Source Audio Soundblox Pro Poly-Mod Filter User Manual
POLY-MOD FILTER
USER’S GUIDE
SA14 4
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing the Soundblox Pro Poly-Mod
Filter. The Poly-Mod Pro is a highly flexible envelope filter
effect unit specially optimized for the guitar. With 23 individual filter types, the Poly-Mod Pro contains a wide range
of sounds, from traditional filter effects to advanced &
unique filter sounds.
The Poly-Mod Pro offers a unique and useful variety of
control options. The unit functions as either an envelope
follower or an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) driven filter,
but is also controllable with a standard expression pedal or
our patented Hot Hand® motion sensor ring.
The Quick Start guide will help you with the basics. For
more in-depth information about the Poly-Mod Pro, move
on to the following sections.
Enjoy!
The Source Audio team
OVERVIEW
DIVERSE SOUND PALETTE
Featuring 23 types of envelope filter and phaser effects.
FLEXIBLE ENVELOPE CONTROL
A highly optimized envelope follower with multiple sweep and speed
control options.
MODERN DESIGN
A thoughtfully designed box which features rugged construction and
sleek looks.
STATE-OF-THE-ART DSP
Our proprietary 56-bit Digital Signal Processor, the SA601, and crystal
clear 24-bit converters.
LO-RETAIN
Our unique mixing algorithm carefully preserves the lowest frequencies.
6 USER PRESETS
Easy to configure user presets in two banks selectable via 3 footswitches
for quick access to your favorite sounds.
7-BAND EQUALIZER
Ultra-precise 7-band equalizer for in-depth tone control saved per preset.
FILTER CONTROL
The filter effects can be modulated with an envelope follower, an LFO
(low frequency oscillator), expression pedal, or our patented Hot Hand
Motion Control sensor ring.
BACKPAGE PARAMETERS
A second level of control functions, providing access to different LFO
shapes, Q levels, customized expression pedal routing.
ACTIVE ANALOG BYPASS
Bypass is fully routed around the DSP and active input ensures zero
signal degradation.
QUICK START
1. POWER
To power the unit, connect the included DC adapter power supply to
the 9V DC jack (A) on the back panel. Note: Using a different supply
could damage the unit and void the warranty.
2. GUITAR/AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Next, plug your guitar (or other instrument) into the jack labeled
GUITAR IN (B) via a standard ¼" cable. Connect your amp (or other audio
device) to the GUITAR OUT jack (C), again with a standard ¼" cable.
Both input and output are mono signals.
3. SENSOR IN (optional)
To use your Poly-Mod Pro with a Hot Hand sensor, connect the sensor
to the SENSOR IN (D) jack and follow any instructions given with the
sensor
MIDI IN
SENSOR
IN
GUITAR IN GUITAR OUT
EXP IN
SENSOR
OUT
9V DC
D
CB
A
4. BRIEF KNOB AND PEDAL DESCRIPTIONS
See Controls section for more details.
A EFFECT: selects desired filter type
B SWEEP RANGE: adjusts the direction (up/down) and breadth of the
filter sweep or the depth of the LFO and Hot Hand modulation.
C FREQUENCY: adjusts the center frequency of the filter
4 | Quick Start
D SPEED: Controls the attack and decay speed of the envelope fol-
lower, the LFO speed, or the motion-sensitivity of the Hot Hand.
E MIX: adjusts the ratio of clean to wet signals.
F PRESET BANK BUTTON: select preset bank A (presets 1, 2, and 3) or
B (presets 4, 5, and 6).
G MOD SOURCE: selects between ENVELOPE, LFO, and HOT HAND as
the modulation source for the filter effect.
H TAP TEMPO ENABLE: Enables a tap tempo function for use with the
LFO.
I EQ SECTION: the two buttons select the frequency band to edit and
the knob adjusts the value of the selected band.
J FOOTSWITCHES: Enables/Disables a selected preset depending
on the currently selected preset bank. Press and hold to save an
edited preset. The switch to the far right also sets the tap tempo.
A
SWEEP RANGE SPEED
MINMIN
DOWN UP
B D
MAX MAX
HOT
HAND
C
FREQUENCY MIX
F
PRESET BANK
14
4 POLE LOW PASS SINGLE PEAK
10
09
08
07
06
05
04
2 POLE LOW PASS
03
02
01
00
EQ ONLY
(XD) (XC) (OE) (VA) (Q) (EL) (LS)
+12
0
4-61-3
-12
125 250 500 1K 2K
< >
POLY-MOD FILTER
25
11
12
13
14
15
TRIPLE PEAK
16
17
18
PEAK & NOTCH
19
20
21
PHASERS
22
USER
4K 8K
ATTACK
& DECAY
Y-AXIS
SLOW SLOW
WET
BACKPAGE
MODE
FAST FAST
LFO
DRY
MOD
SOURCE
TAP TEMPO
ENABLE
DECAY
WET
3
(TAP TEMPO)
X-AXIS
ENVELOPE
LFO
HOT HAND
(HOLD)
CALIBRATE
6
Quick Start | 5
E
G
H
I
J
FEATURES
The Soundblox Pro Poly-Mod Filter is a very flexible envelope filter effect.
The unit features multiple filter types ranging from simple to complex,
which can all be controlled by an Envelope Follower, an LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator), the Hot Hand Motion Sensor or an Expression Pedal.
An Envelope Follower is an algorithm that responds to the amplitude (or
volume) of the incoming signal and creates a control signal based on the
input level. This control signal is used to modulate the filter to create an
auto-wah effect. (Note: The envelope follower signal can be reset to zero
between notes by a very brief moment of silence, allowing the next note
played to experience the full sweep of the filter effect all the way from its
starting point)
An LFO (low frequency oscillator) is an electronic signal that uses a
rhythmic pulse or sweep to create a control signal. This control signal is
used to modulate the filters of the Poly-Mod Pro to create an oscillating
filter or sequencer-like effect. The Poly-Mod Pro also features a variety
of LFO shapes including sine, square, saw, step and triangle, each of
which can dramatically change the sound of the effect.
The Hot Hand Motion Sensor uses data from an accelerometer placed
inside a wearable ring to modulate the filters of the Poly-Mod Pro. Either
a wired or wireless sensor can be plugged into the sensor input on the
back panel. After the sensor is plugged in, use the MOD SOURCE button
to select “Hot Hand Mode”. At this point the controls take on slightly different functions. Note that the calibrate feature is intended for use with
the “Hot Hand Mode” only.
An Expression Pedal can be used to control a variety of selectable parameters in the Poly-Mod Pro including direct filter modulation like a
standard wah pedal.
The Poly-Mod Pro features LO-RETAIN, an algorithm that alleviates the
issue of low-end “tone suck.”
6 | Features
CONNECTIONS
GUITAR IN
Connect your guitar or other instrument here using a standard MONO
¼" cable.
GUITAR OUT
Connect this to your amp, pedal, or other audio device.
EXPRESSION IN (optional)
Connect a passive expression pedal that uses a TRS plug here. The
expression pedal is assignable to a variety of parameters.
SENSOR IN (optional)
Connect an optional Hot Hand sensor here, either wired or wireless.
SENSOR OUT (optional)
Use a Source Audio daisy-chain cable to connect this jack to the sensor
input of another pedal.
MIDI IN (optional)
MIDI program and continuous control input. Connect to a MIDI output
with a standard MIDI cable. Can also be used to sync the LFO with a MIDI
clock.
9V DC
Connect the included 9 Volt DC power supply here. Use of a non-Source
Audio power supply may cause damage and void the warranty.
SENSOR
IN
MIDI IN
GUITAR IN GUITAR OUT
EXP IN
SENSOR
OUT
9V DC
Connections | 7
CONTROLS: KNOBS
4 POLE LOW PASS SINGLE PEAK
SWEEP RANGE
EFFECT (not labeled)
The effect knob selects which filter type will be used. There are 23 effect
positions (0 through 22) around the knob as well as a setting for EQ ONLY.
In the EQ ONLY mode, the envelope filter effect is bypassed but the
equalizer still applies. For information on the individual settings see the
Effect Types section.
11
2 POLE LOW PASS
06
05
04
10
09
08
07
03
02
01
SWEEP RANGE
In Envelope and Hot Hand modes, the sweep range knob controls the
direction and breadth of the filter sweep. The right side of the knob
(labeled UP) adjusts the breadth of the upward sweep, adding greater
range as you turn the knob clockwise. The left side of the knob (labeled
DOWN) adjusts the breadth of the downward sweep, adding greater
range as you turn the knob counterclockwise. In LFO mode the knob also
controls the depth of the upward and downward sweep, but keep in mind
that symmetric LFO shapes (i.e. sine, square, 6 and 8 step triangle, and
random) will sound the same in either sweep direction. Conversely,
non-symmetrical LFO shapes (i.e. rising saw and step sequences) will
sound very different, depending on the direction of the sweep.
DOWN UP
00
EQ ONLY
12
13
14
15
TRIPLE PEAK
16
17
18
PEAK & NOTCH
19
20
21
PHASERS
22
MINMIN
8 | Controls: Knobs
MAX MAX
HOT
HAND
FREQUENCY
SPEED
The Frequency knob sets the center frequency of the filter sweep in all
modulation modes. Turning the knob counterclockwise will result in the
filter moving over lower frequencies for a darker sound. Turning the knob
clockwise will result in the filter sweep moving over higher frequencies
for a brighter sound.
SPEED
FREQUENCY
The Speed knob controls the attack and decay time of the envelope
follower or the rate of the LFO. In Envelope mode, the range of the speed
control is divided into two parts. Turn the knob to the left of 12 o’clock to
adjust both the attack and decay times—as the knob is turned counterclockwise both will slow down equally. Turn the knob to the right of
12 o'clock and the attack will stay fixed at its fastest setting while the
decay time gets slower. In Hot Hand mode, this knob controls the sensitivity of the motion sensor and selects which axis of the sensor will be used.
ATTACK
& DECAY
Y-AXIS
FAST FAST
DECAY
X-AXIS
SLOW SLOW
LFO
MIX
The Mix knob adjusts the ratio of dry to wet signal. This knob is also
divided into two halves. Setting the Mix knob to 12 o’clock results in a
100% dry signal. Turning the knob to the right of 12 o’clock increases the
amount of wet signal while decreasing the dry. The right most position
results in a 100% wet signal. Turning the Mix Knob left of 12 o’clock
increases the amount of wet signal using LO-RETAIN to preserve more
of the low-end frequencies.
DRY
WET
MIX
WET
Controls: Knobs | 9
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