Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synthesizer Instruction Manual

WARNING:

Your Bass

Micro Synth

comes equipped with

an Electro-Harmonix

9.6DC-200BI

power supply

(same as used by Boss™ & Ibanez™ 9.6 Volts DC 200mA). The Bass Micro Synth

requires 55mA at 9VDC with a center negative plug.

The Bass Micro Synth does not take batteries.

Using the wrong adapter may damage your unit and void the warranty.

BASS MICRO SYNTH

Analog Bass Synthesizer

Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix XO Bass Micro Synth! You have
purchased a very powerful tool for musical expression. Please take a few minutes to familiarize
yourself with the Bass Micro Synth’s controls and how they work

The XO BASS MICRO SYNTH can create many of the most popular analog lead synthesizer
textures at a fraction of the normal cost for such capabilities. Its four voices: GUITAR,
OCTAVE, SUB-OCTAVE, and SQUARE WAVE are completely independent and fully mixable.
The BASS MICRO SYNTH can modify these signals with envelope control for a variety of

“bowed” and “blown” sounds. In addition, a sophisticated swept filter control allows highly

variable frequency adjustments to be made to the signal. When combined, these controls offer
the user a creative capability that is virtually limitless.

PREAMP GAIN ADJUSTMENT The preamp gain in the Bass Micro Synth has been set at the
factory for use with a bass equipped with single-coil passive pickups. If you will be using
another instrument with higher or lower output, it may be necessary to readjust this setting. A
screwdriver or alignment tool with a tip width of no more than 1/16" is required. To access the
preamp gain adjustment, remove the bottom plate from the Bass Micro Synth. Look for the
small trim pot in the lower left corner of the circuit board, it is labeled TRIM1 GAIN TRIM.
Turning the trim pot clockwise will increase the preamp gain. Turning it counter-clockwise will
decrease preamp gain. Please do not touch any other components when the bottom plate is
removed or you risk damaging the circuit board or the components.

OPERATION The Bass Micro Synth’s controls operate as described below. In all cases, high­numbered control settings increase the level of the given effect.

FOOTSWITCH and Status LED – The Footswitch selects either effect mode or True Bypass.
When the Status LED is lit, the Bass Micro Synthesizer is in effect mode. When the Status LED is
off, the Bass Micro Synth is in True Bypass mode.

TRIGGER – Determines the input volume at which the filter circuits will “turn on.” It does not
affect any other circuitry. If the TRIGGER is set too high, the filter may “stutter” due to
multiple triggering. This is especially true if chords are played. It is best to set the TRIGGER
at exactly the sensitivity needed for your playing.

The next four controls of the BASS MICRO SYNTH comprise the VOICE MIXING section:

GUITAR, SUB-OCTAVE (one octave below), OCTAVE (one octave above), and SQUARE
WAVE. Each voice is completely independent and can be mixed with the others in any degree.

Please not the following voice characteristics:

GUITAR- Controls the output volume of the input signal through the filter.

SUB OCTAVE – Controls the output volume of the Sub-Octave. The Sub-Octave

effect only tracks single notes.

OCTAVE – Controls the output volume of the Octave. The Octave only tracks single
notes. This voice contains a small amount of harmonic distortion for added richness of
tone.

SQUARE WAVE – Controls the output volume of the Square wave. Intensity of this
voice is also determined by instrument attack or volume. In all other respects it
operates in a similar fashion to a standard distortion device.

ATTACK DELAY – Determines the time required for the voice signals to reach full volume.
Higher-numbered settings can completely remove the initial attack of the instrument. Different
delay times contribute greatly to the characteristic sounds of various instruments. It is
recommended that you synchronize your playing to the speed setting of the ATTACK DELAY.

The final four controls comprise the FILTER SWEEP section.

RESONANCE – Affects the degree of sharpness, or “Q” of the

filter. Higher settings will produce a more emphasized filter sound
and also add a slight boost to the signal.

START FREQUENCY - Determines the frequency at which the
filter sweep begins.

STOP FREQUENCY – Determines the frequency at which the filter
sweep ends. This is also the “resting frequency” of the filter, and

if the START and STOP controls are set at the same level no
sweep will occur, though the filter will provide emphasis of that
particular frequency band. In addition to lead synthesizer sounds,
START and STOP controls can be used to simulate attack, decay,
and harmonic content of acoustic instruments.

RATE- Determines the speed at which the filter sweeps from
START FREQUENCY to STOP FREQUENCY. It is recommended

that RATE be synchronized with your playing speed.

SOUND TEMPLATES- The sample settings include with these instructions will help you get ­familiar with your BASS MICRO SYNTH and its controls. Once you’ve tried all the sample
settings, feel free to experiment to develop your own unique palette of sounds. You can record
your new settings in the blank templates provided.

-Power-

9V Power Jack – Connect the output plug of the supplied AC Adaptor into the 9V power jack

at the top of the Bass Micro Synth. The Bass Micro Synth’s maximum current requirement is
55mA at 9VDC. The polarity of the power jack is center negative. The maximum allowable
power supply voltage is 12VDC.

Please register online at http://www.ehx.com/product-registration or complete and return the
enclosed warranty card within 10 days of purchase. Electro-Harmonix will repair or replace, at
its discretion, a product that fails to operate due to defects in materials or workmanship for a
period of one year from date of purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have
bought their product from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. Repaired or replaced units
will then be warranted for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term. If you should
need to return your unit for service within the warranty period, please include a brief description
of the problem as well as you name, address, telephone number, copy of your receipt, and a
check or money order.

United States - $12
Canada - $15
Europe and outside countries - $25

Ship to:

Electro-Harmonix
C/O New Sensor Corporation
55-01 2nd Street
Long Island City, NY, 11101
Attn: Service Department

Please make checks/money orders payable to New Sensor Corporation.
To hear demos on all EHX pedals visit us on the web at www.ehx.com.
Email us at [e-mail]

- WARRANTY INFORMATION -

BASS MICRO SYNTHESIZER

INSTRUCTIONS