User Manual

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SUPER SPACE DRUM
Analog Drum Synthesizer
Congratulations on your purchase of the Super Space Drum (SSD), a faithful
reissue of the Electro-Harmonix Super Space Drum first released in 1979. The
Super Space Drum uses analog synthesis techniques ̶ such as modulating an
oscillator followed by a gated volume amplifier ̶ to create drum sounds ranging
from deep kicks to high toms to sci-fi drums. Trigger the SSD from the built-in
pushbutton or an external, non-MIDI, electronic drum pad. Pass external sounds
through the gated amplifier via the auxilliary input.
WARNING: Your Super Space Drum (SSD) comes equipped with an Electro-Harmonix
9.6DC-200 power supply (same as used by Boss
®
& Ibanez
®
: 9.6 Volts DC 200mA). The
SSD requires 25mA at 9VDC with a center negative plug. Using the wrong adapter or a
plug with the wrong polarity may damage your SSD and void the warranty.
- CONTROLS -
FREQ Controls – Use the START and STOP knobs together to control the start
and end frequencies (pitch) of the synthesizer’s sweep:
START Knob – Sets the starting point of the frequency
sweep. Sweeps can begin anywhere from 20 Hz when set fully
counterclockwise to 4 kHz when set fully clockwise.
STOP Knob – Sets the end point of the frequency sweep.
Sweeps can end anywhere from 20 Hz when set fully
counterclockwise to 4 kHz when set fully clockwise.
TIME Knob – Controls the amount of time that the sweep will take to get from
the START frequency to the STOP frequency. As TIME is turned clockwise, the
sweep time slows down. Sweep time ranges from 40 ms to 6 seconds.
SENS Knob – Controls the sensitivity of the SSD to an external trigger. As SENS
is turned clockwise, it becomes more sensitive and less amplitude is required
from the external trigger to activate the Super Space Drum.
VOLUME Knob – Controls the volume of the output. As VOLUME is turned
clockwise, the output volume increases.
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MOD Controls – The MOD controls consist of a MOD switch, a DEPTH Knob,
and a RATE knob. Use the MOD controls to apply an LFO modulation waveform
to the SSD’s frequency sweep for an extra layer of analog fun.
MOD Switch – Set to ON to engage modulation. OFF disables
modulation.
DEPTH Knob – Controls modulation depth or amount. This knob is
center-detented. At 12 o’clock, the modulation depth is zero. Set the
knob fully counterclockwise for the largest negative depth. Set fully
clockwise for the maximum positive depth. Vary the positive or negative
depth setting to taste. The positive waveform has a rising sawtooth
waveshape that produces a reverse type of modulation at lower RATE
settings. Negative depth consists of a falling sawtooth that produces
sharper sounding modulation at lower RATE settings.
RATE Knob – Controls the rate of modulation. Turn this knob
clockwise to increase the modulation rate from 10 Hz to 1.5 kHz. Higher
RATE settings can produce ring modulated sounds.
LED – Lights up when the SSD is powered up. The LED blinks briefly upon
receiving an external trigger pulse or when you press the SSD’s white
pushbutton. If you power the SSD from a battery, the LED’s brightness
diminishes as the battery’s life nears its end.
Pushbutton Trigger – Push the white pushbutton at the center of the logo to
trigger the SSD and create amazing sounds.