Electro-Harmonix Germanium Big Muff Pi Instruction Manual

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GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI

Dual Vintage Distortion and Overdrive

Congratulations on your purchase of the GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF
PI. The GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI is a new and versatile
overdrive/distortion that captures the essence of the warm sound

unique to the germanium transistors from the ‘60s. The

GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI is two independent circuits, one a
distortion and one an overdrive, each with completely independent
controls. The two circuits can be used separately or together. Each
circuit has its own independent ON/OFF bypass footswitch.

-CONTROLS-

DISTORTION SIDE: The DISTORTION side can be used

independently or with the OVERDRIVE side. When both sides are
ON, the DISTORTION side precedes the OVERDRIVE side in the
signal chain. The DISTORTION utilizes two germanium transistors
and is capable of going from clean - to a gritty overdrive - to a full
on distortion and beyond.

GAIN CONTROL – This knob adjusts the amount of preamp gain
for the DISTORTION side of the pedal. As you turn the GAIN knob
clockwise the distortion and volume will increase dramatically.

BIAS CONTROL – This knob adjusts the character of the distortion
by changing the bias of the signal before it is distorted by the
Germanium transistors. Turning the BIAS knob counter-clockwise
will result in a more mellow and compressed tone. Turning the
BIAS knob clockwise will result in an edgy and more aggressive
tone.

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VOLTS CONTROL – This knob adjusts the amount of voltage
supplied to the DISTORTION side only. When the VOLTS knob is
turned fully clockwise, the circuit is receiving the full voltage.
Turning the VOLTS knob counter-clockwise will simulate a dying
battery. As the voltage is lowered, the signal will become more
compressed, and start to clip, creating a wide range of sonic
textures to work with. NOTE: As the VOLTS knob is turned, the
sound may momentarily dip in volume as the signal adjusts to the
new voltage setting.

VOLUME CONTROL – This knob controls the output level of the
DISTORTION side of the pedal. Fully counter-clockwise will produce
no sound. As the VOLUME knob is turned clockwise, the output
level will increase to its maximum volume at the full clockwise
setting.

OVERDRIVE SIDE: The OVERDRIVE side can be used
independently or with the DISTORTION side. When both sides are
ON, the OVERDRIVE side follows the DISTORTION side in the signal
chain. The overdrive utilizes two germanium transistors and can go
from a nice fattening boost to a warm overdrive. The overdrive
reacts differently to different input levels. Using hotter pickups, or
having the DISTORTION side on will add a variety of tonal options.

GAIN CONTROL – This knob adjust the amount of gain in the two
germanium transistor preamp gain stage for the OVERDRIVE side.
The gain will increase as the GAIN knob is turned clockwise.
Overall, there is less gain available on this side than the
DISTORTION side. The overall character of the gain will change
depending on how the BIAS control is set.

BIAS CONTROL – This knob adjusts the character of the distortion
by changing the bias of the signal in the preamp section of the
overdrive circuit. When the BIAS knob is at noon, the sound will be
the clearest and most dynamic. When the BIAS knob is fully
counter-clockwise, the sound will be more compressed. When the
BIAS knob is fully clockwise, the sound will start to clip and can add
a great vintage grit to the overdrive.