KOBOL EXPANDER Quick Start Guide

Important Safety Instructions

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!

Terminals marked with a symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4" 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.
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
• Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service.
• Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.
• Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
• Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point.
• This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate climates up to 45°C.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifications, appearances and other information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Aston Microphones and Coolaudio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2023 All rights reserved.

LIMITED WARRANTY For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding Music Tribe's Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at community.musictribe.com/pages/support#warranty.

Hook-up

The hook-up diagram illustrates how to connect the Kobol Expander to a system. Key connections include:

• MIDI Keyboard to MIDI OUT.
• Power Adapter to DC IN.
• USB B connection for power and firmware updates via the Behringer SYNTHTRIBE app.
• USB A connections for connecting to a Desktop Computer and Audio Interface.
• Audio Interface connected to Studio Monitors and Headphones.

Getting Started

Overview

This 'getting started' guide helps you set up your Kobol Expander and introduces its capabilities.

Connection

Consult the connection guide earlier in this document for connecting the Kobol Expander to your system.

Software Setup

The Kobol Expander is a USB Class Compliant MIDI device, requiring no driver installation. It works with Windows and Mac OS without additional drivers.

Hardware Setup

Make all system connections with the Kobol Expander power turned off. Ensure your sound system is turned down. Turn on the Kobol Expander before power amplifiers and turn it off last to prevent speaker pops or thumps.

Warm Up Time

Allow at least 15 minutes for the Kobol Expander to warm up before recording or performing live, especially if it has been exposed to cold temperatures. This ensures the analog circuits reach optimal operating temperature and tuning.

Firmware Update

Regularly check the behringer.com website for updates to the Behringer SYNTHTRIBE app, which facilitates firmware updates for the Kobol Expander.

Controls

The Kobol Expander features a comprehensive set of controls for shaping sound. Key controls include:

Oscillator Section

• VCO 1 & VCO 2 Frequency: Set the base frequency of each oscillator independently over ± 2 octaves.
• VCO 1 & VCO 2 Waveform: Select and morph between triangle, ramp, sawtooth, square, and pulse waveforms. Pulse width can be modulated by the VCF Envelope Generator.
• VCO 1 & VCO 2 Volume: Independently set the output level for each oscillator.
• VCO 1 & VCO 2 Out: Unprocessed audio outputs for VCO 1 and VCO 2. Using these outputs disconnects the signal from the VCF.
• VCO 2 Beat: Adjusts the fine tuning between the two oscillators.
• VCO 1 Mod Off: Disables modulation for VCO 1.
• Synchro: Synchronizes VCO 2 to VCO 1.
• LFO/Both/ADS: Selects the modulation source for VCO pulse width modulation.

LFO Section

• LFO Rate: Sets the LFO rate from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz.
• LFO Volume: Attenuates the LFO modulation applied to VCOs and LFO 1 output.
• LFO Out 1 & 2: Outputs for the LFO signal.
• Waveform: Selects LFO waveform (triangle or square).

Filter (VCF) Section

• VCF Frequency: Sets the base frequency of the VCF.
• Resonance: Emphasizes frequencies around the VCF base frequency, potentially causing self-oscillation at higher settings.
• Resonance In: External voltage control for VCF resonance.
• VCF Audio In: Input for external audio to be processed by the VCF.
• CV In: Accepts 1V/octave external control for VCO tracking and VCF tracking.
• Gate In: External gate input for the ASR envelope generators, usable with analog sequencers.
• Attack In: External voltage control for VCF envelope attack time.
• Decay In: External voltage control for VCF envelope decay and release times.
• Sustain In: External control for VCF envelope sustain level.

Envelope Generator (ADS) Section

• Attack: Sets the attack time for the VCF envelope generator.
• Decay: Sets the decay and release times for the VCF envelope generator. Holding Shift allows independent release time adjustment.
• Sustain: Sets the sustain level for the VCF envelope generator.
• ADS 1 Out: Output for the VCA envelope generator.
• ADS 2 Out: Output for the VCF envelope generator.
• Attack In: External voltage control for VCA envelope attack time.
• Decay In: External voltage control for VCA envelope decay and release times.
• Sustain In: External control for VCA envelope sustain level.

Voltage Processor Section

• In 1 Gain: Attenuates external voltage input 1 (socket 47) to the voltage processor.
• Out Gain: Attenuates the output of the voltage processor.
• In 1 & In 2: Inputs for voltages to be processed.
• Out: Processed voltage output.
• Rev Out: Inverted output from the voltage processor.

Noise Section

• White/Pink: Selects white or pink noise from the noise generator.
• Noise Out: Output socket for the noise generator.

VCA Section

• Attack: Sets the attack time for the VCA envelope generator.
• Decay: Sets the decay and release times for the VCA envelope generator.
• Sustain: Sets the sustain level for the VCA envelope generator.

General Controls

• Volume: Sets the overall output volume of the Kobol.
• Tune: Tunes the Kobol to other instruments (± 50 cents).
• Keyb Ctrl/Step Length: Adjusts VCF keyboard tracking from 0 to 200% (2V/octave).
• Phones Out: Connect headphones to this 3.5mm TRS socket.
• Audio Out (3.5mm & 6.35mm): Line-level outputs carrying the Kobol's audio signal.
• MIDI In: For MIDI control of the Kobol Expander. Use SynthTRIBE software for polychaining.
• MIDI Thru: Mirrors the MIDI In signal for use with other devices.
• USB: For USB MIDI control, firmware updates, and use with the SynthTRIBE software.
• Power Switch & DC In: For powering the unit with the supplied 12V DC adapter.
• MIDI Channel DIP Switch: Configure MIDI channel settings.

Eurorack Installation

The Kobol Expander can be fitted into a standard Eurorack case. This procedure should be performed by an experienced technician.

Ensure the Eurorack case has a suitable power supply (1A at 12V DC) and the correct ±12V DC connections. A 10-pin to 16-pin adapter ribbon cable is supplied.

Procedure

1. Disconnect power and all other connections to the Kobol Expander.
2. Undo the eight screws on the top panel.
3. Carefully lift and turn the top panel assembly to expose the PCB, taking care not to pull the ribbon cable.
4. Disconnect the 24-pin ribbon cable from the main PCB and remove the assembly from the chassis.
5. Store the chassis and power supply safely.
6. Connect the 10-pin end of the adapter cable to the Kobol Expander's main PCB.
7. Connect the 16-pin end of the ribbon cable to a spare outlet in the Eurorack case, ensuring correct orientation and isolation from mains power.
8. Secure the Kobol Expander to the Eurorack case using the eight panel screws.
9. Perform a full safety test before using the Kobol Expander.