Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide Welcome Thank you for purchasing the Spectrum Intelligent Filter. The Source Audio Spectrum Intelligent Filter is the most powerful stereo filter effect pedal ever created. Building on almost 15 years of filter pedal technology and know-how, Spectrum is the culmination of Source Audio’s top envelope sounds and their best thinking on how to deliver those sounds to any rig.
- The Source Audio Team Overview Six Onboard Presets: Choose from six different onboard envelope filter effects. Vintage sounds include effects inspired by the iconic Mu-Tron© and Lovetone Meatball© pedals, as well as contemporary envelopes with thumping octave-down effects and buzzing synth-like tones. Simple 4-Knob Control Panel: Adjust 8 different parameters with 4 knobs. Primary controls include Input Level, Modulation Depth, Frequency Starting Point, and Envelope Speed.
MIDI Control – Connect the Spectrum to the Neuro Hub and access up to 128 presets with MIDI Program Change (PC) messages. Control many of the pedal’s parameters with MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages or assign LFO modulation speed with MIDI Clock. USB Port - Class compliant USB-MIDI allows the Spectrum to work as a plug-and-play device with recording software running on Mac and Windows.
Quick Start Power To power the unit, connect the included 9V DC power supply to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back panel. When running a 3rd party power supply, the Spectrum requires an isolated 9V DC power source with a minimum of 165mA and a center-negative plug. Warning: Using a non-Source Audio supply, especially an unregulated supply, could damage the unit. Please be very cautious when using 3rd-party power supplies.
then automatically switch back to the primary parameters five seconds after the last knob adjustment. INPUT/SENS Knob: A dual function knob that adjusts the level of INPUT signal going to the processor, and also the SENSITIVITY of the envelope filter. DEPTH/MIX Knob: A dual function knob that adjusts the modulation depth of the filter and the wet/dry MIX. FREQ/RES Knob: A dual function knob that adjust the frequency starting point of the filter’s modulation as well as the resonance of the filter.
Contents Welcome .................................................................................................................................................. 1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Connections ..................
Connections Input Side Connections Input 1 This is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It can also accept line-level inputs of up to +6.54 dBV / 8.76 dBu. Connect it to your instrument or other audio source using a mono (TS) ¼” cable. Input 2 Input 2 acts as either a second audio input, the data connection for the Neuro Mobile App, or an input for both audio and Neuro Data simultaneously.
Output Side Connections Output 1 This is the primary mono Output. Connect this Output to your amplifier, recording interface, or the next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable. Output 2 Acts as either an audio output, the daisy-chain data connection for the Neuro App, or both audio and Neuro Data simultaneously. Output 2 as an Audio Output The tip contact on Output 2 acts as the secondary audio output.
Power and Control Connections DC 9V (Power) Connect to the included 9 Volt DC power supply. The power supply must be regulated at 9 Volts (direct current), able to source at least 165 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a tipnegative, sleeve-positive polarity (the center tip is ground and the sleeve is power). USB Connect your computer (Mac or Windows) to the Spectrum’s USB port (denoted by the icon) using a standard mini USB cable.
Controls INPUT/SENSE Knob A dual function knob that adjusts the level of the INPUT signal going to the processor as well as the SENSITIVITY of the envelope filter. • • SA248 INPUT (the Primary (Default) Parameter): Adjusts the volume level of the input signal. Given the reactive nature of the Spectrum’s envelope followers and the varying output levels of different instruments and their passive or active pickups, it is important to set the level of input signal.
filter, you should turn down the SENSITIVITY. For a sharper response to lighter playing, turn up the SENSITIVITY. DEPTH/MIX Knob A dual function knob that adjusts the modulation DEPTH of the filter and the wet/dry MIX. • • DEPTH (the Primary (Default) Parameter): Adjusts the breadth of the filter modulation. Increasing this knob widens the movement of the filter over the frequency spectrum making the filter effect more prominent.
ALT (Alternate) Button The small black button located on the topside of the pedal next to the CONTROL INPUT jack. Pressing the ALT button temporarily puts the pedal into Alternate Control Mode (indicated by the blinking ALT Function LED). Alternate Control Mode switches from the Primary to Alternate function of each knob. Moving the center toggle switch while the pedal is in Alternate Control Mode will change the Preset Bank.
• • • Punch (Red Bank – Left Position): This punchy band-pass filter option is perfect for slap bass, staccato finger style funk, and plucky guitar solos. Cut through the mix with thick tone and quick response via the Fast Attack envelope. Vocal Synth (Red Bank – Center Position): Dry signal mixed with gated fuzz and a monophonic octave down go through the 3-Stage Phaser filter for a growly, vocally synth.
made. After making an adjustment you can save the new settings by pressing and holding the footswitch until the center LED stops blinking (around five seconds). Control Mode In Control Mode each preset engages with a pre-programmed preset, meaning the physical positions of the knobs do not affect the sound of the preset. It is, however, possible to reach down and make knob adjustments on the fly.
External Control The CONTROL INPUT port opens a variety of external control options, allowing for direct control over many of the Spectrum’s parameters. It is an input for the, Source Audio Tap Switch, Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, or a data port for the Neuro Hub. The Source Audio Tap Switch The Source Audio Tap Switch connects directly to the CONTROL INPUT with a 1/8” TRRS cable. The Tap Switch can be used for a variety of tasks. • Tap Tempo: Manually tap in the rate of the LFO.
Gr ound Y Exp Power X Exp Although the CONTROL INPUT port expects a 4-contact TRRS plug, it is still possible to use a 3rd party expression pedal with a 3-contact TRS plug (Note: you should make sure the expression pedal’s TRS configuration is the same as the graphic below). Use a 3-contact 1/4” to 1/8” (3.5mm) TRS plug converter - the expression pedal’s output will be connected to the Spectrum’s X-axis.
Gr ound Y Exp Power X Exp Configuring the Hot Hand Use the Spectrum’s Neuro Sound Editor to assign Hot Hand control to up to three parameters. Hot Hand expression editing is accomplished in the External Control block of the Neuro Sound Editor. For more info on assigning expression control to the Spectrum go to the External Control section of this manual.
Neuro Mobile App & Neuro Desktop Editor The Spectrum Intelligent Filter was designed to be a simple plug-and-play effects pedal. Straight out of the box it offers six great sounding guitar/bass envelope filter effects. In addition, connecting the Spectrum to the Neuro Mobile App or Neuro Desktop Editor opens a vast library of presets created by the Source Audio team and the ever-growing community of Spectrum users.
cable from the mini USB port on the pedal to the USB port on your computer. Once you’ve made the connection a blue box will appear in the Connections field of the Neuro interface indicating that the Spectrum is ready for editing. If your pedal is in need of a firmware update, the Firmware Update icon (the arrow icon) will be framed in yellow. Upon clicking the arrow icon, you will be instructed on the updating procedure.
Connections The Connections section is located on the left side of the Neuro Desktop Editor. This field displays all connected One Series pedals. Each connected pedal offers the three options listed below: • Firmware Updates (Arrow Icon): Click to download any recent firmware updates to the connected pedal. If an update is available this icon will be framed in yellow. Upon clicking the icon, the software will provide instructions on how to proceed.
Hardware Options Clicking the gear icon in the Spectrum’s Connections window opens the Hardware Options menu (see the graphic below). Use the Hardware Options window to choose your pedal’s global hardware settings. The Spectrum’s Hardware Options include the following: • • • • • • SA248 Preset/WYSIWYG: There are three different Preset Modes available in the Spectrum: Preset (default), Control, and WYSIWIY (“What You See Is What You Get”). Use this dropdown menu to select the Preset Mode.
• • • • Default Input: Selects the default configuration of the Input jacks. There are four different options: Auto Detect (Default), Single Input 1, Dual Input 1 & 2, External Loop (PreProcessing). Go to the Routing and Options section for details on all of the routing choices. Quick Bank Switch Using Footswitch (2 Seconds): By default you can only use the footswitch to alternate between Preset Bank 1 (Green LED) and Preset Bank 2 (Red LED) from the disengaged state.
• • • • • • players pick attack, and the low frequency oscillator (LFO) modulates the filter back and forth at a steady rate set by the Speed control in the LFO section. Turning the knob all the way to the left provides 100% envelope follower control and turning the knob all the way to the right provides 100% LFO control. Setting the knob anywhere in between creates a mixture of both types of filter modulation. Bass: Boosts or cuts the low frequencies of the wet signal.
• Processor Pan Knob: Directs each Voice’s signal to either Processor 1 (the left side of the knob) or Processor 2 (the right side of the knob). All points between the extreme left and right knob positions route the signal to a mixture of both Processors. Octave Controls In addition to the two Standard Voices the Spectrum features two monophonic Octave Voices that can be added to the final mix. Each Octave Voice can be set either one octave up or up to two octaves down.
Processor 1 & 2 Distortion Adds distortion to any of the Standard or Octave Voices. The high harmonic content of added distortion will heavily accentuate the sound of the modulating filters. The Spectrum includes 13 types of distortion, anything from a subtle drive effect to extremely fuzzy Foldback effects. Please note that it is only possible to run any or all of the four Voices through a single distortion type and that the Distortion module has only one set of master controls.
Please note that unlike the Distortion Processor, both of the Filter Processors run independently, meaning that it is possible to run two filters simultaneously. The Filter types and parameter controls for Processors 1 and 2 will run independently of one another. • • • • • • • • • On Button: Engages or disengages the Filter module. Voice Mix Monitors: The four meters labeled Voice 1 through 4 monitor the Processor 1 & 2 ratio of each Voice routed to the Filter.
direction, but a different amount. Unless independent motion is specified, you may assume the entire frequency response moves as a unit when modulated, without changing shape. Note: It is possible to combine any of the filter types in parallel with the same envelope source. This makes essentially for endless filter types. 3 Pole Parallel Low Pass 6 Pole Low Pass Response drops at 36 dB/octave. 2 Pole Low Pass (Low Q) A very classic filter shape.
2 Pole Low Mass (Mid Q) 2 Pole Low Pass (High Q) Notch, Low Pass, Peak SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 28
A notch, a peak, and then a Low-Pass without any resonant peak. (The name implies they are in a different order, but that is an error.) The notch is fixed at wide, and ignores the Q control. Q controls the width of the peak. There will be a little phasery-ness to any response with a notch in it. Notch, Notch, Low Pass Two notches and then a Low-Pass. Peak, Notch, Low Pass A peak, followed by a notch, and then a Low-Pass.
Low Pass, Peak, Peak Two pole Low-Pass has two Band-Passes summed at higher frequencies. Independent motion.
4 Pole Low Pass Low Pass, Peak A Band-Pass is summed with a Low-Pass. The frequency of the Band-Pass is above the cut-off frequency of the Low-Pass. The Band-Pass and the Low-Pass filters move together. 4 Pole Low Pass, Peak Band-Pass summed with the 4 Pole Low-Pass. Independent motion.
Peak, 4 Pole Low Pass Another Band-Pass summed with 4 Pole Low-Pass, but here the Band-Pass frequency is below the cut-off frequency of the Low-Pass. Independent motion. Band Pass Only a range of frequencies gets through. Higher Q's produce a narrower response.
Peak The original input signal is summed with a Band-Pass. It looks something like a midrange control doing boost. Triple Peak 1 Three Band-Passes summed. Independent motion. These triple Band-Passes can do some vocal sounding responses. Triple Peak 2 Three Band-Passes summed. Independent motion.
Triple Peak 3 Three Band-Passes summed. Independent motion. Triple Peak 4 Three Band-Passes summed. Independent motion.
Peak, Notch, Peak A flat frequency response has a peak, then a notch, and then another peak. Notch, Peak, Notch A flat frequency response has a notch, then a peak, and then another notch.
3-Stage Phaser 1-Stage Phaser High-Pass SA248 Spectrum Intelligent Filter User Guide 36
Frequencies below the cut-off frequency are rolled-off, at a rate of 6 dB/octave. There is a resonant peak at the cut-off frequency. High Pass, Peak A Band-Pass is summed with a High-Pass, above the cut-off frequency. Crybaby An accurate model of the classic cry-baby wah pedal. The Q control has no effect.
Band pass 2 Only a range of frequencies gets through. Higher Q's produce a narrower response. Double Peak Input is summed with two Band-Passes. Independent motion.
6 Pole All Pass An All-Pass filter is one with a flat amplitude response, but where the phase is shifted, with higher frequencies getting more phase shift than lower frequencies. When modulated with a sine LFO of around 6 Hz, a strange vibrato may be obtained. This is the only way to add vibrato to the input signal. Mix 1 & 2 • SA248 Mix 1 and Mix 2 Blocks: The four meters labeled Voice 1 through 4 monitor the signal ratio routed through Processors 1 & 2.
• Destination Dropdown Menus: Choose the final Output Destination of Processors 1 and 2. It is possible route the signal as follows o Output 1 Only: Routes all of that Processor’s signals to the Spectrum’s Output 1 jack. o Output 1 + Output 2: Routes all of that Processor’s signals to both the Output 1 & 2 jacks. o Output 2 Only: Routes all of that Processor’s signals to the Spectrum’s Output 2 jack. Envelope 1 & 2 The Envelopes control amplitude and filter modulation of the each Spectrum Voice.
LFO 1 & 2 The LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) can be set to control the Filter modulation. • • • • • • • • • • SA248 LFO Wave Shape Selector Dropdown Menu: Choose from 14 different LFO wave shapes. Changing the wave shape changes the nature of the filter modulation. Choose from a range of sounds, from a smooth Sine wave modulation to a choppier Square wave modulation. Restart on Env 1 Trigger Button: Selecting this button allows you restart an LFO pattern every time a new note is struck.
• • • BPM Button: Provides a BPM (Beats Per Minute) readout in the LFO Speed Monitor Window. LFO Speed Monitor Window: Monitors the LFO rate. Use this window to type in specific Hertz or BPM rates or use the up and down arrows to make subtle LFO rate adjustments. MIDI Clock: The Spectrum’s LFO also responds to external MIDI clock, which the pedal can receive either through its USB port or a connected Neuro Hub.
Use the Frequency & Speed Knob Assign dropdown menus to reassign the Primary parameter of the FREQ/RES and SPEED/VOL knobs. External Control The External Control block is where external expression control is assigned to devices like the Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, Hot Hand 3 Wireless Controller, and expression devices connected to a Neuro Hub. All external control expression devices connect to the CONTROL INPUT jack on the topside of the pedal with a 1/8” TRRS cable.
Routing & Options The Spectrum’s stereo inputs and outputs offer dramatic stereo effects and numerous complex signal routing options, including “side chain” and the insertion of external pedals to the signal path. Side chain is particularly useful with envelope filters, because a dry signal is sent to the envelope detector, while the wet signal is sent to the filter section. A useful template for side chain routing can be found as a factory preset in the Neuro preset library.
• Preset Recall State: Selects the Engaged/Disengaged state of the preset when recalled via a MIDI Program Change (PC) message.
Presets The Presets section, located on the right side of the Spectrum’s Neuro Desktop interface, displays the location of all presets stored directly to the pedal. The Presets section is also where users can browse the Published Presets of other Spectrum Filter users. There are two views available in the Presets section - click on the icon labeled Device or Cloud (located in the blue square on the top right corner) to open each view respectively.
• • creating a preset, hit the SAVE TO CLOUD button. A box will pop up asking you to name it and provide a description. It will also ask you for YouTube or SoundCloud link (this is optional). The YouTube and SoundCloud links are there for you to embed sound clips of your preset so that others can quickly hear what you’ve created.
Browse, Burn, and Play The Cloud offers access to the vast landscape of Spectrum preset created by the Source Audio staff and the ever-growing community of Spectrum users. It’s as easy as “Browse, Burn, and Play.” The graphic above displays the Cloud view of Spectrum Filter User Presets. To test a Preset, simply click anywhere on the Preset listing, instantly the Preset will upload to your Spectrum pedal.
Daisy-Chaining Neuro Communication If you have multiple Source Audio One Series pedals running in series, it is possible to maintain Neuro communication with each pedal through a single Neuro cable connection. Source Audio makes couplers that are designed specifically for connecting multiple One Series products in series. These couplers are available at the Source Audio Reverb.com Store. A standard set of TS and TRS cables work as well (we recommend the flat TS and TRS cables manufactured by Rockboard).
Mono-To-Stereo Audio Path with Neuro Daisy-Chain In the case of a signal path that splits a mono input to stereo outputs, the Neuro data can be input to the first effect directly from the mobile device and then carried on to consecutive effects via TRS cables. The audio signal is carried on the same cable. MIDI Through the USB Port or Neuro Hub The Spectrum responds to MIDI Program Change (PC) and Continuous Controller (CC) messages via its mini USB port.
Hardware Options menu of the Neuro Editors. Note that the MIDI Input Channel is a global setting that is NOT saved per preset. Note that some manufacturers begin counting MIDI channels at zero (from 0 to 15), while the Source Audio Neuro Editors use the convention of counting from 1 to 16. The Spectrum Intelligent Filter and the Neuro Hub Currently the Spectrum Filter cannot receive MIDI Program Changes (PC) and change presets via the Neuro Hub – PC messages can only come through the Spectrum’s USB port.
Several CCs can potentially be mapped to the same parameter, although this is not very useful. MIDI Clock The Spectrum Intelligent Filter’s LFO will sync to MIDI clock messages (also known as MIDI timing clock or MIDI beat clock). MIDI clock is tempo-dependent and is used to ensure that multiple MIDIenabled devices stay in synchronization. A common use of MIDI clock with the Spectrum is when recording along to a click track in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) running on a computer.
Spectrum Intelligent Filter Specifications Dimensions • • • • Length: 11.63 cm (4.58 inches) Width: 7.00 cm (2.75 inches) Height (not including knobs and footswitch): 3.71 cm (1.46 inches) Height (including knobs and footswitch): 5.61 cm (2.21 inches) Weight • 280 grams (0.625 pounds) Power • • 9V DC, minimum 165 mA (maximum 195 mA when connected to a power reliant external controller) Negative tip (positive sleeve) barrel power jack, 2.1 mm inner diameter, 5.
Factory Reset using the Neuro Desktop Editor Connect the Spectrum Intelligent Filter to the Neuro Desktop Editor. From the top bar menu select Device > Factory Reset > when the Confirm Factory Reset window pops up, select “Yes.” Noise Power source: Ensure that the factory power supply is being used, or an isolated power supply or pedal power port providing 9V and a minimum of 165mA. Near noise source: Move pedal away from power supplies and other equipment.
Can I use the Spectrum in my amp’s effects loop? The audio inputs can handle up to 8.2 dBu or 5.6 Volts peak-to-peak, which allows them to work in most amp effects loops. In order to avoid clipping, be sure to check your amp’s documentation and verify that the maximum send level is less than 5.6 Volts peak-to-peak. How do I update the firmware? Firmware updates are achieved using the Neuro Desktop Editor. Download the latest version of Neuro Desktop Editor from the Source Audio Downloads page.
Warranty Limited Transferrable Warranty Source Audio, LLC (hereinafter “Source Audio”) warrants that your new Source Audio One Series Spectrum Intelligent Filter, when purchased at an authorized Source Audio dealer in the United States of America (“USA”), shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. Please contact your dealer for information on warranty and service outside of the USA.
Disclaimer and Limitation of Warranty Do not open the effects pedal under any circumstance. This will void the warranty. The foregoing limited warranty is the only warranty given by Source Audio and is in lieu of all other warranties. All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose, exceeding the specific provisions of this limited warranty, are hereby disclaimed and excluded from this limited warranty.
