empress effects HEAVY Hi Gain Distortion Pedal User Manual

: July 9, 2024
: empress effects

Table of Contents

empress effects HEAVY Hi Gain Distortion Pedal
Product Usage Instructions
Symbols and Signal Words
Intended Use
Introduction
Quick Start
Controls at a Glance
Noise Gate
Regulatory Compliance Information
Specifications
References
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Download This Manual (PDF format)

empress effects HEAVY Hi Gain Distortion Pedal

Specifications:

Intended Use: Enhancing guitar tones in live performances and studio recordings
Manufacturer Disclaimer: Not liable for damages resulting from improper use or use under non-recommended conditions

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Guidelines:

Danger for Children: Dispose of plastic bags properly to prevent choking hazards. Ensure children don’t detach small parts.
Electrical Shock: Inspect pedals for damage before use to avoid electrical shock risks.
Power Supply Issues: Use the correct voltage and current; avoid overheating by not stacking pedals or placing them in confined spaces.
Tripping Hazard / Pedal Placement: Secure cables and place pedals firmly to prevent tripping.
Volume Spikes: Be cautious of sudden volume spikes when adjusting pedal settings.
Allergies or Sensitivities: Some pedal materials may cause reactions; seek medical advice if needed.
Fire Hazard: Keep away from direct heat and open flames.

Product Introduction:

The product features an extremely responsive noise gate for silent operation even with high gain. Designed by Cody Gilchrist, the lead designer, it promises an enhanced guitar experience.

Quick Start Instructions:

For a heavy tone, press the heavy stomp. For a heavier tone, press the heavier stomp. To return to bypass mode, press the stomp switch of the active channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this pedal be used with other instruments besides guitars?
A: The pedal is primarily designed for enhancing guitar tones; however, it can be experimented with other instruments for creative effects.
Q: How can I clean the pedal without damaging it?
A: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the pedal.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
Q: What should I do if the pedal malfunctions?
A: If you experience any issues, stop using the pedal immediately and contact our Customer Support team for assistance.

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

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.
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

Thank you for purchasing the Empress Effects Heavy! In this aptly named box you’ll find a huge range of killer high-gain tones. From crisp, mid-driven 80’s metal, to scooped, modern down-tuned brutality, this little box of sonic mayhem does it all. The two independent channels can be voiced similarly so that one channel can be used as a solo boost, or they can be voiced entirely differently by using the mid-range control in conjunction with the 3-position mid-frequency select switch. Add in separate weight controls to shape the low end response of each channel, and a global hi/low eq section that allows you to fine tune your particular amp and cab combination, and you’ve got a serious tool to create a supremely heavy-sounding rig.
On top of all this, we’ve added an extremely responsive and hassle-free noise gate that will ensure dead silent operation with even the most obscene amount of gain added. Now go forth and riff. \m/
Cody Gilchrist
Lead Designer

Quick Start

Switching: Press the heavy stomp to engage the heavy channel. Press the heavier stomp to engage the heavier channel. To return to bypass, press the stomp switch of whichever channel is currently active.

Controls at a Glance

Noise Gate

The Heavy features an internal noise gate which is triggered from the input, before the signal is distorted. This results in a noise gate that is extremely responsive and dynamic. Whether you’re playing a long sustaining note that’s meant to ring out into feedback, or you need a tight gate for those quick stops, the noise gate will react and adjust accordingly. In Natural mode, the gate sensitivity is high and will open with very small input levels. This mode works great for all styles of playing from leads to tight rhythms. However, Aggressive mode may be better suited to your playing if all you require is a hard clamping gate for fast stops. The noise gate can be set to either mode on either channel, for maximum flexibility.
Setting the threshold: The side mounted trim pot lets you increase or decrease the threshold to best suit your guitar’s output. It comes factory set in the middle (arrow up) which we’ve found works really well with most guitar/pickup combinations, but there’s some room for adjustment if you need it. Use a small flathead screwdriver and turn clockwise to increase the sensitivity (lower the threshold), or counter-clockwise to decrease the sensitivity (increase the threshold).

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, 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 by 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 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)

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, by 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.