Pedal Switcher Owner’s Manual Version 1.
Please visit our web site at: www.voodoolab.com Copyright ©2007 by Voodoo Lab This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any form without the express prior consent in writing from Voodoo Lab. Voodoo Lab is a trademark of Digital Music Corp.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What is Pedal Switcher? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 AUDIO CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTRODUCTION WHAT IS PEDAL SWITCHER? Designed to sit on your pedalboard, Pedal Switcher gives you 4 true bypass loops that send your signal only to the pedals you’re using. On a traditional pedalboard, even when the effects are off, your signal still goes through numerous tone-trashing buffers, solid-state switches and patch cables. Thanks to Pedal Switcher’s true bypass switching via gold relays sealed in nitrogen, no matter how many pedals you use, your tone will stay pure and dynamic.
REAR PANEL MADE IN U.S.A. POWER BUFFER INPUT SEND 1 RETURN 1 SEND 2 RETURN 2 SEND 3 RETURN 3 INSERT SEND 4 RETURN 4 OUTPUT 9VAC MIDI OUT MIDI IN Buffer – This input is buffered before reaching the 4 audio loops. This allows you to drive long cable runs and multiple devices. Input – This input is passive which gives you a direct feed into the 4 audio loops. If you’re not sure which input to use, read the section: Do I use the Buffer or Passive input? Send 1/Return 1 – Audio Loop 1.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS Do I use the Buffer or Passive input? Guitar pickup tone is greatly affected by the input characteristics of the devices you’re plugging into. Typical buffers found in most common pedals utilize bipolar transistor components resulting in an unnatural sound. Unlike those, Pedal Switcher’s BUFFER input is carefully matched to those of tube amplifier inputs.
The only completely transparent way to switch both instrument and line level signals (with no audible distortion) is with relays. Pedal Switcher uses the finest gold contact relays sealed in nitrogen. PEDAL SWITCHER LOOPS The basic function of a Pedal Switcher loop is to bring your effects in and out of the signal path via true bypass, instant access switches.
TUNER/MUTE SEND Any one of the 4 audio loops can be used to send your signal to a tuner while muting the rest of your setup. However, by placing the tuner in Loop 1, you’re able to send un-effected signal to the tuner. NOTE: The last thing you’d want to do is have your tuner in the last loop. This means that you might end up with chorus or delay on the signal. You’ll be trying to tune for days! DIST. CHORUS DELAY AMP TUNER IN IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT MADE IN U.S.A.
TRS INSERT Using the TRS insert breaks the connection between loops 3 and 4. This allows you to patch in a volume pedal or additional effects that you don’t need Pedal Switcher to control. TRS refers to the type of stereo 1/4-inch plug (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) which then breaks out into mono IN and OUT jacks. This is commonly referred to as an “insert point” cable. IN OUT VOLUME PEDAL DIST. VIBE CHORUS DELAY AMP IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT MADE IN U.S.A.
USING PEDAL SWITCHER WITH COMMANDER OVERVIEW Commander gives you 10 user-customizable presets and is phantom powered by Pedal Switcher. For instant punch-in/punch-out selection of multiple effects, you can toggle between pairs of presets with a single button. It will even send a MIDI program change with each preset to your MIDI controlled amp or effect processor. Plus, multiple Commanders can be used for changing presets from an alternate stage position.
PROGRAMMING PRESETS Regardless of whether you have only one or an entire herd of Pedal Switchers, creating presets with Commander is quick and easy. Here’s how: 1. Make active all the Pedal Switcher loops you want. 2. Select bank 1-5 or 6-10 on Commander. 3. Hold down BANK/STORE until it starts blinking (about 3 seconds), then hit the desired preset button at the same time. All LEDs will flash briefly to confirm that your preset has been saved.
first Pedal Switcher to the MIDI IN of the next device. Continue to chain your devices until they are all connected. Important Note: If your Ground Control Pro doesn’t power up from Pedal Switcher, here’s the problem: MIDI only requires 3 pins, so to save money some cables only have these 3 pins wired. Since Pedal Switcher (and the GCX) uses the 2 unused pins to send phantom power, these cables don’t work! You need to make sure your cable has all 5 pins wired.
FAQ Can the Pedal Switcher loops switch the channels on my amp? No. The Pedal Switcher is intended for switching pedals! Besides pedals, loops can be used as a mute and/or tuner out, and the last loop can be used as an A/B switch. Can the Pedal Switcher loops switch my amp head into different speaker cabinets? No. Pedal Switcher audio loops are for instrument and line level signals only.
Warranty Voodoo Lab warrants this product against any defects that are due to faulty material or workmanship for a period of five years from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty does not include damage to the product resulting from accident or misuse. This warranty is given to the original purchaser only and it is not assignable to any other person.
