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when mounting it to your pedalboard, remember to do so in a
way that preserves access to the Instrument input and the XLR
DI output, as they may need to be plugged and replugged on
a nightly basis.
BiX is powered by a 9VDC input. This jack is a standard 2.1mm
BOSS™ style, with center negative. The current requirement
is 200mA, so you’ll need to make sure you have this available
from your pedalboard power supply. Or, simply use use the
included 9VDC wall wart. We tested many supplies, and this is
the lowest noise, lowest profile one we could find. If you want
a spare or extras for other 9V pedals, they are available for sale
at our webstore:
http://www.gracedesign.com/merch/accessories.htm
7 Plugging in
By holding the BiX in your hand, you’re probably already have
a pretty good idea what to do from here. Plug it in, turn it up
and go. But keep reading, because there’s some details that
will help you get the most out of your new preamp.
7.1 1/4” INSTRUMENT INPUT
This is for connecting any instrument with a pickup to BiX.
The connector is a standard 1/4” jack wired tip signal, sleeve
ground. This input has a 10MEG input impedance, which
means even finicky high impedance passive pickups are going
to sound great.
7.2 INSERT SEND AND RETURN (FX LOOP)
This is a buffered, unbalanced insert point (pre boost) for
connecting outboard effects or tuner to BiX. This allows mono
outboard signal processing to be placed in series with the
signal, while still utilizing all of BiX’s output capabilities. They
are 1/4” TS jacks each wired tip signal, sleeve ground. If you
wish to connect just a tuner to the BiX, you may wire the SEND
to your tuner’s input and leave the RETURN disconnected.
Doing so will allow your tuner to always be active even when
the BiX is MUTED.
7.3 LINE OUT
This output is for sending an unbalanced, non-transformer
isolated output to your tuner, a stage amp or anywhere else
you may need an additional unbalanced signal sent. It is a 1/4”
TS jack, wired tip signal, sleeve ground.
7.4 DI OUTPUT
This output is balanced and transformer isolated, for sending
signal to a front of house, monitor console, or any mixer or
interface where balanced, isolated signal needs to be sent. XLR
pinout is: pin 2 positive, pin 3 negative and pin 1 ground.
7.5 9VDC POWER INPUT
This is where you provide life giving power to BiX. The jack
is a standard 2.1mm BOSS™ style, with the center negative.
Your power supply needs to be capable of delivering at least
200mA. Either use the included Grace Design power supply
unit, or make sure that the supply you are using conforms with
the power input requirements. For example, if using a Voodoo
Labs™ pedal power 2 plus use one of the high current 9V
outputs (jacks 5-6).
8 Operation
8.1 SETTING THE GAIN
The first control on the left side of the top panel is the GAIN
control. With your instrument connected to the input and
signal flowing, turn the GAIN knob clockwise until the signal /
clip LED indicator is on and lit solid green. This will represent a
good operating level. The indicator will start to flash red when
your signal is 10dB before clipping, so an occasional red flash
is ok, but mostly red means you should turn the gain control
down / counterclockwise.
The BiX is designed with extremely high headroom and
dynamic range. If using external effects in the insert of the
BiX, it may be necessary to lower the gain to prevent clipping
in your other pedals. Fear not as the BiX performs beautifully
across its entire gain range.
8.2 LOW EQ
The Low control of the BiX is fixed at either 100Hz or 200Hz
transition frequency with a gain range of -15 to +15dB. This is
a fixed shelving type control, which means frequencies below
the selected transition frequency are boosted or cut. Use this
control for cutting and boosting bass frequencies. It’s all about
the bass.
GAIN
Hz
40
100
20k
12k
0dB
-15dB
+15dB
LOW SHELF EQ
