The ButtKicker Power Amplifier (BKA1000) needs to have a signal source, we
recommend using your AV Receiver's "Subwoofer Output" (which will include
the .1 or LFE channel, and possibly the low frequencies of all the other
channels). Most Subwoofer Outputs are a standard RCA connection. In this
case simply run an RCA cable from the output to the Line Level Input on the
BKA1000-4A. If a subwoofer is currently connected to the Subwoofer Output an
RCA "Y" splitter can be used to run the one signal to both the subwoofer and
the BKA1000.
If you are using the BK-Link follow the above instructions but run an RCA
cable to the back of the BK-Link "Send" unit. The BK-Link "Receive" unit
will connect via RCA to the BKA1000-4A's Line Level Input.
If your A/V receiver uses speaker wire connections for the subwoofers and/or
speakers you can use the Speaker Level Interface Adapter to connect to the
receiver. The Speaker Level Interface Adapter connects to the subwoofer output
at one end with speaker wire and leads into an RCA "male" jack at
the opposite end. From this point refer to the above instructions regarding
connection to the BKA1000-4A.
If your A/V receiver does not have a subwoofer output (because of a proprietary
cable being used for the subwoofer) you can still connect the center channel
speaker or other speakers. In this case ensure that low frequency sound is
being sent through the selected channel so that the ButtKicker transducer receives signal.
If a speaker channel is unavailable some A/V receivers may have a line level
output to connect to. If no such connections are present (this occasionally
occurs on low-end "home theater in a box" type systems) there is
unfortunately no way to connect to the A/V receiver. In this case please contact
the manufacturer for suggestions on connecting external audio devices.
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Your home theater system has developed a "Ground Loop" which is caused by having
more than one ground connection in the system. Most likely, your cable TV combined
with the ground of the ButtKicker Power Amplifier power cord is causing
interference in the audio system. In fact, any other electronic device with a
grounded power plug might cause the problem as well.
You can eliminate the problem in your system by adding a "Ground Loop Isolator",
available at numerous places, such as Radio Shack (item #270-054). Plug one end
of the ground loop isolator into the RCA input on the back of the ButtKicker
Power Amplifier and then plug the RCA cable coming from your A/V processor into
the other end of the ground loop isolator.
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Most A/V processors have an option to
increase the output from the subwoofer channel. Turn up this output to get more
audio signal to the ButtKicker Power Amplifier. This may require you to turn
down the volume of your subwoofer so that it is balanced with the rest of your
system.
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Yes! The isolators will not only maximize
the effect of ButtKicker transducer, they are also important to support and level your
couch and to make sure that the effect is contained within the couch.
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The placement of the Send and Receive units is not
critical. The units can be up to 50' apart and do not need to have a line of
sight between them.
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This knob - called a potentiometer - is used to set
the gain below clipping. Should another source cause the red light to stay on
the potentiometer must be readjusted until the light is barely or not at all
blinking.
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An optional rack mounting kit is available from
ww.middleatlantic.com.
Click on this link on their home page:
and then type "ButtKicker" into the "manufacturer or model number" field.
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The following are considerations when using a ButtKicker low frequency audio transducer with your kit. The ButtKicker Concert series is recommended for use by bass players, drummers and other musicians.
ButtKicker Concert Mounting:
When mounted directly to the throne seat, the ButtKicker Concert will of course deliver
the most direct kick, but some thrones' seats are too small for direct mounting
of the ButtKicker unit. A small platform isolated from the floor with rubber feet
can be constructed on which the ButtKicker unit is mounted and the throne is set.
Signal Source:
A large factor on the signal is kick drum head tuning (loose vs. tight; low vs.
high, etc.). You do not change your playing habits or drum tuning in order to
advantage of the ButtKicker transducer.
Microphone:
A tap off the kick drum mic signal used by the sound system can be taken for the
ButtKicker transducers's feed.
Pickups:
A popular pickup used seems to be the V-drum pickup. Let us know of others.
The pickup's position on the head is a large factor on both the level and
frequency content of the output signal. Please help us help other drummers by
taking a minute to share your pickup placement experience.
(email us at support@guitammer.com)
Mixer:
A pre-fader aux send can be used to send a signal to the ButtKicker Concert. This
allows a mix of whatever drum mics you want to feel, though most other drums may
have little usable program content within the ButtKicker Concert's range.
Signal Processing:
No signal processing is necessary to energize the ButtKicker Concert, but some
circumstances may warrant extra measures.
Gate:
If the signal contains a lot of "garbage" between beats from other picked up
stage noises, you may want to gate the signal. (Compliments of Jeff Kathan,
drummer for the Paul Rodgers band -
www.moderndrummer.com/md1/home_main.html)
Hi-Pass:
Your kick drum signal could easily include infrasonic (below the hearing range)
signals which are not relevant to your need and could cause excessive excursion
within the ButtKicker Concert. This is not damaging, but it could result in lack of
control, and the possible missing of complete beats. These infrasonic signals
are influenced by head tuning, other sound sources in close proximity, etc.
Eliminate the infrasonic signals by passing them through a Hi-Pass filter.
Troubleshooting:
Missing a beat? ...especially on the hard beats? See "Signal Processing,
Hi-Pass".
As always, your feedback is welcomed by us, and considered important to us.
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Guitammer recommends using Kinetic Noise Control Isolators when installing ButtKicker transducers on risers, platforms and stages, and the smaller RI-K28 rubber isolators for use with furniture.
Guitammer and it's sales agents resell the following isolators:
RDB-120 Neoprene Isolator (Most Commonly Recommended)
RDB-220 Neoprene Isolator (Heavier Applications)
RDA-55 Neoprene Isolator (Lighter Applications)
Main Website: www.kineticsnoise.com
Isolator Information:http://www.kineticsnoise.com/hvac/rd.html
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Isolators come in different weight capacities.
All isolators are designed to be partially compressed in application and
therefore, numerous models are made with varying weight specifications. This
specification (, RDB-120, RDB-220 RDB-375)indicates the
amount of weight (in lbs.) that each isolator is designed to support (per
isolator) for greatest efficiency.
Calculate the total weight to be carried by the isolator, including
platform, chairs and people. Divide this weight by the total number of
isolator feet to be used (i.e. a minimum of 3, a usual number of 4, more
when necessary). This will give you the weight per isolator. Pick the
isolator model closest to your calculated weight. Enjoy!
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There are no current recalls at this time.
A recall was issued a number of years ago for the BKA-1000 amplifier for
this serial number range:
BKA1000-4A-A0005570 --- BKA1000-4A-A0005815
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ButtKicker brand low frequency audio transducers utilize a patented magnetic suspension which is different
from any other speaker or shaker and can be used couches, theater seating,
platforms, and any type of structure. ButtKicker brand transducers accurately reproduce the
"feeling" range of many natural and man-made sounds, such as earthquakes,
thunderstorms, rocket launches, waves, explosions, tornadoes, volcanoes,
dinosaurs, sound effects and all styles of music.
Different from other shakers or tactile transducers that use voice coil
technology, ButtKicker brand transducers are much more powerful, more musical (linear) and
offer true infrasonic or low frequency response with their resonant frequency of
9 Hz and range of 5 - 200 Hz.
One ButtKicker transducer will easily replace 2 - 4 or more of the other types of
shakers previously available, and perhaps more importantly; it is virtually
indestructible and maintenance free.
ButtKicker brand transducers are used in: Theme park attractions; Specialty theaters;
Simulators; Virtual reality machines; Arcade and amusement rides/games; Custom
Home theaters; Musician monitor systems.
If you are looking to delight and electrify yourself and others with an
affordable and easy to use solution, now is the time to incorporate
ButtKicker brand low frequency audio transducers into your design and to "Feel what you've been missing!"
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This, of course, depends on the structure. Most often, the shake is contained
within the room shaken, with very small amounts of the energy getting
transmitted throughout the rest of the house.
Foundations and other supports under a floating floor absorb energy into the
earth. Walls built on top of the floor greatly dampen the shake, but also
transmit the remaining energy into the rest of the house.
One interesting side point we have seen is that since the subwoofer does not
have to be turned up as loud as "BBK" (Before ButtKicker brand transducers ), there is less low
frequency sound interfering with neighboring rooms, homes, or establishments.
We've had a wife come up to us to say "I love that thing, even though I never
even go into the theater room!" With further questioning, we found out that she
"could now read her books in another part of the house without the "boom, boom"
from the theater room distracting her."
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First, please read our User's Guide.
We endeavor to teach the user how to correctly apply the ButtKicker brand transducers so to
receive the desired results. Since construction and structure are so directly
involved in the final results, the User's Guide provides a good foundation to
understanding the principles involved. We would also be happy to help provide
insight to your specific situation.
The ButtKicker is an excellent low frequency transducer, but what it drives
(your platform/floor) will have a direct influence on the total system response.
Good low frequency response is a combination of both the ButtKicker transducer and
the surface/platform driven by the ButtKicker transducer. The platform, whether it is a
suspended wood floor, or a platform built under your furniture, needs to be able
to move/shake at low frequencies. A tight (usually small) platform may vibrate
freely at higher or midrange frequencies but not have the freedom to move for
the low frequencies.
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You'll be pleasantly surprised at the overall effect. You see, your brain and
ears have been working together since the day you were born to learn about
the world around you (see our User's Guide). Likewise, your brain has been
working with all the rest of your senses. According to the law of physics,
a stiffer, less padded chair will transmit more of the shake from the floor
into your body. But, in contrast, your brain/body also knows more about the
materials in your room than you realize and your head will understand what's
going on during the program ...don't give up that couch.
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Many home theaters have more than one row of seats, with the second and third
rows being built upon risers. These risers, for ButtKicker transducer applications, have
two purposes; raise and support the seats and occupants, and allow vertical
platform and seat movement.
Height for the ButtKicker brand transducer:
ButtKicker brand transducers can be mounted above or below the top surface of the riser. If
above, consider people traffic, furniture placement. If under the surface, some
simple framing can be done to avoid the extra room needed under the riser. As
always, keep in mind any maintenance that may become necessary.
Think "suspension."
In essence, you're constructing a floor above the room's floor. Build the riser
similar to a suspended wood joist floor to give the riser its greatest low
frequency response.
The major differences between a riser and real floors are the suspension points
and tie points (to other external structure). The riser should be free floating
(not tied into any adjacent walls), and suspended by short sides only. Use
vibration isolators on the short dimension to support the riser from the room
floor. Some customers have even used coiled automobile springs for suspension
with great results.
The greatest flex of the riser will be along its long dimension, the riser's
short dimension will offer much less low frequency flexibility. Therefore, when
possible, avoid any support along the long dimension.
The following figures are offered for guidance only:
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Why, yes there is! Of course, different people like different things. The
simplest and most basic setup (as suggested in the User's
Manual) is to feed the
ButtKicker brand transducer with the subwoofer output of your surround processor.
Some also like to add to this signal the front left and right signal, because of
the emotional, low frequency content of many musical scores. A simple and
effective mixer is available for this function, though any line level audio
mixer would work.
Some people want greater control over the frequency spectrum sent to the
ButtKicker transducer by adding a variable crossover in line. The subwoofer output of your
surround system will have an upper limit of 120 Hz, but a few users have chosen
to limit shaking frequencies to 40-80 Hz.
A sub-harmonic generator can also be inserted in line. This device would pass
the original signal through to the ButtKicker transducer while adding lower, "sub"
harmonics to that signal. This increases the amount of low frequency (LF)
content in the program, but keeps it related (harmonically) to the original
program material. This can be helpful with older movies and games that had
little or no LF information. Could you simply raise the low frequencies with an
EQ? Only if that LF material is there to begin with; if the material is not
there, you would only raise the noise level. A sub-harmonic generator, on the
other hand, adds new LF material to the original. One of these devices was
mentioned in the Secrets of Home Theater
and High Fidelity review.
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Well, obviously, a lot! But, more specifically, there are a lot of factors and
variables that go into the answer. The coils inside the ButtKicker brand transducer use large
gauge wire, surrounded by lots of metal and finished off with an aluminum shell
to help radiate heat. Large bursts of power will, first of all, heat up the coil
wires. The heated coils will then pass that heat to the surrounding metal.
Eventually, the whole (shaker) motor heats up and if the internal temperature
reaches 150 degrees F (75 C), then a thermal switch disconnects the ButtKicker transducer
from the power amp until the unit cools down.
Because of the large mass of the motor, this heating process takes time. The
length of time is dependent on both the amount of power put into the motor and
how long it is applied. Music, sound, and effects tracks have complex power
levels, with sudden bursts intermixed with lower level, longer lasting activity.
Certainly, there must be a power level, that when "blasted" into the ButtKicker transducer
would vaporize the coils before they had a chance to heat up the rest of the
motor, but we've not yet been able to apply that kind of power. At the other
extreme (lower, but longer power levels), a 200 watt continuous sine wave can be
applied without the thermal limit switch discontinuing service.
Power handling vs. Time
Another aspect to power handling is excursion. The internal "inertial mass" of
the ButtKicker transducer (LFE, Concert or Silent Subwoofer) is 3.5lbs and has a maximum excursion of 1 inch from center (2
inches peak to peak). If a constant power level is applied to the ButtKicker
during a frequency sweep, the greater excursion will happen at the lower
frequencies, with the greatest excursion at resonance (9Hz). This excursion is
limited by the external housing, resulting in a banging/slapping sound if these
two parts meet. While no damaging effects have been noticed it does cause a
distraction from normal program enjoyment, and, naturally, is not recommended.
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When mounted directly into the floor joist of your living room, the ButtKicker brand transducer(s)
will actually move your floor less than someone walking across the floor, or
your kids jumping on the floor.
The difference is that the ButtKicker transducer's movement is focused, with specific
"pitches". The perception is that the floor is moving tremendously, but in
reality, the surface is moving a very small distance.
Also, numerous structural engineers have commented that "residential"
construction is considered "loose" construction. That means that the structure
is designed to shift and flex somewhat. Floors are built to flex, or "shake",
under normal living conditions. During several years, and many hundreds of hours
of prototype testing, we have noticed no appreciable damage to flooring, in many
houses, when the ButtKicker unit has been installed correctly.
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