Transcript
SAFETY INFORMATION
Musician’s Manual
For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the product, and keep this manual for future reference.
SAFETY INFORMATION ……………………… 2 THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING …………… 3
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the product and described in the operating instructions supplied with the product.
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS …………… 4 USING THE MU-FX OCTAVE DIVIDER ………… 8 NEW FEATURES …………………………………10
INSTALLATION Water and Moisture - Do not install the product near water: for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool. Heat - Do not install the product near sources of heat such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products that produce heat. VentiIation - Situate the product so its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, you should not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that might block the vent openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that might impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings. Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with
WARRANTY AND SAFETY INFORMATION …14 SPECIFICATIONS ………………………………15
OCTAVE DIVIDER
Mu-FX
the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. USE Power Source - Connect the product to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product. Power-Cord Protection - Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by having objects placed on it, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the product. When not in use - Unplug the power adapter cord of the product from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. To disconnect the cord, pull it out by grasping the power adapter. Never pull the power adapter plug out by the cord. AC Receptacle - Check to make sure that the AC receptacle holds the power adapter plug firmly and securely. If the power adapter plug is loose, contact
your electrician to replace the defective and unsafe AC connection. Foreign Objects - Be careful that foreign objects and liquids do not enter the enclosure through openings. Cleaning - unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. SERVICE Unplug the product from the wall outlet and consult qualified service personnel when: • the power cord or the plug has been damaged. • a solid object or liquid has fallen into the cabinet. • the product has been exposed to rain or moisture. • the product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance. • the product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the operating instructions. For all other servicing, refer to qualified service personnel only.
Modern Vintage Analog™
Thank you for purchasing the Mu-FX® Octave Divider™
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
The Mu-FX OCTAVE DIVIDER by Beigel Sound Lab is the authorized and enhanced reissue of the original Musitronics Corp. Mu-Tron Octave Divider.*
1. POWER SUPPLY JACK (12VAC 60 HZ): 5mm diameter, 2.1mm inside pin with outside barrel-to-housing ground.
The Mu-FX Octave Divider takes advantage of the high quality and miniaturization of modern components and manufacturing techniques, and other design improvements, to replicate the “soul” and “vibe” of the original Octave Divider in a lighter, smaller and more reliable form. No design features are removed, and some new functions are added.
2. TONE CONTROL: Varies the tonal “brightness” of the OCTAVE DOWN effect. 3. BASS MIX POT: Adjusts VOLUME of the OCTAVE DOWN (BASS) CIRCUIT in Effect mode. Unity gain is at approximately 8 on the dial. 4. DRY SIGNAL MIX POT: Adjusts the VOLUME of INSTRUMENT input signal in Effect mode. Unity gain is at approximately 8 on the dial.
The principle of operation and octave-down circuit are the same as the original Mu-Tron product. George Merriman, in association with Dan Armstrong and assisted by Mike Beigel and the Musitronics engineering team, produced the first version that was manufactured by Musitronics Corp. from 1976-78.
5. RINGER MIX POT: Adjusts the VOLUME of RINGER output signal in Effect mode. Unity gain is at approximately 8 on the dial.
The new, smaller, pedalboard friendly package and low-voltage AC power supply are compatible with power integrated pedalboards and power supplies from numerous sources.**
6. STABILIZE SWITCH: Improves the reliablitiy of tracking of the octave-down effect for guitar and other plucked string instruments.
* Beigel Sound Lab / Mu-FX® is a division of Beigel Technology Corp. The company has been appointed by the stockholders of the original Musitronics Corp. (1972 New Jersey, USA) as the sole exclusive representative for the assets and intellectual property of Musitronics Corp. and its stockholders.
7. SOLO SEL SWITCH: Used to select whether BASS (OCTAVE DOWN only) or RING (RINGER only) will be activated by the SOLO FOOTSWITCH.
** Companies known to make pedalboard power supplies for USA and INTERNATIONAL line voltages that have one or more ISOLATED 12V AC OUTPUTS include: VooDoo Labs, Cioks, T-Rex, Palmer, Yankee Power and others. These companies are not affiliated with Beigel Sound Lab / Mu-FX. There is no warranty explicit or implied by BSL regarding the safety or operational life of any BSL product connected to any other manufacturer’s power supply. Go to www.mu-fx.com for the latest information.
8. IN Active: (ACTIVE BYPASS) ¼" switched input jack for active unity gain buffer on both Bypass and Effect modes.
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9. IN True: (TRUE BYPASS) ¼" switched input jack on True Bypass Mode. page 4
Controls and Connections
10. OUT: ¼" mono output JACK (buffered or true bypass as selected).
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11. ACTIVE BYPASS MODE LED: Yellow LED indicates instrument is plugged into IN Active jack. 12. TRUE BYPASS MODE LED: White LED indicates instrument is plugged into IN TRUE jack. (The LED does not affect the true bypass function).
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13. SOLO FOOTSWITCH: Activates the effect selected with the SOLO SELect switch.
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14. SOLO LED INDICATOR: Indicates the status of the SOLO mode (Efffect OFF-red, OCTAVE/BASS-blue, RINGER/RING-green) 15. EFFECT FOOTSWITCH: Switches between EFFECT and BYPASS output
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POWER SUPPLY AC “WALL WART” TRANSFORMER (110 VAC 60 HZ) Supplied with product—NOTE: USE ONLY THE FACTORY-SUPPLIED POWER SUPPLY for ONE Octave Divider unit. If other effects are used (i.e. Tru-Tron 3X), DO NOT DAISY CHAIN THE POWER SUPPLY TO POWER MORE THAN ONE DEVICE. Each device
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requires its own ISOLATED POWER SUPPLY, with the same PHASE, connected to8the Barrel and the Pin on each power supply (the factory power supplies are all wired the same and correctly). The auxiliary lo-voltage power cords supplied by MU-FX are also 15 16 all wired in the correct configuration. NOTE: 12 volt DC will not work and could damage the product. AUXILIARY 220-110 ADAPTER TRANSFORMER (OPTIONAL)* AUXILIARY FOREIGN SOCKET ADAPTER PLUG (OPTIONAL)*
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LEDS INDICATE THE POWER ON STATUS: All LEDs that indicate the actual status of the device will come ON when the POWER is on. This is the indicator for POWER ON or OFF. POWER SUPPLY (12VAC 60 HZ) ISOLATED SUPPLY BARREL PLUG AND CORD: Supplied separately for users of pedalboard power supplies. (Depends on power supply used)
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16. EFFECT LED INDICATOR: Indicates EFFECT (PURPLE) or BYPASS (RED)
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Controls and Connections
USING THE MU-FX OCTAVE DIVIDER Initial Set Up 1. Plug the 1/4" mono instrument cable from your instrument or from the output of a pedal in your signal chain into either the IN TRUE (true bypass) or the IN ACTIVE (active bypass) input jack on the RIGHT side of the OCTAVE DIVIDER . DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE BOTH JACKS. THE TRUE BYPASS WILL over-ride the Active bypass, and any signal plugged into the active bypass jack will not be processed. 2. Plug the AMPLIFIER or the NEXT DEVICE INPUT IN THE SIGNAL CHAIN into the EFFECT OUTPUT jack on the left of the OCTAVE DIVIDER using a ¼ inch mono musical signal plug, 3. When all audio connections in your system are plugged together in the correct order, then plug the AC ADAPTER transformer into the AC LINE (110-120 VAC in USA. Line adapter is provided with the product). WARNING-EACH UNIT MUST HAVE ITS OWN DEDICATED ISOLATED TRANSFORMER POWER SUPPLY AND CANNOT SHARE OR “DAISY CHAIN” WITH OTHER UNITS
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Controls and Connections
4. Then plug the BARREL JACK into the OCTAVE DIVIDER and the LED LIGHTS will illuminate according to the present status of the unit. a. Small WHITE LED for True Bypass input b. Small YELLOW LED for Active Bypass input page 7
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Using the Mu-FX Octave Divider
5. Set the EFFECT FOOTSWITCH (left footswitch) to BYPASS (Red LED light). You should be able to hear the unprocessed sound of your instrument at the amplifier or the next stage of the signal processing system. 6. Set the SOLO FOOTSWITCH (Right footswitch) to OFF (RED light).
14. Try playing with all the different settings of the mix control in EFFECT mode, and with either the bass only or the ringer only in SOLO mode.
7. Set the BASS volume control (bottom left knob) to 6. 8. Press the EFFECT FOOTSWITCH to EFFECT position (Violet light) and you should hear the SUB OCTAVE to the notes you play CAREFULLY ONE NOTE AT A TIME AND WITHOUT OTHER STRINGS VIBRATING. 9. Set the DRY control (bottom mid knob) to 8, and you should now hear both the SUB OCTAVE and the DRY signal mixed together. 10. Set the RINGER control (bottom right knob) to 8, and you should now hear SUBOCTAVE, DRY SIGNAL, AND RINGER all at once. 11. To make your ideal MIXED SIGNAL, adjust the three CONTROL KNOBS so that you get the exact sound you want from the full signal palette of the OCTAVE DIVIDER 12. Set both the DRY and RINGER signal to 0. You will hear only the SUB OCTAVE signal. Adjust the TONE CONTROL (top left knob) to give the tone you want for the sub octave. Low numbers emphasize the lower frequencies only, while higher numbers allow a more defined signal with more high overtones. 13. Set the STABILIZE toggle to OFF and try playing different kinds of solo patterns, to see how Using the Mu-FX Octave Divider
the tracking works without signal stabilization. Set the STABILIZE toggle to ON and see the effect of stabilization. Different kinds of playing modes are best accomplished with different settings of Stabilize. The E and B strings on a bass guitar track better with Stabilize off.
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NEW FEATURES OF THE ENHANCED REISSUE OCTAVE DIVIDER SMALLER “PEDALBOARD SIZED” HOUSING: As with the Tru-Tron 3X™, the Octave Divider continues the miniaturization of package size while retaining the control accuracy and even more control functions than the original 1977 Musitronics Mu-Tron® Octave Divider. The pedalboard concept had not been introduced at that time, and the notion of “size” in musical products was quite different. We have accurately captured the look and the construction style of the original Musitronics products in a more compact form. INPUTS AND OUTPUTS: We have reversed the original “direction” of the inputs and outputs to the product and placed them on the side panels to streamline the signal path hookup. Right angle cables work perfectly with the new arrangement. TRUE BYPASS AND ACTIVE BYPASS switching input jacks with LED indicators for each. This simple feature allows the Octave Divider to be used with high-impedance/low output instrument pickups, and placed anywhere in the signal path of complex effects configurations. Just plug into TRUE or ACTIVE input jacks to get what you need for your guitar (or Bass or page 10
New Features of the Mu-FX Octave Divider
Keyboard or Wind Instrument) and your effects rig. Two separate small LEDs indicate whether you are plugged into TRUE or ACTIVE bypass when the unit is on. When the unit is OFF and in TRUE bypass, the signal will pass right through the un-powered unit with no loss of tone or volume.
OPTIMIZED “STABILIZE” FUNCTION. Stable supply rails and high-accuracy timing components, for better pitch-following of the sub-octave circuitry, give more “play-ability” to the new version. Try and see which works best, stabilize on versus off, for your instrument/ playing style.
LOW-VOLTAGE AC POWER INPUT: NO line voltage on pedalboard, and TRUE GROUND LOW NOISE DUAL REGULATED SUPPLY RAILS INSIDE THE UNIT.
SOLO CHANNEL. Either BASS ONLY or RINGER ONLY options are selected by a panel switch. The selected channel is indicated by a multi-colored LED above the SOLO switch, which also indicates whether SOLO is on or off by an additional “status color”. The SOLO channel is selected in place of the full mixed signal by the SOLO footswitch and indicated by a second bi-color LED. (In the original Musitronics Mu-Tron® Octave Divider product the choice was either Bass ONLY or the proportionally blended sub-octave and dry signal control, and with a switched RINGER effect with no loudness control over the ringer effect or the composite effect. There was no provision to choose EITHER the RINGER OR SUBOCTAVE (Bass only) functions.
MIXING BOARD STYLE FX BLEND CONTROLS for more versatility and accuracy of effects blend. The Controls for Octave Down, Dry Channel, and Ringer Process are separate continuous controls that allow you to create the exact blend of all three signals at the exact loudness level you want, compared to the bypassed input signal level. The mix controls (BASS, DRY, and RING) are set so that each control on 10 produces an effect level that is about 50% (3db) louder than the UN-PROCESSED signal. With the controls at 7, the effect signal is about equal to the unprocessed signal. So when you mix all three signals (for example) at 7, you can get a signal that is roughly twice the volume of your unprocessed signal (Sound signals add statistically and not linearly, so it’s not 3 times as loud). So when setting up your FX mix, be aware that the combination of all three signals in different amounts can be made significantly louder than your “bypassed” signal, or about the same loudness, or less loudness. New Features of the Mu-FX Octave Divider
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SUB-OCTAVE TONE CONTROL is unchanged from the original design. It allows for a wide tonal variety of the Sub-Octave from a solid punchy bass sound to an edgy analog sound. ANALOG PROCESSING OF THE SUB-OCTAVE, a method of octave division developed at Musitronics Corp. for solo (single note) playing, is primarily what gives the Octave Divider its characteristic sound. The solo sub-octave tone has unique musicality and “mojo” compared to the either “too grainy” or ”too perfect” digital approach. Devotees of Jerry Garcia and his signature sound will be especially pleased by the authenticity of the reissue Octave Divider. page 12
New Features of the Mu-FX Octave Divider
Jerry’s sound (and “Rig”) prominently featured the original Musitronics Mu-Tron III® and Mu-Tron® Octave Divider on Jerry’s special rack mounted effects and amplifier system. The RINGER (the same circuit as the Green Ringer produced by Musitronics) adds harmonic texture to solo notes. It can now be mixed to any proportion with the Sub Octave and the Dry Input signals or used in “SOLO Mode” as a separate effect. In “SOLO Mode” the Ringer volume is fixed and contains approximately 50% of the DRY signal for a more musical sound. Essentially a carefully “tweaked” precision rectifier the ringer adds odd and even harmonics to the solo signal. The Ringer circuit also modulates multiple notes by each other to give extra “intermodulation” harmonics, both above and BELOW the multiple notes. Effectively, you “play” the intervals between two or more notes to get predictable “modulation products” that can be very effective. When used as a kind of fuzz-tone, or WITH an external fuzz tone, you can get some very nice octave-up sounds when you play into the effect the right way. These octave up sounds are obtained mostly in the upper register of the guitar strings. On the footswitch panel below the signature Mu-FX (a.k.a. Tron) stepped housing, there are two footswitches, each with a multi-colored LED which indicates the mode (effect or bypass) and which SOLO SEL option is activated. If a solo mode IS activated, the SOLO led will display either BASS-blue or RING-green. And when the EFFECT-purple is activated, the MIX mode color will come on. And in bypass mode, the BYPASS-red color will come on. The LED combinations never leave you guessing once you know them. Go to www.mu-fx.com/blog for the latest tips and tricks. New Features of the Mu-FX Octave Divider
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WARRANTY AND SAFETY INFORMATION Beigel Sound Lab / Mu-FX offers a one-year limited warranty on all our products. In the unlikely event of a malfunction due to component failure or defective workmanship, contact us at
[email protected] for return authorization. We will then repair or replace your product and send it back to you – free of charge and usually within 2 weeks. Please note that we cannot replace a product until we have received it here at the factory. User-generated malfunctions due to dropping, intentionally breaking, attempting to repair during the warranty, or opening the product will NOT be covered by the warranty. You may send the unit to us and we will give you an estimated repair charge, and upon your authorization we will repair and re-calibrate the product. POWER SUPPLY: The Tru-Tron 3X uses a specially designed internal power supply that connects to a 12 volt AC isolated output transformer. THE TRANSFORMER POWER SUPPLY PROVIDED WITH THE PRODUCT IS DESIGNED TO PLUG INTO 110 VOLTS AC, 60 HZ. USE OF THIS TRANSFORMER WITH ANY OTHER VOLTAGE WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSFORMER AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO
THE PRODUCT ITSELF, AND WILL VOID ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES. LIMIT OF LIABILITY REGARDING THE PRODUCT AND ITS POWER SUPPLY BEIGEL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY OF BEIGEL SOUND LAB) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCTS, OTHER EQUIPMENT THEY MIGHT CONNECT TO BY ANY MEANS, OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH RESULTING FROM ITS USE OR MISUSE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT CONNECTING THE TRANSFORMER TO AN INCORRECT VOLTAGE MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO ANYONE OPERATING THE EQUIPMENT. USE OF ANY OTHER POWER ADAPTER NOT SUPPLIED BY OR APPROVED BY MU-FX /BEIGEL SOUND LAB DIVISION OF BEIGEL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION IS NOT RECOMMENDED. PEDAL BOARD POWER SUPPLIES: Most pedal board supplies do not put out the correct voltage (12 volts AC – ISOLATED!!! - with at least 100 milliamps drive current) to power the Octave Divider. However, some advanced power supplies DO put out this voltage. So far we know of at least one power supply: the T-REX CHAMELEON, which works with both 110 and 220 (switchable) line voltages for international touring, and has 3 12VAC isolated supplies. See: http://t-rex-effects.com/ products/fueltank-chameleon-1.aspx
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Specifications Signal to Noise Ratio: 90dB or better Input Impedance: Active Bypass Effect IN or OUT: 390K Ohms True Bypass Effect IN: 390K Ohms True Bypass Effect OUT: 22 MegOhms Nominal Input Level: -10dBu (electric Guitar) Output Impedance: 150 Ohms Nominal Output Level: -10dBu Maximum Output Level: +16dBu FX Mix Controls: 0-150% of input signal level each control Input Modes: True Bypass or Active Bypass Connections: 1/4" Input and Output Jacks
Case: 1/16" aluminum Weight: 16.3oz/462g (main unit only) Dimensions: 5.6"(L) x 4.2"(W) x 2.25"(H) Power Requirements US: 12VAC 200MA adapter (60HZ) JAPAN: 15VAC 300MA adapter (50HZ) 220/240: 15VAC 300MA adapter or 12VAC 500MA adapter (50-60HZ) WARNING-EACH UNIT MUST HAVE ITS OWN DEDICATED ISOLATED TRANSFORMER POWER SUPPLY “IN PHASE” AND CANNOT SHARE OR “DAISY CHAIN” WITH OTHER UNITS Made in USA, ISO 9001 standard 1 year limited warranty
WARNING - THERE ARE NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS OR ADJUSTMENTS INSIDE THE UNIT. OPENING THE CASE VOIDS WARRANTY. Note: Due to ongoing product refinements, specifications and design are subject to change without notice
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OCTAVE DIVIDER
Mu-FX
261 OCEAN VIEW AVE., ENCINITAS, CA 92024 email:
[email protected] | phone: 760-633-3868 W W W .MU -FX .C OM Oc tav e D i v i der manual rev 1 1-15
