket brigade delay and optical compressor
• Modulation LFO with morphing waveforms
• MIDI IN and OUT to connect to a myriad of devices
• Four-track sequencer with four time divisions and four multiplications per track
• Per-step ratchets

Specifications

• Dimensions: 315mm x 454mm x 90mm (including knob height)
• Weight: 3.7 kg
• Product code: PERKONS