Filter Section Controls
Controls for the Filter section of the pedal are found in the Red, Orange and Light Blue boxes.
Engaging the “FILTER” footswitch accesses these controls.
“s/h” toggle
- this toggle determines the filter mode – toggle up = Envelope Filter mode. Toggle down = Sample hold
mode.
“Range”
- This sets the sweep of the envelope filter. Only functions in envelope filter mode
“Velocity”
- This sets the speed of the sample hold. Only functions in Sample Hold mode.
Some general thoughts about the Synthotron and its use……..
As this device is entirely analog it relies on a process called signal to voltage conversion. It basically turns your guitar signal
into a voltage that tells the oscillator to create a specific pitch. This is a glorious and intrepid quest and will have varying
results. You will find that playing anywhere above the 10
th
fret will have substantially better tracking than at the lower end of
the fretboard.
The Synthotron is a monophonic device which means that it will track on one note at a time. Trying to force the ‘Tron into
doing more than one note at a time has some wonderful “side of a mountain falling onto the village below” type sounds.
Beautiful. Be warned. Abandon hope of order all ye who enter here.
The key when playing the Synthotron is to approach the guitar as a new instrument – it no longer sounds like a guitar – it no
longer responds like a guitar – therefore…. It is something else!!!! Try adjusting your pick attack, try using your neck pick up, try
backing off your guitars volume, try increasing your guitars volume…. Experiment, experiment, experiment…… you will find the
promised land…. Perseverance and an open heart/ mind is all that is needed!
Some specifics about setting the input level and dialing in your perfect “Sample Hold” setting
INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
Please remove the back of the pedal whilst it is plugged in.
Please engage the SYN footswitch and set both levels at 11 o’clock, both decays fully counterclockwise and the two 8ve
toggle switches into the down position.
Play some notes on your guitar (neck pickup position).
Locate the trimpot slot in the center of the circuit board. (It says “Set Master Input here V” just above the trimmer I’m talking
about)
Adjust this trimmer with a Philips screwdriver until you find the optimum synth tracking
SAMPLE HOLD ADJUSTMENT
Please remove the back of the pedal whilst it is plugged in.
Please engage the “filter” footswitch
Please set the “s/h” toggle switch to the down position
Please set the dark blue velocity control to the “12 o’clock” position
Locate the small trimmer that is to the left of the Master Input trimmer – the S/H trimmer takes a jewelers flat head screwdriver
and is to the right of the white text “D8” on the circuit board.
Adjust this trimmer until the optimal sample hold intervals are heard.
Engage the synthesizer by depressing the “syn” footswitch – keep the filter turned on.
Confirm the s/h synthesizer sound is optimal. Adjust trimmer if intervals are not pronounced enough.
Adjust to taste.
Power
- The SYNTHOTRON comes with it’s own regulated 9v DC power supply. You must not use this pedal with a daisy chain
supply as the negative terminal of the power input is not the same as the ground of the pedal.
DO NOT USE A DAISY CHAIN SUPPLY – FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR POWER SUPPLY
AND/ OR OTHER PEDALS
.
You can use other power supplies as long as each output is ground/ negative isolated from each other. The Synthotron
requires 9v DC, regulated – with the center pin positive and the barrel negative (standard pedal power supply plug
arrangement)
Keep it clean
- only use a soft dry cloth on your pedals finish - abrasives will ruin the finish and speed up the wear on the
lettering. The finish will obviously take some knocks over time, it will show signs of wear and tear as you gig
with, be prepared for this - ensure you have enough canned goods and fresh drinking water.
Do Not Treat it rough
- This includes; immersing it in beer or other liquids, throwing it at stuff or people, rewiring it, setting it on
fire or using it as a weapon. It is a tough pedal but everything lasts a little longer with a little love.
