Applied Research and Technology’s Extreme User manual

1
Extreme User’s Guide
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Features 3
Quick Start Instructions 4
Quick Setup With An Amp 4
Quick Setup In An Effects Loop 4
Quick Setup Into A Mixer 4
Installation 5
Powering The XTREME 6
Knobs And Presets 7
Distortion Controls 7
Red Zones! 7
Drive 8
Low 8
Mid & Freq 8
High 9
Output 9
Digital Effects Controls 10
Preset Encoder 10
Blend Control 10
Changing Preset Banks 10
Distortion Types 11
Xtreme 11
Scream 11
Retro 12
Changing Distortion Types 12
Activator Pads 12
Lead-Foot Warning 12
Example Settings 13
Xtreme!, Dimebaggin’, Ragin’, Blues Kings, Retro Rocket 13
Digital Effects Preset List 14
Bank 1 Preset List 15
Bank 2 Preset List 16

Setup Diagrams 17
Plugging Directly Into An XTREME & Amp 17
Using The XTREME In An Amp’s Effects Loop 18
Plugging The XTREME Directly Into A Mixer 19
Using The XTREME With A Power Amp & Cabinets 20
Warranty & Service Information 21
Customer Service 22
XTREME Specifications 23
Your Personal XTREME Settings Charts 24
Applied Research and Technology’s XTREME provides you with three of
the most intense distortion circuits ever designed for the guitar. Addi-
tionally, 32 of the most desirable digital effect presets are available,
including Flanger, Chorus, Reverb, Delay, Pitch Shifting, and Dual Pitch
Shifting in single and multi-effects combinations. The XTREME oper-
ates in mono or stereo, taking a mono input and creating spacious stereo
sounds, plus it’s incredibly easy to use. Applied Research and Technology
designed a combination of powerful processing and ease of use into the
XTREME. We strongly suggest that you read and refer to this manual
while getting used to your new processor.
Take the time to fill out the User Registration Card. We periodically
mail information about new products and product updates that you
don’t want to miss (and every once in a while there are some great give-
aways and contests—with prizes and gear worth tons o’ money—for our
registered users). It only takes a minute, and in return we’ll be your
friend for life and send you stuff!
Fill in the following information for your reference:
DATE OF PURCHASE___________________________________
PURCHASED FROM____________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER______________________________________
125-5004-101
2

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the XTREME—and congratulations! You now own
the nastiest, coolest, and most versatile distortion processor ever developed.
Additionally, the XTREME is one of the most sophisticated pieces of audio sig-
nal-processing technology available.The XTREME offers the wickedest distor-
tions you’ll ever need and incredible digital effects in a sturdy steel case designed
to be abused on the floor.The XTREME utilizes the absolute best in analog
and digital circuits and a straightforward user interface that quickly and easily
gives you access to all of its features. Grab your guitar and get ready to wail like
you’ve never wailed before!
Features
•The last distortion device you’ll ever need
•Three analog distortion types: XTREME, Scream, and Retro
•Over 100dB of gain
•3-band EQ with sweepable mid frequency control
•16-bit digital effects
•32 digital effects presets
•Flanger
•Chorus
•Reverb
•Delay
•Single pitch shifting and dual pitch shifting
•Stereo outputs
•Rubber Activator pads for on/off control of analog and digital effects
•Status lights for all functions
•AC-powered, no tone variation due to elderly 9-volt batteries
•All-steel construction—the way it ought to be!
•Self-adhesive non-skid pads
•Looks as cool as it sounds. Quadruples your chances for getting dates
•You own the pedal every manufacturer will be taking apart before
encountering our second-generation, double secret, copy-protect vapor-
ization device (bye-bye)
•Designed and manufactured in the United States of America
3

Quick Start Instructions
You’ve unpacked your XTREME and you’re in a hurry to get it up and run-
ning. You probably would rather play with it than read the manual (at least,
right now). Fair enough. But check out the basics, outlined here, just to get
your XTREME on line. It should take only a couple of minutes for you to
read through them, and then you’ll be ready to fire up your XTREME. Refer to
this section if you have any difficulty. And later, when you want to get into
more of the details of your XTREME, check out the rest of the manual.
Quick Setup
Before you do anything, make sure your amp is in a clean mode, with
any preamp gain turned low. The Xtreme has more than enough gain to
drive the daylights out of your amplifier. Turn the Xtreme’s Output knob
to its full counterclockwise position. Turn this knob up only after all
other setup steps are completed. Insert the supplied AC adapter’s plug
into the input labeled Power on the XTREME’s back panel.
Straight into an amp: If you’re patching the XTREME into a guitar (or
other instrument) amplifier, use one good-quality shielded cord between
the instrument and the XTREME’s Input. Run a second shielded cord
from Output 1 to the amp’s input. If the amp has stereo input capabili-
ties (or if you’re using two amps), connect another cord between the
XTREME’s Output 2 and the amp’s second-channel input (or the sec-
ond amp’s input). Note: Many guitar amps have two input channels, but
are not stereo (check your amp’s manual).
In an amp’s effects loop: If you’re patching the XTREME into a guitar
(or other instrument) amplifier’s effects loop, and it’s mono, use one
shielded cord between the amp’s effects-send jack and the XTREME’s
Input. Run a second shielded cord from Output 1 to the amp’s effects-
return jack. (If the amp has stereo returns, use another shielded cord to
connect the XTREME’s Output 2 to the amp’s other effects return jack.)
Into a mixer: Connect a shielded cord between your guitar and the
4

XTREME’s Input. Connect another shielded cord between Output 1 and
a line input on your mixer. If you want to run in stereo, connect a second
shielded cord from the XTREME’s Output 2 to another line input on
your mixer.
Note: If you need further help during your initial hook-up, refer to the
diagrams and information on pages 17 through 20.
Plug the XTREME’s AC adapter into the wall socket (the reassuring glow
of the LEDs tell you that the XTREME is now powered up). Now turn
on your amplifier or your mixer and monitor amplifier.
Make sure that your guitar’s volume control, or your mixer’s or amp’s
input or send level control, is turned up and that signal is being sent to the
XTREME.
Now turn up the XTREME’s Output level, and raise the gain or return
level on your amp or mixer. You should be hearing the XTREME. If not,
check your connections and your amp or monitor system (you did
remember to turn everything on, didn’t you?).
Select distortion types with the switch to the left of the illuminated inlay.
Select the second bank of presets with the switch to the right of the inlay.
Turn the distortion or digital effects on or off with the rubber activator
pads. For a complete list of the preset settings, see pages 15 and 16.
Give your guitar a real workout. Try the three distortion types and all the
digital presets (try them separately, too!), and don’t hold back. Then, when
you’re ready, check out the rest of this manual for all the details on how to
get the most out of your XTREME.
Installation
Even though it’s primarily designed for plugging straight into a guitar
amp, the XTREME may be used in a variety of setups including: straight
5

into a power amplifier, P.A., or mixing console, as well as into the effects
loop of an instrument or P.A. amplifier. Self-contained in an all-steel enclo-
sure, the XTREME is designed for continuous professional use and can
withstand the rigors of the road and stage.
Powering The XTREME
The XTREME is powered by an external AC adapter. Always make sure
that its output jack is securely plugged into the rear of the XTREME, and
that the adapter is held firmly in an electrical outlet.
Never operate the XTREME or
AC adapter in the rain or in wet
locations. If the AC adapter
cord is ever cut or damaged, dis-
continue using it and replace
the adapter with a new one. To
prolong its life, unplug the ad-
apter when the XTREME is
not in use. Alternatively, the
XTREME’s AC adapter can be
plugged into a switched power
strip so that you can conveniently turn it off with your other gear. Refer to
the label on the adapter for proper operating voltages.
KNOBS AND PRESETS
The upper half of the XTREME’s face panel includes the controls for the
distortion circuitry, a Blend control, and the Preset encoder knob. A list-
6
POWER 9V AC
Cord From
AC Adapter
9V AC
Input On
Xtreme’s
Rear
8
16 15 1413
12
11
10
97
6
5
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
321
4
15 9 13
Chorus + Delay
060-15 +15 -15 +15
Flange Flange + Delay Delay + Reverb
2610 14
Dual PT Chorus + Reverb Chorus + Detune PT
300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E

ing of the effect combinations for the digital presets is included on the
XTREME’s front panel, below the controls. Keep in mind that the dis-
tortion can be used with or without digital effects, and if you’re using
the XTREME with an amp, it can be like adding a third overdrive chan-
nel—with three different types of distortion, plus effects!
Distortion Controls
Use the distortion with or without the XTREME’s digital effects—your
choice. And don’t forget to try the distortion tones with an amp’s over-
drive for a completely out-of-control experience. And if your amp only
has one channel, or a wimpy second channel, the XTREME’s distortion
adds another channel and fattens up your amp into a 10-ton grinding
machine.
About Those Red Zones. . .
You’ll notice the Drive, Low, and Output knobs have Red Zones marked
at their maximum settings. When employing the Xtreme Distortion, use
these settings at your own risk! If you want beyond-shred, over-the-edge
XTREME distortion types, dial ’em in! ART assumes no responsibility
for ticked-off parents, girlfriends, boyfriends, neighbors, relatives, pets,
wildlife, or your old, never-to-be-used-again distortion box. You no
longer have to claim, “I need more gain!” Ready? Wail!
7
OUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
060-15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15 0 100
Red Zones: Enter At Your Own Risk!

Drive
The Drive control sets the amount of gain for the distor-
tion circuit. Its range is from 0 (none) to 60 (We warned
you!). Use lower settings for cleaner, bluesy overdrive
sounds, and dial up higher settings when you want to be
XTREME. The Drive control has a Red Zone (use it!).
Low
The Low control adjusts the amount of low end in your guitar’s sound,
letting you add thump to the bottom, or thin it out for a sharper type of
cutting ability. The range is from a cut of 15dB to a boost of over 15dB
(at 12 o’clock, it’s “flat”—no boost or cut). If you feel the need to crank
up the Low control, make sure your amp is seated firmly on a stable sur-
face. (If you’re
using a stack,
you may want
to duct tape
your head to
the cabinet, to
keep it from
falling off). If you’re plugging the XTREME straight into a mixer/re-
corder setup, keep one eye on the VU meters and another on the moni-
tors (to make sure their speakers don’t jump out of the enclosures!).
Like the Drive knob, the Low control has a Red Zone. (To turn your
speaker cabinet into a humongous hair dryer, crank up the Low and
point at your head—make sure you’ve inserted ear plugs first, though.)
Mid & Freq
The Mid control adjusts the amount of boost or cut to the “body” of
your sound. The Freq control sets the frequency range you want to boost
or cut. Its range is from 300 Hz to 5kHz. To obtain proper “suck,” or
“scoop,” for maximum shred, set the Freq control somewhere between
12 and 3 o’clock and cut the midrange by setting the Mid control to be-
8
DRIVE
060
HIGHFREQMIDLOW
15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15

tween 7 and 9 o’clock. (This is an especially great way to create a “cabi-
net simulation” effect when you plug the XTREME straight into a
mixer/ recorder setup—even at low distortion settings.) You can also
select a frequency to boost, making it easy to sustain—or even to feed
back—specifically at certain notes or when you play in certain ranges.
High
The High control adjusts the amount of high end in your guitar sound.
Its range is from a cut of 15dB to a boost of 15dB (at 12 o’clock, it’s
“flat”—no boost or cut). To splinter glass, boost the High control. To get
rid of the edge, cut the High control.
Output
The Output control is not a master output level for the entire
XTREME. It is the output of the analog distortion section leading into
the digital effects. Therefore, you can use it to match the output of the
XTREME’s analog distortion section to your guitar’s
“normal” level (the level you hear when the XTREME’s
analog distortion section is bypassed). The Output
control is also useful for boosting the output level for
your incredible leads and bone-grinding rhythm.
The Output control is located before the digital effects section (it drives
the digital circuitry). Depending on how you want to use the XTREME,
set the Output control so that the level is the same when you turn the
distortion on and off. Or, set the Output control so that the signal
(Peak=Red) LED flickers red occasionally. If you see the Signal (Peak
=Red) LED on constantly, turn down the Output control—you’re over-
driving the digital section. (If you like the sound of digital circuitry
screaming, spitting, sputtering, and otherwise convulsing, leave it up).
The Output control has a Red Zone. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Now that you know how to grind your axe using the distortion section,
don’t forget that the XTREME offers a whole other section full of digital
voodoo. Feel free to put down the manual and shred away, to get a feel
9
OUTPUT
0 100

for your new powers. When your calluses have calluses, pick the manual
back up and read on.
DIGITAL EFFECTS CONTROLS
The XTREME’s high-quality digital effects were specially chosen to be
impressively musical, plus they are perfect complements to the analog
distortion sounds. Note that you can use the digital effects with or with-
out the distortion, so you can even use the XTREME for adding digital
effects to clean guitar sounds, or during mixdown to enhance tracks
you’ve recorded.
Preset Encoder
The Preset encoder is a continuously variable, 16-
position knob that selects presets. For easy refer-
ence, the related effects combinations are printed
below the row of controls. Using the digital effects
is simple: Select an effects combination you wish to
use and set the Blend control for the proper
amount of effect-enhanced signal. (See pages 15
and 16 for a complete listing of the XTREME’s presets and their values.)
Blend Control
The Blend control adjusts how much of the digital effects
are added to your guitar sound. The Blend control ranges
from “G” (100% guitar, or distortion-enhanced guitar,
depending on whether the distortion is bypassed) to “E,”
for Effect (100% effect, dripping wet).
Changing Banks
A total of 32 presets of digital effects and combinations of effects are avail-
able in the XTREME. Variations of the 16 listed effect combinations are
available in Bank 2.To change Preset Banks, simply press the switch located
to the right of the illuminated inlay (if you use your foot, don’t stomp it—a
simple touch will do).The Bank 2 LED glows bright red when Bank 2 is
10
8
16 15 1413
12
11
10
97
6
5
321
4
BLEND
GE

The Presets are arranged to offer the most effective and useful selections
for any playing style. If you like a particular digital effects preset, press
the Bank switch and you’ll find the same effect combination with value
changes suited to either rhythm or lead playing. Experiment with the
variations—twice the presets means twice the tonal possibilities.
DISTORTION TYPES
The XTREME provides you with three distortion types, each with its
own personality. With over 100dB of gut-wrenching gain, and complete
tonal control, virtually any distortion sound—no matter how subtle or
explosive—is available with the XTREME.
Xtreme
This is the ultimate distortion. In fact, the XTREME is named for this
sound—XTREME! If your playing style demands a tone beyond the dis-
tortion formerly known as shred, then this is your setting. The Red
Zones are marked on the Drive, Low, and Output controls, indicating
that if you dial up those settings, you’ve gone beyond previously known
limits. Don’t try to clean up this sound; it won’t happen. Nail down your
amp, and blast!
Scream
The Scream distortion is reminiscent of the screamin’ green stompbox of
the late ’70s and ’80s, only with a heck of a lot more gain. The Scream
distortion retains a bit of clean signal mixed with the distorted tone for a
really ratty but smooth and intelligible sound. The Drive control lets you
to clean up the sound at lower settings and produce great sustain when
11
XTREME SCREAM RETRO DISTORT PEAK
=

it’s driven harder. Similar to using a hot-rodded version of classic metal-
clad overdrives, this distortion is primo when you want to give your
combo or head a firm kick in the shins.
Retro
The Retro distortion offers enough versatility to produce a wide range of
textures, from smooth overdriven vintage tones to down and dirty Texas
Blues distortions. The Drive control allows you to clean up to the
faintest of tube rattle to the roar of an overworked white Bassman. If
you’re good with your guitar’s volume pot, this is the easiest distortion to
sail through “Little Wing”-type material. . . and then some.
Changing Distortion Types
The switch to the left of the illuminated inlay toggles through the three
different distortion types in the XTREME. Simply press the button until
the LED indicating the distortion type you want lights up.
ACTIVATOR PADS
The two rubber Activator pads allow you to bypass or activate each of
the effect sections independently. LED Status lights in the illuminated
inlay keep you informed whether the distortion or digital effects (or
both) are on or off. Once in operation, the XTREME acts as two stomp
boxes: a distortion like you’ve never heard and a digital pedal with unbe-
lievably cool sounds.
LEAD-FOOT WARNING!
Even though the XTREME is built like a tank and the rubber Activator
pads are designed to be pressed with your feet, the Distortion and Bank
Select switches were designed to be pressed with a finger. If you choose
to use your foot for these, do it lightly. A tap is all it takes! Practice this
maneuver with caution. (This can be difficult with high-heeled, flame-
throwing, pointy-toed stage wear.)
12

EXAMPLE SETTINGS
Check out these settings for a quick tour of how devastating the XTREME
can be. When you test these sounds, set your amp’s tone controls to their
“flat” (no boost or cut) position, and turn down the amp’s overdrive, so that
you can hear the XTREME’s full range of tones. Use the XTREME’s EQ
controls to adjust your tone. (Add the digital effects of your choice, too!)
“Xtreme!”
“Dimebaggin’”
“Ragin’”
“Blues Kings”
“Retro Rocket”
13
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
060-15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
060-15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
060-15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
060-15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMIDLOWDRIVE
060-15 +15 -15 +15 300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E

DIGITAL EFFECTS PRESET LIST
The following list describes all of the 32 presets in the XTREME’s digital
effects section.They are arranged by banks (1 and 2). Here’s a quick expla-
nation of some of the abbreviations:
doubling Short delay that gives the illusion of two instruments
playing in unison.
ms Short for “milliseconds,” or thousandths of a second
PT Short for PitchTransposer, which creates a harmony. In
the dual PT programs (Preset 2 in each bank), two har-
monies are created—one an octave above the note you
play, and another one octave below.
regen Short for “regeneration.” This means sending part of the
output signal back through an effect. Regenerating a
delayed signal produces echoes. In flanging and chorus-
ing, regeneration of certain frequencies (highs, for
instance) can create a thicker, more dramatic effect.
sec Short for “second” (equal to 1,000 milliseconds).
14
8
16 15 1413
12
11
10
97
6
5
BLENDOUTPUTHIGHFREQMID
L
OW
E
ME SCREAM RETRO DISTORT PEAK=RED EFFECTS BANK 2
321
4
15 9 13
Chorus + Delay
+15 -15 +15
Flange Flange + Delay Delay + Reverb
2610 14
Dual PT Chorus + Reverb Chorus + Detune PT
3711 15
Chorus Reverb Chorus + Delay + Reverb Flange + Delay
4812 16
Delay Doubling Delay Delay Delay + Reverb
300 5K -15 +15 0 100 G E
Pl
Preset
Selector
Bank
Selector

Bank 1
Preset Description
1Chorus + Delay Slow chorus + 380ms regen
delay
2Dual Pitch Transpose Octave up + octave down
3Chorus Slow chorus
4Delay 425ms regen delay
5Flange Slow flange with high regen
6Chorus + Reverb Slow analog chorus + 2.0 Sec
hall reverb
7Reverb .04 sec room reverb
8Doubling Delay 80ms doubling delay
9Flange + Delay Slow flange with high regen
+ 450ms regen delay
10 Chorus + Detune Slow chorus + octave up
11 Chorus + Delay + Reverb Medium analog chorus +
175ms delay + 0.8 sec room
reverb
12 Delay 350ms regen delay
13 Delay + Reverb 150ms regen delay + 1.0 sec
room
14 PT (Pitch Transposing) Octave down
15 Flange +Delay Slow flange with high regen +
345ms regen delay
16 Delay 390ms regen delay
15

Bank 2
Preset Description
1Chorus + Delay Slow chorus + 380ms regen
delay
2Dual Pitch Transpose Octave up + octave down
3Chorus Slow chorus
4Delay 425ms regen delay
5Flange Slow flange with high regen
6Chorus + Reverb Slow analog chorus + 2.0 sec
hall reverb
7Reverb .04 sec room reverb
8Doubling Delay 80ms doubling delay
9Flange + Delay Slow flange with high regen
+ 450ms regen delay
10 Chorus + Detune Slow chorus + octave up
11 Chorus + Delay + Reverb Medium analog chorus +
175ms delay + 0.8s room
reverb
12 Delay 350ms regen delay
13 Delay + Reverb 150ms regen delay + 1.0s
room
14 PT (Pitch Transposing) Octave down
15 Flange +Delay Slow flange with high regen +
345ms regen delay
16 Delay 390ms regen delay
16

17
PLUGGING DIRECTLY INTO AN XTREME & AMP
Before you do anything,
make sure your amp is
in a clean mode, with
any preamp gain turned
low. The Xtreme has
more than enough gain
to drive the daylights
out of your amplifier.
When plugging a guitar
into the XTREME,
make sure that there is
sufficient signal level
coming from the instru-
ment (check that you’ve
turned up the volume
knob). Turn up the
XTREME’s Drive and
Output controls before
turning up the amplifi-
er’s volume control.
TTAC
A K
MODULE
SYSTEM S-28
TTAC
A K
MODULE
CARBON FIBER
COMPOSITE
EFFECTS DISTORTION
XTREME SCREAM RETRO DISTORT PEAK=RED EFFECTS BANK 2
L
CLEAN CHAN
LEVEL LOW EQ
AC
POWER CLEAN
CHANNEL
HIGH GAIN
INPUT -6dB INPUT
INPUT OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2
Xtreme’s
Rear
Pa nel
To
Second
Amp
Amp’s
Input
SETUP DIAGRAMS
From
Guitar
INPUT OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2

18
USING THE XTREME IN AN AMP’S EFFECTS LOOP
TTAC
A K
MODULE
SYSTEM S-28
TTAC
A K
MODULE
CARBON FIBER
COMPOSITE
EFFECTS DISTORTION
XTREME SCREAM RETRO DISTORT PEAK=RED EFFECTS BANK 2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Patch the XTREME
into the effects loop of
an instrument amplifier
as shown (for mono set-
ups, use the XTREME’s
Output 1 jack). If the
amp has two effects-
loop return jacks for
stereo operation, you
may connect a second
cord between the
XTREME’s Output 2
and the amp’s second
return jack.
SEND EFFECTS LOOP RETURN
INPUT OUTPUT 1
Amp’s
Effects Loop
Send
Amp’s
Effects Loop
Return
Xtreme’s
Rear
Pa nel
INPUT OUTPUT 1

19
PATCHING THE XTREME INTO A MIXER’S
REVERB SEND/RETURN LOOP
Connect the Output 1
and Output 2 of the
XTREME to two line
input channels of your
mixer (use Output 1 if
you wish to run in
mono). Adjust the
Input and Output lev-
els of the XTREME
and then the Input
level of the mixer.
Once you see signal
present to the mixer,
turn up your mixer’s
output levels (or moni-
tor amp).
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
EFFECTS DISTORTION
XTREME SCREAM RETRO DISTORT PEAK=RED EFFECTS BANK 2
12 3
CHANNEL INPUTS
INPUT OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2
From
Guitar
Xtreme’s
Rear
Pa nel
INPUT OUT-
PUT 1 OUT- PUT 2
Outputs
From Xtreme
Mixer’s
Input
Section