ORIGIN EFFECTS M-EQ Driver Mid Booster and Drive Pedal Owner’s Manual
- June 3, 2024
- ORIGIN EFFECTS
Table of Contents
M-EQ Driver Mid Booster and Drive Pedal
Owner’s Manual
M-EQ Driver Mid Booster and Drive Pedal
IMPORTANT:
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >80mA power supply with
2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
Introducing the M-EQ DRIVER
The M-EQ DRIVER is a Mid Booster & Drive pedal, based on a vintage Pultec ®
studio EQ. These passive EQs from the 1950s are still sought after today,
thanks to their highly musical, versatile EQ curves and the ability to
overdrive their push-pull output stage. We have recreated the behaviour of
this timeless, passive EQ and optimised it for electric guitar.
To make sure you’re emphasising just the right part of your signal, the M-EQ
DRIVER lets you choose between three different mid boost frequencies and, when
pushed harder, can elicit a range of saturation from a classic “mid-hump”
overdrive to ferocious, resonant distortion tones. Equipped with a
transformer, this carefully developed circuit adds harmonic richness, while
faithfully recreating the sonic footprint of an original vintage Pultec®.
To add something new to this classic design, we have equipped the M-EQ DRIVER
with our Adaptive Circuitry, applied to the CUT control. Based on the High
Frequency Attenuation band of a Pultec ® , the CUT control progressively
removes treble as it is increased. With the ADAPT switch engaged, this high-
end rolloff is reduced as the pedal cleans up, allowing for a smooth
transition from warm overdrive to bright clean tones by adjusting your
guitar’s volume knob or playing dynamics.
Key Features:
- Based on the legendary Pultec ® studio EQs of the 1950s
- Choice of mid boost frequencies
- Adaptive Cut control responds to volume changes and playing dynamics
- Transformer equipped circuitry
- Valve-like push-pull output stage
- Ultra-high input impedance
- High-quality buffered bypass
- Premium components throughout
- Designed and built in England
Connecting the M-EQ DRIVER
9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum
80mA).
INSTR: Connect to your guitar.
AMP OUT: Connect to your amp or modeller.
Controls
DRIVE: Turn clockwise to increase the amount of overdrive. Lower settings
should be used when boosting an amp on the edge of breakup. Higher settings
are capable of generating valve-like overdrive within the pedal. Balance with
the MIDS control to tweak the amount of mid-emphasis in your clean or
overdriven tones.
LEVEL: Sets the output level from the pedal. Turn clockwise to push the
input of your amp. Keep this control set lower when using higher DRIVE
settings.
MIDS: This control increases the level of mid boost. The mid boost
circuit is placed before the push-pull output stage where the overdrive is
generated. This means that high MIDS levels will cause the pedal to
overdrive more at the frequency being boosted.
Between fully counterclockwise and the noon position, this control gives a
moderate mid boost, perfect for lead tones that jump out of the mix and for
pushing an amp into natural overdrive. Above the noon position, there is a
high level of mid boost. This gives a very focused, resonant tone and will
push the pedal’s output stage into thick
overdrive.
KCS SWITCH: Selects between three mid boost frequencies – 0.8, 1.0 or 1.3
Kilocycles per second (the old name for Kilohertz). The choice of different
frequencies allows the M-EQ DRIVER to accurately boost the desired part of a
guitar’s signal, which can vary with different instruments. This can help to
fatten up single coil pickups, add presence to darker guitars or create over-
the-top, mid-rich drive tones.
CUT: Turn clockwise to progressively roll off more high-end. Higher
settings will result in a typical warm lead tone while lower settings will
give a bright, cutting tone.
ADAPT SWITCH: In position I, this engages the CUT control’s Adaptive
Circuity, reducing the effect of the CUT control as the pedal cleans up from
picking dynamics or guitar volume changes. This results in a smooth transition
from warm overdrive to bright clean tones. In position O, the Adaptive
Circuitry is disabled and the effect of the CUT control is always the same.
This adaptive behaviour will be more noticeable with higher CUT seetings and
when the pedal is more overdriven.
Tip: To hear the ADAPT switch in action, select position I. Dial in some
DRIVE, turn the CUT control up and listen to your tone. Now, roll your guitar
volume down to clean up. You will hear the effect of the CUT control reduce,
resulting in more treble as the tone gets cleaner.
Sample Settings
TRADITIONAL DRIVE
This classic setting pairs responsive, vintage overdrive with a moderate mid
boost at 1.0 KCS. Dial in some high-end CUT for a warm and balanced tone that
works well with a clean or slightly overdriven amp.| AMP DISTORTION
The push-pull output stage is capable of some very amp-like drive sounds. With
plenty of high end, a presence boost at 1.3 KCS and extra dynamics from the
ADAPT switch, this crunchy tone is a real all-rounder.
COCKED WAH
Explore the extremes of mid boost with this ferocious, resonant tone. A huge
lift at 0.8 KCS, along with a touch of classic drive, give this
stand-out lead sound a uniquely aggressive character.| CLEAN MID BOOST
Everything you need from a mid boost. Precise musical EQ, clean headroom and a
tasteful treble roll-off. Perfect for pushing a valve amp from the edge of
breakup into a rich solo tone.
Appendix A: Physical Specification
| Measurement | Unboxed | Boxed |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 500g (18oz) | 570g (20oz) |
| Length | 124mm (4.8”) | 135mm (5.3”) |
| Depth | 64mm (2.5”) | 90mm (3.5”) |
| Height | 58mm (2.3”) | 85mm (3.3”) |
Appendix B: Performance Specification
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 1M Ω |
| Output impedance | 1k Ω |
| Current draw | 80mA |
| Power supply requirements | 9VDC 2.1mm centre negative connector |
Appendix C: Connector Pin Out
Instrument & Amplifier 1/4” TS Sockets:
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| Tip | Signal |
| Sleeve | Ground |
Appendix D: Safety Notices
General Safety
Keep these instructions and heed all warnings. Do not use this apparatus near
water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifi ers)
that produce heat. Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel.
When using an external power supply, use only attachments/accessories specifi
ed by Origin Effects. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
CAUTION! No user-servicable parts inside. In the event of damage to the
unit service or repair must be done by qualifi ed service personnel only.
This Product is CE compliant.
This product is UKCA compliant.
FCC Certifi cation
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.
The crossed out wheely bin symbol indicates this product is classifi ed as
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union and
should not be discarded with household waste. Other territories may vary.
Contact your local authority or Origin Effects for more information.
RoHS This product conforms to the European Union’s directive 2011/EU on
Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which
is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be
some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude
exceeding 2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on temperate climate conditions only. There may
be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical
climate conditions.
Appendix E: Warranty
This product is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of
purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their
product from an authorised Origin Effects dealer or directly from Origin
Effects.
All returns or servicing should be arranged through the original dealer. Proof
of original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt.
For full warranty details visit
www.origineffects.com/warranty.
www.origineffects.com
ORIGIN EFFECTS® is a registered trademark of Origin Effects Limited.
All other product names and trademarks are the property
of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
PULTEC® is a trademark of Pulse Techniques LLC. Origin Effects has no
affiliation with
Pulse Techniques LLC.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
whether
mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Origin Effects
Limited.
Origin Effects Limited reserves the right to change the features and
specifications described
herein without notice or obligation. Origin Effects Limited cannot be held
responsible for any
loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in
this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
Document version 1.0
© Origin Effects Limited 2022
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ORIGIN EFFECTS M-EQ Driver Mid Booster and Drive
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[pdf] Owner's Manual
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References
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