BASS MICRO SYNTH
Analog Bass Synthesizer
Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix XO Bass Micro Synth! You have
purchased a very powerful tool for musical expression. Please take a few minutes to familiarize
yourself with the Bass Micro Synth’s controls and how they work
The XO
BASS MICRO SYNTH
can create many of the most popular analog lead synthesizer
textures at a fraction of the normal cost for such capabilities. Its four voices
: GUITAR,
OCTAVE, SUB-OCTAVE,
and
SQUARE WAVE
are completely independent and fully mixable.
The BASS MICRO SYNTH can modify these signals with envelope control for a variety of
“bowed” and “blown” sounds. In addition, a sophisticated swept filter control allows highly
variable frequency adjustments to be made to the signal. When combined, these controls offer
the user a creative capability that is virtually limitless.
PREAMP GAIN ADJUSTMENT
The preamp gain in the Bass Micro Synth has been set at the
factory for use with a bass equipped with single-coil passive 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 Bass 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 Bass 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 Bass Micro Synthesizer is in effect mode. When the Status LED is
off, the Bass 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 chords are played. It is best to set the
TRIGGER
at exactly the sensitivity needed for your playing.
The next four controls of the BASS MICRO SYNTH comprise the
VOICE MIXING
section
:
GUITAR, SUB-OCTAVE (one octave below), OCTAVE
(one octave above), and
SQUARE
WAVE
. Each voice is completely independent and can be mixed with the others in any degree.
Please not 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 the
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 include with these instructions will help you get -
familiar with your
BASS MICRO SYNTH
and its controls. Once you’ve tried all the sample
settings, feel free to experiment to develop your own unique palette of sounds. You can record
your new settings in the blank templates provided.
WARNING:
Your Bass
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 Bass Micro Synth
requires 55mA at 9VDC with a center negative plug.
The Bass Micro Synth does not take batteries.
Using the wrong adapter may damage your unit and void the warranty.
