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The following setup procedure is performed in order to align the
centerline of the optics with the long axis of the string. This will
provide maximum output, as well as accommodate string bending
and related playing techniques. This operation can be done by ear,
or electronically. In either case, turn on the bass, and adjust the
position of the optics by turning the 5/64” hex adjustment screw on
top of each monolith.
By ear, with the instrument plugged into an amplifier and/or
headphones: raise and lower the optics, listening for the “sweet
spot”, where the sound output is loudest.
Electronically: select the string to be calibrated, by turning the
miniature rotary selector switch on the Motherboard (use a ~2mm
flat screwdriver). If your bass has the HexFX option, the rotary
switch will be hidden under the HexFX daughterboard. Lift straight
up on the daughterboard to temporarily move it out of the way.
The switch positions are numbered to correspond with the strings,
with position 1 being the highest frequency string. When the string
is selected, the red/green LED on the Motherboard indicates
the position of the optics. LED ‘green’ indicates that the optics
are below the string, and must be raised (clockwise turn of the
adjustment screw). LED ‘red’ indicates that the optics are above
the string, and must be lowered (counterclockwise turn of the
adjustment screw). At the optimum adjustment point, the LED will
extinguish, indicating that the optics are centered. Take care not
to turn the adjustment screw too far in either direction, and do not
force it. After all of the strings have been calibrated, turn the rotary
switch back to the zero position.
After proper optics setup, the output of each string can be adjusted
for overall balance using the corresponding trimpots on the
Motherboard. These are the six miniature trimpots in a row, at
the center of the Motherboard, labeled ‘SL1’ through ‘SL6’. ‘SL1’
designates the highest pitch string. Full output is at the end of the
clockwise rotation of the trimpot, and is recommended for optimum
performance. Start with all strings at the full up position, and
balance the outputs by attenuating, or turning down, the louder
strings until outputs are equal. The trimpot adjustment range is
10db. The trimpots for any unused string channels have no effect on
signal level, and should be turned fully down (counterclockwise).
