Darkglass Microtubes X Ultra Bass Distortion

Description

Darkglass Microtubes X Ultra Bass Distortion

MULTIBAND BASS DISTORTION PEDAL

In 2018, Darkglass Electronics launched a new series of highly versatile multiband drive pedals, which met with great success.

With the new model completing the range, Microtubes X Ultra further expands the versatility of the X series, for musicians who need the ultimate tool for studio use or a complete fly rig in pedal format. Distorting the bass has always been a particularly complex objective from the point of view of sound reproduction.

To obtain a punchy and aggressive distortion that is at the same time full and round, it is absolutely necessary to reconcile two opposing conditions.

The compactness derives from the attenuation of low frequencies before saturation, which will, however, necessarily result in a particularly thin signal. However, increasing low frequencies could lead to unpleasant and unwanted fuzzy characteristics.

To solve this paradox, studio engineers have been using multiband distortions for decades. With Microtubes X Ultra, the audio signal is split by two variable lo-pass and hi-pass filters at the beginning of the path. The hi-pass signal (mostly mids and highs) is distorted using CMOS circuitry, just like that of other Microtubes pedals.

The lo-pass signal (all lows) is left clean and subsequently processed by the included variable compressor.

This ensures that the high frequencies are rich in harmonics and have the necessary crunch and attack, while the undistorted lows are subsequently reintroduced into the signal to add a gargantuan dimension to the overall mix.

The result is virtually unlimited in fullness, dimension, aggression, and definition, regardless of how old the strings may be or even if a boomy or thin-sounding instrument is used.

Specifications

Low Comp

Controls compression amount for the low band. Both threshold and makeup gain are controlled to maintain a constant level. This control is also used to control the compression amount when the compressor is enabled for clean signal in Darkglass Suite.

Low Level

Sets the output volume of the low-pass signal.

Low Pass Frequency

Controls the cut-off frequency to be mixed back to the high-pass side. Ranging from 50Hz (for only sub-bass) and 500Hz to preserve some clean mids.

High Level

Sets the output volume of the distorted high-pass signal.

High Drive

Sets the amount of distortion for the high pass side.

High Pass Frequency

Controls the cutoff frequency to be distorted, ranging from 100Hz (for thicker, fuzzier saturation) or 1kHz for ultra-sharp definition.

Master

+-12 dB. Sets the overall volume of the unit.

Low shelf

+-12 dB @ 80 Hz.

250 Hz / 500 Hz / 1,5 kHz / 3 kHz

+-12dB.

High shelf

+-12 dB @ 5 kHz.

Direct Output

Balanced XLR output for connecting the pedal to a microphone preamp, PA system, etc.

Ground lift

Disconnects the signal ground on the Direct Output to break any ground loops. Set this switch to either position that has less noise. The switch does not affect the ¼” output.

Cab Sim

Toggle the cabinet simulation on/off on the Direct Output. This switch completely bypasses all digital circuits and allows you to get a zero latency signal when needed.

Headphones

Microtubes X Ultra has a digitally controlled headphone amplifier with a 3.5mm stereo jack output. Digital volume control is available in Darkglass Suite. Headphone volume can be controlled directly on the pedal with the master volume control when the preamp is enabled. When the pedal is on bypass, the master volume does not affect the headphone volume.

USB

A Micro USB B connector allows you to connect the pedal to PC/Mac to load cabinet simulation impulse responses to the pedal and control various other settings. Download the free Darkglass Suite software from www.darkglass.com/suite to configure the pedal, load new impulses and download firmware updates.

Auxiliary Input

Perfect for quiet practice, you can now connect your PC or mobile device to your pedal to play along with your favorite songs, and backing tracks while using the headphone output.

DIMENSIONS

125x96x57 mm (4.92x3.77x2.24 in)