Advertisement
Studio System
Band / Practice System
Live System
Poly Chain System
Voltage Controlled Oscillators Section
Controllers Section
VCO Mixer Section
Frequency Modulation Section
Voltage Controlled Filter Section
Cutoff Frequency Modulation Section
MIDI IN Section
Modulation Generator Section
Envelope Generator Section
Envelope 1 affects the frequency modulation.
Envelope 2 affects the cutoff frequency modulation, as well as the amplitude modulation of the voltage controlled amplifier (VCA).
General Section
Patchbay (3.5 mm TS connections) Main Signal Path
Modulation and Envelopes
Sample and Hold
VCA
Noise Generator
External Signal Processor Section
Rear Panel
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.
System Mode LED | |
ON LED | Mode |
Amber | Normal Mode |
Red | Poly Chain Mode |
MIDI message
Status | Second | Third | Parameter | Description | |
Channel Message | 8n | kk | vv | [0, 7F] | Note off |
9n | kk | vv | [0, 7F] | Note on | |
Bn | 7B | — | — | All notes off | |
En | bb | bb | [0, 3FFF] | Pitch bend |
Examples
Status | Command (1) |
Note on | 90 3C 64 |
Note off | 80 3C 40 |
All notes off | B0 7B |
Note: (1) MIDI input channel 1.
Patch Number:
DATE: | AUTHOR: | TITLE: |
NOTES: |
NOTES: The simplified settings shown below will help you get started making sounds, with VCO-1 and VCO-2:
Synthesizer Architecture | |
Number of voices | Monophonic |
Type | Analog |
Oscillators | 2 (16 Hz to 1.5 kHz @ 8' and with 4 overlapping ranges) |
LFO | 1 (0.1 to 22 Hz) |
VCF | 1 low pass, 1 high pass (24 dB/octave slope) |
Envelopes | VCA, VCF |
Connectivity | |
Power input | DC input connector |
Power switch | Push button On/Off |
MIDI In/Thru | MIDI In and MIDI Thru, 5-pin DIN |
MIDI channel switch | Channel selection/ 16 channels |
USB (MIDI) | USB 2.0, type B |
Outputs | Output: 1/4" TS, unbalanced, max. 0 dBu |
Signal out: 3.5mm TS, unbalanced, max. 0 dBu | |
Outputs impedance | 1.0 kΩ |
Headphones | 3.5 mm TRS, max. +6 dBu |
Headphones output impedance | 22 Ω |
USB | |
Type | Class compliant USB 2.0, type B |
Supported Operating Systems | Windows 7 or higher |
Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher | |
Controllers Section | |
Controls | Master tune: -5 to +5 |
Portamento: 0 to 10 | |
Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO) | |
Controls | Range (VCO 1): 32', 16', 8', 4' |
Range (VCO 2): 16', 8', 4', 2' | |
Pulse width (VCO 1): square to narrow | |
Waveform (VCO 1): triangular, reverse sawtooth, pulse, noise | |
Waveform (VCO 2): reverse sawtooth, square, narrow pulse, ring | |
Pitch (VCO 2): -5 to +5 | |
VCO Mixer Section | |
Controls | VCO 1 level: 0 to 10 VCO 2 level: 0 to 10 |
Voltage Controlled Filter Section | |
Controls | High pass cutoff frequency: 0 to 10 (10 Hz to 20 kHz) |
Low pass cutoff frequency: 0 to 10 (10 Hz to 20 kHz) | |
High pass peak (resonance): 0 to 10 | |
Low pass peak (resonance): 0 to 10 | |
Switches | Filter selector: filter 1/filter 2 |
Modulation Section | |
Controls | Frequency modulation (mg/t.ext): 0 to 10 |
Frequency modulation (eg1/ext): 0 to 10 | |
High pass filter cutoff frequency modulation (mg/t.ext): 0 to 10 | |
High pass filter cutoff frequency modulation (eg2/ext): 0 to 10 | |
Low pass filter cutoff frequency modulation (mg/t.ext): 0 to 10 | |
Low pass filter cutoff frequency modulation (eg2/ext): 0 to 10 | |
Modulation waveform: sawtooth variation and pulse width variation | |
Modulation frequency: 0 to 10 (0.1 to 22 Hz) | |
LED | Modulation frequency rate |
Envelope Generator Section | |
Controls | Envelope generator 1 delay time: 0 to 10 (0 to 5.5 s) |
Envelope generator 1 attack time: 0 to 10 (3.0 ms to 16 s) | |
Envelope generator 1 release time: 0 to 10 (30 ms to 16 s) | |
Envelope generator 2 hold time: 0 to 10 (0 to 14 s) | |
Envelope generator 2 attack time: 0 to 10 (5.4 ms to 9 s) | |
Envelope generator 2 decay time: 0 to 10 (0.5ms to 15 s) | |
Envelope generator 2 sustain level: 0 to 10 | |
Envelope generator 2 release time: 0 to 10 (40 ms to 18 s) | |
LED | Envelope generator action |
External Signal Processor Section | |
Controls | Signal level: 0 to 10 |
Low cut frequency: 0 to 10 | |
High cut frequency: 0 to 10 | |
CV adjust: 0 to 10 | |
Threshold level: 0 to 10 | |
3.5 mm TS input | Signal in: Auto Pad System |
3.5 mm TS outputs | Amplifier: -∞ to 0 dBμ |
Band pass filter: -∞ to 0 dBμ | |
F-V converter: 0 to +8 V | |
Envelope follower: 0 to +5 V | |
Trigger out: to GND | |
LED | Peak envelope follower |
Trigger out | |
Output Section | |
Controls | Volume: 0 to 10 |
LED | Power |
Inputs and Outputs (TS 3.5 mm) | |
Sample and Hold | In: 5 Vpp |
Out: 5 Vpp | |
Clock in: to GND | |
VCA | In: -5 V to +5 V |
Out: -5 V to +5 V | |
Control input: 0 to +5 V | |
Noise generator | Pink noise out: 5 Vpp |
White noise out: 5 Vpp | |
Trigger switch | Out: to GND |
Trigger | In: to GND |
Out: to GND | |
VCO | VCO 1+2 CV in: 0 to +8 V |
VCO 2 CV in: 0 to +8 V | |
VCO 1+2 frequency in: -3 V to +3 V | |
VCA | Initial gain: 0 to 5 V |
Low pass VCF | Cutoff frequency: -5 V to +5 V |
High pass VCF | Cutoff frequency: -5 V to +5 V |
External signal | In: 3 Vpp |
Total (affects VCOs and VCFs) | In: -5 V to +5 V |
Keyboard | CV out: 0 to +8 V (exponential) |
Envelope generator | EG 1 out: 0 to +5 V |
EG 1 reverse out: +5 V to 0 | |
EG 1 trigger in: to GND | |
EG 2 out: -2.5 V to +2.5 V | |
EG 2 reverse out: -2.5 V to +2.5 V | |
Modulation triangular/sawtooth waveform | Out: 5 Vpp |
Modulation pulse/square waveform | Out: 0 to +5 V |
Switches | Trigger out, momentary |
Power Requirements | |
External power adaptor (use only the supplied adapter) | 12 VDC |
Power consumption | 12 W maximum |
Environmental | |
Operating temperature range | 5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F) |
Physical | |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 95 x 424 x 136 mm (3.7 x 16.7 x 5.4") |
Module width | 80HP |
Weight | 1.8 kg (4.0 lbs) |
Shipping weight | 2.7kg (5.9 lbs) |
Important information
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!
Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualified service personnel.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download Behringer K-2 - Analog and Semi-Modular Synthesizer with Dual VCOs Manual
Advertisement
Thank you! Your question has been received!
Need Assistance?
Do you have a question about the K-2 that isn't answered in the manual? Leave your question here.