Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X Ultra User manual

Microtubes X Ultra
Multiband Distortion
The Microtubes X Ultra allows you to select exactly what
frequencies you want to compress and saturate for the low
and treble respectively, but with four major additions providing
an additional layer of flexibility, while maintaining the same
compact footprint, making it an extremely complete tool for
the modern bassist.
Warning
The Microtubes X Ultra has a current draw of 200mA. Only use
a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug. Due to
ecological reasons, it does not accept batteries. Unregulated
power supplies and/or higher voltages may result in subopti-
mal noise performance and even damage your unit, voiding
the warranty
Warranty
To activate the warranty, we encourage you to register your
product on: http://mypedal.darkglass.com and enter the serial
number on the back of your pedal.
Please contact us via email [email protected] before
shipping a product to us.
Controls
High Pass Frequency: Controls the cutoff frequency to be
distorted, ranging from 100Hz (for thicker, fuzzier saturation)
or 1kHz for ultra-sharp definition.
High Drive: Sets the amount of distortion for the high pass side.
High Level: Sets the output volume of the distorted high-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.
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.
Clean signal compression: To enable the compressor for
clean signal, please install Darkglass Suite
(www.darkglass.com/suite) and connect the pedal via USB.
After enabling the mode in Suite, you can hold the Bypass
footswitch for 2 seconds. When the lights on the pedal are
blue, the compressor is enabled for clean signal. In both blue
and red modes the distortion is identical.
Sliders
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. On bypass the volume has to be
adjusted in Darkglass Suite.
With sensitive headphones, the bypass volume can be very
loud if not adjusted!
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.

Microtubes X Ultra
Multiband Distortion
The Microtubes X Ultra allows you to select exactly what
frequencies you want to compress and saturate for the low
and treble respectively, but with four major additions providing
an additional layer of flexibility, while maintaining the same
compact footprint, making it an extremely complete tool for
the modern bassist.
Warning
The Microtubes X Ultra has a current draw of 200mA. Only use
a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug. Due to
ecological reasons, it does not accept batteries. Unregulated
power supplies and/or higher voltages may result in subopti-
mal noise performance and even damage your unit, voiding
the warranty
Warranty
To activate the warranty, we encourage you to register your
product on: http://mypedal.darkglass.com and enter the serial
number on the back of your pedal.
Please contact us via email [email protected] before
shipping a product to us.
Controls
High Pass Frequency: Controls the cutoff frequency to be
distorted, ranging from 100Hz (for thicker, fuzzier saturation)
or 1kHz for ultra-sharp definition.
High Drive: Sets the amount of distortion for the high pass side.
High Level: Sets the output volume of the distorted high-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.
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.
Clean signal compression: To enable the compressor for
clean signal, please install Darkglass Suite
(www.darkglass.com/suite) and connect the pedal via USB.
After enabling the mode in Suite, you can hold the Bypass
footswitch for 2 seconds. When the lights on the pedal are
blue, the compressor is enabled for clean signal. In both blue
and red modes the distortion is identical.
Sliders
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. On bypass the volume has to be
adjusted in Darkglass Suite.
With sensitive headphones, the bypass volume can be very
loud if not adjusted!
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.

Microtubes X Ultra
Multiband Distortion
The Microtubes X Ultra allows you to select exactly what
frequencies you want to compress and saturate for the low
and treble respectively, but with four major additions providing
an additional layer of flexibility, while maintaining the same
compact footprint, making it an extremely complete tool for
the modern bassist.
Warning
The Microtubes X Ultra has a current draw of 200mA. Only use
a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug. Due to
ecological reasons, it does not accept batteries. Unregulated
power supplies and/or higher voltages may result in subopti-
mal noise performance and even damage your unit, voiding
the warranty
Warranty
To activate the warranty, we encourage you to register your
product on: http://mypedal.darkglass.com and enter the serial
number on the back of your pedal.
Please contact us via email [email protected] before
shipping a product to us.
Controls
High Pass Frequency: Controls the cutoff frequency to be
distorted, ranging from 100Hz (for thicker, fuzzier saturation)
or 1kHz for ultra-sharp definition.
High Drive: Sets the amount of distortion for the high pass side.
High Level: Sets the output volume of the distorted high-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.
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.
Clean signal compression: To enable the compressor for
clean signal, please install Darkglass Suite
(www.darkglass.com/suite) and connect the pedal via USB.
After enabling the mode in Suite, you can hold the Bypass
footswitch for 2 seconds. When the lights on the pedal are
blue, the compressor is enabled for clean signal. In both blue
and red modes the distortion is identical.
Sliders
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. On bypass the volume has to be
adjusted in Darkglass Suite.
With sensitive headphones, the bypass volume can be very
loud if not adjusted!
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.

Technical Specifications
Single user loadable cabinet simulation impulse response
· Maximum impulse length 21 ms
· 48 kHz, 16-bit internal processing
· 1.6 ms latency
· 92 dB dynamic range
Micro-USB B port to connect to PC/Mac
3.5mm headphone output with cabinet simulation:
· 16 Ohm minimum load.
· 50 mW output power at 16 Ohms.
· 30 mW output power at 32 Ohms.
Balanced XLR output with switchable cabinet simulation and
switchable ground lift.
Input Impedance 1M
Output Impedance 1k
Current Consumption ~ 200 mA
Voltage 9V DC (Center Negative)
Dimensions
Width 125 mm (4.92 in)
Height 96 mm (3.77 in)
Depth 57 mm (2.24 in)
Weight 430 gr (0.94 lb)

Darkglass Suite
Download the free Darkglass Suite software from www.darkglass.com/suite
to configure the pedal, load new impulses and download firmware updates.
Darkglass Suite comes with a selection of cabinet IRs made by some of our
artists. It also allows you to load your own IRs in WAV and AIFF formats and
organize your IR files. See the online manual of Darkglass Suite for more
information.
The Bus Compressor on the Microtubes X Ultra can be enabled for the clean
channel in Darkglass Suite. You can enable tooltips ('?' symbol in the top
right corner) and hover the mouse over different functions for additional
information.
Disclaimer
In the interest of continuous improvement, specifications are subject to
change without notice. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to
contact us at www.darkglass.com
The manufacturer claims that the above product fulfills the requirements as
set by EN55013, EN55020, EN60555-2, EN60555-3, RoHS, WEEE.
EMC / EMI
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
· Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
· Increase the separation between the vequipment and receiver.
· Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
· Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.