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SA250 UltraWave
User manual
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Source Audio SA250 UltraWave User manual

Table of Contents Ultrawave Multiband Processor User Guide
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Ultrawave User Guide

Welcome

At the core of the Ultrawave is multiband separation, distortion, and EQ. In the 1970s music technologist Craig Anderton created a 4-band distortion tool. It was noted for lessening intermodulation artifacts when playing complex chords, but the concept was left largely unexplored. In 2007 Bob Chidlaw took the basics of multiband processing and added cutting-edge foldback distortion curves, which were relatively unknown at the time. When implemented on a powerful Analog Devices DSP chip, the Source Audio Multiwave Distortion pedal was born. The Ultrawave starts where the Multiwave left off and leverages more than a decade of Source Audio know-how and dramatic increases in DSP power. The Ultrawave is the ultimate expression of multiband processing in a pedal. We hope you will enjoy our creation, and that it will provide years of inspiration and fun.
Table of Contents Ultrawave Multiband Processor User Guide
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—The Source Audio Team

Table of Contents

1. Welcome
3. Feature Overview
4. Connecting the Pedal
4. Connections
8. Controls
10. Controls (Bass)
10. Theory of Operation
15. Distortion Types
15. Stereo Options & Signal Routing
18. Preset Storage & Recall
19. External Control
20. Expression Control
21. Neuro Desktop and Mobile Editors
21. Neuro Desktop Editor
24. Sound Editor
25. Master Controls
26. Morphing Controls
27. Compressor Module
28. Distortion Module
29. LFO Module
30. Graphic Equalizer Module
31. Single Tremolo/Envelope & Noise
Gate/Input Filter Modules
31. Envelope, Balance & Knob Assignment
Modules
33. The Neuro Mobile App — with New
Direct MIDI-USB Support
35. Neuro Hub
36. MIDI and USB
37. Specifications
38. Troubleshooting & FAQ
40. Warranty
41. Version History
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Feature Overview

37 Different Band-Splitting Options: Band Splitting options including single, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10 bands. Each band splitting option includes several sub-sets with different band splitting frequency points.
44 Different Distortion Types: Choose from distortion/overdrive/fuzz types that include Tube, Diode, Foldback, Negative Flip Diode, Octave Up, and more.
Dual Channel Compressor/Expander: Compressor features Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, and Output Gain controls with a detailed graphic monitor. Use the dual channel capabilities to isolate compression to specific frequencies. Place the compressor/expander before or after the overdrive module.
A Growing Library of Published Presets: For quick and easy access to a world of great tones, try sampling sounds from a vast collection of published presets created by the Source Audio team and the ever-growing Ultrawave Neuro Community.
Stereo Ins and Outs: Create two entirely different presets and run them in series, parallel or run each to a separate output. Stereo options also apply to the Multiband Tremolo - use the Channel 1/Channel 2 Sync options or the Phase Offset control to create stereo ping-pong, tremolo effects.
Detailed LFO Controls: Use the LFO module to control the Ultrawave's Tremolo, Morphing or Ring Mod features. Choose between a standard Sine Wave or use the Attack/Release controls to create highly customized LFO shapes.
Sound Morphing: Change from one sound to another with an expression pedal, envelope follower or LFO.
Extreme Tonal Control including an 8-band graphic equalizer, a 3-band parametric
equalizer, a configurable HPF & LPF, and an adjustable noise gate.
Assignable Knobs: Reassign all four of the Ultrawave's knobs to the parameters most useful for making quick, on-stage changes. Save a different set of knob assignments for every preset.
External Expression Pedal Control: Make simultaneous, on-the-fly changes of up to three parameters with an external expression pedal.
6 Toggle Switch Accessible Presets: Quickly access up to 6 pedal presets with the Ultrawave's toggle switch.
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MIDI Capable — Connect the Ultrawave to the Source Audio Neuro Hub or a USB-MIDI Host 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 Ultrawave 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.
Compact Design – The durable, anodized aluminum housing has a small footprint and sturdy hardware.
Universal Bypass™ – Select either analog buffered or relay based True Bypass.

Connecting the Pedal

Power

To power the unit, connect the included 9V DC center-negative power supply (at least 150mA required) to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back panel.
Warning: Using a non-Source Audio supply, especially an unregulated supply, could damage the unit. A power supply with insufficient current levels may also cause noise or other unpredictable behavior. Please be very cautious when using 3rd-party power supplies and refer to the power supply requirements in the Specifications section of this guide.

Connections

Guitar/Audio Connections

Using standard ¼” mono (TS) 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. If you have a second amp, connect it to OUTPUT 2.
When the power and audio connections have been made, Ultrawave is ready for use.
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Input Side Connections

INPUT 1

INPUT 1 is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It can also accept line-level inputs
and will work in your amp’s effect loop. Connect it to your instrument or other audio source using a mono (TS) 1/4” cable. Details about the appropriate signal levels are available in the Specifications
section.

INPUT 2

Use the secondary audio input for stereo sources or as the data connection to your mobile device when using the Neuro App.
• INPUT 2 as an Audio Input: The tip contact on INPUT 2 acts as a secondary input for guitar, bass,
or other instruments. Connect your instrument (or the previous effect in the signal chain) using a mono (TS) ¼” cable. The Ultrawave will automatically configure itself for stereo audio input. Other routing options are available using the Neuro App. For more information about stereo routing, refer to the Stereo Operation section.
• INPUT 2 as a Neuro App Data Input: The ring contact on INPUT 2 acts as a data connection for the
Neuro Mobile App. The Neuro App sends data to the pedal using your mobile device’s headphone jack. Connect it to your mobile device using the included stereo (TRS) 1/8” to 1/4” cable. It can also accept 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. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable.
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Output Side Connections

OUTPUT 1

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

OUTPUT 2

OUTPUT 2 can act either as an audio output or a daisy-chain data connection for the Neuro App.
• 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 Ultrawave 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 Ultrawave 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 device’s Neuro App Data input (usually INPUT 2) using a stereo (TRS) 1/4” 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. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable.
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Power and Control Connections

DC 9V (Power)

Connect to the included 9 Volt DC power supply. If you would like to use a 3rd-party supply, the power supply must be regulated at 9 Volts DC (direct current), able to source at least 150 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a center-negative polarity.
USB
Connect your computer or mobile device (Windows or Mac) to the Ultrawave’s USB port (denoted by the icon) using a standard USB mini-B cable. The Ultrawave is a class compliant USB device, meaning that it does not require any custom drivers. For more information about the Ultrawave’s USB capabilities, refer to the USB Section of the User’s Guide.

CONTROL INPUT

The 3.5 mm CONTROL INPUT port connects to external control devices such as the Source Audio Tap Tempo Switch, Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, and the Neuro Hub. For more information, refer to the Expression Pedal Input and Neuro Hub sections of the User’s Guide.
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Controls

Note: The four top-level knob controls (Drive, Level, Sustain, and Treble) can be reassigned in the Neuro Mobile App and Neuro Desktop Editor from a list of many possible parameters.

Footswitch

Click the footswitch to engage or bypass the pedal. Press and hold the footswitch down while the pedal is bypassed to bank to Red LED (ALT) Mode for more presets.

Control Input / ALT Button

This small button located at the top of the pedal is used to enable or disable external control. It also is used to control the ALT parameters on the surface of the pedal. Press and release the ALT button; while the Control LED is flashing, turning the SUSTAIN or TREBLE knobs will access their alternate parameters, Bass level and Mid level.

ON/OFF LED

The ON/OFF LED indicates whether the effect is bypassed or engaged. In ALT Mode, the LED becomes red.

DRIVE Knob

Adjusts the distortion level. Turn clockwise for more distortion and saturation, or turn counterclockwise for cleaner sounds.
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LEVEL Knob

Adjusts the overall output volume. Turn clockwise for more volume, or counterclockwise for less volume. Note: Due to the varying nature of the presets and band-splitting options, the overall output level may change for each preset, adjusting the range of this control. Because of this, there is no hard-set “unity gain” point on the knob.

SUSTAIN/BASS Knob

Adjusts the sustain of the distortion by manipulating the input gain before the compressor. Turn clockwise for more sustain and a bit more saturation. Turn counterclockwise for less sustain and a more open sound/feel.
In ALT mode, this knob controls the amount of bass frequencies present in the outgoing signal. Turn clockwise for more low end, and turn counterclockwise for less low end.

TREBLE/MID Knob

Controls how bright or mellow the overall effect is. Turn clockwise for a more top end bite, or turn counterclockwise for a darker sound with attenuated high frequencies.
In ALT mode, this knob controls the amount of midrange present in the distortion. Turn clockwise for a more warm, classic sound, and turn counterclockwise for a more scooped, modern sound.

Preset Selector Toggle

Use the Ultrawave’s three-position toggle switch and two preset banks to easily access six different presets. First Preset Bank (indicated by the green center LED): default the center toggle switch selects between three presets 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 opens access to the second
bank of presets. After pressing the ALT button, the small LED at the top of the pedal’s face will start
to blink, 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.
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Controls (Bass)

Note: The four top-level knob controls (Drive, Level, Mix, and Treble) can be reassigned in the Neuro Mobile App and Neuro Desktop Editor from a list of many possible parameters.
The only main difference in Controls on the Ultrawave Bass is that a MIX knob replaces the SUSTAIN knob on the guitar version. The MIX control is a dry to wet crossfade control. Fully clockwise on the
knob is full “wet”, meaning no clean signal is present, only signal distorted or manipulated by the
Ultrawave will be heard. At noon, there is a 50/50 clean mix, and at fully counterclockwise, the signal is fully clean (no distortion).
* * *

Theory of Operation

A graphic or parametric EQ is a simple and common form of multiband processor. In that case, the signal is split into separate frequency bands, levels in each band are set, and then the signal is recombined. By controlling the levels in each band, a wide variety of tones can be created. The Ultrawave takes this basic concept of multiband processing to a much higher level in the following ways:
• applying varying levels and types of distortion.
• applying optional tremolo and phase offsets to each band.
• applying compression before or after the multiband processing.
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• applying EQ where necessary to shape the tone.
• allowing for a complete set of alternate states to be defined in the multiband processor and
then “morph’ between both states via LFO), envelope, or expression.
• creating 2 complete signal paths with routing options for parallel processing, cascading,
placement of the effect in 2 locations of a pedal board, and the creation of complex stereo images.

Simplified Multiband Distortion Example

The diagram above shows the Ultrawave in a classic multiband distortion application. Following a gain/compression stage, the signal is then split into ten separate bands. Each band then passes through dedicated and separate level setting and distortion stages. Finally, the ten bands are summed together to form the output signal. There are many interesting consequences of passing the signal though the ten bands rather than a traditional single band distortion stage. Firstly, the distortion tone is significantly more harmonically complex. Secondly, it is possible to play complex chords with more clarity. This occurs because each guitar string tends to find its own path through one of the ten bands and is not “stepped on” by the harmonics of a neighboring string. The net result is a distortion sound palette that is not found on the thousands of common distortion pedals that are on the market.
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Ultrawave Signal Path

The diagram above is a functional representation of the signal path inside the Ultrawave. One should note there are 2 separate signal paths to provide true stereo, stereo imaging, and other multi­channel routing options. The multiband separation, distortion, and gain control lies in the center on
the path. Note that the multiband blocks plus EQ and filtering can be “morphed” between two
defined states via LFO, envelope or expression. For instance, one could create a clear octave up tone in one state and then a highly distorted foldback tone in the second state. If used with an envelope, a struck note would ring with a clear octave up tone, but then decay into highly distorted foldback fuzz. This is one example on an infinite range of possible sound creation options. There are two compressors in the Ultrawave, and they can be placed before or after the multiband processing. Through use of EQ and routing options, it is possible to use the Ultrawave as a 2-band compressor. Finally, it is possible to add phase offset tremolo to each band. Multiband tremolo adds yet another innovative and interesting option to the Ultrawave multiband toolbox. The diagram below summarizes the function of each block.
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Foldback Distortion

Foldback distortion is one of the many distortion curve options on the Ultrawave. It is worth some background because they are not commonly found in effect pedals. In traditional distortion, as the input signal voltage rises, the output voltage also rises, but begins to level off and finally pins (or clips) at a maximum value. With a foldback curve, for large enough values of the input, the output will begin to decrease. With more extreme amounts of foldback, after decreasing for a while, the
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