Source Audio SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User manual

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 1

Spectrum Intelligent Filter

User Guide

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the Spectrum Intelligent Filter. The Source Audio Spectrum Intelligent Filter
is the most powerful stereo filter effect pedal ever created. Building on almost 15 years of filter pedal
technology and know-how, Spectrum is the culmination of Source Audio’s top envelope sounds and
their best thinking on how to deliver those sounds to any rig. The pedal not only features envelope
filter effects inspired by the most iconic and sought-after effects pedals on the market, it also
includes the option of octave tones and distortion, making Spectrum a cleverly integrated, all-in-one
jam/funk machine. Whether you want to easily plug and play with its six carefully crafted factory
sounds, browse the ever-growing Neuro library for additional sounds created by Source Audio and
other Spectrum owners, or use the Neuro’s deep sound editing tools to create your own presets, this
filter pedal will satisfy the needs of any bass or guitar player.

The pedal comes in a compact and durable brushed aluminum housing with stereo inputs and
outputs, a three-position toggle switch, a simple four-knob control surface, and full MIDI
functionality via its USB port.

The Quick Start guide will help you with the basics. For more in-depth information about the
Spectrum Intelligent Filter move on to the following sections, starting with Connections. Enjoy!

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 2

- The Source Audio Team

Overview

Six Onboard Presets: Choose from six different onboard envelope filter effects. Vintage sounds include
effects inspired by the iconic Mu-Tron© and Lovetone Meatball© pedals, as well as contemporary
envelopes with thumping octave-down effects and buzzing synth-like tones.

Simple 4-Knob Control Panel: Adjust 8 different parameters with 4 knobs. Primary controls include
Input Level, Modulation Depth, Frequency Starting Point, and Envelope Speed. Alternate controls
(accessible by pressing the ALT button) include Envelope Sensitivity, Wet/Dry Mix, Resonance, and
Output Volume.

Deep Effects Editing Capabilities: Use the Neuro Desktop Editor (free download for Mac and Windows)
or the Neuro Mobile App (free for iOS and Android) to create, store, and share highly customized filter
effects.

Growing Published Presets Library: Quickly test and download sounds from the ever-expanding
collection of published User Presets created by Source Audio and the rest of the Spectrum Filter/Neuro
Editor Community.

128 MIDI Accessible Factory Presets – The addition of a third party MIDI controller with USB host
provides access to any of the pedal’s 128 preset slots. Presets are also accessible with MIDI Continuous
Controller (CC) messages when combined with the Neruo Hub.

25 Different Filters: Choose from a huge collection of filters including several types of low-pass, band
pass, multi-pole, and phaser effects.

Dual Filter Effects: Run two different envelope filters simultaneously, each with its own envelope
response and filter type.

11 Styles of Envelope Follower: Choose from 11 different types of envelope follower with adjustable
attack/decay as well as ADSR triggering envelopes.

14 Different LFO Wave Shapes: Use LFO (Low Frequency Oscillators) to control filter modulation.
Choose from eight different LFO wave shapes, including sine, square, sample and hold, saw tooth, and
more.

13 Types of Distortion: Choose anything from a subtle drive effect to extremely fuzzy Foldback effects.
Three Modes of Operation – Use the pedal in Standard Mode for a classic stompbox experience or turn

on one of the two Preset Modes and save all the knob positions.
Stereo Inputs and Outputs: Use the Neuro Editor’s panning controls to route each Voice to any location

in a full stereo spread. Dual inputs also allow for sidechain envelope control.
Compact Design – The durable, anodized aluminum housing has a small footprint and sturdy hardware.

Dimensions: L: 4.5 in./11.4cm x W: 2.75 in./7cm x H: 2 in./5.1cm (including knobs).
Universal BypassTM – Select either analog buffered or relay based True Bypass.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 3

MIDI Control – Connect the Spectrum to the Neuro Hub and access up to 128 presets with MIDI

Program Change (PC) messages. Control many of the pedal’s parameters with MIDI Continuous

Controller (CC) messages or assign LFO modulation speed with MIDI Clock.
USB Port - Class compliant USB-MIDI allows the Spectrum to work as a plug-and-play device with

recording software running on Mac and Windows. The USB port offers connectivity to the Neuro
Desktop Editor providing access to deep editing possibilities and pedal firmware updates.

External Expression and Tap Tempo Control — Use the Control Input jack with the Source Audio Dual
Expression Pedal (expression control to multiple parameters) or Tap Switch (adjust LFO rates on the fly).

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 4

Quick Start

Power

To power the unit, connect the included 9V DC power supply to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back
panel. When running a 3rd party power supply, the Spectrum requires an isolated 9V DC power
source with a minimum of 165mA and a center-negative plug.

Warning: Using a non-Source Audio supply, especially an unregulated supply, could damage the unit.
Please be very cautious when using 3rd-party power supplies.

Guitar/Audio Connections

Using standard ¼” mono cables, connect your guitar, bass, or other instrument to the INPUT 1 jack
and your amp (or the next audio device in the signal chain) to the OUTPUT 1 jack. When running a
stereo rig, also use Input and Output 2.

Once the power and audio connections have been made, the Spectrum is ready to play.

Brief Knob, Footswitch, and Button Descriptions

Please note that all of the knobs control two different parameters. To access the alternate
parameters (SENSE, MIX, RES, and VOL – printed with white graphics), press the ALT (Alternate
Function) button located on top of the pedal. Upon pressing the ALT button the ALT LED (small LED
on the top face of the pedal) will begin to blink indicating the accessibility of the Alternate knob
parameters. The secondary parameters will remain accessible while adjustments are being made

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 5

then automatically switch back to the primary parameters five seconds after the last knob
adjustment.

INPUT/SENS Knob: A dual function knob that adjusts the level of INPUT signal going to the processor,
and also the SENSITIVITY of the envelope filter.

DEPTH/MIX Knob: A dual function knob that adjusts the modulation depth of the filter and the
wet/dry MIX.

FREQ/RES Knob: A dual function knob that adjust the frequency starting point of the filter’s
modulation as well as the resonance of the filter.

SPEED/VOL Knob: A dual function knob that adjusts the rate of the envelope’s attack and decay as
well as the overall output level.

Effect Selector Toggle Switch: Use the Spectrum’s three-position toggle switch and two preset banks
to easily access six different presets.

Footswitch: Enables or bypasses the effect. Also, pressing and holding the footswitch from the
bypassed state toggles between the first and second preset banks.

ALT (Alternate Function) Button: The small black button located on the topside of the pedal next to
the CONTROL INPUT jack. Pressing the ALT button temporarily puts the pedal into Alternate Control
Mode (indicated by the blinking top center LED). Alternate Control Mode switches from the Primary
to Secondary function of the knobs. Also moving the center toggle switch will switch between the
Green and Red Preset Banks (go to the Preset Banks section for more info).

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 6

Contents

Welcome .................................................................................................................................................. 1

Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Connections ............................................................................................................................................. 7

Controls .................................................................................................................................................. 10

The Spectrum Filters .............................................................................................................................. 12

Accessing the Green and Red Preset Banks ........................................................................................... 13

Three Different Preset Modes ............................................................................................................... 13

Universal Bypass TM ................................................................................................................................ 14

External Control ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Neuro Mobile App & Neuro Desktop Editor .......................................................................................... 18

Browse, Burn, and Play!! ....................................................................................................................... 18

The Neuro Desktop Editor ..................................................................................................................... 18

Daisy-Chaining Neuro Communication .................................................................................................. 49

MIDI Through the USB Port or Neuro Hub ............................................................................................ 50

Spectrum Intelligent Filter Specifications .............................................................................................. 53

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................... 53

Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................................. 54

Rubber Feet ........................................................................................................................................... 55

Waste Disposal Notes ............................................................................................................................ 55

Warranty ................................................................................................................................................ 56

Version History ...................................................................................................................................... 57

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 7

Connections

Input Side Connections

Input 1

This is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It can also accept line-level inputs of
up to +6.54 dBV / 8.76 dBu. Connect it to your instrument or other audio source using a mono (TS) ¼”
cable.

Input 2

Input 2 acts as either a second audio input, the data connection for the Neuro Mobile App, or an
input for both audio and Neuro Data simultaneously.

Input 2 as an Audio Input

The tip contact on Input 2 acts as a secondary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It is only
active when the Spectrum is configured with a signal routing option that uses stereo inputs. Connect
it to your instrument (or the previous effect in the signal chain) using a mono (TS) ¼” cable. By
default, the Spectrum will auto-detect the routing mode. Other routing options are available using
the Neuro Mobile App or Desktop Editor. For more information about stereo routing, refer to the I/O

Routing Options section.

Input 2 as a Neuro App Data Input

The ring contact on Input 2 acts as a data connection for the Neuro App. Connect it to your mobile
device using a stereo (TRS) ¼” cable. It can also accept simultaneous audio and daisy-chained Neuro
data from another Neuro-compatible pedal in the chain, provided that a TRS cable is used. The audio
signal (if applicable) will be on the tip contact of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring
contact.

Input 2 accepts data from the Neuro Mobile App. Data from the Neuro Hub comes through the
CONTROL INPUT port.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 8

Output Side Connections

Output 1

This is the primary mono Output. Connect this Output to your amplifier, recording interface, or the
next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable.

Output 2

Acts as either an audio output, the daisy-chain data connection for the Neuro App, or both audio and
Neuro Data simultaneously.

Output 2 as an Audio Output

The tip contact on Output 2 acts as the secondary audio output. It carries an audio signal when the
Spectrum is configured with a signal routing that uses stereo outputs. Connect it to your amplifier,
recording interface, or the next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable.

Output 2 as a Neuro App Data Daisy-Chain Output

The ring contact on Output 2 acts as a data connection for the Neuro App, passing data from the
Spectrum to the next Source Audio effect in your signal chain. You can daisy-chain the Neuro App
data regardless of whether Output 2 is configured to output audio or not. Connect Output 2 to the
next pedal’s Neuro App Data input (Input 2) using a stereo (TRS) ¼” cable. The audio signal (if
applicable) will be on the tip contact of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact.
See the Daisy-Chaining Neuro Communication section for more info.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 9

Power and Control Connections

DC 9V (Power)

Connect to the included 9 Volt DC power supply. The power supply must be regulated at 9 Volts
(direct current), able to source at least 165 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a tip­negative, sleeve-positive polarity (the center tip is ground and the sleeve is power).

USB

Connect your computer (Mac or Windows) to the Spectrum’s USB port (denoted by the icon)
using a standard mini USB cable. The USB port handles communication between the pedal and the
Neuro Desktop Editor or a digital audio workstation (DAW). The Spectrum will also respond to MIDI
messages from an external MIDI Controller with USB host support. The Spectrum is a class compliant
USB device, meaning that Mac and Windows computers will recognize it automatically. For more
information about the Spectrum’s USB capabilities, refer to the USB section of the User’s Guide.

CONTROL INPUT Port

The 3.5 mm CONTROL INPUT Port connects to external control devices such as the Source Audio
External Tap Switch, Dual Expression Pedal, Neuro Hub, and Hot Hand 3 Motion Controller. For more
information, refer to the External Control and Neuro Hub sections of the User Guide.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 10

Controls

INPUT/SENSE Knob

A dual function knob that adjusts the level of the INPUT signal going to the processor as well as the
SENSITIVITY of the envelope filter.

• INPUT (the Primary (Default) Parameter): Adjusts the volume level of the input signal. Given

the reactive nature of the Spectrum’s envelope followers and the varying output levels of

different instruments and their passive or active pickups, it is important to set the level of
input signal. For hotter, active pickups it is probably best to turn the INPUT knob down. For
traditional passive pickups it will help to turn the INPUT level up. To set your Spectrum to the
best possible Input level follow the INPUT CALIBRATION PROCESS below.

o INPUT CALIBRATION PROCESS

1. Turn the INPUT knob all the way down.

2. Continuously pluck your instrument at your average plucking velocity.

3. Slowly turn up the INPUT knob up until the center LED starts flashing red.

This flashing indicates that you have reached the optimum INPUT level.
Leave the knob where it is – the process is complete.

• SENSITIVITY (the Alternate Parameter): Adjusts how reactive the envelope filter is to the

incoming signal. If you like to play hard, but still want a smoother, more relaxed envelope

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 11

filter, you should turn down the SENSITIVITY. For a sharper response to lighter playing, turn
up the SENSITIVITY.

DEPTH/MIX Knob

A dual function knob that adjusts the modulation DEPTH of the filter and the wet/dry MIX.

• DEPTH (the Primary (Default) Parameter): Adjusts the breadth of the filter modulation.

Increasing this knob widens the movement of the filter over the frequency spectrum making
the filter effect more prominent.

• MIX (the Alternate Parameter): Adjusts the balance between the natural dry tone of the

instrument and affected wet signal. A 50/50 mix of wet dry signal resides at roughly 12
o’clock on the knob.

FREQ/RES Knob

A dual function knob that adjusts the FREQUENCY starting point of the filter modulation as well as
the RESONANCE of the filter.

• FREQ (Primary): Adjusts the frequency starting point of the filter modulation. Moving this

knob to the left will move the filter over lower frequencies and create a darker sound,
moving the knob to the right places the filter over higher frequencies and create a brighter
sound.

• RES (Alternate): Adjusts the resonance (also referred to as “Q”) of the filter. Increasing the

Resonance knob essentially boosts the height (or “level”) of the frequency peaks and

deepens the notches in the frequency cuts.

SPEED/VOL Knob

A dual function knob that adjusts the SPEED of the envelope attack and decay, as well as the overall
VOLUME level.

• SPEED (Primary): Adjusts the SPEED of the Attack and/or Decay of the envelope follower. In

most cases turn this knob to the right for a quick, snappy envelope filter sound and to the left
for a slower, more sweeping sound. When using and LFO (available in the Neuro Editor) the
SPEED knob adjusts the speed of the filter’s LFO modulation.

• VOLUME (Alternate) Adjusts the master VOLUME/Output of the pedal. Unity gain usually

resides at around the 12 o’clock knob position.

Effect Toggle Switch

Use the Spectrum’s three-position toggle switch and two preset banks to easily access six different
presets.

• First Preset Bank (Indicated by the green center LED): By default the center toggle switch

selects between three presets (TRON, DUMPLING, THRUST) stored in the first bank of presets.

• Second Preset Bank (Indicated by the red center LED): Pressing the ALT button on the

topside of the pedal initiates a blinking pattern from the small LED on the pedal’s face,
indicating that the second preset bank is accessible with the toggle switch. Upon moving the
toggle switch the center LED will turn red indicating the current preset is drawn from the
second bank. Follow the same process to switch back to the green bank.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 12

ALT (Alternate) Button

The small black button located on the topside of the pedal next to the CONTROL INPUT jack. Pressing
the ALT button temporarily puts the pedal into Alternate Control Mode (indicated by the blinking ALT
Function LED). Alternate Control Mode switches from the Primary to Alternate function of each knob.
Moving the center toggle switch while the pedal is in Alternate Control Mode will change the Preset
Bank.

Engage / Bypass LED

The Engage / Bypass LED above the footswitch indicates if the effect is active (lit) or bypassed (not lit).
The color of this LED indicates whether the current preset is stored in the first bank (green LED) or
the second bank (Red LED).

The Engage / Bypass LED also plays a role when calibrating the INPUT level. Go to the INPUT/SENSE

Knob section of this manual for instructions on calibrating the INPUT level.

Alternate Function LED

The small LED located between the INPUT and DEPTH knobs is the Alternate (ALT) Parameter LED.
Pressing the ALT button puts the Spectrum into Alternate Parameter and Bank Switching mode,
indicated by the blinking LED. If a period of 6 seconds passes without moving any knobs or the toggle
switch, the Alternate Parameter LED will stop blinking and the knobs will return to their primary
parameter.

The Alternate Function LED also indicates (when lit solid/not blinking) that external control mode
(expression, hot hand, or MIDI) is active.

Footswitch

Enables or bypasses the effect. The footswitch is also used to toggle between the first (green LED)
and second (red LED) Preset Banks. Go to the Accessing the Green and Red Preset Banks section of
this manual for more info on changing Preset Banks.

The Spectrum Filters

Out of the box the Spectrum offers six expertly crafted filter effects. Select each filter with the three­position Effect Toggle Switch. See the Accessing the Green and Red Preset Banks section for
instructions on changing between preset banks.

• Tron (Green Bank – Left Postion): Inspired by the timeless filter tones of Jerry Garcia, Bootsy

Collins, and Stevie Wonder, the Tron filter is our take on the coveted Mu-Tron III© of 1972. It
uses a lower resonance low-pass filter, and dynamically responsive envelope.

• Dumpling (Green Bank – Center Position): Another nod to an envelope filter

trailblazer, Dumpling is inspired by the Lovetone Meatball© of the mid 90’s. These higher
resonance, low-pass filter sounds can be heard on recordings by The Edge, Kirk Hammett,
Mike Gordon, and Ed O’Brien. It works especially well with bass guitar.

• Thrust (Green Bank – Right Position): Fatten up your sound with this Thrust! It includes

emulation the monophonic analog tones of the OC-2, when paired with a Notch, Low-Pass,
Peak filter, modulated by a quickly attacking and decaying envelope.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 13

• Punch (Red Bank – Left Position): This punchy band-pass filter option is perfect for slap bass,

staccato finger style funk, and plucky guitar solos. Cut through the mix with thick tone and
quick response via the Fast Attack envelope.

• Vocal Synth (Red Bank – Center Position): Dry signal mixed with gated fuzz and a

monophonic octave down go through the 3-Stage Phaser filter for a growly, vocally synth.
With detailed dynamic sensitivity, playing feels just as immediate and responsive as when
playing clean. Mix in polyphonic passages for wobbly and unpredictable sound effects.

• Octave Lead (Red Bank – Right Position): Our thickest default Spectrum sound lends itself

well to lead lines and solos. Dry signal is mixed with an monophonic octave down and octave
up, and then run through our Peak, Notch, Low-Pass filter controlled by the Wide
Range envelope.

Accessing the Green and Red Preset Banks

The Spectrum can store up to six presets (2 banks of 3 presets) accessible without a MIDI controller
or the Neuro Editor.

• Green Preset Bank (Indicated by the green center LED): By default the center toggle switch

selects between three presets (TRON, DUMPLING, THRUST) stored in the first (green) bank of
presets.

• Red Preset Bank (Indicated by the red center LED): Pressing the ALT button on the topside of

the pedal initiates a blinking pattern from the Alternate Function LED on the pedal’s face,
indicating that the second preset bank is accessible with the toggle switch. Upon moving the
toggle switch the center LED will turn red indicating the current preset is drawn from the second
bank. Follow the same process to switch back to the green bank.
Also, pressing and holding the footswitch from the bypassed state will toggle between the first

(Green) and second (Red) preset banks. Note: if “Quick Bank Switch Using Footswitch” has been

selected from the Neuro Editor’s “Spectrum Intelligent Filter Hardware Options,” it is also
possible to change preset banks with the footswitch while the pedal is still engaged.

Three Different Preset Modes

Connecting the Spectrum to the Neuro Desktop or Neuro Mobile App (See the Neuro Section for
more info) allows you to select between three different Preset Modes: Preset (default mode),
Control, and WYSIWYG (“What You See Is What You Get”). To select which mode your Spectrum
operates under, go the Spectrum’s Hardware Options Menu (the gear icon in the Connection section)
and use the Preset Mode menu. Each mode is universal and applies to all six presets available in the
green and red preset banks.

Preset (Default) Mode

Preset Mode engages a pre-programmed preset. So upon the initial engagement of a preset the knob
parameters will instantly jump to their saved values, regardless of the physical position of the knobs.
Upon making a knob adjustment, the center LED will start to blink, indicating that edits have been

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 14

made. After making an adjustment you can save the new settings by pressing and holding the
footswitch until the center LED stops blinking (around five seconds).

Control Mode

In Control Mode each preset engages with a pre-programmed preset, meaning the physical positions
of the knobs do not affect the sound of the preset. It is, however, possible to reach down and make
knob adjustments on the fly. If, after making a knob adjustment, the pedal is bypassed then
reengaged without moving the toggle switch, the sound will continue to reflect the new knob
positions. If the toggle switch is moved (regardless of whether the effect is engaged or engaged), the
pedal will revert to the parameter settings of the saved preset.

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Mode

In WYSIWYG Mode the Spectrum functions much like a traditional effects pedal. It is a “What You See
Is What You Get” experience, meaning that the current physical positions of the knobs will indicate
the settings of the primary knob functions. Note: If you move the toggle switch to a new position all
the primary knob parameters will maintain the settings of the physical knob positions, but the
Alternate knob functions will revert to their default settings.

Universal Bypass TM

Most effect pedals offer either true bypass or buffered bypass. The Spectrum contains two separate
circuits for bypass mode, allowing you to choose the method you prefer. The true bypass path uses
signal relays, which are electromechanical switches. This provides an ultra-low resistance path from
the input jacks to the output jacks, which is effectively the same as a single wire. The buffered bypass
path uses extremely low noise buffers, which provide very low output impedance and are effective
for driving long cables or long chains of effects following the Spectrum’s audio output.

Out of the box, the Spectrum operates in true bypass mode. To select a different bypass mode, open
the Spectrum’s Hardware Options menu in the Neuro Mobile App or Desktop Editor, then select an
option from the “Hardware Bypass Mode” pull down menu.

We recommend using the bypass method best suited for your signal chain. Ideally, the first pedal in a
signal chain is a buffered input followed by true bypass in the rest of the signal chain.

Both bypass methods have pros and cons associated with them. Buffered bypass provides consistent
input impedance so that if the source is susceptible to variations in input impedance (similar to a
guitar pickup), there won’t be a noticeable change in tone. True bypass has the benefit of providing a
dedicated hardwired bypass signal path. The Spectrum features small-signal relays for true bypass
switching that offer reduced pops and clicks compared to the traditional true bypass switching
method using a mechanical switch.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 15

External Control

The CONTROL INPUT port opens a variety of external control options, allowing for direct control over
many of the Spectrum’s parameters. It is an input for the, Source Audio Tap Switch, Source Audio
Dual Expression Pedal, or a data port for the Neuro Hub.

The Source Audio Tap Switch

The Source Audio Tap Switch connects directly to the CONTROL INPUT with a 1/8” TRRS cable. The

Tap Switch can be used for a variety of tasks.

• Tap Tempo: Manually tap in the rate of the LFO. Use the Beat Division pull-down menu in the

LFO 1 & 2 block of the Neuro Editor to select the rhythmic subdivision of the tap tempo. The
beat division options are Whole, Half, Quarter, Eighth, Triplet, and Sixteenth notes.

Expression Pedals

The Spectrum’s effects parameters can be controlled directly by a Source Audio Dual Expression
Pedal or the Hot Hand 3 Wireless Controller connected with a 1/8” TRRS cable to the CONTROL
INPUT port.

Source Audio’s expression pedals are configured as follows: the tip connection is power, the first ring
is the X-axis expression signal, the second ring is the Y-axis expression signal, and the sleeve
connection is ground.

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 16

Although the CONTROL INPUT port expects a 4-contact TRRS plug, it is still possible to use a 3rd party
expression pedal with a 3-contact TRS plug (Note: you should make sure the expression pedal’s TRS
configuration is the same as the graphic below). Use a 3-contact 1/4” to 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS plug
converter - the expression pedal’s output will be connected to the Spectrum’s X-axis. For proper
operation, the configuration steps in the next section must be followed when using any expression
pedal, whether from a third party or from Source Audio.

Expression pedals with TS (Tip Sleeve) plugs will not work correctly with the Spectrum.

The resistance/impedance of the expression pedal does not matter. The Spectrum will automatically
adjust itself to the range of the expression pedal when it is configured.

Configuring the Expression Pedal

Use the Spectrum’s Neuro Sound Editor to assign expression control to up to three parameters.
Expression editing is accomplished in the External Control block of the Neuro Sound Editor. For more
info on assigning expression control to the Spectrum go to the External Control section of this
manual.

Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Controller

The Hot Hand 3 Wireless Effects Controller connects directly to the Spectrum’s Control Input with a
1/8” TRRS cable and can be used to control up to three parameters. Hot Hand 3 works similarly to an

expression pedal, but rather than rocking an expression treadle to move parameters, Hot Hand
moves parameters with hand motions via its wireless ring. Visit the Hot Hand 3 Page on the Source
Audio website for more details on HH. The Hot Hand has two axes of expression: X and Y. These
signals are carried on the two rings of the TRRS cable that comes from the Hot Hand receiver.

Ground Power

Y Exp X Exp

Ground Power

Expression

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 17

Configuring the Hot Hand

Use the Spectrum’s Neuro Sound Editor to assign Hot Hand control to up to three parameters. Hot
Hand expression editing is accomplished in the External Control block of the Neuro Sound Editor. For
more info on assigning expression control to the Spectrum go to the External Control section of this
manual.

Ground Power

Y Exp X Exp

SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 18

Neuro Mobile App & Neuro Desktop Editor

The Spectrum Intelligent Filter was designed to be a simple plug-and-play effects pedal. Straight out
of the box it offers six great sounding guitar/bass envelope filter effects. In addition, connecting the
Spectrum to the Neuro Mobile App or Neuro Desktop Editor opens a vast library of presets created
by the Source Audio team and the ever-growing community of Spectrum users. The Neuro Editor also
offers a super-powerful Sound Editor for creating, saving, and sharing your own custom Presets.

Browse, Burn, and Play!!

It’s just that easy. If you don’t have time to dive into the Sound Editor, but you want a quick listen to
the vast landscape of sounds the Spectrum has to offer, simply jump to the Cloud and check out all
the available User Presets. When you find something you love, simply hit the BURN button and
upload that Preset directly to your Spectrum – it will be waiting for you at the next gig. For more info
on Burning Presets to your Spectrum go to the Cloud section of this manual.

The Neuro Desktop Editor

The Neuro Desktop Editor is an excellent tool for accessing, creating, and organizing Presets for your
Spectrum Intelligent Filter. The Desktop offers an expanded collection of deep editing parameters,
and an advanced cataloging system for naming and storing Spectrum presets. The Desktop is also a
tool for installing the latest updates to your Spectrum firmware.

Downloading and Connecting the Neuro Desktop Editor

The Neuro Desktop Editor is a free download for Mac and Windows PCs. To download the Neuro
Desktop, go to the Source Audio Downloads page. In the Software tab click and download the
appropriate file. The latest firmware versions for the entire line of One Series pedals, including the
Spectrum Filter, are included with the Neuro download. If there is trouble installing the software,
select System Preferences // Security and Privacy // Open Anyways.

After the downloading process, open the Neuro Desktop Editor and connect your Spectrum with a
USB Type A male to mini Type B male data cable (Warning: don’t use a charger cable). Connect the