Origin Effects MAGMA57 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Version 1.3

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Origin Effects MAGMA57
www.origineffects.com
Origin EffectsTM and MAGMA57TM are trademarks of Origin Effects Limited.
All other product names and trademarks are the property of
their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
MAGNATONE® is a registered trademark of Magnatone, LLC.
Origin Effects has no afliation with Magnatone, LLC.
FENDER® is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
Origin Effects has no afliation with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether
mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Origin Effects Limited.
Origin Effects Limited reserves the right to change the features and specications described
herein without notice or obligation. Origin Effects Limited cannot be held responsible for any
loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
Document version 1.3
© Origin Effects Limited 2020
IMPORTANT:
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >100mA
power supply with 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
The voltage is boosted internally for optimised headroom.
Powering from more than 9V will not increase headroom further and may
cause damage if connected for prolonged periods of time. Do not exceed 9V.
An isolated, regulated, linear power supply is recommended to minimise power-related
noise and avoid damage from voltage surges and other over-voltage conditions.

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Origin Effects MAGMA57
Contents
Introducing the MAGMA57 ......................................................................................................................... 4
Key features ............................................................................................................................................... 4
The MAGMA57’s vibrato effect................................................................................................................... 5
The MAGMA57’s amp circuitry................................................................................................................... 5
Connecting the MAGMA57......................................................................................................................... 6
Main controls .............................................................................................................................................. 7
POST-DRIVE EQ controls .......................................................................................................................... 9
Example settings .......................................................................................................................................11
Appendix A: Physical specication ........................................................................................................... 12
Appendix B: Performance specication.................................................................................................... 12
Appendix C: Connector pin outs............................................................................................................... 12
Appendix D: Safety notices ...................................................................................................................... 13

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Introducing the MAGMA57
The MAGMA57 Amp Vibrato and Drive pedal
accurately captures the legendary overdrive
and pitch-shifting vibrato effect found in vintage
Magnatone®amps.
MAGMA57 houses a complete valve amp-style
signal path, built on the same platform as our
ground-breaking RevivalDRIVE. We’ve used
all-analogue components to recreate this unique
amplier at circuit level, complete with its sought-
after vibrato effect. Inspired by the original
Magnatone®amps, the pedal’s amp circuitry
delivers complex clean and overdriven tones
dripping with vintage vibe.
We’ve also added a three-way Blend switch that
combines the vibrato’s wet and dry signals in
different ways to deliver three distinct modulation
modes: pure Magnatone®pitch modulation, Uni-
Vibe-style phasing and a unique chorus effect,
as well as a range of modern features like tap
tempo, rhythmic subdivisions and effects switcher
integration.
Finally, the powerful Post-Drive EQ section will
make sure that the MAGMA57’s stunning range of
tones sound their best whether it’s plugged into an
amp, at-response power amp, mixer or recording
interface.
Key features
• Complete valve amp-style signal path recreated
in all-analogue electronics
• True two-stage pitch-shifting vibrato, as found in
the Magnatone®260/280
• Switchable blend modes to combine wet and dry
signals in- and out-of-phase
• Powerful tone-shaping Post-Drive EQ
• Footswitch input for tap tempo and effects
switcher integration
• High-current, low-noise electronics
• High-quality buffered bypass
• Advanced power supply ltering and protection
• Premium components throughout
• Designed and built in England

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The MAGMA57’s vibrato effect
The MAGMA57’s vibrato circuit is modelled on the two-stage vibrato found in the Magnatone®Custom
260 and Custom 280 models. First introduced in the late 1950s, these top-of-the-range combos featured
a unique vibrato circuit that was more advanced than anything seen before.
In contrast to the tremolo effect (confusingly sometimes labelled “vibrato”), built into contemporary amps
from Fender®and others, the Magnatone®effect was capable of true pitch modulation. For many, it
remains the benchmark for lush, organic vibrato.
We’ve taken the original valve-driven circuit and recreated its topology and behaviour exactly, using all-
analogue, discrete solid-state components. Going one step further, the MAGMA57 allows you to combine
the wet and dry signals both in- and out-of-phase.
When these signals are blended together in phase, the two waveforms reinforce each other at certain
frequencies and cancel each other out at others, creating a comb lter that sweeps up and down
to produce the effect we know as phasing. In the MAGMA57, the 0° (in-phase) setting on the Blend
switch is almost identical to the ‘Chorus’ mode on the original Uni-Vibe, a pedal that works on the same
principle as the Magnatone’s® vibrato circuit and was most likely heavily inuence by its design.
We also decided to include a 180° (out-of-phase) mode, which recreates the effect of bridging the
Magnatone’s®normal and vibrato channels (which are out of phase with each other) together. Combining
the pitch-shifted signal with a phase-inverted dry signal not only creates a comb-ltered ‘phaser’ effect
but also adds some amplitude modulation (or ‘tremolo’), delivering a chorus-type effect that’s unique to
the MAGMA57.
The MAGMA57’s amp circuitry
In designing the MAGMA57’s amp section, we decided to turn to a different vintage Magnatone®amp
– the Model 213 ‘Troubadour’. While this smaller amp features a more basic single-stage vibrato, it’s
capable of some truly excellent overdriven sounds.
A cathode-biased, dual-6V6 amp, the 213 is largely based on the Fender®Tweed Deluxe, with a
couple of key differences. While the Fender®amp has a passive tone control that simply rolls off high
frequencies, the Troubadour’s tone control is built into the second preamp gain stage, allowing it to
actively boost treble as well as cut.
This unusual feature, together with an output stage that gives a little less gain to the bass frequencies,
helps to tighten up the low end, delivering the same rich, organic overdrive as the Deluxe but without that
amp’s tendency to turn fuzzy and lose denition when pushed hard.
By combining this hidden gem of an amp circuit with the lush, two-stage vibrato of the larger 260/280
models, we’ve designed the MAGMA57 as the ultimate distillation of very best tones to be found in
vintage Magnatone®amps.

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Connecting the MAGMA57
INSTR: Insert your guitar, other instrument or signal source here.
AMP: Connect to your amp, power amp, mixer or recording interface. If you’re playing through
something other than a guitar speaker (e.g. PA speakers, studio monitors, headphones or direct
recording), we strongly recommend using a speaker simulator after the MAGMA57.
9VDC: Connect a 9V DC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor that can supply at least 100mA.
F/SWITCH: The F/SWITCH input allows you to connect an external footswitch or effects switching
system to remotely control the following parameters:
• Tap tempo: Remotely sets the speed of the modulation effect. The F/SWITCH input detects tap rate
by sensing the time between any two taps/pulses. The rate you set will then be multiplied according to
the position of the MULTI switch.
• Vibe on/off: Remotely switches the modulation effect on or off, overriding the pedal’s own VIBE
footswitch.
Effects switching systems: When connecting effects switching systems such as the Boss ES-8 or
TheGigRig G2 using a TRS lead, the tip should be congured for momentary operation to send tempo
pulses, while the ring should be set for latching operation. Both functions are activated by shorting the
respective pin to the sleeve (ground) pin. The F/SWITCH input is wired as follows:
CONNECTOR PIN FUNCTION
Tip Tap Function
Ring Vibrato Enable
Sleeve Ground

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Main controls
ON footswitch: Toggles between BYPASS (“off”) and EFFECT (“on”) modes. When in BYPASS mode,
the jewel light is off.
VIBE footswitch: Switches the modulation effect on and off. When VIBE is turned on, the jewel light
turns yellow and will pulse to indicate the rate of the effect. When VIBE is turned off, the jewel light is red.
The pedal’s simulated amp section remains active, just without any modulation.
DRIVE: The DRIVE control behaves like the Volume knob on a vintage non-master-volume amplier. Set
anticlockwise for clean sounds or turn it up for more overdrive.
TONE: Turn the TONE knob clockwise for a brighter sound. Turn counter-clockwise to tame highs. The
MAGMA57’s tone control reects the unusual design of the Magnatone®Model 213 Troubadour, which
featured a partially passive, partially active tone control. Turned anticlockwise, it pulls out highs like a
conventional passive tone knob. However, turned up past around 2 o’clock, it starts to actively boost
treble, making for a very powerful, wide-ranging control and adding to the overdrive character of the
pedal.
OUTPUT: The output control sets the pedal’s overall output level. Situated after the pedal’s simulated
valve amp circuitry, it allows you to adjust output level without affecting the tone or character of the
overdrive.

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Main controls (continued)
SPEED: Turn clockwise to increase the rate of the modulation effect. The range of the SPEED control is
set by the three-position MULTI switch.
MULTI: The MULTI switch applies a preset multiplier to the speed of the modulation effect, whether it is
set by the pedal’s SPEED knob or by an external tap tempo footswitch. When setting the rate using the
SPEED knob, the MULTI switch shifts the range of the SPEED control, providing precise adjustment over
a wide range of speeds. When using the tap tempo function (see F/SWITCH, above), the tempo you
enter will be multiplied according to the setting of the MULTI switch. The X1, X2 and X3 settings can be
thought of as quarter-note, eighth-note and triplet modes respectively.
INTENSITY: The INTENSITY knob controls the depth of the modulation effect – in other words, the
amount of variation in pitch, phase and/or amplitude that occurs. Turn clockwise to increase the intensity
of the effect.
BLEND: The BLEND switches offers three distinct avours of modulation:
• BLEND off: With the BLEND switch in the centre position, the pedal delivers pure vibrato (pitch
modulation) modelled on the Magnatone®260/280.
• 0°: The dry and wet signals are combined in phase, creating a phase-cancelling or phaser effect
similar to the ‘Chorus’ mode found on the classic Uni-Vibe.
• 180°: The dry and wet signals are combined out of phase, creating our own unique chorus effect.

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POST-DRIVE EQ controls
The POST-DRIVE EQ ensures compatibility with a wide range of ampliers.
Instead of altering your amp or its tone controls to suit the MAGMA57, set your amp for the desired clean
sound then use the EQ controls to adjust the pedal’s output accordingly.
MODE switch: This switch offers a choice of three different output lters.
• P/AMP: Use this setting when plugging into a at-response power amp, mixer or recording interface.
Selecting the P/AMP setting disengages the ADJ variable lter control (see below).
• EQ1: Designed to suit the response of a Blackface Fender-style amp, EQ1 applies a low-pass lter to
roll off excessive highs. Use this setting when plugging into a bright-voiced guitar amp.
• EQ2: Voiced for connecting to a Marshall-style amp, EQ2 applies a high shelf cut to gently rein in high
frequencies. Use this setting when plugging into a fuller-sounding, mid-rich amp.
ADJ: When EQ1 or EQ2 is selected, the ADJ knob lets you ne-tune the pedal’s output to suit
the individual response of your amp and the way its controls are set. As you turn the ADJ knob
counterclockwise, this proprietary lter design gradually rolls off bass and adjusts the high shelf
response. The end result is a very powerful and intuitive control.
If your amp sounds too bright or thin with the MAGMA57 engaged, turn the ADJ control clockwise. If it
sounds too dark and wooly, turn the ADJ control counterclockwise.

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Step 1: Set POST-DRIVE EQ switch for the connected amp or device
POST-DRIVE EQ controls (continued)
Use the tables below to help you set up the MAGMA57 for the rst time with a new guitar amplier or
at-response device. Working through Steps 1 and 2 allows you to “set-and-forget” the POST-DRIVE EQ
controls and move on to having fun dialling in your ideal tone with the main controls.
*Please note: the ADJ control is not active when the POST-DRIVE EQ switch is in the P/AMP position.
Step 2: Fine-tune the POST-DRIVE EQ with the ADJ control*
AMPLIFIER OR CONNECTED DEVICE POST-DRIVE EQ SWITCH POSITION
Power amp & guitar speaker
Mixing desk & cabinet simulation
Recording interface & cabinet simulation
P/AMP
Bright, mid-scooped guitar amplier EQ1
Dark or Mid-rich guitar amplier EQ2
HOW IS THE MAGMA57’S TONE? TURN THE ADJ CONTROL...
Too bright or thin Clockwise
Too dark or woolly Counterclockwise
Just right! Leave in this position and enjoy using the pedal!

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Example settings
MAGMA SOUND
Inspired by sought-after Magnatone® ampliers
from the 1950s, this setting combines edge-of-
breakup amp tone with classic pitch-modulating
vibrato to add thickness and movement to your
sound.
WOODSTOCK VIBES
Experience psychedelic overdrive that’s perfect
for soaring solos. Switch the BLEND to 0° for
instant ‘60s Uni-Vibe sounds, and use a tap tempo
footswitch to control the modulation speed on the
y.
INTERSTELLAR VIBE-DRIVE
Take a trip through the cosmos with this raw over-
drive tone that’s inspired by early British psychede-
lia. Switch the BLEND control to 180° for a spaced-
out phasing effect.
GRITTY ROTARY
Achieve a great rotary speaker sound with mid-
range punch and true pitch modulation. Turn up
the DRIVE control for more saturation, or ick the
MULTI switch to shift gears and really make the
room spin!

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Measurement Unboxed Boxed
Weight 866g (30.5oz) 1000g (35.2oz)
Length 147mm (5.7”) 160mm (6.2”)
Depth 93mm (3.6”) 115mm (4.5”)
Height 60mm (2.3”) 95mm (3.7”)
Origin Effects MAGMA57
Appendix A: Physical specication
Measurement Value
Input impedance 1M Ω
Output impedance 1k Ω
Current draw 100mA
Power supply requirements 9VDC 2.1mm centre negative connector
Pin Description
Tip Tap Function
Ring Vibe Enable
Sleeve Ground
Pin Description
Tip Signal
Sleeve Ground
Appendix B: Performance specication
Appendix C: Connector pin outs
Footswitch 1/4” TRS socket:
Instrument & Amplier 1/4” TS sockets:

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Appendix D: Safety notices
General safety
Keep these instructions and heed all warnings. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with
a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. No
user serviceable parts inside.
When using an external power supply, use only attachments/accessories specied by Origin Effects.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
FCC certication
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.

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Appendix D: Safety notices (continued)
Warning
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by Origin Effects Limited could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
For customers in Canada: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian Interference
Regulations CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B). Pour le Canada: Où indiquée sur le produit: Cet appareil
numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme CAN ICES3(B)/NMB-3(B) du Canada.
RoHS
The crossed out wheely bin symbol indicates this product is classied as Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union and should not be discarded with household waste. Other
territories may vary. Contact your local authority or Origin Effects for more information.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the
State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be some potential
safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude exceeding 2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on temperate climate conditions only. There may be some
potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical climate conditions.
Appendix E: warranty
This product is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. This applies only
to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorised Origin Effects dealer or directly
from Origin Effects.
All returns or servicing should be arranged through the original dealer. Proof of original ownership may
be required in the form of a purchase receipt.
For full warranty details visit www.origineffects.com/warranty.