Pigtronix Resotron User Manual

RESOTRON

RESONANT TRACKING FILTER

User’s Guide

All contentscAbsara Audio LLC 2018

Contents

Contents 1

1 Welcome to The Resotron 2

1.1 Features: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.2 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Anatomy and Functions 5

2.1 The Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Knobs and Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 Getting Started 11

3.1 Basic Hook Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.2 Guided Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4 Resotron Back Story: 14

5 Pigtronix Limited Warranty 15

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1. Welcome to The Resotron

The Pigtronix Resotron is an all-analog stompbox that brings pitch­tracking capabilities to the world of envelope filter pedals for guitar,
bass and beyond. The revolutionary PITCH mode in the Resotron
allows the filter to follow the notes you play rather than how hard you
hit the strings! This function causes the cutoff frequency of the filter
to move around based on what notes the musician plays in real time.
Traditional, UP and DOWN (velocity-controlled) envelope modes are
also included in the Resotron along with an EXPRESSION input for
foot-controlled filter sweeps and CV modulation.

The multi-mode filter at the heart of the Resotron can be set to Low
Pass (LPF), Band Pass (BPF) or High Pass (HPF) modes. Each of
these voices has a distinctive character which can be manipulated by
adjusting the PEAK knob to emphasize frequencies below, at or above
the position of the CUTOFF knob. As the PEAK is increased, the res­onance or ”Q” of the filter becomes more extreme, up to the point
of self-oscillation. A SENSITIVITY control sets how dramatically the
pedal will respond to playing dynamics in the UP and DOWN envelope
modes, while a GLIDE control allows you to set how long it takes for
the filter to move between notes in the PITCH mode.

A push-button OSCILLATE function turns the Resotron into an analog
synthesizer pedal. This mode shorts out the PEAK knob, effectively
setting it to 100% while simultaneously activating a voltage-controlled
amplifier (VCA) in the output stage. With the OSCILLATE function
turned on, the CUTOFF knob sets the tuning of the synth effect while
the VCA instantly follows the volume of your input signal. The syn­thesizer sounds created by the Resotron can also be radically altered
by switching between the LPF, BPF and HPF modes, each of which

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CHAPTER 1. WELCOME TO THE RESOTRON 3

has its own distinctive waveform and modulation characteristics when
overdriven by the on-board compressor.

Before the signal from the input of the pedal hits the filter inside the
Resotron, it passes through an optical compression stage derived from
our Philosophers Tone pedal. The increased volume and punch from
the compressor can then be mixed into the audio signal using the
BLEND control without affecting the SENSITIVITY of the envelope.
The Resotron also has a TRIGGER (aka Sidechain) feature which
enables the musician to use an external audio source to modulate the
filter.

1.1 Features:

• 24db/oct Filter based on the SSM2040 chip

• Low Pass, Band Pass & High Pass Filter options

• Velocity controlled UP & DOWN envelope modes

• Pitch Following envelope function with variable GLIDE

• BLEND control mixes in Philosophers Tone compression

• Expression pedal / 0-5V CV input modulates CUTOFF

• OSCILLATE mode for monophonic synth sounds

• Sidechain TRIGGER input for external audio

• Hardwired True Bypass Switching

• 18VDC Power Supply Included

• 100% Analog Design

• Circuit Design by Nick Cote

• Sound Design by David Koltai

1.2 Safety Precautions

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

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 Resotron 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 Resotron.

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

Thank You

The Resotron 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 Resotron: Nick Cote,
Thomas Elliott, Cyril Lance, Howard Davis, Ben Artes, Ray Heasman, Steve
Turnidge, David Buchter, Fischer Mao, Vernon Reid, Doug Wimbish, Fredrick
Thordendal and Teddy Kumpel.

−Pigtronix

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