KUKI

Device image(s)

Device Identification

• Product Name: KUKI

• Device Type: Guitar preamp / overdrive / boost pedal

• Channel Architecture: Clean + Drive + Lead

• Manufacturer: Zek Engineering Ltd

• Form Factor: Compact pedal format

• Power Options: 9–18V DC external supply or 9V battery

• EAN (GTIN-13): 3800600004739

Short Description

KUKI is a versatile 3-in-1 guitar preamp pedal featuring:

• Transparent Clean channel

• Dynamic Drive (Crunch) channel

• Independent Lead Boost channel

It is designed to move seamlessly from singing cleans to responsive overdrive and high-definition distortion with sustain.

The pedal combines multi-stage amplification, selectable clipping configurations, tonal voice shaping, and independent gain/level controls — making it suitable for everything from blues to hard rock and metal.

Main Features

• Clean Channel (transparent boost)

• Drive (Crunch) Channel

• Lead (Boost) Channel

• 2 independent Level controls

• 2 Gain controls (Drive + Lead)

• Master Tone control (Drive section)

• Voice switch (Modern / Vintage / Classic)

• Clipping switch (Hard / Natural / Soft)

• Mode switch (Kyro Clean / Buffered Bypass)

• 18V capability for extended dynamic range

• 9V battery compartment

• Buffered bypass

• Top-mounted jacks

Use Cases

KUKI is ideal for:

• Players needing three gain stages in one pedal

• Pedalboard-based rigs

• Front-end preamp replacement

• Stacked gain configurations

• Studio recording with analog gain staging

• Live performance requiring instant lead boost

• Amp-like breakup from clean platform amps

Main Applications

• Clean boost enhancement

• Blues and classic rock crunch

• High-gain distortion

• Lead boost for solos

• Gain stacking chains

• Tone sculpting before amp or power amp

User Interface

Inputs & Outputs

• ¼” Input

• ¼” Output

• 9–18V DC Power Input (center minus)

Channel Controls

• Drive Gain

• Drive Level

• Lead Gain

• Lead Level

• Master Tone (Drive section)

Switching Controls

• CLEAN/DRIVE Footswitch

• LEAD Footswitch

• Mode Switch (Clean / Bypass)

• Voice Switch (Modern / Vintage / Classic)

• Clipping Switch (Hard / Natural / Soft)

Indicators

• Clean/Drive LED

• Lead Channel LED

Modes of Operation

1. Clean Mode

Activated via MODE switch (set to CL).

• Transparent clean boost

• LED indicator green

• Highly dynamic and uncolored signal

2. Buffered Bypass Mode

Activated via MODE switch (BP).

• Buffered bypass active

• Clean channel disabled

• LED off

3. Drive Mode

Engaged via CLEAN/DRIVE footswitch.

• Red LED indicator

• Gain, Level, Tone active

• Clipping and Voice shaping available

4. Lead Mode

Activated via dedicated LEAD footswitch.

• Adds gain on top of Drive

• Independent Lead Level control

• Slight compression at higher gain

• Designed to cut through the mix

Technical Specifications

• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ

• Power Supply: 9–18V DC

• Power Connector: 2.1mm/5.5mm barrel (center minus)

• Max Consumption: 25mA @9V • 50mA @18V

• Battery Life: ~20 hours (9V battery)

• I/O Jacks: Mono ¼”

• Bypass Type: Buffered

• Dimensions: 6.9 × 11.2 × 5.8 cm

• Weight: 0.35 kg

Installation Instructions

Quick Setup

• Turn amplifier to standby.

• Set Drive Gain, Drive Level, Tone, Lead Gain, Lead Level to 12 o’clock.

• Set Voice and Clipping switches to middle positions.

• Set Mode switch to Clean (CL).

• Insert 9V battery or connect external power supply (9–18V).

• Connect guitar to Input.

• Connect Output to amplifier.

• Power on amplifier.

• Activate channels using footswitches.

⚠ Never connect/disconnect pedals while amp is at high volume.

⚠ Use only correct polarity (center minus).

Troubleshooting

No Sound

• Check LED indicators.

• Verify power supply or battery.

• Ensure mono input cable is used.

• Check Level controls.

• Confirm amplifier is not muted.

AC Hum

• Try another input cable.

• Test with battery to isolate power supply noise.

• Use higher quality isolated PSU.

FAQs

Q: Can KUKI operate at 18V?

• Yes. 9–18V operation increases headroom and dynamic range.

Q: Is it true bypass?

• No. It uses buffered bypass.

Q: What does the Clipping switch do?

• Selects between three diode clipping configurations:

  • Hard (silicon)

  • Natural (LED)

  • Soft (asymmetrical silicon)

Q: What does the Voice switch do?

• Adjusts high-frequency response:

  • Modern (more highs)

  • Vintage (more cut)

  • Classic (balanced)

Q: Can I use it as a standalone preamp?

• Yes, especially when connected to a clean power amp or effects return.

Compliance

Complies with:

• EN55013

• European Directives 2014/30/EU

• 2014/35/EU

• 2017/2102 (RoHS)

Printed User Guide(s)

KYRO KUKI - Owner's Manual 1.0 (EN).pdf

Dealers Brief

KYRO KUKI - Dealer Brief - USD.pdf