Kontinuum Delay User Manual

1Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Kontinuum Delay from Keystone Musical Instruments.

Kontinuum is built for musical delay tones, expressive rhythmic repeats and performance-ready timing control. It moves from subtle slapback and clean digital echoes to warm analog-style repeats, wide stereo ambience and tempo-synced rhythmic textures. Whether you want a tight doubling effect, a dotted-eighth lead delay, evolving modulated echoes or a MIDI-controlled delay rig, Kontinuum gives your signal motion, dimension and timing flexibility while keeping the controls immediate and musical.

2Product Overview

3Quick Start

1. Connect your instrument or previous pedal to Kontinuum's input.
2. Connect Kontinuum's output to your amp, pedalboard, mixer, interface or next device.
3. Connect a 9V DC center-negative regulated power supply.
4. Engage the pedal with FS1, the right footswitch.
5. Set POT 1 (Delay Time) for the delay length in Free mode, or as the base control in MIDI or Tap mode.
6. Use POT 2 (Feedback) for the number of repeats, then shape them with POT 4 (High-Pass), POT 5 (Low-Pass) and POT 6 (Flutter/Wow).
7. Set SWITCH 3 for MIDI, Tap or Free timing.
8. Set SWITCH 1 for a 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2 division.
9. Set SWITCH 2 for dotted, normal or triplet.
10. With SWITCH 3 on Tap, tap the tempo on FS2, the left footswitch.
11. Use MIDI, presets or APEX for repeatable settings, external timing or hands-free delay changes.

5Footswitches and Performance

• FS1, Bypass (right footswitch): engage or bypass Kontinuum to add delay for a verse, chorus, solo, transition or ambient passage.
• FS2, Tap Tempo (left footswitch): with SWITCH 3 on Tap, tap steadily to lock repeats to the song, then pick the division and modifier with SWITCH 1 and SWITCH 2.
• MIDI timing: set SWITCH 3 to MIDI to follow an external clock from a controller, sequencer, DAW or switcher.
• Free timing: set SWITCH 3 to Free to control delay time directly with POT 1.
• Stereo and width: use stereo for wide rhythmic delays, ambient guitar, synth pads, keys and studio textures. Use mono or a tighter routing when repeats need to stay focused in a dense mix.
• Stacking: place Kontinuum after drive and modulation for a traditional chain, before reverb for spacious ambience, or before modulation for experimental moving textures.

6APEX Expression Control

APEX (Assignable Programmable Expression) is Keystone's expression-control system. On Kontinuum, expression can sweep Delay Time, Feedback, Mix, High-Pass, Low-Pass and Flutter/Wow. Mix is designed to work with expression control, which makes it ideal for hands-free swells, level changes and transitions. Use APEX for delay throws, feedback swells, filter sweeps, evolving modulated repeats and smooth moves between subtle echo and full ambient delay.

1. Unplug 9V power.
2. Hold FS1 (right footswitch) while you plug power back in.
3. LED 1 (the left LED) blinks rapidly to confirm Kontinuum is in expression setting mode.
4. Move the supported control you want to assign.
5. Turn it in the direction you want it mapped: up for up, down for down.
6. To set a range instead of the full sweep, hold FS2 (left footswitch) while turning the control to set two points, a minimum and a maximum.
7. Kontinuum confirms each point with two blinks. Set the first value, wait for the blinks, then set the second.
8. For direct mapping, set the minimum first, then the maximum. For inverse mapping, set the maximum first, then the minimum.
9. After both values are confirmed, release FS2.
10. To clear all assignments, flip SWITCH 1 (left). To clear only the most recent one, flip SWITCH 2 (center).
11. Press FS1 to exit. The LED blinks once for each parameter linked to the expression pedal.
12. APEX settings stay on the pedal and can be backed up with Keystone Control Center.

7Keystone Control Center

Keystone Control Center is the free Mac and Windows companion app for Keystone pedals. Connect over USB to configure device settings, manage presets, back up APEX assignments and install free lifetime firmware updates. Download it at keystonemusical.com/pages/keystone-control-center.

8MIDI, Presets and Firmware

Kontinuum works with pedalboard switchers, MIDI controllers, studio rigs and live performance systems. With SWITCH 3 on MIDI, it follows external MIDI clock for tempo-synced delay. MIDI also handles preset recall, parameter control and performance automation.

Kontinuum stores 128 presets, including effect settings and APEX assignments. Firmware updates are free for life and install over USB with Keystone Control Center.

Kontinuum uses the MIDI Type-A TRS standard for MIDI In and MIDI Thru. MIDI Thru repeats everything arriving at MIDI In, so one connection on the first pedal can carry tempo, CC and PC messages down the whole board over inexpensive TRS cables instead of bulkier 5-pin MIDI cables.

9MIDI CC Mappings

Kontinuum uses MIDI CC 14–22 for its pots and three-position switches.

Continuous parameters

Three-position switches

MIDI Clock sync is available when Timing Mode is set to MIDI. Start/Stop commands are supported.

10Suggested Sounds

11LED Color Standards

Kontinuum's signature color is dark green . Universal colors are the same on every Keystone pedal and mark configuration modes and special states.

12Troubleshooting

13Specifications

14Care and Safety

• Use only the recommended power supply.
• Keep the pedal dry and away from extreme heat, cold, dust and moisture.
• Disconnect power and cables before cleaning.
• Clean the enclosure with a dry, soft cloth. Don't use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
• Don't open the enclosure unless instructed by qualified service personnel.

15Warranty and Support

Keystone Musical Instruments warrants the Kontinuum Delay against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original purchase date. The warranty doesn't cover damage from misuse, unauthorized modification, accident, improper power supply, liquid exposure or normal wear. For service, registration, firmware updates and support documents, visit keystonemusical.com.