kosmos™
Purpose
The kosmos is a low-frequency energy and stereo image enhancement system that turns the minor foreshocks of an input signal into a sound that is off the Richter scale. It can provide planet-rattling bass while simultaneously causing the vocals to stand out in a mix. In operation, its sub-harmonic (QUAKE) processor watches the source material, analyzes the bass, then generates additional low frequencies an octave below the original. The circuitry tracks the original bass without the mud of other bass processors, and is tuned to your speaker size for best performance. Its output level is fully adjustable.
In addition to the QUAKE process, there is an additional bass boost circuit (THUD) tuned an octave above the sub-harmonic range that can be used to fill in and fatten out the low end. The left/right stereo image can also be intensified with the XPANSE control, giving improved separation and clarity (atmosphere).
All kosmos effects can be bypassed with the Global bypass switch.
NOTE: The kosmos device is the MediaMatrix DSP version of the kosmos rack-mount hardware unit that Peavey's Music Industry division is now marketing. The differences between that real-world unit and the device provided within MWare are that the standard version omits the 90Hz Subwoofer crossover and both versions omit the level control and meters. This is because you can add these with other MediaMatrix devices if you like, but we didn't want to force you to use the extra DSP that these would require. All the unique audio features of the kosmos hardware unit are available with the kosmos device within MediaMatrix.
kosmos with Subwoofer Crossover Output
This is essentially the same as the standard version of the kosmos device, with the exception that there is a low-pass output for connecting a subwoofer. When Global Bypass is engaged, the bypassed audio's unprocessed low-end is still routed through the Subwoofer output.
Controls
GLOBAL BYPASS
This switch disables all functions that the kosmos device provides. When bypassed, the original input signal is still passed through.
CUT SUB BASS FROM MAIN
On Standard kosmos Device
Removes the QUAKE sub harmonics and the THUD bass from the Left and Right outputs. XPANSE is always sent to the mains (except when globally bypassed) and is not affected by this switch’s setting.
On kosmos with Subwoofer Device
Removes the QUAKE sub harmonics and the THUD bass from the Left and Right outputs. The QUAKE and THUD effects are still passed to the Subwoofer output. XPANSE is always sent to the Left and Right outputs (except when globally bypassed) and is not affected by this switch’s setting.
SUBTERRANEAN SHIFT
This switch changes the sub harmonic tuning between two speaker size settings. The “out” position has a higher epicenter (center frequency) that is more suitable for small speakers. The difference is subtle; listen for its action on bass guitar frequencies. Deeper bass sounds like it is coming from the floor instead of at your chest.
QUAKE
This control adds a synthesized bass signal one octave lower than the source signal. This feature generates bass sub harmonics that would register on a seismograph yet are pleasing to the ear, and does no processing when the input signal is outside of its defined range. It will thicken and deepen the bass of most program material and is especially effective on bass (kick) drums. Since it boosts the low frequency portion significantly, care must be taken to prevent amplifier clipping and speaker damage by excessive bass levels. It’s louder than you think.
THUD
This control adds a specific band of bass frequencies (natural, not synthesized) to the sub harmonics generated by the QUAKE process. It is tuned roughly an octave above the sub harmonics and is used to even out the low-end balance.
XPANSE
This is a combination control, simultaneously adjusting high-frequency boost and stereo width. The minimum position is the flat setting. As the control is rotated clockwise, the left/right image becomes wider and clarity is increased. This feature is designed to pull vocals more to the front of the mix while giving them a 3-dimensional quality. Power chords played on guitar benefit as well.
Trim Controls for QUAKE, THUD and XPANSE
The Quake, Thud and XPanse controls are trim knobs that change how much of the named effect is mixed into the final output. Sometimes, especially when you are using external control, most of the default -100 to 0dB was noticed in the last few dB of the range. To help you set up your kosmos device to better suit your control needs, we have placed the Trim Max and Min controls in blocks inside the kosmos logo graphic on the right. Simply double-click the graphic to bring up the collection of trim controls. The Max and Min can be set to values between -100dB and +12dB. Another copy of the Quake, Thud or XPanse control is provided for testing the new range.
Here is a short movie illustrating how to access these controls: