Electro-Harmonix Bass Metaphors Instruction Manual

BASS METAPHORS

Channel Strip and Over Drive for Bass Players

Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix XO Bass
Metaphors. The Bass Metaphors is a uniquely designed multi-effect unit that
combines a preamp, EQ and overdrive. All are laid out in a channel strip
configuration. Additionally, a compressor may be independently assigned
through a toggle switch. The Bass Metaphors was designed and voiced
specifically for bass players. The parallel arrangement of the effects allows
for finely tuned control over each element in order to give you a final tone
that fits your style and needs.

The Preamp section is made up of a Dry channel, EQ channel and a
Distortion channel. Each channel has its own level control, appropriately
labeled. The EQ channel has further controls, which adjust Bass and Treble
independently. The Distortion channel is also footswitch accessible, allowing
the user to preset a sound to be cut in or out as needed. The Volume control
functions as a master volume after the effects.

In addition, a leveling compressor can be cut into the circuit before the
output, to add sustain, “punch” or to even out your performance. This is
controlled by the “Squash” setting of the toggle switch placed in the center
of the case.

The output of the Bass Metaphor is balanced/unbalanced and conveniently
accessed by ¼” TRS jack and by a standard XLR on the side of the unit.
Please note that using a standard ¼” unbalanced plug will bypass the
balanced output for BOTH connectors.

Effect Engaged LED – On when the effect is active and off when not used.

Distortion Engaged LED – The LED is on when the distortion is active and off
when the distortion is not in use.

DRY Out – The dry output knob allows you to vary the amount of the dry
signal heard at the output.

EQ level– Is the adjustable level of how much equalization is inserted into
the channel strip. When the EQ is fully down (counterclockwise) there is no
EQ in the channel strip. As the knob is rotated clockwise the more the
amount of the set treble and bass knobs will be added. At the full clockwise
position the full amount of potential EQ is applied.

Treble – The treble knob controls the amount of the 2-pole treble filter that
is added to the signal. When turned fully counterclockwise, there is no added
treble. As the knob is advanced clockwise, a carefully selected treble
frequency is applied whose amount linearly rises to the end of the clockwise
rotation.

Bass – – The bass knob controls the amount of bass frequency that is added
to the signal. When turned fully counterclockwise, there is no added bass. As
the knob is advanced clockwise, a carefully selected bass frequency is
applied whose amount linearly rises to the end of the clockwise rotation. It is
also a 2-pole filter.

Note: When Bass filter is combined with the Treble filter you have a 4-pole
filter. Scooped midranges to very subtle to overt sonic possibilities can be
found. This is a very colorful EQ.

Direct output- signal is connected directly to the input for access of the
original signal.

Distortion – Controls the amount of distortion that is introduced into the
channel strip.

Volume – Controls the master volume of the output signal.

¼” INPUT – Input jack for your bass guitar or instrument.

Direct Out – Your signal is assigned to this pass through output providing
you with a dry signal only.

¼” OUTPUT –Balanced/unbalanced tip ring sleeve balanced ¼ inch output
connector. This jack will accept both a balanced or unbalanced signal.

XLR OUTPUT – 3-pin connector allowing a balanced signal to be sent to low
impedance XLR input. IE to a recording console, live mix console or any high
end balanced processor.

WARNING: Use only the US96DC-200BI adapter that the Bass Metaphors
comes supplied with. Do not use any other AC adapters. Using other AC
adapters with the incorrect rating, even those made by Electro-Harmonix,
could cause harm to the unit, the adapter or you. The SMMH does not use
batteries.