KD1 Kinetic Drive

Real Analog Saturation

The KD1 Kinetic Drive APB plug-in provides direct control over many analog saturation attributes of the APB hardware, for a variety of sounds from subtle harmonic overtones to complete sonic mayhem. KD1 saturation can be focused on a selectable portion of the frequency spectrum, and saturation kinetics (voltage supply reaction, level compression, and more) are also adjustable. Each KD1 drive type uses a different saturation circuit within the APB hardware for even more tone flexibility. Original and processed signal levels can be independently adjusted. Like all APB plug-ins, the controls on the KD1 may be automated, and saved as a preset for instant session recall.

Features

Direct control of analog saturation

Three saturation circuit options (FWD, RWD, and AWD)

Frequency specific saturation

Saturation kinetics

Wet and Dry signal level adjustment

Included with APB hardware purchase

Formats

AAX Native, AU, VST3

Kinetics

Kinetics affects analog circuit behaviors, such as signal compression and voltage supply reaction. Turning Kinetics to its minimum value eliminates the contribution and produces a less dynamic sound, while its maximum value will produce a more dynamic sound. The KD1 voltage meter indicates how much Kinetics processing is occurring.

Drive

Drive determines the analog gain applied before the saturation circuitry. As Drive is increased, the response of Kinetics also increases. There are three Drive Types: FWD selects a more treble-centric response, RWD selects more bass-centric, and AWD provides full-spectrum performance. Each Drive Type also chooses a different analog distortion circuit.

Focus

Focus sets the frequency where additional saturation will occur. The Focus Amount determines how much more saturation will occur at the selected Focus frequency.

Drive

The big Drive knob applies gain to the signal before hitting the distortion. As the gain increases, the response of Kinetics will also increase. Drive directly controls the analog gain in the APB.

Drive Type

The three buttons between the Drive knob and the other knobs are used to select the drive type. FWD selects a more treble-centric response, RWD selects more bass-centric, and AWD provides full-spectrum performance.

Kinetics

Kinetics is knob that controls analog-like behaviors, such as tube-like compression and voltage supply reaction. Turning Kinetics to minimum eliminates the contribution, while maximum will showcase more movement.

Focus

This knob works with the Focus Amount knob, allowing you to highlight a region of the audio to receive more harmonics. The Focus knob sets the frequency range to highlight.

Focus Amount

This knob works with the Focus knob, allowing you to highlight a region of the audio to receive more harmonics. The Focus Amount knob sets how much highlighting to give. At minimum, the Focus behavior is removed. Higher settings may get extreme.

Wet/Dry Lock

This is the lock icon between the Wet and Dry knobs. Once you have dialed in a good mix between Wet and Dry, you may want to adjust the overall output of the plugin - just engage the Wet/ Dry lock and adjust either the Wet or Dry knob, and the other stays in sync.

The KD1 Kinetic Drive has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 TEC Awards under the Signal Processing Software (Effects) Category.

Sound Examples

Female Vocal

Drums

Electric Guitar

Bass Guitar

"Some say that digital distortion plug‑ins tend to sound ‘flat’ and two‑dimensional — and next to KD1 with its Kinetics control turned up, they certainly do."
"Some say that digital distortion plug‑ins tend to sound ‘flat’ and two‑dimensional — and next to KD1 with its Kinetics control turned up, they certainly do."
Sam Inglis, Sound on Sound
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"I really enjoyed using the KD1 Kinetic Drive on my mixes. This could very well be a glimpse at the future of audio processing."
"I really enjoyed using the KD1 Kinetic Drive on my mixes. This could very well be a glimpse at the future of audio processing."
Larry Crane, Tape Op
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