INPUT
–
Pedal
i
nput, nominally instrument level but can accept line level with the sensitivity switch set low. Input impedance is 1M.
POWER JACK -
This pedal contains circuitry that auto-detects both the voltage and polarity of the attached power supply. The pedal will function properly from 9V to
18V, center positive or center negative polarity. With very high output basses, you may notice a little more input headroom with 12V or higher power supplies. Be
sure to use a low noise type power supply, general purpose power supplies can introduce noise into the signal path.
OUTPUT
–
Pedal output,
nominally instrument level but can output up to line level with the DRIVE and CLEAN volumes turned up.
THEORY
–
Understanding the principles behind this pedal will allow you to unlock a wide range of overdrive tones, textures and dynamics. These four overdrive
types are based upon how classic analog circuits behave when overdriven, and when combined with the high pass/low pass filters and overdrive/clean blend, many
unique results can be expected.
The
overdrive signal path
first enters the HIGH PASS FILTER. Starting from the fully
counter-clockwise
(full range) position, rotating this control clockwise reduces
the amount of extreme low frequencies present which can help clarify and tighten the distortion products and reduce muddiness once the signal is overdriven within
the overdrive engine. Typically, the heavier the distortion, the more clockwise this control is set. The graphic above the co
ntrol shows the filter’s action on the signal
path.
From here, the signal enters the overdrive engine which generates the distortion product harmonics, the type based on the DRIVER SELECT switch (as described
earlier in this manual). The different GEARS will appeal to different players, playing techniques and music styles and tastes. Some of the effect is tonal, some textural
and some, feel. The lower gears having more subtle textural and feel impact, the higher gears having more tonal and feel impact.
From here, the signal enters the LOW PASS FILTER. Starting with the control fully
clockwise
(full range) position, rotating this control counter-clockwise
progressively rolls-off the high frequencies of the distortion harmonics earlier, resulting in a smoother, mellower, less edgy distortion tone. Typically, the heavier the
distortion, the more counter-
clockwise this control is set. The graphic above the control shows the filter’s action on the signal.
The DRIVE VOLUME and CLEAN VOLUME controls combine to form the “DRIVE
-
CLEAN” blend section, the levels of the two
signal paths are completely
independent for a couple of important reasons:
1.
The DRIVE VOLUME and CLEAN VOLUME can be set at whatever level is necessary to achieve the necessary results. Some players might choose to
use additional level from either or both control as a SOLO BOOST (with or without overdrive).
2.
When using the CLEAN VOLUME alone, the pedal can function as a CLEAN BOOST ONLY (with the DRIVE VOLUME all the way down). This way, the
pedal can be used to overdrive the front end of an amp (if desired).
In general, the overdrive character and level will be set to meet your needs, then adding some clean signal can help improve the dynamics and low frequency
expansion and top end sparkle that may be missing from the overdrive only signal path. Switching between BYPASS and ACTIVE and adjusting the DRIVE and
CLEAN volumes can be used to balance the two modes, or add boost as needed.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Dimensions: 5” (127mm) W x 4.1” (104mm )D x 2.3” (59mm)H (w/ knobs and feet)
Weight: 1.1 lb (0.5kg)
Power Supply: 9VDC-18VDC (low noise type), either polarity (auto-detecting), 40mA max
Input Impedance: >1M ohm
Output Impedance: 1k ohm
Overdrive Engine Input HPF: 30Hz
–
200hz
Overdrive Engine Output LPF: 1kHz
–
14kHz
Input Sensitivity (nominal): -20dBu (high sensitivity), -10dBu (low sensitivity)
Maximum Input Level: 0dBu (9V supply), +5dBu (12V supply), +10dBu (18V supply), high sensitivity, DRIVE at 9:00
Maximum Input Level: +5dBu (9V supply), +12dBu (12V supply), +18dBu (18V supply), low sensitivity., DRIVE at 9:00
Maximum Output Level: +9dBu (9V supply) +14dBu (12V supply), +20dBu (18V supply)
[form: 4OTF-OM-WEB-REV2]
