1. Introducción
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. Características
- 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. Controles y conexiones
Figura 1: Arriba view of the B7K V2 pedal.
Figure 2: Left side connections.
Figure 3: Right side connections.
3.1 perillas de control
- mezclar: 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.
- Nivel: Sets the overall output volume of the pedal.
- Conducir: Controls the amount of gain in the overdriven signal.
- Bajo: Adjusts the level of the low frequencies.
- Medios bajos: Adjusts the level of the low-mid frequencies. The center frequency can be switched between 500 Hz and 1 kHz.
- Hola medios: Adjusts the level of the high-mid frequencies. The center frequency can be switched between 1.5 kHz and 3 kHz.
- Triplicar: Adjusts the level of the high frequencies.
3.2 conmutadores
- Cambio de ataque: Modifies the treble content of the overdriven signal. Options are Boost, Flat, and Cut.
- Interruptor de gruñido: 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).
- Hola interruptor de medios: Selects the center frequency for the Hi Mids knob (1.5 kHz or 3 kHz).
- Interruptor de elevación de tierra: Disconnects the ground from the XLR output to help eliminate hum or ground loops when connected to external equipment.
3.3 Conexiones
- Input (1/4" Jack): Connect your bass guitar or other instrument here.
- Output (1/4" Jack): Connect to your bass ampamplificador u otros pedales de efectos.
- 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.
- Entrada de 9 VCC: Connect a regulated 9V DC power supply (center negative, minimum 30mA).
4. Configuración
- Ensure the pedal is powered off before making any connections.
- Conecte su bajo a la Aporte Jack en el lado derecho del pedal.
- Conectar el Producción jack on the left side to your bass ampentrada del lificador.
- 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 Salida paralela a otro dispositivo.
- Connect a regulated 9V DC (center negative) power supply to the Entrada 9VDC. The pedal requires a minimum of 30mA. Nota: No se incluye una fuente de alimentación con el pedal.
- Once all connections are secure, you can power on the pedal.
5. Instrucciones de funcionamiento
5.1 Funcionamiento básico
To activate the pedal, press the footswitch. The LED indicator will illuminate. To bypass the effect, press the footswitch again.
5.2 Modelado del tono
- Start with all EQ knobs (Low, Lo Mids, Hi Mids, Treble) at the 12 o'clock position for a flat response.
- Ajustar el Conducir knob to achieve your desired level of overdrive. Higher settings will produce more distortion.
- Utilice el Mezcla knob to mix the clean signal with the overdriven signal. This allows you to retain clarity and low-end presence while adding grit.
- Experimente con el Ataque y Gruñido 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 y Hola medios switches allow you to select different frequency centers for precise control.
- Ajustar el Nivel knob to match the output volume with your bypassed signal or to boost your signal for solos.
6. Mantenimiento
- Mantenga el pedal limpio con un paño suave y seco. Evite usar limpiadores abrasivos o disolventes.
- Protect the pedal from extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- Asegúrese de que todos los cables estén en buenas condiciones y conectados correctamente para evitar pérdida o daños en la señal.
- Always use a regulated 9V DC center-negative power supply to avoid damage to the unit.
7. Solución de problemas
| Problema | Posible causa | Solución |
|---|---|---|
| Sin sonido | Fuente de alimentación incorrecta; cables no conectados correctamente; pedal puenteado. | Verify 9V DC center-negative power supply is connected. Check all input/output cables. Ensure pedal is engaged (LED illuminated). |
| Zumbido o ruido excesivo | Ground loop; faulty cables; interference from other equipment. | Involucrar a la Elevación de tierra 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) | Ganancia incorrecta staging; faulty instrument cable. | Ajustar Nivel y Conducir knobs. Test with a different instrument cable. |
8. Especificaciones
- Peso del artículo: 1.1 libras (0.5 kilogramos)
- Dimensiones del producto: 6 x 7 x 10 pulgadas
- Número de modelo del artículo: B7K2
- Color: Negro
- Tipo de conector: 1/4" (aux), XLR
- Interfaz de hardware: USB (for potential future firmware updates, not for audio)
- Formato de señal: Cosa análoga
- Fuente de energía: Eléctrico con cable
- Volumentage: 9 voltios CC (centro negativo)
- Consumo actual: Mínimo 30 mA
9. Garantía y soporte
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 webSitio. Conserve su comprobante de compra para reclamaciones de garantía.
For technical assistance or service inquiries, please contact Darkglass Electronics customer support through their official channels.
