Malekko SNEAK ATTACK User manual

USER MANUAL
MALEKKO HEAVY INDUSTRY CORPORATION
malekkoheavyindustry.com Rev A

Sneak Attack is a digitally controlled analog VCA pedal that can also be
manually triggered or used in a tremolo mode. The core of the pedal is an
Attack/Decay envelope generator with separate length and curve controls
for both the attack and decay segments, giving the user in-depth control
of the shape of the envelope (or tremolo). The envelope can be triggered
or cycled in several ways using the input signal, built in footswitch, Lil’
Buddy footswitch or external clock/click track. Lil’ Buddy also expands the
feature set to include tap tempo and additional, unique control over the
attack and decay.
Sneak Attack Features include:
•Attack and Decay Curve control
•Attack and Decay Length control
• Volume/Depth control
• Threshold control with multiplication of tempo by 1,2,3 or 4 while in tap
tempo mode
• Single Trigger Modes as well as Cycling (LFO) Modes
• Auto trigger using input signal threshold
• Manual trigger using built in footswitch in manual trigger mode (Attack
only)
• Manual trigger using Lil’ Buddy external footswitch
• Manual trigger using external click track
• Built in LFO mode cycles the A/D envelope
• Tap tempo LFO using Lil’ Buddy external footswitch
• Tap tempo LFO using external click track

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
1. STOMP SWITCH - Turns effect on or off. (Must be held down one second to disengage
the pedal when in MANUAL TRIGGER mode)
2. OUTPUT - Connect to amplifier
3. MAIN LED - Effect on/off
4. ENVELOPE LED INDICATOR - Indicates the status of the envelope
5. ATTACK LENGTH CONTROL – Adjusts the length of the attack. Ranges from approx 10
msec to 6 sec. With the knob at the 12 o'clock position, the length is approx 1 sec.
6. ATTACK CURVE CONTROL - Adjust the shape of the attack. The curve ranges from a
very fast exponential shape (counter-clockwise) through linear and to a very fast inverted
exponential (clockwise)
7. DECAY CURVE CONTROL - Adjust the shape of the decay
8. LEVEL - This is a dual function knob that is VOLUME in single trigger modes and DEPTH
in LFO (TREMOLO) modes
9. DECAY LENGTH CONTROL - Adjust the length of the decay. Ranges from approx 10
msec to 6 sec. With the knob at the 12 o'clock position, the length is approx 1 sec.
10. AUTO THRESHOLD CONTROL - Sets the threshold for auto-triggering the envelope. All
the way clockwise is MANUAL TRIGGER MODE. With the knob set all the way counter-
clockwise, the LFO will continuously repeat (TREMOLO) mode. When in TAP TEMPO
MODE (Lil Buddy plugged in), you can also multiply the tempo by 1, 2, 3, or 4 by turning
the AUTO THRESHOLD knob clockwise from LFO.
11. MAIN TRIGGER LED - Blinks when Attack/Decay envelope is triggered or as tempo
indicator if in TAP TEMPO MODE
12. JACK FOR LIL BUDDY OR CLOCK INPUT - TAP TEMPO or external clocking / click
track
13. INPUT JACK - Connect instrument cable
14. 9VOLT DC POWER JACK - only for use with standard 2.5mm neg-tip 200mA 9volt DC
power supply

ATTACK AND DECAY CONTROLS
In EXAMPLE 1, MANUAL TRIGGER
MODE will only trigger an attack envelope.
To have a full Attack/Decay envelope, you
need to plug in a Lil Buddy (or equivalent).
With the curve controls over Attack and Decay,
you can create unique LFO (low frequency
oscillation) or TREMOLO shapes and envelopes.
EXAMPLE 2: Settings to the left will create a
triangle shaped, continuous LFO (or
TREMOLO). To change tempo, adjust
Attack/Decay pots.
EXAMPLE 1: Settings to the left will create
an envelope with a rather extreme curved
ramp in attack and a longer, curved decay
time that can be manually triggered.

TRIGGERING, CYCLING AND TAP TEMPO
LFO AND CYCLING MODES:
•LFO mode cycles the A/D envelope
(continuous tremolo)
The Sneak Attack envelopes can be
triggered/fired in a few different ways.
SINGLE AND MANUAL TRIGGER
MODES:
•Auto trigger based on input signal
threshold
•Auto trigger using input signal
threshold.
•Manual trigger using built in
footswitch in manual trigger mode
(Attack only).
•Manual trigger using Lil' Buddy
external footswitch.
•Manual trigger using external click
track.
TAP TEMPO AND MULTIPLYING:
•Plugging in LIL BUDDY
automatically puts Sneak Attack in
TAP TEMPO mode. When in TAP
TEMPO MODE, you can multiply the
tempo by 1, 2, 3, or 4 by turning
the AUTO THRESHOLD knob
counterclockwise from LFO.
•TAP TEMPO LFO using external
click track.

DUAL MODES OF LEVEL CONTROL
If the AUTO THRESHOLD knob is
set to LFO, LEVEL functions as
depth control over the the LFO (or
TREMOLO).
To reset depth, turn LEVEL control
all the way left then all the way right.
Now set your LFO depth amount.
When the AUTO THRESHOLD
knob is set to MANUAL
TRIGGER, LEVEL functions as
VOLUME control for the attack and
decay.
To reset volume, turn LEVEL control
all the way left then all the way right.
Now set your envelope volume.

1. Connect to an industry standard 9 Volt DC power supply!Incorrect
voltage and AC power supplies will damage your pedal and void the
manufacturer’s warranty! We also recommend using our Malekko 9
Volt Wall Wart, available through our website.
2. Do not use this apparatus near water.
3. Clean only with dry cloth.
4. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
6. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
7. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
8. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.
9. WARNING:To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture.
10. Refer to labels on the unit, including bottom cover, or other markings
and pertinent information.
BASIC OPERATION AND SAFETY

This product is covered by the Malekko Heavy
Industry warranty, for one year following the date of
purchase. This warranty covers any defect in the
manufacturing of this product. This warranty does not
cover any damage or malfunction caused by incorrect
use – such as, but not limited to, power cables connected
backwards, excessive voltage levels, or exposure to
extreme temperature or moisture levels.
The warranty covers replacement or repair, as decided
by Malekko Heavy Industry. Please visit our
website malekkoheavyindustry.com to obtain full
warranty information and to register your product for
coverage.
WARRANTY