MICRO SYNTH
Analog Guitar Synthesizer
Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix XO Micro Synth for guitar. This is a
very powerful tool for musical expression. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with
the Micro Synth’s controls to learn how to get the best out of this special instrument.
The
Micro Synth
can create some of the most popular synthesizer textures at a fraction of the
cost for such capabilities. Its four voices:
GUITAR
,
OCTAVE, SUB OCTAVE AND SQUARE
WAVE
are completely independent and fully mixable. The
MICRO SYNTH
can modify these
signals with envelope control for a variety of “bowed” or “blown” sounds. In addition, a
sophisticated swept filter control allows highly variable frequency adjustments to be applied to
the overall output signal. When combined, these controls offer the user a creative capability that
is virtually limitless.
PREAMP GAIN ADJUSTMENT:
The preamp gain in the Micro Synth has been set at the
factory for use with a guitar equipped with single-coil pickups. If you will be using another
instrument with higher or lower output, it may be necessary to readjust this setting. A
screwdriver or alignment tool with a tip width of no more than 1/16" is required. To access the
preamp gain adjustment, remove the bottom plate from the Micro Synth. Look for the small trim
pot in the lower left corner of the circuit board, it is labeled TRIM1 GAIN TRIM. Turning the trim
pot clockwise will increase the preamp gain. Turning it counter-clockwise will decrease preamp
gain. Please do not touch any other components when the bottom plate is removed or you risk
damaging the circuit board or the components.
OPERATION:
The Micro Synth’s controls operate as described below. In all cases, high-
numbered control settings increase the level of the given effect.
FOOTSWITCH and Status LED
– The Footswitch selects either effect mode or True Bypass.
When the Status LED is lit, the Micro Synthesizer is in effect mode. When the Status LED is off,
the Micro Synth is in True Bypass mode.
TRIGGER
– Determines the input volume at which the filter circuits will “turn on.” It does not
affect any other circuitry. If the TRIGGER is set too high, the filter may “stutter” due to multiple
triggering. This is especially true if full chords are played. It is best to set the TRIGGER at
exactly the sensitivity needed for your playing.
The next four controls of the Micro Synth comprise the VOICE MIXING section:
GUITAR
,
SUB-
OCTAVE
(one octave below),
OCTAVE
(one octave above),
SQUARE WAVE
. Each voice is
completely independent and can be mixed with the others in any degree. Please note the
following voice characteristics:
GUITAR
– Controls the output volume of the input signal through
the filter.
SUB OCTAVE
– Controls the output volume of the Sub-Octave. The
Sub-Octave effect only tracks single notes.
OCTAVE
– Controls the output volume of the Octave. The Octave
only tracks single notes. This voice contains a small amount of
harmonic distortion for added richness of tone.
SQUARE WAVE
– Controls the output volume of the Square wave.
Intensity of this voice is also determined by instrument attack or
volume. In all other respects it operates in a similar fashion to a
standard distortion device.
ATTACK DELAY
– Determines the time required for the voice signals to reach full volume.
Higher-numbered settings can completely remove the initial attack of the instrument.
Different delay times contribute greatly to the characteristic sounds of various instruments.
It is recommended that you synchronize your playing to the speed setting of the
ATTACK
DELAY
.
The final four controls comprise the FILTER SWEEP section
.
RESONANCE
– Affects the degree of sharpness, or “Q” of the filter.
Higher settings will produce a more emphasized filter sound and
also add a slight boost to the signal.
START FREQUENCY
– Determines the frequency at which the filter
sweep begins.
STOP FREQUENCY
– Determines the frequency at which the filter
sweep ends. This is also the “resting frequency” of the filter, and if
START
and
STOP
controls are set at the same level no sweep will
occur, though the filter will provide emphasis of that particular
frequency band. In addition to lead synthesizer sounds,
START
and
STOP
controls can be used to simulate attack, decay, and harmonic
content of acoustic instruments.
RATE
– Determines the speed at which the filter sweeps from
START FREQUENCY
to
STOP FREQUENCY
. It is recommended
that RATE be synchronized with your playing speed.
SOUND TEMPLATES
– The sample settings included with these instructions
will help you get familiar with your MICRO SYNTH and its controls. Once
you‘ve tried all the sample settings, feel free to experiment and develop your
own unique palette of sounds. You can record your new settings in the blank
templates provided.
WARNING:
Your
Micro Synth
comes equipped with
an Electro-Harmonix
9.6DC-200BI power
supply
(same as used by Boss™ & Ibanez™ 9.6 Volts DC 200mA). The Micro Synth requires 55mA at
9VDC with a center negative plug.
The Micro Synth does not take batteries. Using the wrong
adapter may damage your unit and void the warranty.
