Upgrading your malletKAT Pro/WS/Express to the malletKAT 7 KS

Important Notes/Frequently Asked Questions

When we sent out the Newsletter on March 11, the emails starting flowing in with many many questions on how to upgrade existing malletKAT's. Rather than answering each question one at a time, we decided to write this addendum, hoping it will answer most of your questions. Here goes:

This information is being provided for those inquiring about the upgrade including the new Kurzweil Sounds (KS) Sound Engine.

If you are only interested in the 7.0 software upgrade, please scroll to the bottom of this page or click here:

When will the malletKAT KS upgrade become available?

The malletKAT KS upgrade will become available in about 6 to 8 weeks (May 2011). There is a back-order already, so call as soon as you can and get on the list. Don't worry, we will not bill your card until after your unit gets here and gets upgraded.

Once your unit arrives, we expect a two to five day turn around, not including shipping time. We will email you with tracking numbers once the unit leaves our factory.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The new KS sound card and amp board requires a LARGER power supply. You can no longer use your old malletKAT 500mA or 1.5 mA adapter. We will be supplying you with a new power adapter.

What is included in the $699 price?

After we receive your unit, we will install the Kurzweil Sound Engine and the Alternate Mode Amp Board. We will modify your circuit board if it needs any updates, and will also install the new malletKAT 7.0 software chip. We will include an upgrade guide that will talk about the new features, and also include a spreadsheet listing the sounds in the User Kits and the other sounds that are available in the module. We are trying to get a new VIDEO Manual ready by this time, but........ If it doesn't make it by the installation date, the videos will be available via download or streaming on the website.

If you live in the mainland 48 States, return shipping is included. If you are an international customer or live in Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, we will calculate shipping when the installation is ready.

International Customers: Waybills will be marked as a REPAIRED GOODS being returned to customer. Check with your local customs office on how this should be handled to avoid duties or Vat.

What's new about these sounds?

Those familiar with the Kurzweil PC2r or the original malletKAT with the Kurzweil engine will recognise many of these sounds. It is in fact the original sample set from Kurzweil. These samples are currently being used in their flagship PC3 Keyboard module. What is different is that this sound engine has pristine analog to digital converters, and there is more DSP to control the sounds. For example, there are Continuous Control parameters in the User Kits that can access controls like vibrato speed, depth, filter control, reverb effects, etc. These are variable depending on the sound.

Click here for a PDF of available sounds in the KS Sound Engine

The new built in amp board from Alternate Mode is a newly designed circuit board that has balanced 1/4" outputs and headphone outs. This sound engine sounds beautiful.

Where can I Hear These Sounds?

On the malletKAT 7 KS page, there are 7 links with almost 45 minutes of playing. This should give you a good idea what the instrument sounds like. The Guide has NOT yet been written. As soon as we finish it, we will upload it on the downloads page.

Is the Upgrade Available for ALL malletKATs?

Yes, as long as it is a malletKAT Pro, malletKAT Express or malletKAT Grand, any software version. The original KAT mallet controller can NOT be upgraded. We will however take old Master units on Trade in, and give you $400 towards the purchase of a new malletKAT. Old Expanders from NON malletKAT Pro versions, need to come in for a circuit modification. Otherwise, Expanders will automatically work with the upgraded malletKAT 7KS.

Does the Kurzweil Engine work as an External Sound Engine?

Yes, the MIDI In on the malletKAT automatically routes MIDI directly into the Kurzweil Engine. The Kurzweil can play on 16 MIDI channels at the same time. It is 64 note polyphonic.

Can the Internal Sounds be Turned Off (bypassed)?

Yes. On every Kit, you can route your playing to INTERNAL, EXTERNAL or BOTH.

Can I do the Upgrade Myself?

Sorry no. This is a complicated procedure and must be installed properly. Once we equip our service center in Germany, we will announce the availability, otherwise all upgrades must be performed at our factory in Chicopee, MA

So How do I Upgrade?

If you want to order on the website, the upgrade offer will available on the Alternate Mode Online Store. This is where you can securely submit your credit card information and provide us with your accurate shipping address. We will then contact you via email with an RMA#. Remember, do not ship it until we call you as the upgrades are not yet available.

Alternatively, you can also call us toll free at 877-933-6237. We will get your information and call or email you when its time to get your instrument upgraded. We will also issue you an RMA# and put you on the back-order list.

If you are an international customer, we recommend that you use the online store for credit card security and shipping information. Once we have that info, we will contact you will the additional shipping costs for your country.

CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: malletKAT 7 KS Upgrades are available at authorized service centers. Click Here to find a local authorized service center in Europe.

Click here to see all MalletKAT upgrades and pricing

Click here for service parts including adapters (US, UK, Euro), FSR, and batteries

Version History

New malletKAT Options Now Available!
Water Resistant Sensors - add the malletKAT controller to your marching percussion or outdoor setup with confidence!

AcoustaFeel Pads - a harder pad than our legendary nitrogen gas-filled pad for those wanting that "acoustic" feel.

Read more about these options in this article

Accessories:


Mallets	Stands	Cases	Pedals


Clambusters	Expander(s)	KATdome
MalletKAT cables, adapters, FSR, pads, etc

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