empress effects 513458 Bass Compressor User Manual

empress effects 513458 Bass Compressor

Specifications

• Product: Compressor Bass Pedal
• Manufacturer: Empress Effects
• Intended Use: Enhancing guitar tones in live performances and studio recordings
• Features: Input and gain reduction metering, independent attack and release controls, mix knob for parallel compression, external sidechain insert, sidechain high pass filter, two-position ‘tone + color’ circuit

Product Usage Instructions

• Safety Precautions
• DANGER! Danger for children: Dispose of plastic bags and packaging properly to prevent choking hazards. Ensure children do not detach small parts.
• DANGER! Electrical shock: Inspect pedals for damage before use to avoid electrical shock risks.
• DANGER! Power Supply Issues: Use the correct voltage and current for your pedal’s power supply to prevent damage and safety risks.
• CAUTION! Overheating: Avoid stacking pedals or placing them in confined spaces to prevent overheating.
• CAUTION! Tripping Hazard: Secure cables and place pedals firmly to prevent tripping hazards.
• CAUTION! Volume Spikes: Beware of sudden volume spikes when adjusting pedal settings.
• NOTICE! Allergies or Sensitivities: Be aware of potential allergic reactions to pedal materials.
• NOTICE! Fire Hazard: Keep the pedal away from direct heat and open flames.

Product Features

• The Compressor Bass Pedal is equipped with a range of features including input and gain reduction metering, independent attack and release controls, a mix knob for parallel compression, and an external sidechain insert.
• Additionally, it includes a fully variable sidechain high pass filter and a two-position ‘tone + color’ circuit for tone sculpting and harmonic distortion.

Usage Guidelines

• This pedal is designed for enhancing guitar tones in live performances and studio recordings. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on setting up and using the various controls.

Maintenance Tips

• Regularly inspect the pedal for any signs of damage. Keep the pedal clean and free from dust or debris. Store the pedal in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I use the Compressor Bass Pedal with other instruments besides the guitar?

A: While the pedal is designed for enhancing guitar tones, it can also be used with other instruments like bass guitars or keyboards to add compression effects.

Q: How do I connect the pedal to my amplifier or recording interface?

A: Use standard instrument cables to connect the output of the pedal to your amplifier input or recording interface. Adjust the output level on the pedal to match your setup.

Q: What is the purpose of the ‘tone + color’ circuit on the pedal?

A: The ‘tone + color’ circuit adds gentle tone sculpting and harmonic distortion to your bass signal, giving it a unique character and warmth.

Further Information

• On our website (www.empresseffects.com) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download

• This manual is also available as a PDF file for you to download.

Keyword Search

• Use the search function in the electronic version of this manual to find your topics of interest quickly.

Customer Support

• If you have any problems with the device our Customer Support team will gladly assist you.

Symbols and Signal Words

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided
CAUTION!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal words indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.

Intended Use

• This pedal is designed for enhancing guitar tones in live performances and studio recordings.
• Use as outlined in the user manual.
• The manufacturer is not liable for damages resulting from improper use or use under non-recommended conditions.

Safety

DANGER! Danger for children

Dispose of plastic bags and packaging properly to keep them out of reach of babies and young children to prevent choking hazards. Ensure children don’t detach small

parts like knobs to avoid choking. Never leave children unattended with electrical devices.

DANGER! Electrical shock

Risk of electrical shock from exposed wires or damaged components. Inspect pedals for damage before use. If damaged, stop use and seek professional repair.

DANGER! Power Supply Issues

Use the right voltage and current for your pedal’s power supply to prevent damage and safety risks. Check the power supply’s condition, and for multiple pedals, opt for a dedicated supply to avoid overloading by daisy-chaining.

CAUTION! Overheating

Avoid overheating. Do not stack pedals or place them in confined spaces. If a pedal overheats, stop using it and let it cool.

CAUTION! Tripping Hazard / Pedal Placement

Prevent tripping: Secure cables and place pedals firmly to avoid slips and falls.

CAUTION! Volume Spikes

Beware of volume spikes and unexpected sounds when adjusting pedal settings

NOTICE! Allergies or Sensitivities

Allergy Alert: Some pedal materials, like adhesives and coatings, may cause reactions. Stop use and seek medical advice if needed.

NOTICE! Fire Hazard

Keep away from direct heat and open flames.

Introduction

• When we released our original Compressor back in 2011, it quickly became a favorite among guitar and bass players alike who were searching for something more than the typical oversimplified controls found on most compressor pedals. Although our original Compressor sounded great on bass (and still does!) we set out to do even better.
• On top of the full range of features and controls normally only seen in high-end studio equipment, such as input and gain reduction metering, independent attack and release controls, a mix knob for parallel compression, and an external sidechain insert, we’ve now added a fully variable sidechain high pass filter, and a two-position ‘tone + color’ circuit which adds gentle tone sculpting and harmonic distortion, giving your bass some delicious character.
• We hope the Bass Compressor becomes a favorite of yours as well, and sincerely thank you for choosing Empress Effects.
• Steve Bragg

The Basics of Compression

Compression can add consistency and sustain to your playing or it can be used to add note definition and other effects. It essentially narrows the difference between high and low audio levels by reducing the gain of any signal over the threshold.

• The ratio determines how much gain reduction will be applied to the signal once it crosses over the threshold.
• At a 4:1 ratio, for every 4dB of input signal above the threshold, there will be 1dB of output signal.
• A 10:1 ratio would output 1dB for every 10dB of input signal, etc.
• Attack controls how quickly the gain reduction will begin after a signal has crossed over the threshold.
• Release controls how long it takes for the Compressor’s gain to return to its initial level after the signal drops below the threshold.

Sidechain

• The sidechain is the Compressor’s level detection circuitry. Based on the signal sent to it, it will determine how much gain reduction is applied. Typically that signal is a copy of the input signal, taken from some point in the audio path.
• In our case, it’s taken after the gain reduction has occurred, which is known as ‘feedback’ style compression. It can be very useful to alter the sidechain signal to tailor how the compressor reacts.

Sidechain High Pass Filter

• The SC HP (high pass filter) knob can be used to avoid triggering the compression with high energy low-frequency notes, which helps avoid over-compressing and keeps the low frequencies sounding full while still controlling errant high notes that pop out.

Sidechain connector jack

• The sidechain connector jack on the back of the pedal allows you to alter the sidechain signal by inserting an external device, such as an EQ.
• You can also have an external audio source trigger the compression by sending audio in through the ring of the sidechain jack.
• The sidechain connector accepts a 1/8” TRS plug: Tip = send, Ring = return, Sleeve = ground.

Parallel Compression

• The mix knob on the Bass Compressor allows for parallel compression. Parallel compression is achieved by blending a compressed audio signal with the uncompressed version of itself.
• It opens up a ton of possibilities. A great use of parallel compression is to squash the compressed signal (so it sounds way too over-compressed), then use the mix knob to blend in some of the uncompressed signals.
• The result is very natural sounding, but feels a lot more exciting, with more sustain and retaining a good attack. Try experimenting with it!

Controls at a Glance

• input: Sets the level entering the compressor circuit. Higher levels result in more compression.
• attack: Controls how quickly the compressor will reduce the gain when an incoming signal exceeds the treshold.
• Attack time increases as you turn the knob clockwise. Range: 50μs – 50ms
• mix: Controls the level between the dry signal and the wet (compressed) signal.
• All the way clockwise is 100% wet signal and all the way counterclockwise is 100% dry signal.
• Blending in the dry signal brings back the dynamics that can be lost during compression.
• This technique of parallel compression allows for added sustain without losing the life associated with an uncompressed signal.
• ratio: Determines how aggressive the gain reduction is. 2:1 – Good for gentle gain control. Very transparent.
• 4:1 – A great general-purpose setting. Still transparent but offers a large range of compression.
• 10:1 – Heavy compression. Close to limiting.

ols at a Glance

• output: Sets the output level. This will not affect the amount of compression. Can be used to make up gain lost in compression or as a boost for soloing.
• release: Controls how quickly the compressor returns to its initial level. Release time increases as you turn the knob clockwise. Range: 50ms – 1s
• sc hp: A variable high pass filter that filters low frequencies from the sidechain. The filter frequency increases from 20Hz to 400Hz as the knob is turned clockwise.
• tone + color: The left position is a mid-range cut at 500Hz, while the right position is an upper mid-range boost at 2kHz. Both positions engage the ‘color’ circuit which adds a subtle touch of harmonic distortion.
• bypass footswitch: Turns the compressor on and off.
• The color circuit can be bypassed in either or both tone switch positions via internal dipswitches. Set the corresponding dipswitch to off if you prefer just the tone eq without the color circuit.
• Empress Effects fully endorses bass solos.

Setting the Bypass State on Startup

• To change whether the Compressor starts up in the engaged or bypassed state, hold down the stomp switch while powering on the Compressor.
• The first red gain reduction LED will flash to let you know you are in the advanced configuration mode. Press the stomp switch to toggle between states:
• gain reduction led 1 = bypassed at startup
• gain reduction led 2 = engaged at startup
• When finished, press and hold the stompswitch for 2 seconds to confirm and save your selection, and exit advanced configuration.

Quickstart

• Added Control: Here’s a good starting point for adding consistency and sustain to your playing while retaining dynamics. Adjust the input level so the gain reduction meter shows 8dB of gain reduction when playing your loudest.
• Smooth & Warm: Smooth, subtle compression that gives transparent dynamic control with a gentle mid-scoop and some warm harmonic distortion.
• Slappa Da Bass: The heavy compression ratio will keep your pops under control, while the slow attack and quick release will enhance the percussive qualities of a finely slapped bass.
• Level & Grind: This limiter will help keep your levels rock solid, while the mid-boost and distortion give your bass some added presence and character.
• Go to www.empresseffects.com/power for a full list of compatible power supplies.
• Please note: The Empress Bass Compressor requires at least 100mA of current to function properly.
• Any power supply rated at 9V DC, supplying negative tip polarity and at least 100mA of current should work.

Regulatory Compliance Information

FCC (USA)

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party in the USA

Americas Compliance Consulting LLC dba certified
1001 SW Disk Drive, Ste 250
Bend, Oregon 97702 USA
FCC_sDoC@icertifi.com
icertifi.com

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used under the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

ICES-003 (Canada)
CAN ICES-003(B) / NMB-003(B)
CE (European Union)

This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of Empress Effects Inc- 105-62 Steacie Dr, Kanata Ontario K2K 2A9.
The device identified on the front page of this manual conforms with the requirements of the European Union’s Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU, under the following harmonized standards:

• EN 55032:2015/A11:2020 – Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment – Emission Requirements
• EN   61000-3-2:2014 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3- 2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
• EN 61000-3-3:2013 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3- 3: Limits – Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations, and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems, for equipment with rated current ≤ 16 A per phase and not subject to conditional connection
• EN 55035:2017/A11:2020 – Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment – Immunity Requirements
• Name: Colin King
• Title: Design Engineer
• Company: Empress Effects Inc
• Date: August 19, 2023
• Location: 105-62 Steacie Dr, Kanata Ontario K2K 2A9

WEEE (2012/19/EU)

• This product must not be disposed of with regular household waste. In compliance with WEEE regulations, please take this product to a designated collection facility or return it to the supplier for proper recycling.
• Comply with local laws and regulations for disposal. Contact your local authority or support@empresseffects.com for specific information.

Disposal of the packaging material

• For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
• Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of. Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling.
• Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Specifications

10Hz – 20kHz

Distortion:| <0.1%
Noise:| -101dB
Headroom:| +15dBu
Input Voltage:|
Required Current:| 100mA
Power Input Connector:| 2.1mm Barrel Connector
Height:| 2.5”
Length:| 4.8”
Width:| 2.6”
Weight:| 1lb

References

• icertifi.com
• Empress Effects – Empress Effects Inc.

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