ClinchFX Clean Boost EP+ User manual

Driving other pedals
The EP+ has much lower output impedance than the EP-PRE. This makes the EP+
capable of driving most other pedals. In spite of this, we don’t recommend using it
before some of the lower impedance vintage Fuzz pedals because most vintage fuzz
pedals rely on direct interaction with guitar pickups.
Where in the signal chain?
We have been using the EP+ in the same position as the EP-PRE, after dirt pedals
and before modulation. We have also found that the EP+ can push the preamp
section of a tube amp into smooth overdrive tones.
The bottom line is, try the EP+ before and after all of your other pedals and find your
own preference. We would love to see everyone’s favorite setups on the forums.
Enjoy!
Warranty
The ClinchFX EP+ is covered against manufacturing defects for a period of one year
from date of purchase. At our discretion we will either repair or replace faulty units.
We will not accept responsibility for failures in other connected equipment.
Warranty does not cover failures resulting from misuse including, but not limited to:
Immersion in liquids, physical damage, incorrect power supply, unauthorized
modifications, faults in connected equipment, acts of God, etc.
Return shipping and insurance costs shall be the responsibility of the owner.
Should you wish to make a warranty claim, please notify us using the "contact us"
page at www.clinchfx.com quoting pedal serial number, purchase date, contact details
and proof of purchase from ClinchFX or an authorized retailer. We will then contact
you to make arrangements for return or replacement. Should we have an authorized
service agent in your area, we may direct you to that agent.
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ClinchFX
EP+
Clean Boost
www.clinchfx.com
Warning
It is the sole responsibility of the user to ensure that this pedal and any
associated cables and equipment are used in a manner that will not
present a danger to either the user or any other person, in
conformance with any applicable health and safety laws. ClinchFX
accepts no responsibility for any personal injury or damage of any kind
resulting from improper use of this pedal.
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Power Supply
The EP+ is designed to operate from a 9V or 12V DC supply. Maximum allowed
voltage is 12V DC.
The EP+ has an internal Charge Pump power supply that boosts a 9 Volt supply to
around 17.3 Volts or a 12 Volt supply to around 23.2 Volts. If the 12 Volt maximum
power supply is exceeded, the internal voltage will exceed the ratings of the Charge
Pump IC. We have designed in some protection against short term excess voltage,
but continued operation from a supply greater than 12 Volts DC will cause the
electronics to fail.
External Power Supply
Power can be supplied from a 9V or 12V DC regulated power pack with a 2.1mm
coaxial plug with negative connected to the centre pin. The power pack should be
rated at greater than 20mA. The pedal is protected from reverse power connection by
a diode, reverse connected across the positive and negative contacts of the DC jack.
If an incorrectly polarized or AC supply is connected, this diode will effectively short
circuit the supply, protecting the pedal circuitry from damage. If an incorrect power
supply remains connected, the power supply will be damaged.
Battery
I do not recommend powering the EP+ from a battery, but a battery compartment is
provided for powering the pedal from a 9V battery.
To access the battery compartment, peel off the non-slip base, which is attached with
genuine Velcro, commercial quality, hook and loop tape. Remove the four screws that
hold the bottom of the box in place.
The battery snap is held to the inside of the box with Velcro. Separate the Velcro and
attach the snap to the battery. The battery will fit between the switch and the end of
the box. The pedal serial number is also located in this area.
Replace the bottom of the box and the non-slip base. Note: The bottom of the box
has foam rubber on the inside, but the rubber does not cover the area where the
battery sits. If the bottom is the wrong way round, it won’t fit over the battery.
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EP+ Description
The EP+ is a clean boost that can boost a guitar signal by up to 18db. The volume
control goes all the way to zero, allowing the EP+ to be used for Unity Gain if
necessary. At the same time, the EP+ adds that almost intangible magic tone of the
famed Echoplex® EP-3®.
For those who are technically minded, we took the successful EP-PRE circuit and
added another Common Source JFET stage to provide the boost. This second stage
is not a buffer, but it gives the EP+ a lower output impedance than the EP-PRE. The
lower output impedance will allow longer cables between the EP+ and the amp
without losing high frequencies.
Using the EP+
Foot Switch
The switch is 3PDT, True Bypass and has gold contacts for reliability.
Note: The switch can assume a “half-operated” state if the plunger is bumped during
travel and set-up. This is a characteristic of the switch mechanism and not a fault.
Always fully operate the stomp switch once before using the pedal.
Volume Control
The Volume control works like most volume controls. When fully counter-clockwise,
there is no output from the pedal. When fully clockwise, pedal output is maximum.
PCB Jumper
The EP+ uses the new EP circuit board that allows you to
select the tone of either early model EP-3 (S/N 9068 to
9450) or later versions.
When you remove the back cover from the EP+, you will
see the rear of the PCB with the jumper fitted to both
terminal pins. This will give the tone of the early EP-3.
To get the tone of the later EP-3, remove the DC power
plug and/or battery. Gently slide the jumper to the right so
that it slides off both pins. Then slide the jumper back on
to one pin only in order to prevent losing the jumper, in
case you wish to change back to the original EP-3 tone.
Re-connect power or battery, connect your guitar and amp
and try the tone.
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