pigtronix Bob Weir’s Real Deal User Manual

Bob Weir’s Real Deal

User’s Guide

All contentscAbsara Audio LLC 2018

Contents

Contents 1

1 Welcome to The Real Deal 2

1.1 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Anatomy and Functions 4

2.1 The Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Knobs and Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3 Getting Started 9

3.1 Basic Hook Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.2 Guided Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Single Source Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Dual Source Mode (TRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Dual Source Mode (External Mic with Phantom Power) 11

4 Pigtronix Limited Warranty 13

1

1. Welcome to The Real Deal

Thank you for entering the realm of Pigtronix. Bob Weir’s Real Deal
pedal is an acoustic preamp. This pedal is capable of re-structuring
the sonic characteristics of an acoustic guitar, producing a rich sound
for any scenario.
The Real Deal pedal has two primary input channels, one for a micro­phone, and another for a guitar’s piezoelectric pickup. The microphone
channel goes through a high pass filter, and the pickup through a low
pass filter. These filters then meet at the same crossover frequency
effectively giving you all the high end of the microphone and all the
low end of the pickup. Each channel has a volume control before each
filter, as well as full control over their relative phase and crossover
frequency. The internal +48V Phantom Power allows for the use of
both dynamic and condenser microphones, however the Real Deal can
be used without a microphone as well. With the DUAL SOURCE
mode turned off, the Real Deal can be used with just a single pickup,
splitting the input signal to both channels. Bob Weir’s Real Deal ef­fectively provides full dynamic and harmonic control over your acoustic
guitar, with or without a microphone.

In keeping with Pigtronix tradition, the controls on the Real Deal have
been tuned to provide the cleanest acoustic tone and an adept range
of musical possibilities. The Real Deal is based off a studio technique
that Bob Weir commonly used to mic acoustic guitar and is an idea
that he came to us with. In a collaboration between Bob Weir and
Pigtronix we are happy to bring you Bob Weir’s Real Deal Acoustic
Preamp.

We hope that the Real Deal will provide you with years of creative
satisfaction.

Pigtronix

2

CHAPTER 1. WELCOME TO THE REAL DEAL 3

1.1 Safety Precautions

The safety precautions listed below are intended to ensure your safety when­ever you use the Real Deal.

NEVER OPEN THE CASE - Never try to separate the two pieces of the
chassis from one another and/or modify the equipment. Opening this de­vice will effectively void the warranty.

STOP USE IN CASE OF PROBLEM - Stop using the equipment if ever
you should notice smoke or a strange odor coming from it.
Contact [e-mail] for service.

AVOID HIGH TEMPERATURES & HEAT BUILD UP - Never cover the
power supply with cloth or other objects. Built up heat creates a danger
of equipment deformation and fire. Do not expose the Real Deal to direct
sunlight, heating devices, or other extreme temperatures.

USE SPECIFIED POWER ADAPTER ONLY - Be sure to use only the 18­Volt DC 300mA Adapter that came with your Pigtronix Real Deal.

DO NOT EXPOSE TO WATER/BEER - To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose your Real Deal to rain or moisture. If water gets inside
the unit, turn off the power.

Thank You

The Real Deal represents a decade of continuous R&D involving some of the
top minds in the audio industry. Pigtronix would like to formally thank the
following individuals for their help in creating the Real Deal Acoustic Preamp:
Thomas Elliott, Nick Cote, Howard Davis, Steve Turnidge, David Buchter,
Fischer Mao, Michael McGinn, AJ Santella, Matt Maher, Liz Norris, and
Bob Weir.

−David Koltai

2. Anatomy and Functions

2.1 The Interface

Jacks

1. DC 18V - Use only the 18-Volt, 300mA, negative tip power
supply that came with your Pigtronix Real Deal. Using the
wrong power supply is likely to result in a damaged pedal.

2. OUTPUT - Effect output. Plug in your amp, mixer, or DI box
here.

3. INPUT (TS/TRS) - Audio input, plug in your instrument here.
The INPUT jack on the REAL DEAL is capable of accepting TS

4