Ceriatone Horse Breaker User manual
OVERVIEW
The Ceriatone Horse Breaker is a 2-in-1 Overdrive Pedal, consisting of our Ceriatone Centura
overdrive on the left and the overdrive on the right. As is the case with all our products,
we have paid excruciating attention to each circuit. Both are 100% accurate down to part
composition, and even manufacture where important. We have gone so far as to reverse
personal vintage samples of each, measure, and compare exhaust
agree that it is worth the effort.
Having two accurate, sought-
stop there. Obviously, each pedal can be played individually, or can be stacked together. We
also added two important toggle controls to home in on your tones and sit properly in your
greater rig.
First, the Buffer switch pedal also allows for the buffer in the Centura circuit to be turned
on/off. When up, the buffer is active. When down, the buffer is defeated and puts the Centura
in true-bypass operation.
Next, the “Order” switch allows for setting which OD comes first, allowing for tonal shaping.
BB) places the Centura first in the signal path and runs into the BB. Toggle right
CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS
1) Input Jack (Please use quality ¼” instrument cables and jacks)
This is where you insert the input signal into the pedal (from guitar or other pedals)
2) Output Jack (Please use quality ¼” instrument cables and jacks)
This is the output of the pedal, and it goes to your amplifier, or other pedals/devices
3) DC Power Jack
Use industry standard 2.1mm barrel plug, with a power supply of 9VDC, tip negative.
4) Centura Gain
Controls the amount of gain for the Centura OD. Clockwise increases clipping.
5) Centura Output
Controls the output, or volume for the Centura OD. Clockwise increases volume.
6) Centura Treble
Controls the treble/highs for the Centura OD. Clockwise increases treble content.
7) Centura Footswitch
Turns the Centura OD on/off, indicated by the Centura LED indicator
8) Centura LED indicator
Indicates whether the Centura OD is on, when lighted.
9) “BB” Volume
Controls the amount of output, or volume, for the BB. Clockwise increase volume.
10) “BB” Gain
Controls the amount of gain for the BB. Clockwise increases clipping.
11) “BB” Tone
Controls the treble/highs of the BB. Clockwise increases treble content.
12) “BB” Footswitch
Tindicator
13) “BB” LED indicator
Indicates whether the BB OD is on, when lighted.
Powering the Horse Breaker
Voltage: 9V DC, Tip Negative
Connector: 2.1mm barrel plug
*Important: The Horse Breaker must be used with the above power requirements. Failing to do
so will damage the power supply circuitry inside the pedal, and voids warranty.
Alternatively, a 9V battery can be used. The battery compartment is inside the enclosure. To
open, use a screw driver to undo the 4 screws on the bottom cover.
Setting the Centura
The Centura is a transparent OD that can do wonders to your tones, whether set as a clean
boost effect, or as a true overdrive to goose up your sounds.
It is best used with a tube amp that is turned up a bit, i.e. at the level that it provides a
sound tubes are renowned for.
Clean Boost Settings:
Gain: Min –9 o’clock
Treble: 10-12 o’clock
Output: 10:30-12:30 o’clock
Of course, you can vary the settings as you see fit, and to suit your other gear/system. For more
distortion,
Centura Buffer
The Centura OD circuit is a buffered bypass pedal. This means when the effect is switched off,
the buffer is still in the signal chain, and affects the tone (positively, or vice versa, is dependent
on your gear, and preferences).
The Buffer switch on the Horse Breaker allows you to turn off the buffer, thus making the pedal
true bypass.
There may be tonal difference between buffer on/off, set it to your preference.
Setting the “BB” OD
circuit was originally designed to give the sounds of an early -equipped
2x12 combo amplifier. Whether it may or may not be
by a certain well-known modern guitar hero.
IMPORTANT as with the original, the pedal is quite low in both volume output and in
available gain. When compared to some other OD pedals, Centura included, it may seem a bit
gentle until high control settings. That is per original!
This circuit also works best with a tube amp that is set a bit louder and/or on the verge of
clipping
tones.
“BB” clean boost settings:
Volume: 1-2 o’clock
Gain: 11-1 o’clock
Tone: 11-2:30 o’clock
This setting might differ, depending on your gear. Do play around with the Volume and Gain
controls.
For more boost, adjust either Volume or Tone very gradually higher, to your liking.
“BB” guitar hero settings:
Volume: 3-4 o’clock
Gain: 2:30-3:00 o’clock
Tone: 2:30-3:00 o’clock
These settings were taken from a 2010 video. Best results might differ, depending on your
gear. We do feel this is a good starting point, however, play around with all controls!
Stacking the Centura and “BB” circuits
One of the more fun things about the Horse Breaker is combining both overdrives for additional
musical and highly usable tones. Because either order provides useful tones, we provided the
Order switch (review page 1 for details). Such flexibility might be overwhelming for some
players, so here are a few things to keep in mind
s for that
purpose, we recommend having that overdrive SECOND in order. Then, when the other circuit
is engaged, it is then used to overdrive that core sound.
Next, a little time with the unit will prove just how different the potential output levels of each
circuit are. The Centura is capable of VASTLY more signal boost than the BB. If you are using
this nature of the Centura (high signal output), we recommend running the Centura second so
as not to decrease the signal output.
Tonally, each circuit has its own sonic characteristic. The Centura is very fat and thick in the low
particularly compliments single-coil
pickups). The BB is also quite fat, but has more of an upper midrange zing, and clipping tends
to have more of a percussive tactile feel. Note that the pedal second in order will have more of
a pronounced sonic signature when both are used together.
In our testing, we noted an interesting trend that may also provide useful. Rhythm p
BB. Single note and lead players tended to favor BBC.
There are no steadfast rules. Most importantly, trust your ears. If it sounds good, it is good!
We hope you enjoy the Horse Breaker pedal, and that it brings you new heights to your musical
endeavors! Thank You!
Ceriatone Amplification S/B
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.ceriatone.com
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