THE INS AND OUTS
1/4” INPUT:
1megOhm instrument level. For normal operation, sig-
nal level to
Input
should be close to that of a standard electric guitar
(approx -10dBm / 250mV). The input is designed with the same sensi-
tivity and loading characteristic as a tube amp.
1/4” UNIVERSAL OUTPUT:
Unbalanced 1kOhm Low Z instru-
ment level output. This output can be connected to High Z guitar ampli-
fiers (or effects) as well as Low Z mixer and computer inputs. Output level
is unity gain when pedal is in bypass mode. It also drives long cables without
loss of signal integrity, even in bypass.
BALANCED XLR OUTPUT & GROUND
CONNECT SWITCH:
Balanced low Z output. When the
Ground Connect switch is engaged, the ground connects.
Disengaged, the ground of your stage system and other inter-
connected gear is lifted (isolated) from the ground of the
mixing console.
LEVEL CONTROLS
SET LEVEL CONTROLS FOR UNITY GAIN
Set the level controls so you have the same volume coming from your
speaker/monitor whether the pedal is active or in bypass. This ensures
the next device in the signal chain won't get slammed by a much hotter
signal than what would normally come from the instrument. Similarly,
you wouldn't want a drop in volume either, which would force the next
device to struggle for enough signal.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE LEVEL CONTROLS
Be aware that the “last” level in the signal path will determine the over-
all output level:
Plexi/Cali and no Boost: Plexi/Cali Level
Plexi/Cali and/or Blonde and no Boost: Blonde Level
Plexi/Cali and Pre-Boost: Plexi/Cali Level
Plexi/Cali and/or Blonde and Pre-Boost: Blonde Level
Plexi/Cali and/or Blonde and Post-Boost: Post-Boost Level
The Delay Level control only affects the mix level of the delay, not the
overall output level.
REVERB LEVEL CONTROL SERVES AS A CLIP WARNING
The Reverb control has a built-in clip warning. Like a VU meter, it will
flash red to warn you if the Fly Rig is being overloaded.
You can then trim the corresponding control accordingly: Plexi/Cali
SansAmp Level, Boost Level or Blonde SansAmp Level. Bear in mind
that occasional blinks (peaks) are okay and can be expected when you
dig into your strings, but it should not be continuously lit.
3
4
!! WARNING !! DO NOT RUN THE SPEAKER OUT-
PUT OF
ANY
AMP directly into a Fly Rig/SansAmp
input.
Severe damage will result.
GUIDE TO FUNCTIONS and CONTROLS
SANSAMP Sections
The SansAmp technology enables the Fly Rig 5 to run directly into mixers
of recording desks and PA systems, as well as augment your existing am-
plifier set-up. It can also be used to enhance previously recorded tracks.
PLEXI/CALI SansAmp Section
Provides the dirtier side of the Fly Rig. You have a choice of a roaring
Plexi tone with its muscular crunch, detailed mids and mule-kick low
end or you can engage the Cali switch (in position) for the chunk of a
‘70s high gain amp tone inspired by the then-boutique shop over on the
West Coast. Each mode can be dialed in to your liking with dedicated
Drive, Tone and Level controls.
DRIVE:
Adjusts the overall
amount of gain and overdrive,
similar to when the output sec-
tion of a tube amp is being
pushed. Highly interactive with
the level of your guitar. For in-
stance, you can clean up the
amount of distortion by decreas-
ing the guitar’s volume (except in
very extreme settings) without
having to change the setting on
the pedal. Conversely, you can in-
crease the amount of distortion
by simply increasing the guitar’s
volume.
TONE:
Adjusts the hi-end content. At max, it’s flat. As you reduce
the setting, it will decrease the high end.
LEVEL:
Adjusts the output level of the Plexi/Cali SansAmp section.
This control has an exceptionally wide range for maximum compatibil-
ity with a variety of equipment.
BLONDE SansAmp Section
The Blonde SansAmp section of the Fly Rig 5 v2 has the tonality of the
Blonde Character Series pedal. It includes 3-band active EQ, Level and
Drive controls. To dirty things up, you have the flexibility of using the
Drive control, the Boost function, or you can add grit from the
Plexi/Cali section. Or all three. Each method achieves different tones.
DRIVE:
Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to
when the output section of a tube amp is being pushed. The first half of
the rotation will increase the volume as well as the overdrive.
