Installation

To get started download the installer. Launch Ableton and double-click the Boots N
Kats installer.

Ableton will prompt you to accept the installation of a "legacy" pack. Do not worry
about this Boots N Kats is very current. Proceed and approve the installation.

When you are done, you will find that Ableton's browser will open with your new
Boot's N Kats folder.

Please double click the Demo _Start Here” file. This will open the entire Boots N
Kats drum system as it was intended.

When your Boot’s N Kats demo song is loaded simply press play and listen.

Boots N Kats built-in sequencer comes pre-programmed with 16 grooves

per module.

The grooves trigger Ableton's, Drum Rack.

The square pad on each module Activates or mutes the instrument.

To the left of that pad, you will find the Pattern Knob. Turning this knob will
select from one of the 16 available patterns per module.

Above that is the level knob. This, of course, controls the volume of each
Module or instrument.

Next in line is the Tune Knob. This center detented knob allows you to tune
the instrument to a lower or higher tuning to suit your needs.

The last knob is the Select Knob. This knob allows you to choose from one
of the 400 + sounds included in the default kits. You can, of course, import
your own sounds using the Empty Kit Template Preset included in the
Boots N Kats Install within the Packs Section within your Ableton browser.

The Swing Parameters.

These sliders allow you to alter the groove of each modules sequencer in
subtle ways.

The Rate Drop Down allows you to choose between 4 different note values.

1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64. This probably should be called “funky mode”
Why? Cause it’s so funky!

The same layout repeats for every module. The only difference is the Open
HiHat module. This one is controlled by the Closed HiHat Module's Pattern
Selection. So it does not have it's own Pattern Knob.

The Master section is the one to the right with the Boots N Kats Logo on it.

It says that it’s Automatic. That’s because it is.

Use the drop-down menu under the Automatic Section to select from 1 Bar, 2 Bar, 4 Bar, 8
Bar, and 16 Bar.

This makes all of the Pattern Knobs turn together.

If you choose On, then you can scroll through all the Patterns moving together so you can edit
each sequence and prepare your jam.

If you choose the Off mode, then you are probably an ultra cool hipster.

When you choose off then Boots N Kats “Get Lucky” mode comes to life!

Got Lucky is a pattern randomizer. So like rolling the dice, you get what you get.

However, Boots N Kats has a system where if you design your patterns according to this
formula then it will always be kind of a predictable kind of randomness (That's good!).

The Formula!

1) Use fewer notes - Maybe 1/4 notes or 8th notes on the hi-hats. This would be like the verse
of the song.

2) Use more notes - Here you can use your 16th and 32cond Hihat runs. It's like the Chorus of
your song.

3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have programmed all 16 beats.

Remember to build in energy through your performance.

Now when you randomize using the "Get Lucky" button, you will have one mellow version of
your groove and the next will more hype. This will feel a bit more like what a real drummer is
likely to do.
If you click on each individual modules open button or the Boots N Kats logo, then you will open up
the pop-up sequencer.

It is a nice sequencer! You can click enter or swipe multiple notes.

The row above should be for your higher velocity hits. The one below is for softer hits.

You can adjust the velocity with the parameters with blue numbers that say Hi and lo.

You can also use the Load Save to import or export your grooves individually.
The Gear Symbol is at the bottom of the master section. Click on this to open

The Preferences section.

The Note knobs allow you to change the note or drum rack that is being triggered.

This parameter should stay where it is unless you are experienced and need to customize
things.

You will also find that there are a few more randomizers here. You can use Midi or Keymap
to access these parameters with your controller if you need to use these in a live setting.

The Shift Parameters.

These sliders allow you to alter the groove of each modules sequencer in subtle ways.

You can also Save the 16 Funky sequences you created by using the Save Button.

Or use the Load button to load user created sequences.

Custom Boots N Kats

You might have noticed that most knobs feature a small orange orb to the left of them.

These allow you to re-assign their respective knob to control whatever you want!

These work like Ableton Macros but are assigned differently.

You re-assign them by Command-Clicking them. Control-Click on PC.

The orb will turn blue. You are then ready to click on whatever parameter you want to
control. Once you click on that parameter, the circle will return to its lovely orange assigned
state.

You are now a Boots N Kats Ninja Master!

Get Lucky and Groove On!