BOSSCO SYB-5 User manual

Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
FET

2
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet). These sections provide important information con-
cerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature pro-
vided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since
its primary purpose was to enable testing.
Copyright © 2004 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

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Main Features
● This compact effect creates a variety of bass synthesizer sounds.
● This unit features a dual-system bass synthesizer, which creates sounds in two different
ways, and 11 modes to produce a variety of sound characteristics.
● Features a mode that the changes the filter, synchronizing it with the internal LFO. This is
useful for creating techno sounds.
● One mode uses an all-pass filter, allowing you to create a whole new synth sound that has
a sense of depth and motion.
● The Hold function allows you to output effect sounds (synthesizer sound) continuously
while you keep the pedal down. (This applies when the Mode is set to 1–9.)
● In the stereo output mode, the effect sound (synthesizer sound) and direct sound can be
output separately.
● The SYB-5 not only works with four-string basses, it is compatible with five- and six-string
basses as well (the range for detecting pitch is A0–C5).
● Equipped with Expression/Control jack. You can connect an expression pedal (the optional
Roland EV-5) and use it to switch the bass synth sounds.

4
Panel Descriptions
fig.01
1. AC Adaptor Jack
Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (op-
tionally available BOSS PSA-series). By using
an AC Adaptor, you can play without being
concerned about how much battery power
you have left.
* As soon as you connect the AC adaptor, the unit is
turned on.
* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC
adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be interrupted
(power blackout or power cord disconnection).
* Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-series).
2. CHECK Indicator
This indicator shows whether an effect is
ON/OFF, and also doubles as the Battery
Check indicator. The indicator lights when
an effect is ON.
3
1
6
7
2
5
4

5
Panel Descriptions
* If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights while
an effect is ON, the battery is near exhaustion and
should be replaced immediately. For instructions on
changing the battery, refer to “Changing the
Battery” (p. 18).
* The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect
is being applied or not. It does not indicate
whether the power to the device is on or not.
3. OUTPUT A (MONO) Jack,
OUTPUT B Jack
The output jacks are used to connect the unit
to amplifiers or other devices.
* For mono output, use OUTPUT A (MONO).
* For stereo use:
Output A: Only the processed signal is output.
Output B: Only the dry signal is output.
4. INPUT Jack
This jack accept input signal coming from a
bass.
*When running the unit on battery power, the INPUT
jack as power switch. Power to the unit is turned on
when you plug into the INPUT jack; the power is
turned off when the cable is unplugged. Be sure to
disconnect a cord plugged into the INPUT jack when
not using this effects device. When the AC adaptor is
used, the power remains on at all times, and this
function is disabled.
5. EXP Jack
Connect an expression pedal (the optional
Roland EV-5) here. You can then use the ex-
pression pedal to change the bass synth
sound.
* For more details, refer to “Using the EXP Jack” (p.
15).

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Panel Descriptions
6. Pedal Switch
This switch turns the effects on/off.
This is also used for the Hold function.
7. Thumbscrew
When this screw is loosened, the pedal will
open, allowing you to change the battery.
* For instructions on changing the battery, refer to
“Changing the Battery” (p. 18).
fig.02
8. EFFECT (Effect Level) Knob
This adjusts the output level of the effect
sound (synth sound).
The volume of the effect sound increases as
you turn the knob clockwise.
* Rotating this knob fully counterclockwise will
eliminate the effect sound.
12 13 8 9 10 11

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Panel Descriptions
9. DIRECT (Direct Level) Knob
This adjusts the output level of the direct
sound. The volume of the direct sound in-
creases as you turn the knob clockwise.
* Rotating the knob fully counterclockwise will
eliminate the direct sound.
10 .FREQ (Frequency) Knob
This adjusts the frequency of the filter.
The sound becomes brighter as you turn the
knob clockwise.
11 .RES (Resonance) Knob
This adjusts the feedback amount of the fil-
ter. Rotating the knob clockwise will make
the sound more unusual.
12 .DECAY/RATE Knob
When MODE is 1, 2, 4, 5, 7–11
The knob works as a decay knob that deter-
mines the period of time over which the fre-
quency of the filter should move. As you rotate
the knob clockwise, this time is increased.
When set to MAX, the frequency of the fil-
ter is fixed.
When MODE is 3, 6
The knob functions as a rate knob, adjusting the
speed at which the filter fluctuates.
13 .MODE Knob
This knob switches the tone.
For more on the tones for each mode, refer to
the “Mode Chart” (p. 10).

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Connections
fig.03
AC Adaptor
BOSS PSA series
(Optional)
Bass Guitar
OUT 9V DC / 200 mA
Bass Amp
For mono use, make the
connection to the
OUTPUT A (MONO) jack.
Expression Pedal
Roland EV-5 (Optional)

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Connections
* To ensure stable conditions, connect the
SYB-5 directly to your bass’s output.
* When running the unit on battery power,
inserting a plug into the INPUT Jack will
automatically switch the unit on.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as
the unit’s power consumption is relatively
high. Should you prefer to use batteries,
please use the alkaline type.
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to
speakers or other devices, always turn down
the volume, and turn off the power on all
devices before making any connections.
* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC
adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be inter-
rupted (power blackout or power cord discon-
nection).
* Once the connections have been completed,
turn on power to your various devices in the
order specified. By turning on devices in the
wrong order, you risk causing malfunction
and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up:
Turn on the power to your guitar amp last.
When powering down:
Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.
* Always make sure to have the volume level
turned down before switching on power.
Even with the volume all the way down, you
may still hear some sound when the power is
switched on, but this is normal, and does not
indicate a malfunction.
* When operating on battery power only, the
CHECK indicator will become dim when
battery power gets too low. Replace the
battery as soon as possible.

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Mode Chart
The Mode allows you to select two bass synthesizers. Each mode will work as follows.
1–9: INTERNAL SOUND MODE
This mode detects the pitch and attack from the input bass guitar sound and creates sound us-
ing the internal sound source. Depending on the number selected, the output sound of the in-
ternal sound source will differ as follows:
* The SYB-5 not only works with four-string basses, it is compatible with five- and six-string basses as well (the
range for detecting pitch is A0–C5).
■ SAW WAVE
1:
A sawtooth wave is output. This produces a
sharp-edged sound.
2: (-1OCT)
A sawtooth wave one octave lower than “1”
is output.
3: (AUTO)
This automatically shifts the filter frequency
for the sound in “1.”
■ SQUARE WAVE
4 :
A square wave is output. This creates a mild-
er sound than that produced with the saw-
tooth wave.
5: (-1OCT)
This outputs a combination of the sound in
“4” with a square wave one octave below it
simultaneously.
6: (AUTO)
This automatically shifts the filter frequency
for the sound in “4.”

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Mode Chart
■ PULSE WAVE
7: 1
A pulse wave is output. This produces a
sharp-edged sound, but one that differs from
that produced with the sawtooth wave.
8: 2
This outputs a pulse wave using an all-pass
filter. Creates a sound that has a sense of
depth and motion.
9: (PWM)
(Pulse Width Modulation)
This outputs a fat, spreading sound by mod-
ulating the variations in the width of the
pulse wave.
* When using the internal sound modes (MODE 1–
9), the above function will not work properly if you
play chords. So, have all the other strings muted,
and play the bass guitar using single notes.
10–11: WAVE SHAPE MODE
This mode directly transforms the audio input from the bass guitar into a synthesized bass
sound. The direction in which the frequency shifts differs depending on the number you select.
10: Up
The frequency of the filter rises when the
string is played, then gradually returns to the
original frequency.
11: Down
The frequency of the filter drops when the
string is played, then gradually returns to the
original frequency.

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Operating the Unit
fig.04
1. When you have made the
necessary connections (p.
8), set the knobs as shown
in the illustration.
fig.05
2. Depress the pedal switch
to turn the effect on.
(Make sure that the
CHECK indicator lights.)
3. Select the mode with the
MODE knob.
fig.06
4. Set the DECAY/RATE knob
to your taste, depending
on the selected mode.
When MODE is 1, 2, 4, 5, 7–11
Use the knob as a decay knob
to set the time for the frequen-
cy of the filter to move.
When MODE is 3, 6
Use the knob as a rate knob to
adjust the speed at which the
filter fluctuates.

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Operating the Unit
fig.07
5. Adjust the frequency of
the filter using the FREQ
knob.
fig.08
6. Adjust the feedback
amount of the filter using
the RES knob.
fig.09
7. Adjust the volume of the
effect and direct sounds
using the EFFECT Level
and DIRECT Level
knobs.

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Using the HOLD Function
In the Internal Sound Mode (when MODE 1–9), you can use the Hold function that allows you
to output the effect sound (synthesizer sound) continuously while holding the pedal down. It
is also possible to mix the direct sound to the effect sound continuously being output by play-
ing the bass guitar to it.
1. Turn the Effect On by pressing the
Pedal Switch.
2. Select the Internal Sound Mode (MODE
1–9) using the Mode switch.
Set the other knobs to your taste.
3. Play the bass guitar using single notes.
4. Press the Pedal Switch once again while
the effect sound you wish to output con-
tinuously is being played, to hold it.
The Hold function remains in effect and
the CHECK indicator flashes as long as
you continue to press the Pedal Switch. In
this state, the SYB-5 continues to output
the effect sound.
5. To switch off the Hold function, release
the Pedal Switch.
The CHECK indicator will stop flashing
and instead light constantly, showing that
the unit is returned to the normal Effect
On status.

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Using the EXP Jack
With an expression pedal (the optional Roland EV-5) connected to the EXP jack, you can then
have the bass synth sound change as you move the pedal.
* Use only the specified expression pedal (EV-5; optional). By connecting any other expression
pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
When MODE is 1, 2, 4, 5, 7–11
You can shift the filter’s frequency by adjusting the expression pedal. This produces an effect
similar to that of a wah pedal.
•You can adjust the filter frequency shifted by movement of the pedal with the FREQ knob.
• You can adjust the range within which the filter frequency shifts with the expression ped-
al’s minimum volume.
* The DECAY pedal has no function at this time.
When MODE is 3, 6
Here, adjusting the expression pedal changes the speed (rate) at which the filter fluctuates.
• You can use the RATE knob to adjust the rate for times when the pedal is depressed.
• The rate for times when the pedal is released can be adjusted by means of the expression
pedal’s minimum volume.

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Outputting the Direct Sound and Effect Sound Separately
When you connect a plug to OUTPUT B, only the direct sound is output from the OUTPUT B
jack, and only the effect sound (synth sound) is output from the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack.
This allows you to create the impression that the direct and effect sounds are being output from
separate amps, adding yet a different effect to the sound.
*In this case, sounds are output only from the OUTPUT B jack when the effect is switched off.
fig.10
*To ensure stable conditions, connect the SYB-5 directly to your bass's output. Connect any
additional effects to the SYB-5’s OUTPUT A (MONO) or OUTPUT B jacks.
Bass Guitar
Bass
Amp
Bass
Amp
Multiple Effects, etc.

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Using the Mode Label
The SYB-5 is supplied with a Mode Label which shows the effect obtained with each of the
modes.
The label (which serves as a quick reference) can be attached as shown in the illustration.
fig.11

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Changing the Battery
When the indicator goes dim or no longer
lights while an effect is on, it means that the
battery is nearly dead and must be replaced.
Replace the battery following the steps below.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the
unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should
you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
fig.12
1. Loosen the thumbscrew at the front of
the pedal, then lift the pedal upwards to
open the unit.
* The thumbscrew can be left in the pedal while
changing the battery.
2. Remove the old battery from the battery
housing, and remove the snap cord con-
nected to it.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery,
and place the battery inside the battery
housing.
*Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+
versus –).
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base
on the back of the pedal, then close the
pedal.
* Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the
pedal, coil spring and battery housing.
5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the
guide bush hole and fasten it securely.
Thumbscrew Pedal
Spring Base
Coil Spring
Guide Bush
Hole
Battery Housing
Battery Snap
Cord
Battery
Snap
9V Battery

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Troubleshooting
Power won’t come on /
CHECK indicator doesn’t light:
●Is the specified adaptor (PSA-series;
sold separately) properly connected?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
* Never use any AC adapter other than one specified
for use with the SYB-5.
●Is the battery low or dead?
Replace with a new battery (p. 18).
* The battery that was supplied with the unit is for
temporary use, intended primarily for testing its
operation.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the
unit's power consumption is relatively high. Should
you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline
type.
●Is your bass guitar properly connected to
the INPUT jack?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
*To prevent useless depletion of the battery when the
unit is running on battery power, the power is
switched on only when a cable is plugged in to the
INPUT jack.
* The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is
being applied or not. It does not indicate whether
the power to the device is on or not.

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Troubleshooting
No sound / Low volume:
●Is the SYB-5 properly connected to your
instrument?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
● Is the volume turned down on any bass
amp or effects device you have connected?
Check the settings of the connected device.
● Is OUTPUT B connected?
Sounds are output only from the OUT-
PUT B jack when the effect is switched off
while a plug is connected to the OUTPUT
B jack. When the effect is off, the output
from the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack is
muted, with no sounds being output.
Sound is distorted:
●Is the battery low?
As the battery is drained, the CHECK in-
dicator dims, and the SYB-5 may start to
function incorrectly. Replace with a new
battery (p. 18).
* The battery that was supplied with the unit is for
temporary use, intended primarily for testing its
operation.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the
unit's power consumption is relatively high. Should
you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline
type.
●Could the level of the sound being input
be excessive?
With some bass guitars, distortion may be
produced. Be careful of your bass guitar’s
output level.