Line 6 Constrictor User Manual

Pilot’s Handbook for Constrictor

Pilotenhandbuch für Constrictor

Manuel de pilotage pour Constrictor

Manual del Piloto para el

Constrictor

Pilotenhandboek voor Constrictor

Patent Pending

40-00-0180 Electrophonic Limited Edition available @ www.line6.com Rev D

Line 6, ToneCore, Constrictor, Crunchtone, Echo Park, Space Chorus,

Tap Tremolo and Über Metal are trademarks of Line 6, Inc.

CAUTION

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part
15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

The exclamation point within a triangle
means, “Caution!” Please read the
information next to all caution signs.

Constrictor Pilot’s Handbook © 2004, Line 6, Inc.

The lightning symbol within a triangle
means, “Electrical caution!” It indicates the
presence of information about operating
voltage and potential risks of electrical shock.

You should read these Important Safety Instructions.

Keep these instructions in a safe place.

Before using your ToneCore, carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and the safety suggestions.

1. Obey all warnings on the pedal and in the ToneCore Pilot's Handbook.

2. Connect optional power supply only to AC power outlets rated 100-120V or 200-240V 47-63Hz (see indications on optional power supply).

3. Do not perform service operations beyond those described in the ToneCore Pilot's Handbook. Service is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as:

• power-supply cord or plug is damaged

• liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus

• the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture

• the unit does not operate normally or changes in performance in a significant way

• the unit is dropped or the enclosure is damaged.

4. Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.

5. Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure. Do not use or place unit near water.

6. Unplug the power supply when not in use for extended periods of time. Unplug the power supply during lightning storms.

7. Clean only with a damp cloth.

8. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

9. Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure to practice “safe listening.”

Constrictor Pilot’s Handbook

Output your ToneCore to

your amplifer, or route it

through another pedal.

DRIVE

LEVEL

SCOOP

BASS MID TREBLE

GATE

•

•

•

METAL

PULVERIZE

INSANE

OFF • 1

2

GATE

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

Connect your guitar

using a standard

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

•

COMPACT

SQUEEZE

MELLOW

cable.

SPEED DEPTH PEAK SHAPE

OFF

TAP TEMPO:

OPTO

TAP LIGHTLY

•

•

BIAS

PAN

You can, of

course,

feed your

ToneCore

with another

effect pedal
instead of a

guitar.

Greetings and salutations! Thank you for inviting the
Line 6 Constrictor compressor pedal into your life.

Effect On-Off / Power Indicator Light

The Power Indicator Light on your ToneCore uses two
colors to indicate the pedal’s state:

•Light not lit – Effect is bypassed (off)

•GREEN – Effect is engaged (on)

•RED (flashing) – Batteries should be replaced

This low power indication will override all other states

Connections and Power Indicator Light

In Jack

Here’s where it all begins. Use a standard guitar cable
to connect your guitar, or the output of another effect
to use in combination with your ToneCore. Like most

pedals, inserting a plug into this jack will turn on the
power to your ToneCore. Disconnect the plug from
this jack when the ToneCore is not being used.

Out Jack

Use a standard guitar cable to connect to the input of
a guitar amp, or the input of another effect that will feed
your amp.

Power Jack

Connect an optional ToneCore-compatible Line 6
power supply like the DC-1, and you'll never need a
9-volt battery again!

Foot Switch

Stomp on this to turn Constrictor’s effect sound
processing on and off.

Constrictor Pilot’s Handbook

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

GATE

COMPACT

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Level

This sets the output level. Higher levels will hit the amp
or effect fed by the Constrictor with more signal level,
giving your more volume. If the level is high enough,
it may also cause more distortion to be created within
the receiving amp or pedal.

Gate

With this knob at minimum (fully counter-clockwise),
the noise gate is off. Turn this knob clockwise to
increase the amount of gating. Use higher settings when
there’s more noise to tame.

Controls

Model Switch

Give this a flick to reconfigure the virtual circuitry
inside your Constrictor, and enjoy three distinctly
different sound “flavors”:

Compact fits easily into most parking spaces—oops,
wrong manual! Actually, this model is based on vintage
stomp box compressors from the 70’s and gives a slight
mid frequency boost. The virtual circuitry of the
Constrictor is automagically reconfigured to run a

37.5:1 compression ratio, 10ms attack & 295ms release
time when this model is run.

Sustain

Set this at minimum to even out the difference between
your loud and quiet playing, without changing sustain
too much. Or max it out to bring pretty much
everything to the same level, with super sustain.

Squeeze gives you 80’s stomp box-style compression
with a pleasant treble boost. It runs a 19.5:1
compression ratio, 31ms attack & 98ms release time.

Mellow model is the place to be when you’re in the
mood for a classic opto tube compressor sound, with a
nice, flat frequency response. It’s got 3:1 compression
ratio, 10ms attack & 82ms release time.

Battery Access Instructions

1) Depress pedal fully.

While holding pedal,

2)
squeeze both sides of
hinge as shown.

Squeezing hinge,

3)
raise pedal to
reveal battery.

Power Supply

Connect an optional Line 6 DC-1 power supply and
you'll never need a 9-volt battery again! It is also
compatible with most popular 9 Volt DC stomp boxes.
Using the power supply will disconnect the battery.

Battery Access Instructions

POWER REQUIREMENTS

Min Nominal Max

Supply Voltage 6 VDC 9.6 VDC 16 VDC

Supply Current
@ 9.6 VDC 40mADC 60mADC 100mADC

+

Power
@ 9.6VDC 0.4 Watt 0.6 Watt 1 Watt

Constrictor Pilot’s Handbook

GATE

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

COMPACT

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

GATE

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

COMPACT

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Mark the knob and switch settings for your favorite tones above.

GATE

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

COMPACT

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Example Tones

GATE

SUSTAINLEVEL

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

COMPACT

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Heavy Compression

This setting is for heavy clamping
compression. Try it with some
standard country licks.

GATE

SUSTAINLEVEL

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

COMPACT

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Funk Splat

Slip on your sequined leisure suit
and feel the rhythm move you as
you bust out this setting for a nice,
bright compression that’s perfect for
a freaky bit of funk.

GATE

SUSTAINLEVEL

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

COMPACT

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Smooth Opto Compression

When its time for a bit of polish,
spin up this setting and enjoy a
classically smooth studio opto
compressor experience.

Constrictor Pilot’s Handbook

Please register your purchase now at www.line6.com/register. Or fill out and send in the included
registration card. Once you’re registered, we can handle problems faster and inform you of advance information,
upgrades and other news. Thanks in advance for registering, and good luck in your music!

Line 6, Inc. (hereinafter “Line 6”) warrants that your new Line 6 product, when purchased at an authorized Line
6 dealer in the United States of America (“USA”) or Canada, shall be free of defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. Please contact your dealer for information on
warranty and service outside of the USA and Canada.

During the warranty period, Line 6 shall, at its sole option, either repair or replace any product that proves to
be defective upon inspection by Line 6.

Line 6 reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair and to change or improve the design of the
product at any time without notice. Line 6 reserves the right to use reconditioned parts and assemblies as
warranty replacements for authorized repairs.

This warranty is extended to the original retail purchaser. This warranty can be transferred to anyone who may
subsequently purchase this product provided that such transfer is made within the applicable warranty period
and Line 6 is provided with all of the following items: (i) all warranty registration information (as set forth on
the registration card) for the new owner, (ii) proof of the transfer within thirty (30) days of the transfer purchase,
and (iii) a photocopy of the original sales receipt. Warranty coverage shall be determined by Line 6 in its sole
discretion.

This is your sole warranty. Line 6 does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales representative,
to assume any liability on behalf of Line 6 or to make any warranty for Line 6.

Warranty Information

Line 6 may, at its option, require proof of original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of original authorized
dealer’s invoice or sales receipt.

Service and repairs of Line 6 products are to be performed only at the Line 6 factory or a Line 6 authorized
service center. Line 6 may require advanced authorization of repairs to authorized service centers. Unauthorized
service, repair or modification will void this warranty.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY GIVEN BY LINE 6 AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXCEEDING THE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THIS WARRANTY ARE HEREBY
DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS
WARRANTY PERIOD (1 YEAR), LINE 6 SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. LINE 6 SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY THE PURCHASER OR ANY THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT. LINE 6 SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY EXPENSES, CLAIMS, OR SUITS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING. Some states
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties so some of the above limitations and exclusions may
not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state
to state. This warranty only applies to products sold and used in the USA and Canada. Line 6 shall not be liable for
damages or loss resulting from the negligent or intentional acts of the shipper or its contracted affiliates. You should
contact the shipper for proper claims procedures in the event of damage or loss resulting from shipment.

DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

Customer Service

Before contacting the Line 6 Customer Service team, please take the time to look through this publication to see
if it can answer your questions. Additional helpful information is on the Support page of the Line 6 web site at
www.line6.com/support , including the searchable Knowlegebase/FAQTRAQ system which is often the fastest
and easiest way to get the answers you need.

Need to talk to an actual human on the Line 6 Customer Service team by phone? Have your serial number handy
and take some notes for yourself before you call, so you remember everything you want to ask about. In the USA
or Canada, you can contact Line 6 at [phone], 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday (Pacific Time). Outside
the USA and Canada, please contact your distributor directly to arrange service. The list of Line 6 distributors
is available on the Internet at www.line6.com.

To obtain factory service
You must obtain a return authorization (RA) number before sending any unit to Line 6 for service. Products
returned without an RA number will be returned to your at your sole expense. If you live in the United

States, log an incident in our online support system at www.line6.com/support or call [phone] or and we
will help you find the best way to get your unit repaired, whether it be returning the unit to Line 6 or finding an
Authorized Service Center. If you live in Europe, email [e-mail] or call Line 6 UK at [phone]

1600. If you live outside of these areas, please contact your local distributor. If you do not know whom your distributor
is, either call us at [phone] or use the distributor locator at www.line6.com/support .

Line 6, ToneCore, Constrictor, Crunchtone, Echo Park, Space Chorus,

Tap Tremolo und Über Metal sind Warenzeichen der Line 6, Inc.

VORSICHT

Dieses Gerät entspricht den Grenzwerten von “Part 15” der FCC-Bestimmungen für Digital-Geräte der Klasse
B. Die Bedienung unterliegt folgenden beiden Bedingungen: (1) Das Gerät darf keine schädlichen Interferenzen
verursachen; (2) das Gerät muss alle empfangenen Interferenzen akzeptieren, darunter auch Interferenzen, die
Funktionsstörungen verursachen könnten.

WARNUNG

Um Brand- und Stromschlaggefahr zu vermeiden, dieses Gerät niemals Regen oder Feuchtigkeit aussetzen.

Das Ausrufezeichen in einem Dreieck
bedeutet “Vorsicht!” Lies dir alle
Informationen neben solchen Symbolen
sorgfältig durch.

Constrictor – Pilotenhandbuch ©2004, Line 6, Inc.

Der Blitz in einem Dreieck stellt eine
“elektrische Warnung” bezüglich der
benötigten Stromspannung bzw. einer
denkbaren Stromschlaggefahr dar.

Bitte die folgenden wichtigen Sicherheitshinweise

durchlesen. Bewahre diese Anleitung an einem

sicheren Ort auf.

Vor dem Einsatz des ToneCore musst du dir alle zutreffenden Punkte und Sicherheitshinweise durchlesen.

1. Beachte alle auf dem ToneCore selbst und im Pilotenhandbuch aufgeführten Warnungen.

2. Verbinde das optionale Netzteil nur mit einer 100~120V- bzw. 200~240V/47~63Hz-Steckdose (je nachdem, welche Spannung dein Modell benötigt;
siehe das Typenschild des Netzteils).

3. Führe nur die im ToneCore-Pilotenhandbuch erwähnten Bedienvorgänge aus. In folgenden Fällen muss das Produkt zur Reparatur eingereicht werdens:

• wenn das Netzkabel oder der Stecker beschädigt ist

• wenn Flüssigkeiten oder Fremdkörper in das Geräteinnere gelangt sind

• wenn das Produkt Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war

• wenn sich das Gerät abnormal oder nicht mehr in vollem Umfang erwartungsgemäß verhält

• wenn das Produkt hingefallen ist und das Gehäuse Schäden aufweist.

4. Stelle das Produkt niemals in die Nähe von Wärmequellen, z.B. Heizkörpern, Öfen oder anderen Geräten, die starke Hitze erzeugen.

5. Sorge dafür, dass weder Fremdkörper noch Flüssigkeiten in das Geräteinnere gelangen. Verwende dieses Produkt niemals in der Nähe von Wasser.

6. Löse den Netzanschluss, wenn du das Gerät längere Zeit nicht verwenden möchtest. Im Falle eines Gewitters muss sofort der Netzanschluss gelöst
werden.

7. Reinige diese Produkt nur mit einem feuchten Tuch.

8. Verwende nur Halterungen/Zubehörteile, die vom Hersteller ausdrücklich empfohlen werden.

9. Setze dich niemals über längere Zeiträume hohen Schallpegeln aus, weil das zu Gehörverlust führen kann. Achte immer auf einen auch aus medizinischer
Warte “vernünftigen” Pegel.

Constrictor-Pilotenhandbuch

Verbinde den Ausgang des ToneCore-

Pedals mit dem Eingang deines Verstärkers

oder eines anderen Pedals.

DRIVE

LEVEL

SCOOP

BASS MID TREBLE

GATE

•

•

•

METAL

PULVERIZE

INSANE

OFF • 1

2

GATE

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

Für die Verbindung der

Gitarre benötigst du ein

herkömmliches Kabel.

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

•

COMPACT

SQUEEZE

MELLOW

SPEED DEPTH PEAK SHAPE

OFF

TAP TEMPO:

OPTO

TAP LIGHTLY

Selbstverständlich
kann man auch den

Ausgang eines

•

•

BIAS

PAN

anderen Effekt-

pedals an das

ToneCore-Pedal

anschließen.

Sei gegrüßt und geküsst! Erstmal vielen Dank, dass du
dich zur Adoption eines “Constrictor” Kompressor­pedals von Line 6 durchgerungen hast.

Effekt-/Stromdiode

Die Stromdiode zeigt den Status des ToneCore-Pedals
anhand zweier Farben an:

•Diode aus – Der Effekt wird umgangen (aus)

•GRÜN – Der Effekt ist aktiv (an)

•ROT (blinkt) – Die Batterie muss ausgewechselt
werden. Diese Warnung hat Vorrang vor allen anderen

Angaben.

Anschlüsse und Stromanzeige

Eingang

Hier geht’s los. Schließe hier das Kabel deiner Gitarre
bzw. den Ausgang eines anderen Effekts an, den du mit
diesem ToneCore kombinieren möchtest. Wie die

meisten Tretminen wird das ToneCore eingeschaltet,
sobald man hier einen Klinkenstecker anschließt. Löse
jene Verbindung also, wann immer du das ToneCore­Pedal nicht verwenden möchtest.

Ausgang: Diese Buchse musst du über ein
herkömmliches Gitarrenkabel mit dem Verstärker bzw.
dem Eingang eines anderen Effektpedals verbinden.

Netzanschluss: Wenn du hier ein (optionales)
ToneCore-kompatibles Netzteil wie das DC-1 von Line
6 anschließt, brauchst du nie mehr eine 9V-Batterie!

Fußschalter: Hiermit schaltest du den Constrictor­Effekt abwechselnd ein und aus.

Constrictor-Pilotenhandbuch

COMPRESSOR DYNAMICS

GATE

COMPACT

SUSTAINLEVEL

•

SQUEEZE

•

MELLOW

Level

Hiermit regelst du die Lautstärke. Je weiter du den
Regler nach rechts drehst, desto lauter ist das
Constrictor-Ausgangssignal. Wenn der Pegel zu hoch
ist, fängt der Verstärker eventuell an zu zerren, was wohl
nicht immer in deinem Sinn ist.

Gate

Wenn sich dieser Regler auf dem Mindestwert (ganz
links) befindet, ist das Noise Gate ausgeschaltet. Je
weiter du ihn nach rechts drehst, desto höher muss der
Pegel des Nutzsignals sein. Stelle ihn immer so ein, dass
nur Rauschen und Brummen unterdrückt werden.

Sustain

Drehe diesen Regler ganz nach links, wenn das Pedal
nur Pegelsprünge verhindern soll, ohne etwas am
Sustain zu ändern. Drehe ihn ganz nach rechts, wenn
alle Noten gleich laut sein und länger gehalten werden
sollen.

Bedienelemente

Modellwahlschalter

Hiermit kannst du die virtuellen Schaltkreise des Constrictor
“umpolen” und eine von drei Bearbeitungen wählen:

“Compact” bedeutet, dass man auch in die kleinste
Parklücke passt… Huch, falsche Anleitung! Dieses Modell
beruht auf dem Sound der Kompressorpedale, die in den
1970ern verwendet wurden. Er hebt die Mitten leicht an. Bei
Anwahl dieses Modells stellt das Constrictor-Pedal
automagisch ein Kompressionsverhältnis von 37.5:1, eine
Anstiegszeit von 10ms und eine Abklingrate von 295ms ein.

“Squeeze” liefert die Kompression von Effektpedalen der
1980er. Hier werden die Höhen angenehm betont. Die
Vorgaben lauten: Kompressionsverhältnis= 19.5:1,
Anstiegszeit= 31ms, Abklingrate= 98ms.

“Mellow” erzeugt den Sound eines “klassischen”
Röhrenkompressors der edelsten Sorte mit einem neutralen
Frequenzgang. Die Vorgaben lauten: Kompressionsverhältnis=
3:1, Anstiegszeit= 10ms, Abklingrate= 82ms.