acLam UL730 Mocker Effect Pedal User Manual

acLam UL730 Mocker Effect Pedal

Product Information

• Overview
  The Mocker is a pedal developed to replicate the unique sound and saturation of the VOX UL730 amplifier famously used by The Beatles on the Revolver album. It features an accurate reproduction of the internal fuzz circuit found in the original amp, providing users with versatile overdrive capabilities and a distinct fuzz-like tone.

• Features

  • Accurate reproduction of the VOX UL series internal fuzz circuit.
  • Included inner EQ controls and the Mach Schau! switch for added versatility.
  • Extra gain boost for solos and heavier parts.
  • Bias knob to dial between a variety of textures.

• Powering Requirements
  The Mocker pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center.

• Operating Diagram
  Refer to the user manual for a detailed operating diagram of The Mocker pedal.

• Controls
  The pedal features various controls including volume, gain, EQ settings, and a bias knob for texture adjustment.

• Setting Samples
  Experiment with different settings on the pedal to achieve a range of overdrive and fuzz tones suitable for various playing styles.

• Setting up on a Pedalboard
  When setting up The Mocker on a pedalboard, ensure it is placed in an easily accessible position for on-the-fly adjustments during performances.

Specifications

• Product Name: The Mocker
• Brand: Aclam Guitars
• Model: Dr. Robert
• Version: 1.2

FAQ

How do I power The Mocker pedal?

To power The Mocker, use a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center.

Can The Mocker replicate the fuzz tone of the VOX UL730 accurately?

Yes, The Mocker is designed to faithfully replicate the internal fuzz circuit of the VOX UL730 amplifier, providing users with a similar fuzz-like tone.

What is the purpose of the bias knob on The Mocker?

The bias knob allows users to dial between various textures, from gated to smoother tones, offering versatility in sound customization.

Thank you for purchasing The Mocker. The fuzziest side of Vox UL730 for Mods & Rockers.

Overview

• In September 2017, after months of gathering and searching through the internet, we were extremely lucky to find and buy an original VOX UL730 with serial number 3042, the amp The Beatles used on
• Revolver. After careful restoration, layout tracing, and further circuit analysis, we developed the Dr. Robert pedal. It was the closest replica we could create of its unique sound and amazing saturation, caused when you turned the amp’s volume up.
• We packed a lot of features into the pedal, including inner EQ controls and the Mach Schau! switch. An extra gain boost for solos and heavier parts, making the Dr. Robert a super versatile overdrive, perfect for nailing those Revolver guitar tones.
• But the amp had another hidden gem…
• The UL amp series was the first Vox amp to feature a built-in “distortion” circuit controlled by a footswitch, one of the first ones to use shunt diodes, also known as hard clipping to saturate the guitar’s signal Although they named it distortion, the resultant tone was closer to a fuzz than what we understand nowadays as a distortion pedal.
• When we got our own UL730 working after restoring it, we tried to match the tones found in the Revolver album, but we couldn’t find a similar one using the internal fuzz. It sounded kind of gated and spluttery, which was cool, but no song on the album was close to it, so we focused on creating a device that recreated the tube’s saturation and abandoned the idea of including the fuzz circuit in Dr. Robert.
• Eventually one day, we came across a YouTube demo where a Vox UL730 was being showcased, and its fuzz tone was nothing like our amp. It had a lot more sustain with no gated component, which made us wonder what was the cause of such a dramatic difference. We reopened our UL730 and after checking several components in the circuit, we found the culprit! As time passes, some components lose their properties and shift their value out of their specified tolerances. That led to an underbiasing of the fuzz circuit and caused that starving and gated tone!
• While we were re-analyzing the amp, we looked for the same diodes used on the UL series and found a surplus lot of 400 N.O.S Phillips OA200 diodes, a very rare component only used on that amp series. We couldn’t believe how lucky we were, because that meant that at least we could make a small run of fuzz pedals!
• With the mystery solved and the right component in hand, it was time to create what would become The Mocker!
• As we found both sounds equally cool and useful, we developed a prototype that featured a bias knob to dial between a great variety of textures, from gated to compressed tones. In addition to that, we included a tone control, so The Mocker would be more compatible with many amps and guitars. The Mocker is an extended version of the original Vox UL series fuzz circuit while retaining its essence.
• You’d nail Beatles tones from that ‘66-’67 era (especially if you pair it with a Dr. Robert), but it will also delight any player seeking a signature sound! We are amazed at the versatility of the Bias knob, capable of making The Mocker land on so many musical terrains, from vintage to modern ones, all with just a few controls; you won’t miss a gain knob!
• The graphics inspiration came from the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album since the eponymous song that opens the record has a lead guitar intro, which was likely recorded with the UL fuzz.
• We couldn’t resist painting The Mocker with a Hammerite finish, the same used on most British fuzz boxes of that period and also used on the VOX UL series footswitches.
• As the very Ringo said on A Hard Day’s Night, this pedal is not a Mod nor a Rocker, it is The Mocker!

Features

• ACCURATE REPRODUCTION OF THE VOX UL SERIES INTERNAL FUZZ CIRCUIT:
  The Mocker is a faithful replica of our own VOX UL730 amp (S/N: 3042), we measured each component involved and fine-tuned the circuit to match our amp.

• EXTENDED SONIC RANGE AND TEXTURES THANKS TO THE BIAS AND TONE KNOBS:

  • The original amp’s fuzz circuit is controlled via an external footswitch and has no knobs; it is a preset effect. Due to component degradation and tolerances, our UL730 had a gated behavior attributed to an under-biased transistor. We implemented a Bias knob to recreate that effect and get many more textures, from plenty of sustained sound to a compressed and creamy tone.
  • There’s also a Tone knob to make it even more versatile and friendly with different guitars and amps!

• N.O.S PHILLIPS OA200 DIODES, THE VERY SAME DIODES FOUND ON THE UL AMP SERIES:
  We’ve been lucky to find a surplus lot of 400 rare OA200 diodes, a key part of the Vox UL700 and 400 fuzz tone!

• GRAPHICS INSPIRED ON THE SGT PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND AND HAMMERED FINISH PAINT:
  Since the Vox UL730 had been used on Sgt Peppers too we thought it’d be cool to honor its artwork. Also, the enclosure has a beautiful hammered finish paint, used on many fuzz boxes of that period and also on the UL’s footswitches.

• ULTRA SILENT TRUE BYPASS RELAY SWITCHING:
  We’ve made an effort to make the transition from bypass to on as silent as possible. You won’t hear any popping noise in the audio path every time you press the footswitch, no matter how quiet the playing environment would be.

• SMART TRACK® FASTENING SYSTEM:
  All our pedals use a custom enclosure designed to perfectly match our Smart Track® pedalboards. Using the side thumb screws, you’ll be able to lock safely the stompbox into one of our pedalboards. It also was designed with the other pedalboard options in the market in mind.

Specs & Material included

• THE MOCKER REF:
  AP0050

• DIMENSIONS:
  13,7 x 8,8 x 5,5cm (5.4” x 3.4” x 2.2”) with knobs

• WEIGHT:
  410g. (0.90 lb)

• BYPASS:
  Relay True Bypass

• POWER REQUIREMENTS:
  9V DC Center Negative 50mA minimum

• CURRENT DRAW:
  ≈12mA

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY:
This product complies with the requirements of

MADE IN SPAIN

MATERIAL INCLUDED

• 1 x The Mocker pedal
• 1 x Anti-sliding rubber pad
• 1 x Velcro® pad

Power requirements

POWER SUPPLY

• This unit must be powered with a 9VDC negative tip power supply with the standard Boss type 2.1mm connector.
• The current supply should be a minimum of 50 mA just to leave a safety margin for the DC adapter.
• Make sure you use a good quality power supply and avoid using generic SMPS-type adapters which can induce high-pitched noise to the audio.

CAUTION:
Please note this pedal MUST not be powered with any voltage above 9VDC. Powering it up with a 12V or 18V power supply will damage its circuit and immediately void the warranty.

Operating Diagram

Controls

1. INPUT JACK
2. POWER JACK
3. OUTPUT JACK
4. BYPASS SWITCH: Engages the unit allowing the signal to flow through The Mocker circuit. It also lights up the LED on the upper left side of the pedal, close to the Vol control.
5. BIAS: This knob lets you fine-tune the operating point of The Mocker’s second transistor. Tweaking this control will let you obtain a wide range of textures and will change the fuzz behavior and response to your playing dynamics.
   • By turning it counterclockwise the fuzz will be gated and spluttery causing notes to decay quickly and quickly to dead silent. You’ll have to play hard to activate the second transistor and let the signal pass through it. This kind of behavior is the one found on our VOX UL730.
   • As you start to turn it clockwise the gated behavior will transition to a more open tone with plenty of gain and sustain, close to a typical distorted tone but with that fuzzy character. This is ideal for riffs and will be quite suitable for palm mute playing. This is the tone the VOX UL series had when they got out of the production line in 1966.
   • As you keep turning the knob until you turn it up, the sound will become more compressed and with a sort of PWM component, ideal for high-gain solos and lead parts. This is also a new terrain for this circuit since it wasn’t meant to sound like this, it will let you explore new sonic registers no one at that time knew where possible with the UL internal fuzz!
   • You may hear some crackle turning the Bias knob. This is completely normal since it sets the circuit’s DC bias
6. TONE: The original Vox UL series amp’s fuzz had a preset low pass filter. We’ve replaced the fixed resistor in that part of the circuit with a potentiometer so you can make it sound brighter or darker depending on the instrument and/or amp you’re playing. Turn it clockwise to make it sound brighter.
7. VOL: Controls the overall volume of The Mocker.
8. BYPASS LED: It lights up when the unit is engaged.

Setting Samples

• The Bias knob in conjunction with the Tone control makes The Mocker a versatile fuzz, we recommend you try the following setting examples. These suggestions do not show specific positions for the VOL as it will depend on the output of the guitar you use. We recommend you start with the VOL knob at 11 o’clock and adjust it to match the unity gain of the unit bypassed. This way you can make sure you’re not overloading the amp’s preamp and all the saturation comes from The Mocker.
• You’ll find some settings where there’s no specific position for the TONE control. This is because it will depend on your rig to fine-tune The Mocker’s brightness and suit your preferences.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE MOCKER SUGGESTED SETTINGS

All samples played with:
1966 Epiphone Casino Vox AC15C1

UL730 S/N: 3042

GATED FUZZ

FACTORY UL730/SGT. PEPPER’S LEAD INTRO

LIGHTLY COMPRESSED FUZZ

HEAVILY COMPRESSED FUZZ

SCAN OR CLICK TO WATCH THE OFFICIAL DEMOS

Setting up on a pedalboard

• All our effect pedals use a custom light aluminum enclosure specially designed to fit our Smart Track® pedalboards. We incorporated a proprietary locking system that allows the user to fasten the pedal without the need to use the typical hook-and-loop method. This custom fastening system follows the same philosophy behind the Smart Track® fasteners but is integrated in the enclosure reducing the space occupied by each pedal.
• That translates into more pedal density for the same space, and who doesn’t want that?
• We strongly recommend you take a look at our line of pedalboards, which are the best complement to our pedals!

HOW TO MOUNT IT ON A SMART TRACK® PEDALBOARD:

1. Add the anti-sliding rubber pad at the bottom of your pedal, specially shaped for this unit.
   • The surface must be clean and dry before applying the adhesive pad.
2. Loosen the 2 thumb screws to unlock the bottom pieces of the pedal.
3. Place the pedal, inserting the bottom pieces inside the grooves.
4. Move the pedal to its final position.
5. Tighten the two thumb screws with your hands or with a screwdriver.

USING OTHER PEDALBOARDS:

1. Hook and Loop: Take the included super strong Velcro® pad and stick it on the base plate. Again, make sure the base is clean of dirt and dust.
2. Pre-drilled pedalboard: Fix it with a bolt and a nut you could find at any hardware store or instead of passing the zip tie over the pedal you can take advantage of the Smart Track® enclosure and put the zip ties over the holes.
3. DIY woodboard: You can screw the pedal directly with wood bolts through the enclosure side holes.
4. No board: If you use the pedals standalone make sure you place the included anti-sliding rubber pad on the baseplate.

Troubleshooting

• SIGNAL PASSES THROUGH IN BYPASS BUT NOT WHEN ENGAGED:
  Make sure you’ve connected the input and output jacks correctly and are not reversed.

• PEDAL DOES NOT WORK WITH THE POWER SUPPLY:
  Take a look at your power supply output voltage and polarity. Make sure it’s a 9V DC negative tip with a minimum output of 50 mA.

Security Instructions

• Read these instructions carefully.
• Keep them for future reference.
• Heed all warnings.
• Aclam Guitars shall not be held liable for any damage to persons or property caused by incorrect operation or installation.
• Use the product per the assembly instructions. Do not modify or operate the product incorrectly.
• Incorrect installation could result in serious damage to persons and property.
• Open the package and check that the assembly instructions and all the parts of the product are there. Check that none of the parts are defective.
• Keep out of reach of children. This product contains small parts that represent a choking hazard if swallowed.
• If you do not understand these safety instructions, or if you have any queries regarding the safety of the installation, please contact Aclam Guitars: at support@aclam.cat.
• If you wish to contact Customer Services at Aclam Guitars, please write to support@aclam.cat.

Warranty Terms

• This product is covered by a two-year warranty from the purchase date, under the conditions and supporting evidence regulated by current Spanish Legislation. The product warranty will only be applicable by presenting the proof of purchase (which is the invoice or the receipt) and serial number.
• A product is covered under warranty if it presents a lack of conformity because it does not correspond to the specified product characteristics, is defective prevents its normal use according to its purpose, or does not function as described. The purchaser has the right to have the article repaired or replaced (either the product or the faulty component, at the discretion of the manufacturer.)

The warranty is not transferable and won’t cover the following issues:

• Attempts of modifications or repairs by an unauthorized service center.
• Unsuitable use
• Incorrect storage
• Explosions or burns caused by incorrect power supplies.
• Other causes are not attributable to the manufacturer.

To make a claim, the purchaser must return the product to the store where it was purchased within one month of discovering the fault, and report the nature of the problem, the time and the circumstances under which it occurred. If the product was purchased through our website, the purchaser must refer to www.aclamguitars.com and complete an RMA (Return to Manufacturer Authorization) form before returning the unit.

We strongly recommend looking at the “Troubleshooting” section of the manual before panicking!!

www.aclamguitars.com.

References

• Aclam Guitars - Custom Pedalboards and effects pedals

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