DJ-Tech UBM SOLO User Manual

USER MANUAL---------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-26

1

PREFACE

Congratulations on your purchase of the UBM Solo instrument amplifier with UBM Studio software.
This is a versatile and easy-to-use package that is right at home in a practice room, small
performance, or recording studio. UBM Solo's unique USB functions and UBM Studio software enable
a wide variety of applications. Included in this package:

- 1 UBM Solo instrument amplifier

- 1 UBM Studio CD

- 1 USB cable

- 1 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ……………………………………………………………………….……………………2
UBM SOLO FEATURES…...……………………………………………………… …………………………………3

Top Panel Layout ……...……...………………………………………………………… ……………………….3
Rear Panel Layout……… …………………………………………………………………………… ………….4

USING THE UBM SOLO..……………………………………………………………………………………………5

The UBM Studio Main Window ………………………………………………………..…………. ……………6
The Channel Strip ……………..…………………………………………………………….…….… …………..7
Installation of UBM studio software…….……………………………………………………… ……………..8

USING UBM SOLO WITH UBM STUDIO….…..……………………………………………..… …………………9
USING THE VST PLUG-INS………………….……………………………………. ………………………………11
TROUBLESHOOTING………………………….………………………………………… ………………………..12
SPECIFICATIONS……………………………….…………………………………………… ……………………13

2

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.

1. Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove

cover(or back). No user-

serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to

qualified personnel.

2. Do not install the equipment in a place exposed to direct sunlight.

3. Do not install the equipment in a dusty, damp or poorly ventilated

place.

4. To prevent damage to the equipment, please

unplug from the

power outlet if not in use.

5. To unplug the equipment, always handle the power cord using the

plug. Do not pull out the plug by tugging the cord.

6. Place the equipment on a stable surface and avoid placing other

objects on top.

7. Cleaning c

are: Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. For stubborn dirt,

soak the cloth in a weak detergent solution; wring well and wipe to

remove the dirt. Do not use volatile agents such as benzene or paint

thinner, as they may damage the surface finish of the equipment.

8. Please do not block the cooling vents to avoid overheating.

9. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed

on the apparatus.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol inside an equilateral triangle is intended to alert

User

that the presence of uninsulated ＂hazardous voltage＂within the product’s enclo

sure, which

may be of sufficient magnitude to induce a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation mark inside an equilateral triangle is intended to alert user that the presence
of important operating and mai

ntenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying

the product.

3

UBM SOLO FEATURES

TOP PANEL LAYOUT

The top panel controls as shown in the above figure:

1. Input Jack.

This is an XLR “Combo” jack and can accept the following types of input:

- 1/4” guitar cable

- 1/4” microphone cable

-XLR balanced microphone cable

2. Gain.

This controls the input level of the input jack. It has a wide range to accommodate a variety of
inputs (instrument, guitar, bass, or microphone)

3. Parameter.

This is used with the UBM Studio software and is used to change or edit settings in the software. It has
2 functions:

-Turn to increase/decrease the selected value.

- Press the knob to move to the next parameter in the UBM Studio window

4. Preset.

This is used with the UBM Studio software and is used to change the currently selected preset.

5. Master.

This knob controls the overall volume of the UBM Solo.

6. Power LED.

4

REAR PANEL LAYOUT

The rear panel connections as shown in the above figure:

1. Power Switch.

Mains power for UBM Solo.

2. Mains cable.

Connect to a 230V mains source.

3. Line Out.
Stereo RCA outputs to connect UBM Solo to an external amp or recording device.

4. Aux In.

Stereo RCA line-level input to connect an external source such as a CD player, iPod, or other
instrument.

5. Pedal.

Input connection to the optional foot pedal controller.

6. Headphone.
Stereo headphone output.

7. USB.
USB connection to the host computer

5

ESING THE UBM SOLO

The UBM Solo is designed to be easy to set up and use. There are 2 basic ways to use the UBM Solo:
standalone mode and USB mode. UBM Solo automatically switches modes, depending on whether
the USB is connected or not.

Standalone mode:

The UBM Solo can be used as a “normal' amplifier without a USB connection. Just

leave the USB cable unconnected and the UBM Solo will function as a normal instrument amplifier.

USB mode:

Connect the UBM Solo with a USB cable to a host PC running UBM Studio software. The
audio input is routed through the host PC and with the UBM Studio software, it is possible to mix,
record and add effects on the computer. In USB mode, realize that the UBM Solo is a complete USB
Audio Interface + an integrated speaker and amplifier. Using the input and stereo Line Outputs will
give the same function as a basic USB audio interface.

Using UBM Solo in standalone mode

Connect an instrument, guitar or microphone to the input on the front panel. The GAIN knob can be
used to set the input to the best operating volume so the input is not distorted. Then adjust the
MASTER volume knob to a comfortable level.

Auxiliary Input

The AUX jack can accept a stereo line-level audio source to allow playing along with pre-recorded
music. Connect a CD player, iPod, or another audio source to the input. The GAIN knob and the
volume control on the input source can be adjusted to mix the levels. The AUX input can also be
used as a second input for an instrument with a line-level output such as a keyboard or synthesizer.

Line Out

UBM Solo can be connected to an external mixer, amplifier, or recording device using the Line Out
connection. Note that the Line Out is tapped before the internal audio amp, so the level of the
MASTER volume knob does not affect the Line Out level.

Pedal

An external pedal unit can be connected to the UBM Solo to allow foot control of the UBM Studio
software features. Please refer to the UBM Pedal manual for more details.

Headphones

Headphones can be used for private listening and the speaker will be turned off when a pair of
headphones are connected to the UBM Solo.

Software

The UBM Solo package includes a suite of software applications called UBM Studio. This is a
full-featured application that allows you to add effects, record, and play audio files on your
computer through the UBM Solo. Also included is the Native Instruments Guitar Combo package for
amplifier simulation.

6

The UBM Studio main window:

1. Plug-in window.

This shows the effects interface, allowing the editing of effects presets.

2. Play list window.

Shows currently loaded music file for playback. You can click on this window to browse and select
audio file. MP3 and other common audio file formats are supported. It is also possible to simply drag
'n drop files into this window.

3. LOAD button.

Allows loading of an audio file. This is the same as clicking in the playlist window.

4. MUTE button.

Mutes the music file audio.

5. Vol.

Music file volume can be used to adjust the mix of audio input and music file when playing along.

6. Transport controls.

Controls start, stop, rewind, and looping of music files. Record button allows the recording of audio
input on the UBM Solo to a WAV audio file.

7. Main.

This is the master volume for the UBM studio software.

8. Link.

This switches the Master slider between a combined stereo pair or separate L/R controls.

7

The Channel Strip

1. Input Level Meter with Noise Gate Threshold Control.

The Noise Gate helps to suppress audible noise when the input signal is below the threshold. Drag
the GATE label to an optimized threshold position that cuts unwanted noise while keeping tone
dynamics.

2. Mute.

Mutes the input signal. Note that the signal still goes to the VST plug-in allowing silent tuning and level
adjustments

3. Instrument selector.

Choice of Guitar, Bass or Microphone that loads VST plug-ins optimized for these types of inputs.

4. Edit.

This launches the VST plug-ins so they can be edited.*

5. Bypass.

Bypasses the effects for a “clean” tone.

6. Preset Selector.

This is where you select the effects preset. The PRESET knob on the UBM Solo can be used to change
these presets directly from the amp.

7. Save.

Allows the current configuration to be saved in any of the 64 preset locations.

8. Cho/Flg/Trm.

Controls the effect depth of the Chorus, Flanger, and Tremolo effects.

9. Pan.

Left/Right stereo balance of the input signal.

10. Vol.

Master volume for this input channel.

*

The first time Native Instruments Guitar Combo is launched, the plug-in will ask you to register the software.

Please follow the directions in this window to complete the registration process. Serial number for registration

can be found on the UBM Studio CD-ROM plastic bag.

8

Installation of UBM Studio software

1. Insert the CD into your PC. It will automatically start the installation procedure. If the driver

software does not automatically start, go the CD in the Windows Explorer and double-click on
Setup.exe.

IMPORTANT! For the driver installation, do NOT connect and turn on UBM before the installation! In the

driver install procedure, the installer will alert you when UBM should be connected.

2. Follow the installation instructions in the installer. This will require you to have the UBM Solo

available to install the drivers properly. Connect the UBM Solo to the PC with a USB cable when
instructed to do so by the installer.

IMPORTANT! During the installation process, a window will appear that says the UBM Studio software has not

passed Windows Logo Testing. This is normal and not a problem. Click on “Continue Anyway” and continue

with the software installation.

3. Start UBM Studio if it is not automatically done by the installer. Short-cuts will also be placed on the
Desktop, and in Program Menu –> DJ-Tech –> UBM Studio.

4. A setup screen will appear allowing advanced configuration if needed. Normally, the default
settings should work without modification. This window can be opened at any time from the Option

-> Setup... menu or pressing the F12 key.

* Note that you should always use the same USB port on the PC when using UBM Solo. Changing to a
different USB port will start the hardware discovery and installation process over again, and will
require the software to be reinstalled for the new USB port.