Electro-Harmonix XO WHITE FINGER User manual

- FCC COMPLIANCE -
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. If the
device is not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful
interference to radio communications and void the user's authority to guarantee the equipment.
Note: 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 a residential installation. 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 equipment 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.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment under FCC rules.
WHITE FINGER
FET Optical Compressor
Congratulations on your purchase of the White Finger optical compressor! The White
Finger is a warm sounding pedal useful for both guitar, bass and home recording.
This pedal features optical compression and an FET signal path. Reading these
instructions carefully will ensure that you will get the most out of your White Finger.
- THEORY OF OPERATION -
Optical compressors work by treating an incoming signal with an optically controlled
attenuator a type of volume control) comprised of a fixed resistor and a shunt opto-
coupled photocell. Because this attenuator is passive, as opposed to the more
common active AGC Automatic Gain Control) compressor circuits, it doesn’t add an
electronic signature to the signal, thus preserving the tone and character of the
original sound.
The White Finger is a fixed threshold compressor, meaning the threshold remains
constant while you have the ability to change the amount of the signal that goes to
the compressor circuitry. The signal level sent to the compressor is controlled by both
Pre-Gain and Compress knobs. Some gain is needed to adjust the output level so that
it matches the original level and this is accomplished with an FET fixed gain pre-amp
circuit. In general, compressors are used to sustain melody lines, minimize changes in
signal level or add a forward percussive effect to both instruments and drums.
- CONTROLS -
Compress nob – Varies the amount of compression from minimum counter-
Clockwise) to maximum clockwise).
Sensitivity nob – Changes the characteristic of the compression. As the knob is
turned clockwise, the compression effect becomes more dramatic and percussive.
WARNING: Use only the 40VDC/100mA AC adapter the White
Finger comes supplied with. Do not use any other AC adapters. Using
other AC adapters, even those made by Electro-Harmonix, could cause
harm to the unit, the adapter or you. The White Finger does not use
batteries.

Lamp/LED Switch – Selects the light source to drive the optical attenuator. The
LED is very fast and flat in frequency content. Choose this setting for straight-ahead
compression effects and sustain. Choose LAMP for slow attack and a reduced
compression on the treble content. This is great for funk chord playing, voice and
keyboards. Thick and widely adjustable.
SQSH/NORM Switch – Selects between normal attack and a “squashed” long
attack time for the attenuator. This directly affects only the LAMP setting but you will
see a reduction in compression if you leave SQSH on while in LED mode.
Pre-Gain knob – Adjusts the Output level of the signal.
Compression Level LED – Gives a visual indication of the gain reduction caused by
the compressor. The brighter the LED is, the greater the compression.
Status LED – Lights up when the White Finger effect is engaged. If the STATUS led
is off, the unit is in true bypass mode. The footswitch engages/disengages the effect.
INPUT Jack – This ¼” jack is the audio input to the White Finger.
DIRECT OUTPUT JAC – This ¼” jack is connected directly to the input Jack so
that the Input signal is always available.
OUTPUT JAC – This ¼” jack is the audio output from the White Finger. When the
White Finger is in Bypass mode, the output jack is connected directly to the INPUT
jack.
- WARRANTY INFORMATION -
Please register online at http://www.ehx.com/product-registration or complete
and return the enclosed warranty card within 10 days of purchase. Electro-
Harmonix will repair or replace, at its discretion, a product that fails to operate
due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from date of
purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their product
from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. Repaired or replaced units will then
be warranted for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term.
If you should need to return your unit for service within the warranty period,
please contact the appropriate office listed below. Customers outside the regions
listed below, please contact EHX Customer Service for information on warranty
repairs at [email protected] or [phone]. USA and Canadian customers:
please obtain a Return Authorization Number RA#) from EHX Customer
Service before returning your product. Include with your returned unit: a written
description of the problem as well as your name, address, telephone number, e-
mail address, and RA#; and a copy of your receipt clearly showing the purchase
date.
United States & Canada
EHX CUSTOMER SERVICE
ELECTRO-HARMONIX
c/o NEW SENSOR CORP.
55-01 2ND STREET
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Europe
JOHN WILLIAMS
ELECTRO-HARMONIX UK
13 CWMDONKIN TERRACE
SWANSEA SA2 0RQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
This warranty gives a purchaser specific legal rights. A purchaser may have even
greater rights depending upon the laws of the jurisdiction within which the
product was purchased.
To hear demos on all EHX pedals visit us on the web at www.ehx.com
Email us at [email protected]