TSAKALIS AUDIOWORKS MOTHERSHIP Real Dual Tube Overdrive Preamp User Guide

TSAKALIS AUDIOWORKS MOTHERSHIP Real Dual Tube Overdrive Preamp

QUICK START GUIDE

Thank you for purchasing the MOTHERSHIP Dual tube overdrive/preamp pedal. We hope that this pedal will offer you infinite moments of pleasure and inspiration, and if this is your first product from our brand, we welcome you on board!

This quick start guide will help you understand and start using this device in a few moments.
However, if you wish to know more about the philosophy of the pedal, please visit the product’s page at: tsakalisaudioworks.com/product/mothership

FULLY FEATURED ALL-ANALOG REAL TUBE PREAMP DESIGN

The MOTHERSHIP represents the perfect “amp-in-a-box” pedal, seamlessly blending a beautifully designed, real tube front end with a highly flexible cabinet modelling solution. However, it also shines as a genuine tube overdrive pedal when connected to the front of your amplifier, or when running it as the tone defining preamp section of your setup, directly into your power amp. It can also do both of these things simultaneously.

QUAD CHANNEL TUBE PREAMP AND DRIVE

MOTHERSIP has two completely independent channels, each featuring a four band EQ, two different Gain/Volume sections, three selectable gain-stages and three selectable cabinet simulations, plus a serial mono effects-loop for your external effects, MIDI in and free access to Tsakalis Audio works’ full free online library of carefully selected and curated digital cabinet simulations. The two independent channels were carefully designed with a real tube audio path, providing a huge range of tones from warm or sparkling cleans all the way to high gain tube driven distortion. The two ECC83 (12AX7) tubes, run at a comfortable 240 Volts, providing touch sensitivity, headroom and plenty of gain and tube sag as required.

Each channel features a four band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble and Presence) and two different Gain and Volume controls (Gain A-Volume A / Gain B-Volume B) transforming the MOTHERSHIP into a quad channel powerhouse.
The dedicated MODE switch for each channel is responsible for the tube audio path structure, giving 3 different gain modes L = Low, M = Mid and H = High, allowing you to easily customize completely different lead and rhythm tones with different gain structures as well as a solo volume boost for each and access them on-the-fly by simply pressing the relevant footswitch.

SUPREME DIGITAL CABINET SIMULATION

Each channel’s dedicated CAB switch provides 3 different user-definable cabinet simulations with less than 1.2ms latency. Select from the wide range of curated, free and most importantly supreme-quality cabinet simulations (over 70 custom cabinet simulations) available in the online Tsakalis Audio Works library and load them to the MOTHERSHIP via USB using the TAW Editor app (available for PC, Mac and Linux).

STATE-OF-THE-ART CONTROL AND CONNECTIVITY

All three of the MOTHERSHIP’s footswitches can be used in latching or momentary mode, simply by either tapping or holding them down longer. Latching mode works with a normal press of the switch (shorter than 500ms), while Momentary mode is engaged by simply holding down the footswitch for the longer period of time required.
But that’s not all! The MOTHERSHIP is also capable of being controlled via MIDI program change messages using its dedicated MIDI Input. With 128 presets at your disposal, along with an intuitive and simple method for saving and recalling them, the MOTHERSHIP is set to become an indispensable centerpiece for the modern guitar setup.

TSAKALIS AUDIOWORKS 3 YEARS WARRANTY:

Tsakalis Audio Works stands behind our products and we’re here to help you!
Here at Tsakalis Audio Works we take great care of the testing procedure, which is implemented on each product prior to shipment. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with your MOTHERSHIP pedal, please email us at customerservice@tsakalisaudioworks.com. Our dedicated staff is ready to help you with any warranty or product questions you may have.

Tsakalis Audio Works offers a limited 3 (three) year warranty to the original purchaser that this MOTHERSHIP pedal will be free from malfunction and defects in material. A dated sales receipt will establish coverage under this warranty.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE TO USE YOUR WARRANTY.

This warranty does not cover electron tubes, power supply, usb cable, service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, neglect, abuse, normal & wear, disaster, misuse, abuse, over-powering, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures and service, repair or any modifications to the product which have not been authorized or approved by Tsakalis Audio Works in writing.

CAUTION:
Do NOT attempt to repair, modify or service your MOTHERSHIP pedal by yourself!!!
ANY MODIFICATION TO THE MOTHERSHIP WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

MAIN FEATURES

• Dual Channel Tube Preamp with Overdrive
• 2 ECC83s (12AX7) preamp tubes run at 240 V internally – for incredible headroom and genuine tube-amp feel and dynamics
• 2 independent channels capable of producing everything from sparkling cleans to tight heavy distorted tones
• 2 individual Gain/Volume sections for each channel selectable via a dedicated footswitch – 4 tones on tap at any time
• Individual 4-band EQ per channel (Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence)
• 3 gain stages per channel selectable via the MODE toggle switch
• 3 user-selectable cabinet simulations per channel selectable via the CAB toggle switch
• Serial effects loop – active even when in bypass mode – for looping in e.g. time-based effects between preamp and Cab Sim
•  Dedicated balance TRS cabinet simulation output with ground lift – active even when in bypass mode
• Dedicated output for connecting to the front of an amp or a power amp, selectable by toggle switch
• Full MIDI compatibility – 128 user-customizable and programmable MIDI presets
• USB port for loading Cab Sims to the six slots (three per channel) – choose from the free Tsakalis Audio works online library of 70+ selected high-quality cab simulations
• Multifunction Latching or Momentary function footswitches
• Integrated input buffer – only active when in bypass mode
• Handmade in Athens, Greece

Safety instructions

Before using this device, please carefully read and keep in mind the following information.
Retain this document in a safe place, as it is important for the protection of both the user and the product. Should you suspect any malfunction of the device, always seek the assistance of a qualified technician.

READER WARNING !

The triangle with an exclamation mark highlights important messages concerning the correct use of the device.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Please verify that the specified voltage required by the supplied mains PSU matches the mains supply voltage in your country. If not or if you are unsure, do not connect the unit to a mains voltage outlet. Using the supplied PSU incorrectly could result in damage to the PSU, the product and/or injuries to the user. This product must not be used when there is atmospheric lightning. In case of severe weather with a risk of lightning, unplug the PSU to reduce the risk of electric shock and/or fire. The mains PSU provided with the device complies with the standards of the country where you purchased the product. If a replacement is needed for whatever reason, please use a standards compliant mains power adapter

Safety use conditions : The MOTHERSHIP pedal has extremely high voltages that can cause electric shock and serious injury. Do not remove the chassis from the pedal. The MOTHERSHIP pedal must never be used near a heat source, near a flame, in the rain, in damp areas or near any kind of liquid. When transporting the unit, care needs to be taken to avoid any physical shocks that could cause physical damage which would require the assistance of a qualified technician.

Cleaning: Always use a dry and soft cloth with no alcohol or solvents for cleaning. Please keep the unit clean and free from dust.

Maintenance: All maintenance operations must be done by service centres approved by TSAKALIS AUDIO WORKS or by qualified technicians. There are no user serviceable components inside. Never try to repair the unit by yourself.

The shipped package should contain:

• One MOTHERSHIP pedal
• One mains power adapter with exchangeable adapters
• One USB cable

A complete electronic user guide for the product is available online at tsakalisaudioworks.com/product/mothership

Declaration of conformity

Manufacturer: Tsakalis Audio Works Responsible person: Chris Tsakalis| Category of product: Analog/digital audio preamp Product: MOTHERSHIP
| This product is certified to be compliant to the CE, UKCA standards: General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC

Disposal of WEEE by Users in Private Households within the EU/EEA

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of with your regular household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose your own waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) by handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling. The separate collection and recycling of WEEE at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your WEEE for recycling, please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service or the retailer where you purchased the product.

CONTROLS – INS AND OUTS – PROGRAMMING

GAIN A CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds gain/distortion when LED B is off.
GAIN B CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds gain/distortion when LED B is on.
MODE SELECTOR (PER CHANNEL): 3 different gain stages. From ultra clean to insane heavy distortion.
BASS CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds or takes away bass.
MID CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds or takes away midrange.
TREBLE CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds or takes away treble.
PRESENCE CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adds or takes away high end.
VOLUME A CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adjusts the master volume when LED B is off.
VOLUME B CONTROL (PER CHANNEL): Adjusts the master volume when LED B is on.
CAB SELECTOR (PER CHANNEL): 3 different customizable cabinet simulations.
PRELOADED CABS: 1=4×10 SUPER REVERB, 2=2×12 AC30, 3=4×12 MRSL 1960B FOOTSWITCH ON: Enable / disable the tube audio path of the pedal. Short press latch mode – Long press momentary mode.
FOOTSWITCH CH 1/2: Selects between Channel 1 and Channel 2. Short press for latch mode – Long press momentary mode.
FOOTSWITCH A-B: Selects between controls Gain-Volume A and Gain-Volume B of each channel. Short press latch mode – Long press momentary mode.
LED YELLOW CH1: ON when channel 1 is selected.
LED RED CH2: ON when channel 2 is selected.
LED BLUE ON: ON when audio tube path is enabled.
LED RED B: Indicates which controls of each channel (Gain-Volume A or Gain- Volume B) are selected. OFF Gain-Volume A selected. ON Gain-Volume B selected.

MIDI PROGRAMING: Press & hold together (A-B) & (ON) footswitches to enter the midi programming mode. The LED B will start blinking in a sequence according which controls (Gain-Volume A or Gain-Volume B) are selected. Controls A: LED B blinking sequence 800ms OFF / 100ms ON Controls B: LED B blinking sequence 800ms ON / 100ms OFF. Once you have entered the programming mode choose the desired states of each footswitch and then send a midi program change command to the MOTHERSHIP (midi channel OMNI). If the midi command is valid the LED B will start blinking fast with a sequence of 500ms ON / 500ms OFF. Press & hold together (A-B) & (ON) footswitches to store midi changes and exit midi programming mode.

IN: This is the main input to connect your instrument or other audio device and effect(s).
SEND : Serial fx send to connect the input of the post drive effect(s).
RETURN : Serial fx return to connect the out of the post drive effect(s).
AMP OUT : Connect to the input of a pre or power amp.
PWR / PRE selector : Select to where the amp out will connect. PWR connect to a power amp or to the return of an amp’s fx loop. PRE connect to a preamp or to the front of an instrument amp.
CAB OUT (BALANCED) : Connect to the input of a mixer or a soundcard (DAW).
LIFT / GND selector : enables or disables the ground on the cab out.
MIDI IN : Connect to the out of a midi controller to control the MOTHERSHIP.

12V: 12V DC input with center negative and min of 700mA.
USB: Connect to a PC/MAC to load cabinet simulations to the 3 slots of each channel.

SUGGESTED CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

PEDALBOARD DIRECT TO MIXER, PA, DAW AND/OR TO AMP Use the MOTHERSHIP as a pedalboard friendly amp-in-box to go direct to a mixer, PA, DAW and hear your entire pedalboard through the MOTHERSHIP’s cabinet simulation.
Use only the AMP OUT connected to an amp to use the MOTHERSHIP as an overdrive pedal in front or as a preamp to the FX return.
Use both MOTHERSHIP’s AMP OUT and CAB OUT simultaneous and hear your rig from the instrument amp and from the mixer, DAW, PA at the same time.

FOUR WIRE METHOD AND DIRECT TO MIXER, PA, DAW.
Use this connection for a four wiring method and capture also your amp’s preamp through the MOTHERSHIP’s CAB OUT direct to a mixer, PA, DAW.
With this connection the MOTHERSHIP will behave as an overdrive pedal in front of the amp but alo as a cabinet simulation of the entire rig, including the preamp section of the instrument amplifier.
You will hear your tone from both amp and mixer, PA, DAW.

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