User guide
Thank you for purchasing the
Soundblox Multiwave Distortion. The
Multiwave Distortion produces some
very unique distortion sounds and
does not attempt to model or emulate
any classic distortions. It offers some
new and different distortions ranging
from the more organic to synth-like
and octave heavy sounds. Like the
other Soundblox effects pedals,
the Multiwave Distortion is also
HOT
HAND
®
READY.
Enjoy!
The Source Audio team
Featuring 21 varieties of our distortion
algorithm.
Signal is split into multiple bands
and each is distorted individually for
unprecedented sound clarity.
A thoughtfully designed box which
features rugged construction and
sleek looks.
Our proprietary 56-bit Digital Signal
Processor, the
SA601, and crystal
clear
24-bit converters.
All Soundblox pedals can be used with
any Hot Hand motion sensor to extend
the capabilities of the unit.
Bypass is fully routed around the DSP
and active input ensures zero signal
degradation.
SA120
The Soundblox Multiwave Distor-
tion provides some unique distor-
tion sounds. In creating this effects
pedal, we didn’t intend to duplicate,
model, or emulate any existing types
of distortion. The types of algorithms
we use to create the distortion are
quite different from the standard set,
although with certain settings the
result can sound similar.
One of the techniques used is to
divide up the input guitar signal into
multiple frequency bands. Each band
is separately distorted, and then all
are recombined. If chords are played,
there can be a lot of clarity between
the various notes. It’s possible to
leave several notes droning, while a
melody is played on top. A normal
distortion tends to reduce such play-
ing to mush. Because of the multiple
bands, it’s also possible to get several
notes feeding back at the same time.
The rst 14 settings (labeled
MULTI
BAND) on the EFFECT knob use band
splitting while the last 7 (labeled
SINGLE BAND) do not.
The shape of the distortion mapping
curve is also different from standard
distortions. Normally, as the input
signal voltage rises, the output volt-
age also rises, but begins to level off
and nally pins (or clips) at a maxi-
mum value. With a foldback curve, for
large enough values of the input, the
output will begin to decrease. With
more extreme amounts of foldback,
after decreasing for a while, the
output can begin to increase again.
Maximum foldback has many regions
where the output alternates between
increasing and decreasing. These
kinds of curves add a lot of high fre-
quency content to the output. It also
can provide a lot of control over the
sound, based on the level of the input
signal. With foldback, chords contain-
ing only octaves and fths tend to
sound best. Other intervals can cause
some strange, although not neces-
sarily undesirable sounds.
Using a special shape of the distor-
tion curve, strong second harmon-
ics can be created, sounding like a
note an octave higher. Rolling off the
guitar tone control will help maximize
the octave impression. Complex
chords don’t typically work well for
octave settings. The result is very
sensitive to the input signal level
(as long as the
SUSTAIN and DRIVE
controls are not set too high) and can
give a sort of auto-wah effect.
A conventional distortion effect tends
to turn the guitar signal into square
waves. Playing harder only makes
the transition from negative clipping
to positive clipping a little bit steeper.
With our foldback and octave algo-
rithms, a slightly higher input can
have a radical effect on the shape of
the output signal.
© SOURCE AUDIO LLC 120 CUMMINGS PARK, WOBURN, MA 01801 SOURCEAUDIO.NET
While the primary function of the
Multiwave Distortion is as a stand-
alone effects pedal you also have the
option of exploring some additional
functions by plugging in a Hot Hand
sensor. When a sensor is plugged in
the amount of
DRIVE is controlled by
the Hot Hand sensor. The maximum
amount of drive you can get by mov-
ing the sensor is determined by the
position of the
DRIVE knob.
Hot Hand Basics
The Hot Hand motion sensors are
sold separately and come in either
wired or wireless versions. Both will
work with the Multiwave Distortion.
Additionally, the
SENSOR IN jack will
be compatible with any future Source
Audio sensors.
The Hot Hand ring contains an accel-
erometer that responds to accelera-
tion and is not based on any type of
proximity to the guitar. By moving
your hand or by changing the position
of your hand you can modulate the
effect. For a good description of Hot
Hand Theory, download the Hot Hand
Motion Controlled Wah Filters manu-
al. It is available at www.sourceaudio.
net. Keep in mind that the Multiwave
Distortion can only use the x-axis of
the ring sensor. Please note that for
the Multiwave Distortion, the typical
Hot Hand control parameters can
NOT be adjusted.
Calibration
The Multiwave Distortion has a
calibration feature which is only
used in Hot Hand mode. However,
calibration is not required before use.
The calibration feature allows you to
set the maximum point of the
DRIVE
sweep for any position of your hand.
Depending on your playing style, you
may nd it useful to try some differ-
ent calibration positions. The most
common use is setting the calibration
with the sensor pointing up to make
raising your hand the maximum
end of the
DRIVE sweep. Calibration
can also be useful if you are putting
the sensor on a headband or other
alternate locations.
To perform a calibration
• Turn the EFFECT knob to the
CALIBRATE position.
• Hold the sensor in the desired
position.
• While holding the sensor steady,
press the
ON/OFF footswitch and
wait for 1 second.
• Turn the EFFECT knob away from
calibrate to use your new calibra-
tion setting. Note: Calibration
settings will be saved between
power cycles.
• If you have trouble with calibra-
tion and need to get back to the
default setting, run the calibration
procedure with your hand raised up
at a 45 degree angle.
Source Audio, LLC (hereinafter “Source
Audio”) warrants that your new Source Audio
Soundblox Effects Pedal, when purchased
at an authorized Source Audio dealer in the
United States of America (“USA”), shall be
free from defects in materials and workman-
ship under normal use for a period of one
(1) year from the date of purchase by the
original purchaser. This Limited Warranty
does not extend to the batteries which are
purchased as is. Please contact your dealer
for information on warranty and service
outside of the USA.
Under this Limited Warranty, Source Audio’s
sole obligation and the purchaser’s sole rem-
edy shall be repair, replacement, or upgrade,
at Source Audio’s sole discretion, of any
product that, if properly used and maintained,
proves to be defective upon inspection by
Source Audio. Source Audio reserves the right
to update any unit returned for repair and to
change or to improve the design of the prod-
uct at any time without notice. Source Audio
reserves the right to use reconditioned parts
and assemblies as warranty replacements for
authorized repairs. Any product repaired, re-
placed, or upgraded pursuant to this Limited
Warranty will be warranted for the remainder
of the original warranty period.
This Limited Warranty is extended to the origi-
nal retail purchaser. This Limited Warranty
can be transferred to anyone who may subse-
quently purchase this product provided that
such transfer is made within the applicable
warranty period and Source Audio is provided
with all of the following information: (i) all
warranty registration information (as set forth
on the registration card) for the new owner,
(ii) proof of the transfer, within thirty (30) days
of the transfer, and (iii) a photocopy of the
original sales receipt. Warranty coverage shall
be determined by Source Audio in its sole
discretion. This is your sole warranty. Source
Audio does not authorize any third party,
including any dealer or sales representative,
to assume any liability on behalf of Source
Audio or to make any warranty on behalf of
Source Audio.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Source Audio may, at its option, require proof
of the original purchase date in the form of
a dated copy of original authorized dealer’s
invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs
of Source Audio products are to be performed
only at the Source Audio factory or a Source
Audio authorized service center. Prior to ser-
vice or repair under this Limited Warranty, the
purchaser must request from Source Audio a
return authorization, which is available at:
Source Audio LLC
120 Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-8080 or at www.sourceaudio.net.
Unauthorized service, repair, or modication
will void this Limited Warranty.
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 MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, EXCEEDING THE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED
AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS
WARRANTY PERIOD, SOURCE AUDIO SHALL HAVE
NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. SOURCE AUDIO SHALL IN NO
EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUFFERED BY THE PUR-
CHASER OR ANY THIRD PARTY, INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR
BUSINESS OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT OR IN TORT. SOURCE AUDIO SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR ANY EXPENSES, CLAIMS OR SUITS
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE FORE-
GOING. Some states do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of implied warranties so some
of the above limitations and exclusions may
not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives
you specic legal rights, and you may also
have other rights, which vary, from state to
state. This Limited Warranty only applies to
products sold and used in the USA. Source
Audio shall not be liable for damages or loss
resulting from the negligent or intentional
acts of the shipper or its contracted afliates.
You should contact the shipper for proper
claims procedures in the event of damage or
loss resulting from shipment.