1. Introduktion
Welcome to the Darkglass Microtubes X Bass Preamp Pedal MIX user manual. This document provides detailed information on the features, setup, operation, and maintenance of your new bass preamp pedal. The Microtubes X is designed to deliver powerful distorted bass tones while maintaining clarity and low-end integrity, thanks to its unique signal splitting and processing capabilities.
Figure 1: Darkglass Microtubes X Bass Preamp Pedal MIX, front angled view.
2. Funktioner
The Darkglass Microtubes X Bass Preamp Pedal MIX offers a range of features designed to enhance your bass tone:
- Delivers powerful distorted bass tones with punch and clarity.
- Splits your signal into two paths with variable lowpass and highpass filters for customized tone shaping.
- Includes a mix control to balance clean and distorted signals for optimal sound.
- Active mid control with ±12dB boost at 500Hz for extensive sound-shaping potential.
- Drive control adjusts the amount of distortion applied to the high-pass filtered signal.
- True bypass circuitry maintains signal integrity when the pedal is disengaged.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy integration into pedalboards.
- Powered by a standard 9V DC adapter for convenience and compatibility.
- Equipped with durable build quality for reliable performance on stage og i studiet.
- Rear-panel XLR DI output for direct recording and connection to PA systems.
3. Kontrolelementer og forbindelser
Familiarize yourself with the controls and connections of your Microtubes X pedal:
Figur 2: Forside view of the Microtubes X pedal, highlighting the control knobs and footswitch.
3.1. Styringer
- Niveau: Controls the overall output volume of the pedal.
- Køre: Adjusts the amount of gain for the distorted high-pass signal.
- Blande: Blends the clean low-pass signal with the distorted high-pass signal. Fully counter-clockwise is 100% clean, fully clockwise is 100% distorted.
- Mellemtoner: An active mid-range control with ±12dB of boost or cut at 500Hz. This allows for significant tonal shaping of the overall output.
- Lavpasfilter (LPF): Selects the cutoff frequency for the clean signal path. Frequencies below this setting are passed through clean. Adjustable from 50 Hz to 500 Hz.
- Højpasfilter (HPF): Selects the cutoff frequency for the distorted signal path. Frequencies above this setting are sent to the distortion circuit. Adjustable from 100 Hz to 1 kHz.
3.2. Forbindelser
Figur 3: Side view of the Microtubes X pedal, showing the input and output jacks and power input.
- Input: Connect your instrument (bass guitar) here using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.
- Produktion: Forbind dette med din amplifier or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.
- 9VDC: Power input for a standard 9V DC power adapter (center negative). Ensure the power supply meets the pedal's requirements.
- XLR DI Output: (Rear Panel) Provides a balanced output for direct connection to a mixing console, audio interface, or PA system. This output is ideal for recording or live sound applications.
4. Opsætning
Follow these steps to set up your Darkglass Microtubes X pedal:
- Sørg for din amplifier and other audio equipment are turned off.
- Connect your bass guitar to the Input jack of the Microtubes X pedal.
- Tilslut Produktion jack of the Microtubes X pedal to the input of your amplifier or desired audio device.
- Connect a standard 9V DC (center negative) power adapter to the 9VDC input.
- If using the DI output, connect an XLR cable from the XLR DI udgang to your mixing console or audio interface.
- Once all connections are secure, you may power on your amplifter og andet udstyr.
5. Betjeningsvejledning
The Microtubes X pedal's unique design allows for precise control over your distorted bass tone. The signal is split into two paths: a clean low-pass signal and a distorted high-pass signal. These are then blended together.
5.1. Achieving Your Tone
- Start with Filters: Begin by setting the Lavpasfilter (LPF) og Højpasfilter (HPF). The LPF determines the upper frequency limit of your clean low-end, while the HPF determines the lower frequency limit of the signal that gets distorted. Experiment with these to find the sweet spot where your low end remains clear and punchy, and your high end gets the desired grit.
- Dial in Drive: Juster Køre knob to control the intensity of the distortion applied to the high-pass signal. Higher settings will yield more aggressive and saturated tones.
- Blend the Signals: Brug Blande knob to blend the clean low-pass signal with the distorted high-pass signal. This is crucial for maintaining bass clarity while adding distortion. A common starting point is around 12 o'clock, then adjust to taste.
- Shape with Mids: De Mids control allows you to boost or cut the mid-range frequencies at 500Hz. This can help the bass cut through a mix or provide a more scooped sound.
- Set Overall Level: Brug endelig Niveau knob to set the overall output volume of the pedal, ensuring it matches or exceeds your bypassed signal level as needed.
The footswitch engages or bypasses the effect. When engaged, the LED indicator will illuminate.
6. Specifikationer
| Specifikation | Værdi |
|---|---|
| Modelnummer | BLANDE |
| Varens vægt | 1.6 ounce |
| Produktdimensioner | 10 x 7 x 6 tommer |
| Strømkilde | Ledningsbaseret elektrisk (9V DC, center negativ) |
| Batteritype | 1 x 9V battery required (not included for operation, only for internal circuitry if applicable, typically external power is used) |
| Farve | Sort |
| Signalformat | Analog |
| Ægte bypass | Ja |
7. Vedligeholdelse
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Microtubes X pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Rensning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, which can damage the finish and components.
- Opbevaring: Opbevar pedalen et køligt, tørt sted væk fra direkte sollys og ekstreme temperaturer.
- Forbindelser: Kontrollér regelmæssigt alle kabelforbindelser for slitage. Sørg for, at stikkene er fri for støv og snavs.
- Strømforsyning: Always use a compatible 9V DC center-negative power supply. Using an incorrect power supply can damage the unit and void the warranty.
8. Fejlfinding
If you encounter issues with your Microtubes X pedal, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Mulig årsag | Løsning |
|---|---|---|
| Ingen lyd når pedalen er trådt i. | Incorrect power supply; faulty cables; incorrect connections; pedal not receiving signal. | Verify power supply (9V DC, center negative); check all cables for damage and ensure they are fully inserted; confirm instrument and amplifier fungerer korrekt. |
| Uønsket støj eller brummen. | Ground loop; faulty power supply; interference from other electronics; dirty power. | Use an isolated power supply; try a different power outlet; move the pedal away from other electronic devices; check for faulty cables. |
| Distortion not engaging or sounding weak. | Drive knob too low; HPF set too high; Mix knob favoring clean signal. | Forøg Køre knob; lower the Højpasfilter (HPF) frequency; adjust the Blande knob towards the distorted side. |
If the issue persists after trying these steps, please contact Darkglass support for further assistance.
9. Sikkerhedsoplysninger
Please read and follow these safety precautions to prevent damage to the unit or injury to yourself:
- Udsæt ikke enheden for vand eller overdreven fugt.
- Forsøg ikke selv at åbne eller servicere enheden. Overlad al service til kvalificeret personale.
- Use only the specified power supply (9V DC, center negative).
- Hold enheden væk fra varmekilder og direkte sollys.
- Undgå at tabe enheden eller udsætte den for kraftige stød.
10. Garanti og support
Darkglass Electronics products are built to the highest standards and are designed for reliable performance. For information regarding warranty coverage and technical support, please visit the official Darkglass Electronics webwebstedet eller kontakt deres kundeservice direkte. Gem din købsbevis til garantikrav.
Darkglass Official Webwebsted: www.darkglass.com
