Darkglass Microtubes X 900 Bass AmpCabeza elevadora

1. Introducción

The Darkglass Microtubes X 900 is a powerful 900-watt bass amplifier head designed for bass players seeking versatile tone shaping and high-fidelity sound. It integrates the acclaimed X Engine distortion circuit with a comprehensive 6-band graphic equalizer, offering extensive control over your bass tone. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Microtubes X 900.

2. Instrucciones de seguridad

• Fuente de alimentación: Conectar el amplifier only to a grounded AC power outlet with the correct voltage as indicated on the unit. Ensure the power cable is securely connected.
• Ventilación: No bloquee las aberturas de ventilación. Asegúrese de que haya un flujo de aire adecuado alrededor del amplifier to prevent overheating. Avoid placing the unit on carpets or in enclosed spaces.
• Humedad: No exponga el ampProteger de la lluvia, la humedad o la humedad excesiva. Mantener la unidad libre de líquidos.
• Servicio: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Opening the chassis voids the warranty.
• Manejo: Manejar el ampManeje el dispositivo con cuidado. Evite dejarlo caer o someterlo a impactos fuertes.
• Conexión de altavoz: Always connect a speaker cabinet with the correct impedance (minimum 2.5 Ohms) before powering on the ampLificador para evitar daños.

3. Características

The Microtubes X 900 offers a range of features designed to enhance your bass playing experience:

• Powerful 900 watts of Class D power for impressive volume and clarity.
• Integrated X Engine distortion circuit, inspired by Darkglass X-series pedals, for aggressive, mid-heavy drive tones.
• 6-band graphic EQ for precise midrange control and overall tone shaping.
• High-pass and low-pass filters for versatile sound customization within the X Engine.
• Built-in compressor for enhanced punch and clarity on both clean and distorted channels.
• Three IR cabinet simulation slots for realistic direct recording and monitoring.
• MIDI channel switching for seamless integration into digital setups.
• Programmable mute function for silent practice and recording.
• Auxiliary inputs and headphone outputs for flexible connectivity options.

4. Controles y conexiones

4.1 Controles del panel frontal

The front panel provides access to all primary sound shaping and input controls.

Figura 1: Panel frontalview

• ENTRADA: 1/4" instrument input jack.
• Interruptor PASIVO/ACTIVO: Selects input sensitivity for passive or active instruments.
• Botón X: Engages the X Engine distortion circuit.
• HPF (filtro de paso alto): Controls the cutoff frequency for the high-pass filter in the X Engine.
• LPF (filtro de paso bajo): Controls the cutoff frequency for the low-pass filter in the X Engine.
• MANEJAR: Adjusts the amount of distortion in the X Engine.
• MEZCLA: Blends the clean signal with the distorted signal from the X Engine.
• COMP (Compresor): Controls the amount of compression applied to the signal.
• NIVEL: Sets the overall output volume of the ampmás duradero.
• Ecualizador gráfico de 6 bandas: Sliders for precise frequency adjustments at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.5 kHz, and 3 kHz, plus additional bands.
• Botón de silencio: Silencia el ampsalida más duradera.
• DOMINAR: Controla el volumen maestro general del ampmás duradero.

4.2 Conexiones del panel posterior

The rear panel provides all necessary connections for speakers, effects, and direct outputs.

Figura 2: Panel trasero terminadoview

• SALIDA DEL ALTAVOZ: Two Speakon combo jacks for connecting speaker cabinets. Minimum load 2.5 Ohms.
• ENVIAR: 1/4" output for connecting to external effects.
• DEVOLVER: 1/4" input for returning signal from external effects.
• ENTRADA AUX: Entrada estéreo de 1/8" para conectar dispositivos de audio externos (por ejemplo, reproductor MP3).
• VOLUMEN DE LOS AURICULARES: Controla el volumen de la salida de auriculares.
• AURICULARES FUERA: Salida estéreo de 1/8" para auriculares.
• USB: USB-C port for connecting to a computer for firmware updates and Darkglass Suite software.
• PRE DI: Balanced XLR output for a pre-EQ/pre-distortion signal.
• POST DI: Balanced XLR output for a post-EQ/post-distortion signal, with switchable IR cabinet simulation.
• ELEVACIÓN DE TIERRA: Ground lift switch for DI outputs to eliminate hum.
• MIDI: 5-pin DIN MIDI input for external control.
• INTERRUPTOR DE PIE: 1/4" jack for connecting a compatible Darkglass footswitch.
• ENTRADA DE ALIMENTACIÓN: IEC power connector for the AC power cable.
• INTERRUPTOR DE ALIMENTACIÓN: Gira el ampmás vivaz encendido o apagado.

5. Configuración

1. Colocación: Coloque el amplifier on a stable, level surface, ensuring proper ventilation. Do not cover the vent holes.
2. Conexión de altavoz: Connect your speaker cabinet(s) to the SPEAKER OUTPUT jacks using high-quality Speakon cables. Ensure the total impedance of your cabinets is not below 2.5 Ohms.
3. Conexión del instrumento: Connect your bass guitar to the INPUT jack using a standard 1/4" instrument cable. Select the appropriate PASSIVE or ACTIVE setting.
4. Conexión de energía: Connect the supplied AC power cable to the POWER INPUT on the rear panel and then to a grounded AC outlet.
5. Ajustes iniciales: Before powering on, set all EQ sliders to their center position, and turn the MASTER volume knob fully counter-clockwise.
6. Encendido: Flip the POWER SWITCH to the 'ON' position. The amplifier will perform a brief startup sequence.

6. Instrucciones de funcionamiento

6.1 Funcionamiento básico

1. After setup, slowly increase the MASTER volume to a desired listening level.
2. Adjust the LEVEL knob to control the overall output volume.
3. Use the 6-band Graphic EQ sliders to fine-tune your tone. Each slider boosts or cuts the specified frequency band.

6.2 Using the X Engine Distortion

1. Presione el X button to engage the distortion circuit.
2. Ajustar el CONDUCIR knob to control the amount of distortion.
3. Utilice el HPF y LPF knobs to set the frequency range for the distortion. The HPF determines where the distortion starts in the low end, and the LPF determines where it ends in the high end.
4. El MEZCLA knob allows you to blend the clean signal with the distorted signal, providing clarity and punch even with heavy distortion.

6.3 Compresor

The built-in compressor can be engaged and adjusted using the COMP knob. Turning the knob clockwise increases the compression, adding sustain and evening out dynamics. This can be used on both clean and distorted tones.

6.4 IR Cabinet Simulation

The Microtubes X 900 includes three slots for Impulse Response (IR) cabinet simulations. These can be managed and loaded via the USB connection using the Darkglass Suite software.

Figure 3: Darkglass Suite Software for IR Management

The selected IR is applied to the POST DI output, providing a realistic cabinet sound for direct recording or FOH (Front of House) mixing.

6.5 Control MIDI

The MIDI input allows for external control of various amplifier functions, such as channel switching and preset recall. Refer to the Darkglass website for detailed MIDI implementation charts and compatible footswitches.

7. Mantenimiento

• Limpieza: Utilice un paño suave y seco para limpiar el exterior del amplifier. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Ventilación: Regularly check that the ventilation openings are clear of dust and debris. Use compressed air if necessary to clear vents.
• Almacenamiento: Cuando no se utilice durante períodos prolongados, guarde el amplifier in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Inspección de cables: Periodically inspect all cables (power, instrument, speaker) for signs of wear or damage. Replace damaged cables immediately.

8. Solución de problemas

• Sin energía: Asegúrese de que el cable de alimentación esté conectado de forma segura a ambos amplifier and a working AC outlet. Check the power switch position.
• Sin sonido:
  • Verify that a speaker cabinet is connected and the speaker cable is functional.
  • Check the instrument cable and ensure your instrument is working.
  • Asegúrese de que el botón MUTE no esté activado.
  • Check MASTER and LEVEL knob settings.
• Distorted Sound (unexpected):
  • Check the X button status; if engaged, adjust DRIVE and MIX.
  • Ensure the input gain (PASSIVE/ACTIVE switch) is appropriate for your instrument.
  • Lower the LEVEL or MASTER volume.
• Zumbido o ruido:
  • Asegúrese de que todos los cables estén correctamente blindados y conectados.
  • Try engaging the GND LIFT switch on the rear panel for DI outputs.
  • Verifique si hay bucles de tierra en su configuración.

If problems persist after checking these points, contact Darkglass Electronics support or an authorized service center.

9. Especificaciones

10. Garantía y soporte

Darkglass Electronics products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Darkglass Electronics website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or service inquiries, please contact Darkglass Electronics customer support through their official channels.

Electrónica Darkglass Websitio: www.darkglass.com