empress effects Buffer Plus Interface Pedal Instruction Manual
- June 1, 2024
- empress effects
Table of Contents
empress effects Buffer Plus Interface Pedal
Product Usage Instructions
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 inteterest quickly.
Customer Support
If you have any problems with the device our Customer Support team will gladly
assist you.
Symbols and Signal Words
| Signal Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an |
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 word indicates a possible
dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it
is not avoided.
Warning Signs| Type of Danger
---|---
| General warning sign
| Electricity Hazard
| Hot Surface
| Sudden Loud Noises
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 in confined spaces. If a pedal overheats, stop using 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
The Empress Buffer and Buffer+ were designed to protect the fidelity of your guitar signal and provide a complete I/O interface for your pedalboard. A high-impedance guitar signal can lose power and brightness over long cable runs. Our buffers eliminate this signal loss and preserve your tone. These pedals also consolidate the connectivity of your pedalboard, making setup quick and easy. The Buffer+ adds an input gain switch, variable input loading, noise filtering, foot-switchable boost, and a silent tuning mode for maximum flexibility.
Boost Mode
The Buffer+ is designed to provide up to 30dB of clean boost for enhancing
guitar tones during live performances and studio recordings.
- Set the desired boost level using the boost knob on the pedal.
- Press the footswitch to activate the boost mode. The blue LED will indicate that the boost is active.
- To deactivate the boost mode, press the footswitch again.
The Buffer+ can provide up to 30dB of clean boost. Set the desired level with the boost knob, and press the footswitch to activate. A blue LED will indicate that the boost is active. Press the footswitch again to deactivate.
Silent Tuning Mode
To enable silent tuning mode:
- Press and hold the footswitch for 1 second to mute the amp out jack.
- A red LED will indicate that you are in silent tuning mode.
- To exit silent tuning mode and return to the previous boost state, press the footswitch again.
Press and hold the footswitch for 1 second to mute the amp out jack. A red LED will indicate that you are in silent tuning mode. Press the footswitch again to unmute the amp output and return to whichever boost state (on or off) the pedal was in before activating silent tuning.
Noise Filter
Set the toggle switch to little or lots to help reduce noise from pedals that
are connected inside the loop, especially white noise or hiss generated by
digital pedals. When using high-gain pedals such as distortion in the loop,
you might notice a change in high-frequency response. This is normal and can
usually be corrected with some gentle EQ.
Input
This toggle switch lets you boost or pad the signal at the guitar in jack by
3dB. This can be useful for matching levels from different instruments, or for
sending a hotter signal to your pedalboard for a better signal-to-noise radio.
Set the switch to 0dB for unity gain.
Input Loading
The main goal of a buffer is to prevent signal loss, but some high-frequency
roll off from a long cable run may sound pleasing. When this side-mounted knob
is fully clockwise, the full frequency range of your guitar signal passes
through. Turn the knob counter clockwise to start loading down your guitar,
changing the response of your pickups, and rolling off just the right amount
of high frequencies.
Alternate Use
The Buffer and Buffer+ can also act as 1-in/3-out splitters. The input signal
is normally routed to the loop out and tuner out. When nothing is connected to
the loop in jack, the input signal will also be routed to the amp out jack.
This could be used to run multiple amps, or to record a separate dry signal
when tracking to use for re-amping. Please note that the grounds of each
output are not isolated, so connecting to multiple destinations could cause a
ground loop. Lifting the audio ground (not the power ground) on one of the
connected devices should solve ground loop issues.
Controls at a Glance Glance – Buffer Controls at a Glance
Glance – Buffer+
Powering
the Buffer & Buffer+
Go to www.empresseffects.com/power for
list of power supplies we’ve tested.
Please note: The Buffer and Buffer+ require at least 80mA and 86mA of current to function properly, respectively. Any power supply rated at 9V DC supplying negative polarity and at least the minimum required 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:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Responsible Party in the USA
Americas Compliance Consulting LLC dba iCertifi
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, pursuant to 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 in accordance with 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 receiver.
- Connect the equipment into 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 is in conformity with the
requirements of the European Union’s Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
2014/30/EU, in accordance with 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 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
- Model: Buffer+
- Boost Level: Up to 30dB
- Color Indicator: Blue LED for boost, Red LED for silent tuning mode
- Input Impedance (Buffer): 1MΩ
- Input Impedance (Buffer+): 10k – 1MΩ
- Output Impedance: 510Ω
- Frequency Response (-3dB ): 5Hz – 40kHz
- Input Voltage: 9V DC
- Required Current (Buffer): 80mA
- Required Current (Buffer+): 86mA
- Power Input Connector: 2.1mm Barrel Connector
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02%
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 105.3dB
- Headroom: +9.4dBu
- Height (Buffer): 1.25”
- Height (Buffer+): 2”
- Length: 4.5”
- Width: 2.5”
- Weight: 0.5lb
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Buffer+ for bass guitar as well?
A: Yes, the Buffer+ can also enhance tones for bass guitars in live
performances and recordings.
Q: What power supply specifications should I follow?
A: Use the correct voltage and current for your pedal’s power supply to
prevent damage and safety risks. Ensure the power supply is in good condition.
Q: How do I clean the pedal?
A: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the pedal. Avoid using
harsh chemicals that may damage the finish.