1. Inleiding
The Darkglass Microtubes B7K V2 is a versatile bass preamp pedal designed to provide a wide range of tonal options for electric bass players. It combines a powerful overdrive circuit with a comprehensive 4-band equalizer and a balanced XLR output, making it suitable for both live performance and studio recording. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your B7K V2 pedal.
2. Kenmerken
- Combines a preamp, EQ, and overdrive in one unit for powerful tone shaping.
- Features a blend control to mix clean and overdriven signals for perfect balance.
- Includes a 4-band active EQ with bass, low mids, high mids, and treble controls.
- Grunt switch adds three levels of low-end boost for a thicker sound.
- Attack switch adjusts treble content, offering boost, flat, and cut settings.
- Low mids switch changes the center frequency from 1 kHz to 500 Hz.
- Hi mids switch changes the center frequency from 3 kHz to 1.5 kHz.
- Parallel output for running the input signal through unaffected.
- Direct output provides a balanced version for PA systems or studio consoles.
- Operates with a regulated 9V DC adapter (not included).
3. Bediening en aansluitingen
Figuur 1: Boven view of the B7K V2 pedal.
Figure 2: Left side connections.
Figure 3: Right side connections.
3.1 bedieningsknoppen
- mengen: Mixes the clean input signal with the overdriven signal. The clean signal remains at unity gain while the volume of the overdriven signal is controlled by the Drive knob, allowing for fine-tuning of the blend ratio.
- Niveau: Hiermee wordt het totale uitgangsvolume van het pedaal ingesteld.
- Drijfveer: Controls the amount of gain in the overdriven signal.
- Laag: Adjusts the level of the low frequencies.
- Lage middentonen: Adjusts the level of the low-mid frequencies. The center frequency can be switched between 500 Hz and 1 kHz.
- Hallo Mid's: Adjusts the level of the high-mid frequencies. The center frequency can be switched between 1.5 kHz and 3 kHz.
- hoge tonen: Adjusts the level of the high frequencies.
3.2 schakelaars
- Aanvalsschakelaar: Modifies the treble content of the overdriven signal. Options are Boost, Flat, and Cut.
- Grunt-schakelaar: Modifies the low-end content of the overdriven signal. Options are Thin, Raw, and Fat.
- Lo Mids Switch: Selects the center frequency for the Lo Mids knob (500 Hz or 1 kHz).
- Hi Mids-schakelaar: Selects the center frequency for the Hi Mids knob (1.5 kHz or 3 kHz).
- Ground Lift-schakelaar: Disconnects the ground from the XLR output to help eliminate hum or ground loops when connected to external equipment.
3.3 Verbindingen
- Input (1/4" Jack): Sluit hier je basgitaar of ander instrument aan.
- Output (1/4" Jack): Connect to your bass amplifier of andere effectpedalen.
- Direct Output (XLR): Provides a balanced output for connecting directly to a PA system, mixing console, or audio interface.
- Parallel Output (1/4" Jack): Outputs the unaffected input signal, useful for parallel processing or sending a clean signal to another device.
- 9VDC-ingang: Connect a regulated 9V DC power supply (center negative, minimum 30mA).
4. Instellen
- Ensure the pedal is powered off before making any connections.
- Sluit je basgitaar aan op de Invoer De jack-aansluiting bevindt zich aan de rechterkant van het pedaal.
- Sluit de Uitvoer jack on the left side to your bass ampinvoer van lifier.
- If using the balanced output, connect the Direct Output (XLR) to a PA system, mixing console, or audio interface.
- If you need an unaffected signal, connect the Parallelle uitgang naar een ander apparaat.
- Connect a regulated 9V DC (center negative) power supply to the 9VDC-ingang. The pedal requires a minimum of 30mA. Let op: een voeding wordt niet meegeleverd met het pedaal.
- Once all connections are secure, you can power on the pedal.
5. Gebruiksaanwijzing
5.1 Basisbediening
To activate the pedal, press the footswitch. The LED indicator will illuminate. To bypass the effect, press the footswitch again.
5.2 Tone Shaping
- Start with all EQ knobs (Low, Lo Mids, Hi Mids, Treble) at the 12 o'clock position for a flat response.
- Pas de Drijfveer knob to achieve your desired level of overdrive. Higher settings will produce more distortion.
- Gebruik de Mengen knob to mix the clean signal with the overdriven signal. This allows you to retain clarity and low-end presence while adding grit.
- Experimenteer met de Aanval En Grunt switches to fine-tune the treble and bass characteristics of the overdriven tone.
- Utilize the 4-band EQ to sculpt your overall tone. The Lo Mids En Hallo Mids switches allow you to select different frequency centers for precise control.
- Pas de Niveau knob to match the output volume with your bypassed signal or to boost your signal for solos.
6. Onderhoud
- Houd het pedaal schoon door het af te vegen met een zachte, droge doek. Vermijd het gebruik van schurende reinigingsmiddelen of oplosmiddelen.
- Bescherm het pedaal tegen extreme temperaturen, vocht en direct zonlicht.
- Ensure all cables are in good condition and properly connected to prevent signal loss or damage.
- Always use a regulated 9V DC center-negative power supply to avoid damage to the unit.
7. Probleemoplossing
| Probleem | Mogelijke oorzaak | Oplossing |
|---|---|---|
| Geen geluid | Incorrect power supply; cables not connected properly; pedal bypassed. | Verify 9V DC center-negative power supply is connected. Check all input/output cables. Ensure pedal is engaged (LED illuminated). |
| Overmatig gezoem of ruis | Ground loop; faulty cables; interference from other equipment. | Betrek de Grondlift switch on the XLR output. Try different cables. Ensure power supply is isolated and free from noise. Move pedal away from power transformers or other noisy electronics. |
| Weak or distorted signal (unintended) | Onjuiste versterking staging; faulty instrument cable. | Aanpassen Niveau En Drijfveer knobs. Test with a different instrument cable. |
8. Specificaties
- Artikelgewicht: 1.1 pond (0.5 kilogram)
- Productafmetingen: 6 x 7 x 10 inch
- Artikelmodelnummer: B7K2
- Kleur: Zwart
- Aansluittype: 1/4" (aux), XLR
- Hardware-interface: USB (for potential future firmware updates, not for audio)
- Signaalformaat: Analoog
- Energiebron: Elektrische kabel
- Deeltage: 9 Volts DC (center negative)
- Stroomverbruik: Minimaal 30mA
9. Garantie en ondersteuning
Darkglass Electronics products are designed for reliability and performance. For specific warranty information and support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Darkglass Electronics webwebsite. Bewaar uw aankoopbewijs voor garantieclaims.
For technical assistance or service inquiries, please contact Darkglass Electronics customer support through their official channels.
