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Rig Kontrol English

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Rig Kontrol

Operation Manual

Rig KontrolEnglish

The information in this document is subject to change without notice anddoes not represent a commitment on the part of Native Instruments Soft-ware Synthesis GmbH. The software described by this document is sub-ject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. Nopart of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmit-ted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Na-tive Instruments Software Synthesis GmbH. All product and companynames are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective owners.

User’s Guide written by: Stephan Schmitt

Rig Kontrol © Native Instruments Software Synthesis GmbH, 2004. Allrights reserved.

Germany USA

Native Instruments GmbH Native Instruments USA, Inc.

Schlesische Str. 28 5631 A Hollywood Boulevard

D-10997 Berlin Los Angeles, CA 90028

Germany USA

[email protected] [email protected]

www.native-instruments.de www.native-instruments.com

Rig ControlEnglish

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HTable of ContentsUsing the Unit Safely 1Warning 1Caution 2Important Notes 3Introduction 4Block Diagram 4Parts of the Rig Kontrol and Their Function 6Top Panel 6Rear Panel 6Bottom Panel 8Preparations 9Inserting a Battery 9Power Switch and Power Indicator 9Connections 9Using the Rig Kontrol with NI Guitar Rig 11Setting the Level for the Guitar Channel 11Activating the Rig Kontrol as a Control Device 11Manual and Automatic Assigning of the Input Channels 12The Virtual Rig Kontrol 13Calibration 13Assigning the Foot Switches and the Pedal 14Using Rig Kontrol with other software from Native Instruments 14Technical Specs 15Troubleshooting 16No sound 16Control signal is audibleable 16No control function 16Instable control function 16Inappropiate range of the expression pedal 17Low volume of the guitar 17Audible distortion 17Audible noise 17

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H1 Using the Unit Safely

1.1 Warning • Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions be-

low, and the Owner’s Manual• This product utilizes a battery or an external power supply

(adapter). Do not connect this product to any power supply oradapter other than one described in the manual or on thename plate. Using the wrong adapter can result in overheatingor permanent damage to the Rig Kontrol.

• When using a your power supply adapter, strictly follow thevendor’s instructions and all regulations for electric devices.

• Do not open the device or attempt to disassemble the internalparts or modify them in any way. The device contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should appear to be malfunctioning,discontinue use immediately and have it inspected by quali-fied service personnel.

• Do not expose the unit or the AC adapter to rain, use it nearwater or in damp or wet conditions, or place containers on itcontaining liquids which might spill into any openings. Do notallow any objects or liquids of any kind to penetrate the unit.

• Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery.Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose used batteriespromptly and as regulated by laws in your area.

Note: Check with any retailer of batteries in your area for batterydisposal information.

• This product in combination with an amplifier and head-phones or speaker/s, may be capable of producing sound levelsthat could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate it forlong periods of time at high volume level or at a level that isuncomfortable. The louder the sound, the shorter the time pe-riod before damage occurs. If you experience any hearing lossor ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.


1.2 Caution • Unplug the AC power adapter when not using the Rig Kontrol,

or during electrical storms.• If you use a rechargeable battery, please make sure that the

battery being charged is a rechargeable type and that thecharger is intended for the battery being charged.

• Before connecting the device to other electronic components,turn off the power for all components. Before turning thepower on or off for all components, set all volume levels tominimum. Gradually raise the volume controls while playingthe instruments to set the desired listening level.

• Do not place the Rig Kontrol in an unstable position where itmight accidentally fall over.

• Before moving the Rig Kontrol, remove all connected cables.• Never use or store the unit in places that are subject to tem-

perature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle,near to a heating or heat-generating equipment), or high levelsof vibration.

• Do not use excessive force on the pedal, buttons, knobs,switches or connectors.

• When cleaning the Rig Kontrol, use as soft, dry cloth. Do notuse paint thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-im-pregnated wiping cloths.


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H2 Important Notes

Disposal NoticeShould this product become damaged beyond repair, or for somereason its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe allregulations of your area and country that relate to the disposal ofproducts that contain lead, batteries, plastic, etc.

Specifications subject to changeThe information contained in this manual is believed to be correct atthe time of printing. However, Native Instruments reserves the right tomake changes to the specifications at any time without notice orobligation to update existing units.

Copyright© Native Instruments GmbH 2004. This publication may not bereproduced in whole or in part, summarized, transmitted, transcribed,stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language, in anyform or by any means without the prior written permission of NativeInstruments GmbH.

Name Plate LocationThe name plate is located on the bottom of the product. It lists theproduct’s model name, power requirements, and other information.The serial number is also located on the bottom.

DisclaimerNative Instruments GmbH cannot be held responsible for damagecaused by improper use or modification to the Rig Kontrol, or datathat is lost or destroyed.


3 IntroductionWelcome to the Rig Kontrol. Please read this owner’s manualthoroughly to make the best use of the Rig Kontrol. Please keep thismanual in a safe place for later reference.

Rig Kontrol is an analog electronic device that fits perfect with yoursoundcard and the NI Guitar Rig software. It fulfills two importantfunctions:

On the one hand it is a pre-amplifier that adapts the output of anelectric guitar or bass guitar to the input of a soundcard. It provideshigh impedance input and low impedance output to keep a crisp full-range signal of the guitar-pickups. The gain is controllable to adaptthe guitar signal level to the necessary input level for low noiseoperation of the soundcard.

On the other hand it allows you to control the software by 4 free-assignable foot switches and an expression pedal, that gives you near-to-analog control over sound parameters or volume. The resolution ofthe pedal is higher than of a MIDI pedal. It operates optically andtherefore has a very long life.


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3.1 Block Diagram

The block diagram shows that the Rig Kontrol contains two channels.The second channel can run in two modes:

In the Ctrl (control) mode the second output delivers an audio signalthat is generated by the Ctrl Encoder depending on the position of thefour foot switches and the expression pedal. The encoded values canbe decoded and assigned to parameters by the Guitar Rig software.

In the Ch 2 mode the control function is disabled and the second pre-amp can be used for the signal of a second guitar or the right channelof a stereo source.


4 Parts of the Rig Kontrol and Their Function

4.1 Top Panel

(1), (2), (3), (4): Foot Switches 1, 2, 3, 4The function of these switches can be assigned in the software, e.g.,to step through presets, set bypass on/off, etc. (if the Ctrl / Ch 2 switchis set to Ctrl)

(5) Power Indicator LampThis lamp lights if the Rig Kontrol is switched on and the battery orpower supply is o.k.

(6) Expression PedalThe pedal can be used to control any continuous parameter of thesoftware, like the volume or the peak frequency of a wah-wah (if theCtrl / Ch 2 switch is set to Ctrl).


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4.2 Rear Panel

(7) In 1 jackHere you can plug in the cable of your guitar.

(8) In 2 jackHere you can plug in the cable of a second guitar or the right channelof a stereo device.The Ctrl / Ch 2 switch has to be set to Ch 2 toactivate this input.

(9) Gain 1 knobThis knob controls the gain of the first channel (In1 to Out 1). Range:0 … +21 dB

(10) Ctrl / Ch 2 switchIn the Ctrl position a control signal is generated. This signal containsthe encoded positions of the foot switches and the expression pedaland is passed to Out 2. When the switch is pressed (Ch 2 position)Out 2 is connected with the amplified signal from In 2.

(11) Gain 2 knobThis knob controls the gain of the second channel (In1 to Out 1).Range: 0 … +21 dB

The Ctrl / Ch 2 switch has to be set to Ch 2 to activate this control.

(12) Out 1 jackThis jack outputs the pre-amplified guitar signal from In 1.


(13) Out 2 jackThis jack outputs the control signal or the pre-amplified signal fromIn 2, depending on the position of the Ctrl / Ch 2 switch.

(14) Off / On switchThis switch activates the Rig Kontrol. It should be off when the unitis not in use.

(15) AC jackAn external power adapter can be connected here (6 … 18 V AC or7.5 V … 24 V DC).

4.3 Bottom Panel

(16) Battery coverOpen this cover to insert, replace or remove the battery


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H5 Preparations

5.1 Inserting a BatteryThe package contains a 9 V battery, which you can install in thebattery compartment in the bottom panel. This will allow you to startimmediately without an AC adapter.

5.2 Power Switch and Power IndicatorRig Kontrol is activated by the power switch (On/Off) on the rearpanel. A red lamp in the center of the front panel shows the operation.If this lamp is dimmed or off, while the power switch is on, pleasecheck the power supply. If you are operating from battery, the batteryshould be replaced.

5.3 Connections

(1) Connecting the GuitarYou typically plug your guitar cable to the In 1 jack. The signal isamplified by the adjustable Gain 1 and passed to Out 1.


(2) Connecting a second Guitar or a Stereo SourceThe second input can be used for a second guitar or a stereo device ifthe Ctrl / Ch 2 switch is set to Ch 2. Its signal is then amplified by theadjustable Gain 2 and passed to Out 2.

(3) Connecting the SoundcardOut 1 and Out 2 are connected to the stereo input or two channels ofa multi-channel input of your soundcard. The sensitivity of thesoundcard should be set to –10 dBu nominal level (typical for Lineinputs). The Rig Kontrol can deliver a maximum level of +7dBu.

(4) Connecting an External Power AdapterTo run the Rig Kontrol without a battery, you can connect here a widerange of external power adapters. The plug has to be a 5.5 / 2.1 mmcoaxial, female type. The voltage range is from 6 to 18 V for adapterswith AC output and 7.5 V to 24 V for adapters with DC output. Any DCpolarity is accepted. The current consumption is below 10 mA. Witha plug in this jack the battery is automatically switched off.


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H6 Using the Rig Kontrol with NI Guitar Rig

6.1 Setting the Level for the Guitar Channel

When you have the Rig Kontrol connected with two input channels ofyour soundcard and play the guitar through channel 1, the input meterin the title bar of Guitar Rig should display a level in one of thechannels. Adjust the Gain 1 knob at the Rig Kontrol so that for loudplaying the level reaches the yellow area while the red overloadindicator never lights up.

Some soundcards allow to select or to adjust the input sensitivity. Ifyou don’t get enough level into Guitar Rig, try to set the sensitivity ofthe soundcard higher. If you get clipping even with the lowest settingof Gain 1, try to set the sensitivity of the soundcard lower.

If you want to use the Rig Kontrol as pre-amp only, we recommend toset the Ctrl / Ch 2 switch to the Ch 2 position even if nothing isconnected to the second input. This helps to save battery and avoidsany potential crosstalk from the control signal.

If you experience a delay between the playing of the guitar and thesound in your speakers or headphones, this latency is not caused byRig Kontrol, but by the soundcard or its drivers. Please make sure,that you use a low latency card and driver and that the driver settingsare correct.

6.2 Activating the Rig Kontrol as a Control DeviceTo run Rig Kontrol as a controller for the Guitar Rig software the Ctrl/ Ch2 switch has to be set to the Ctrl position.

The control signal is now shown in one channel of the input meters inthe title bar with a constant average level, that increases slightly,when you move the pedal up or press one of the foot switches. If theinput sensitivity of your soundcard is adjustable, please set it so thatthe control signal drives the meter to about one third of the full range(-26 dB to -20 dB).


6.3 Manual and Automatic Assigning of the Input Channels

In the Guitar Rig input module you find two switches labelled ON andAUTO. The ON switch has to be clicked to activate the decoder for thecontrol signal.

In the control mode of Rig Kontrol one of the two inputs of Guitar Riggets the pre-amplified guitar signal and the other the control signal.We recommend to connect channel 1 (guitar) to the left and channel2 (control) to the right input. But in the end it depends on how youplug in the cables.

If the control signal is present at the right input, the left channel hasto be selected for the guitar processor and vice versa. This can bedone manually by pressing the L or R button in the CHANNEL sectionof the input module, or by an automatic detection, that can beactivated by the AUTO button.

In this mode the software searches for the control signal on bothinputs and when it is found the other input is taken as guitar signal.During the search both channels are muted. Automatic mode isoverwritten by pressing L or R.

With the button BOTH you decide to use both input channels forguitar signals and so the decoder for the Rig Kontrol is switched off.You should also switch the Rig Kontrol to the Ch 2 mode.

6.4 The Virtual Rig Kontrol


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If you click in the Control Center on the button with the Rig Kontrolicon, a view of the hardware is shown at the bottom of the left section.Here you can read out the momentary state, assign softwareparameters and calibrate the Rig Kontrol detector. You can alsosimulate actions on the hardware by mouse clicks.

In the caption four possibles states of the detector are shown inparenthesis:

• OFF: The detector is off (you can use both input channels foraudio).

• LEFT: The detection was successful and the left channel isused for the control signal.

• RIGHT: The detection was successful and the right channel isused for the control signal.

• ?: The detector is running, but has not found a valid controlsignal.

If the ? is shown for longer than some seconds please check forthe following: Is the Rig Kontrol on? Is the Ctrl / Ch 2 button inthe Ctrl position? Are the cables correctly plugged? Is the sensitiv-ity of the soundcard set correctly?

6.5 CalibrationBefore you can use the full range of the expression pedal a calibrationis necessary. This is done by the following three steps:

• activate the CALIBRATE button of the virtual Rig Kontrol• move the (real) pedal the full way up and down• set the CALIBRATE button offThe range of moving is now taken as the full range. (If youintentionally want to reduce the necessary moving range, you can dothis by moving the pedal only over the wanted range duringcalibration.)

The calibration values are stored, when you close the software. But itis recommended to repeat the calibration from time to time.


6.6 Assigning the Foot Switches and the PedalGuitar Rig allows to assign the foot switches and the expression pedalto software parameters by the simple Learn function or the moredetailed Controller list.

The Learn function is found in the context menu of each controllableknob and button. You only need to activate the Learn entry and movethe hardware element that you want to assign.

The EDIT button opens the Controller list and the assignment toPreset changes. For a detailed description please refer to the GuitarRig manual.

6.7 Using the Rig Kontrol with other software from Native Instruments

Rig Kontrol is not restricted to working only with Guitar Rig. E.g., itcan also control the modular synthesis and effects system Reaktor 4or Reaktor Session. Please visit our website to check for downloadableadaptions to Reaktor and other Native Instruments software products.


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H7 Technical SpecsJacks:

2 input jacks (In 1, In 2) for 6.3 mm mono phone plugs

2 output jacks (Out 1, Out 2) for 6.3 mm mono phone plugs

power adapter jack ( AC) for female coaxial plug 5.5 * 2.1 mm

Input impedance: 1 MOhms

Maximum input level: +7.2 dBu, 5 Vpp

Output impedance: 100 Ohms

Maximum output level: +7.2 dBu, 5 Vpp

Typical control signal level: -19 dBu ... -13 dBu

Range of Gain1 and Gain 2: 0 dB ... +21 dB

Power supply:

9V battery or accumulator (Type: 6LR61, 6AM6, E-BLOCK)

or external power adapter:

DC: 7.5 V ... 24 V (arbitrary polarity), 20 mA or more

AC: 6 V ... 18 V, 20 mA or more

Typical supply current: Ctrl Mode: 6.5 mA / Ch 2 Mode:4.5 mA

Expected battery life under continous use:

Ctrl mode: Carbon: 30 h Alkaline: 75 h

Ch 2 mode: Carbon: 40 h Alkaline: 100 h

(These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.)

Dimensions: 303 x 211 x 60 mm (11.9 x 8.3 x 2.4 inches)

Weight: 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs)


8 TroubleshootingIn the following you can find the typical reasons for potentialproblems.

8.1 No sound:• The Rig Kontrol’s power switch is off.• The battery is empty. Please exchange it or use an external

power adapter.• The power adapter is off or not connected.• Disconnected or broken cables• In the Audio+MIDI settings the wrong soundcard or input is se-

lected.• Wrong channel selected in the input module of Guitar Rig

8.2 Control signal is audible:• Your soundcard has a Direct Monitoring function which is acti-

vated.• Automatic detection is off and you have choosen both chan-

nels or the wrong channel.• You have recorded the control signal on one channel of a

stereo track and the Guitar Rig is bypassed.

8.3 No control function:• Please check for the same reasons like for “No Sound”.• Ctrl / Ch 2 Switch is in Ch 2 position. For control mode it must

not be pressed.• RIG KONTROL – ON switch in the input module is inactive

(e.g. by clicking on BOTH)• The sensitivity of the soundcard is not set correctly.

8.4 Instable control function:• The sensitivity of the soundcard is not set correctly. Make sure

that the control signal level shown in the title bar of Guitar Rigis sufficient but not too high (clipping).


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8.5 Inappropiate range of the expression pedal:• Uncalibrated operation. Please use the CALIBRATE function

in the virtual Rig Kontrol.

8.6 Low volume of the guitar• Your soundcard is set to a low sensitivity.• The Gain control at the Rig Kontrol is set too low.• The volume knob of your guitar is turned down.

8.7 Audible distortion:• Battery is low• AC adapter voltage is too low• The soundcard is clipping (shown by the overload lamps of the

input meter in the title bar). Please reduce the input sensitiv-ity of your soundcard.

• The Rig Kontrol’s Gain is adjusted too high so that the preampis clipping. Please reduce the Gain at the Rig Kontrol. If yourguitar delivers such a high signal that the preamp is alwaysoverdriven, please reduce the volume at the guitar. This hap-pens only with special very high power pickups.

8.8 Audible noise:

Hum • You use single-coil pickups. Humbucking pickups receive

much less hum .• The pickups are close to electrical equipment. Please try dif-

ferent positions.• The volume at the guitar is low. Please turn up the volume

knob(s).• You use a non-shielded or broken guitar cable.

Hiss• The preamp or the soundcard do not get enough level. Please turn up the volume at the guitar or the Gain of the Rig Kontrol.


Radio interference• You use a non-shielded or broken guitar cable, or the shield of

your guitar is inefficient.

Control tone• Crosstalk in the cable or in the soundcard. Please use two sep-

arately shielded cables for Channel 1 and Channel 2. Check ifthe sensitivity of your soundcard is not set too high.

Please use the noise gate of the input module of Guitar Rig toeliminate the noise, that you could not avoid by the upper measures.

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