When the FX modules are used in the Bus FX and/or Master FX slots, it is possible to route external CV signals to the first two Effect module parameters for modulation. If you hover with the mouse over the first or second parameter of an FX module loaded in the Bus FX or Master FX slot, a tool tip appears:
The tool tip shows which CV modulation input on the back of the unfolded Kong panel will control that parameter. For FX modules loaded in the Bus FX slot, the tool tip displays “Bus FX P1: nn” for the first FX module parameter and “Bus FX P2: nn” for the second one. For FX modules loaded in the Master FX slot, the tool tip instead reads “Master FX P1: nn” for the first FX module parameter and “Master FX P2: nn” for the second one. The “nn” in the tool tip indicates the current parameter value.
The Transient Shaper is a type of dynamics processor which produces a result that could be compared to that of a compressor. As opposed to a “normal” compressor, the Transient Shaper mainly affects the signal’s attack, or transients in the signal, making the signal transients cut through in the mix. The parameters are as follows:
The Compressor levels out the audio, by making loud sounds softer. To compensate for the volume loss, the Compressor has a make-up gain control for raising the overall level by a suitable amount. The result is that the audio levels become more even and the sounds can get more “power” and longer sustain. The parameters are as follows:
The Filter is a state variable filter with a switch for selecting Lowpass, Bandpass or Highpass state. It has controls for cutoff/center frequency and resonance amount and can also be controlled from a built-in MIDI controlled envelope generator for sweeping the frequency. When used in the Bus FX Slot, MIDI Note E2 (#52) trigs the envelope. When used in the Master FX Slot, MIDI Note F2 (#53) trigs the envelope. The parameters are as follows:
The Ring Modulator takes the input signal and multiplies it with an internal sinewave signal. The result is often a synthetic metallic sound. The Ring Modulator also features a MIDI controlled envelope generator for sweeping the internal sinewave frequency. When used in the Bus FX Slot, MIDI Note E2 (#52) trigs the envelope. When used in the Master FX Slot, MIDI Note F2 (#53) trigs the envelope. The parameters are as follows:
The Rattler adds the effect of a snare “attached” to whatever sound is fed through it. Using the Rattler in combination with other types of sounds than “usual” snare drum sounds can produce really interesting results! Ever played a snare bass drum, or a snare hi-hat, for example? The parameters are as follows:
The Tape Echo is based on the principles of classic tape echo effects. The original tape echo effects were electro-mechanical devices that used an endless magnetic tape in combination with recording and playback heads inside the box. Depending on the speed of the tape, and on which playback heads were used, the echo repetition and echo patterns could be controlled. Later on, a lot of tape echo effects were replaced by digital delay effects. The Tape Echo in Kong simulates the classic tape echo effect and features the following parameters:
The Overdrive/Resonator is a combined distortion and resonator module. It can be used to add a nice distortion to the input signal. There is also a resonator section with a number of selectable characteristics, similar to the Body section in the Scream 4 Sound Destruction Unit. The parameters are as follows: