Kuassa Efektor FZ3603 Fuzz Plugin User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Kuassa products! This User Manual is provided to ensure trouble-free and proper operation of the software. Introducing the KUASSA EFEKTOR SERIES, a new line of plug-ins featuring frequently requested effect units. This series launches with three 'gain' related units: Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz, designed to satisfy guitar players' demand for the perfect distortion sound.

About Fuzz

The grandfather of 'artificial' effect units, recognizable from its distinct sound. It is heavily clipped and compressed, squaring the waveform to add harsh and complex harmonics, almost synth-like. Select from five models of fuzzboxes:

• Big Fuzz: Delivers a gritty and wooly sustaining note.
• Sustainer Fuzz: Provides blistering rhythm and singing leads.
• Trans Fuzz: Emulates the familiar fuzzy transistor sound.
• Vintage Fuzz: A modern recreation of sounds from the 1960s.
• Zepp Fuzz: Captures the vintage British rock sound.

Key Features

• Five types of effects in every unit.
• Independent Gain, Tone, and Output volume controls.
• Bypass switch button [toggle].
• Dry-Wet control.
• Up to 8x oversampling.
• CV inputs for automation (RE Only).

System Requirements

Windows

Windows Vista or Later (64 bit). Core2 Duo, or AMD Phenom ii X4 or better (latest Intel i3, AMD A4, or better recommended). 4GB minimum RAM. VST or VST3 compatible host/DAW. Pro Tools 11 or later for AAX format. Propellerhead Reason 7.1 or later for Rack Extension format.

Macintosh

Mac OS 10.11 or later (64 Bit). Core2 Duo, or better (latest Intel i3 recommended). 4GB minimum RAM. Native Apple Silicon support. VST, VST3, or Audio Units compatible host/DAW. Pro Tools 11 or later for AAX format. Propellerhead Reason 10.1 or later for Rack Extension format.

Installation

Mac OSX

For Mac installer (.pkg) format, double-click the installer and follow the instructions. The installer automatically points to your Mac's default VST/VST3/AU/AAX plug-ins and Standalone path. Customization is possible.

Default installation paths for Mac OSX:

• Audio Unit (EfektorFZ3603.component): /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
• VST (EfektorFZ3603.vst): /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/Kuassa/
• VST3 (EfektorFZ3603.vst3): /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
• AAX (EfektorFZ3603.aaxplugin): /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/

Windows

For Windows Installer (.exe), double-click the installer and follow the instructions. The installer automatically points to your system's default plugins path. Customization is possible. Most VST hosts have a 'Plugins' or 'VSTplugins' folder, or you can specify a folder.

Default installation paths for Windows:

• 64-bit VST (EfektorFZ3603.dll): C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugins\Kuassa\
• 64-bit VST3 (EfektorFZ3603.vst3): C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\
• 64-bit AAX (EfektorFZ3603.aaxplugin): C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\

Uninstallation

Mac OSX

On a Mac, delete the plug-in from the corresponding Plug-ins folder. Additionally, remove other associated folders and files:

• Folders:
• /Library/Application Support/Kuassa/Default Presets/EfektorFZ3603/
• /Users/[User Name]/Music/Kuassa/Presets/EfektorFZ3603/
• Files:
• /Library/Application Support/Kuassa/Misc/EfektorFZ3603 EULA.txt
• /Library/Application Support/Kuassa/User Manuals/EfektorFZ3603 Manual.pdf
• /Users/[User Name]/Music/Kuassa/Settings/EfektorFZ3603.setting

Windows

Use 'Add/Remove Programs' or 'Programs and Features' from the Windows Control Panel. If Efektor FZ3603 is not listed, manually delete the .dll/.vst3/.aaxplugin file from your VST plug-in folder. After uninstallation, manually delete other Efektor FZ3603 file resources:

• Folder: C:\Users\[User Name]\Documents\Kuassa\Presets\EfektorFZ3603\
• Files: C:\Users\[User Name]\Documents\Kuassa\Settings\EfektorFZ3603.setting

Authorization

In evaluation mode, a pop-up window appears on first start.

To start authorization, click the [File] button (top-left) and select [Import License].

Locate the License File [EfektorFZ3603.kuassa] obtained from the confirmation email or member area after purchase. This file contains personal information for authorization.

A pop-up box confirms successful authorization.

Verify authorization by clicking the Efektor logo (bottom-left) to open the About Box. Your name or email address will be displayed, and generated noise/silence from the evaluation version will be removed.

User Interface Explanation

The Efektor FZ3603 interface features the following controls:

1. [File] Button: Accesses menu functions like preset saving, license authorization, and shortcuts to the user manual and Kuassa website.
2. Preset Selector: Choose from available presets using left-right buttons or the drop-down menu.
3. Input Meter: Displays the level of the incoming signal.
4. A-B Compare: Compares two different plugin settings.
5. Copy A to B: Copies settings from state 'A' to state 'B'.
6. Input Level: Controls the input level from the audio interface.
7. Oversampling: Increases internal sampling frequency to reduce aliasing artifacts, at the cost of higher CPU usage.
8. Dry/Wet Blender: Adjusts the balance between the direct (dry) and processed (wet) signal.
9. Fuzz: Adjusts the amount of fuzz applied to the input signal.
10. Tone: Controls the tonality, timbre, or color of the sound.
11. Level: Controls the overall output level of the plugin.
12. Type Selector: Selects from multiple emulated effect models, each from a different era with distinct flavor and character.
13. Bypass: Toggles the effect unit On or Bypass.
14. Efektor Logo: Click to display the About Box.

Preset Management

Presets for EFEKTOR Plug-ins are located in specific folders:

• Mac: Users/[YourName]/Music/Kuassa/Presets/EfektorFZ3603
• Win: ~\Documents\Kuassa\Presets\EfektorFZ3603

All presets in these folders are recognized automatically. You can create sub-folders to group presets.

To save a preset:

1. Set plugin parameters to desired settings.
2. Select 'Save Preset' to overwrite the current preset.
3. Select 'Save Preset As' to save current settings into a new preset file (*.ktrp for FZ3603).

When using 'Save Preset As...', ensure the correct preset folder is chosen for automatic recognition.

To add new preset banks, click the 'New Folder' button and rename it. Sub-folders are also recognized for managing presets into groups.

Rack Extension Specifics

Bypass Switch: Turns the rack extension on, off, or bypass.

Input Knob & Input Meter: Control and display the input level. Aim for the meter to turn yellow, indicating sufficient signal.

Type Selector: Choose from multiple emulated fx models with different flavors and characters.

Fuzz Knob: Adjusts the amount of fuzz.

Tone Knob: Controls the sound's tonality/timbre/color.

Level Knob: Controls the overall output level.

Dry/Wet Knob: Adjusts the balance between direct and processed signal.

Additional Bypass Switch: Toggles the effect unit On or Bypass.

CV INPUTS:

• CV Input Socket: Receives CV messages for controlling CV-enabled parameters from other devices.
• CV Input Trim: Turn counter-clockwise to reduce the intensity of incoming CV messages.

OVERSAMPLING: Increases internal sampling frequency to reduce aliasing artifacts, with higher CPU usage.

Audio Input and Output Sockets: EFEKTOR is an FX device and should be added as such, not as an instrument.

MIDI CC Parameter List (Propellerhead Reason):

• 128 = Bypass Switch
• 129 = Input Vol Knob
• 130 = Fuzz Type Switch
• 131 = FUZZ KNOB
• 132 = Tone Knob
• 133 = Level Knob
• 134 = Dry/Wet KNOB

Credits

Kuassa Efektor Series Created by:

• Muhammad Abduh Abshar Platisza
• Muhammad Yusreza Irsyan
• Intan Zariska Daniyanti
• Iman Firman Amarullah
• Juan Prahamma Hartjamt
• Dimitar Nalbantov
• Arie Ardiansyah
• Raden Pratama Kusuma Adhitya Sulistia Wibisana
• Bramantyo Ibrahim
• Cil Satriawan
• Grahadea Kusuf
• Iqbal Ansyori
• Rathomi Trinugraha
• Bayu Ardianto
• Sundawan Sukmaya

Presets and Audio Demos by:

• Dimitar Nalbantov (https://www.nalbantov.com)

Company Information

KUASSA TEKNIKA, PT

Jl. Dipati Ukur No. 71A Bandung 40132 West Java, INDONESIA

Website: https://www.kuassa.com

General inquiry: info@kuassa.com

Technical support: support@kuassa.com