Shift Line OLYMPIC MkIIIS User manual

USER GUIDE

Shift Line OLYMPIC MkIIIS
Tube bass preamplifier with IR-based cabinet simulation
The Olympic MkIIIS is the newest revision of Shift Line’s bass preamplifier that combines the classic tube sound with modern audio
processing technologies, creating a true “Swiss Army knife” for bass players as a result. Sculpting your signature sound and taking it anywhere
you go has never been easier.
The Olympic MkIIIS is a compact, fully-featured tube preamplifier with a warm, deep and characteristically compressed sound. The device’s
universal connectivity allows to use it even in the most complex setups.
The cabinet simulation is based on the Impulse Response Convolution technology, which provides a realistic and detailed sound while preserving
the character of the power amp, cabinet and microphone used to record the impulse.
The device comes with two built-in cabinet impulses: SUNN 200s 2х15 and AMPEG SVT-810E 8х10. The microSD card slot allows users to upload
their own cabinet impulses.

Connections:
1. IN is the signal source input.
2. THRU is a buffered output for the unprocessed signal split from the
IN jack.
3. SEND/RETURN is a series effects loop for external processing.
The SEND out can also be used as an additional output.
4. OUT is the main output designed to connect the preamplifier to a
power amplifier (RETURN or POWER AMP IN on combo amplifiers,
INPUT on power amplifiers).
5. AUX IN is an external audio input (the signal from the AUX IN is only
heard through the PHONES output).
6. PHONES is a headphones output.
7. BALANCED OUT is a balanced output.
8. POWER IN is a power supply input. The power requirements are
12V DC 650mA.
9. microSD is a microSD card slot.
Controls:
10. GAIN controls input signal amplification. It can go from a
crystal-clear sound all the way to a classic California-style overdrive.
11. The BASS, MIDDLE and TREBLE knobs constitute a classic
3-band passive EQ with a mild frequency correction effect and a
characteristic mid scoop at 400 Hz.
12. MASTER controls the volume of the signal coming from the OUT
jack.
13. VOLUME controls the volume of the signal coming from the
PHONES and BALANCED OUT jacks.
The MASTER and VOLUME knobs work independently.
14. The TOP switch controls the signal’s high frequency harmonic
content. The “+” position accentuates the highs and the attack. The ”-”
position provides a milder sound by cutting the high frequencies. The
neutral position does not affect the signal in any way.
15. The GND switch allows to override “ground loops” that can
negatively affect the signal when using XLR connections. In the lower
position of the switch, the preamp’s “ground” is connected to the
signal receiver’s “ground”. In the middle position, the “grounds” are
disconnected. In the upper position, the “grounds” are connected and
an additional filter is used to remove interference.
The optimal setting of the GND switch is selected by ear: there should
be a minimum amount of 50Hz hum and interference.
16. The CAB switch selects one of the two built-in cabinet impulses:
• The “A” position selects the impulse recorded from a SUNN 200s (2х
15) cabinet.
• In the middle position, cabinet simulation is disengaged.
• The “B” position selects the impulse recorded from an AMPEG
SVT-810E (8х10) cabinet.
When using a microSD card, impulses are loaded from the
corresponding folder on the card. The CAB switch affects the signal
from the BALANCED OUT and the PHONES OUT but does not affect
the signal from the main OUT.
Loading impulses from a microSD card:
Before using a microSD card, make sure it is formatted to the FAT32
filesystem.
When the memory card is used for the first time, a “Shift_IR” folder is
automatically created on it. The folder contains two more folders (“A”
and “B”, corresponding to the CAB switch positions) in which the
default impulses are stored. To use external impulses, replace the
default ones with your own files. The supported impulse format is
24bit 48kHZ WAVE PCM1.
To restore the default impulse files, insert a blank microSD card into
the device. This will create a “Shift_IR” folder containing the default
files. If no card is inserted, the built-in impulses are used.
www.shift-line.com/olympic

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow the instructions below so as not to damage the unit.
SHIFT LINE does not accept responsibility for any damage caused by not following these instructions.
When transporting or storing the unit at temperatures below 0 C, it is necessary to keep the unit at room temperature for at least 1 hour
before switching it on. When connecting the unit to other equipment, use cables specifically designed for this type of connection. Do not
use faulty or damaged cables.
DANGER! HIGH VOLTAGE!
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE UNIT ON YOUR OWN! DO NOT SWITCH ON AN OPENED-UP UNIT! DO NOT SWITCH ON
THE UNIT IF THE 12AX7 TUBE IS NOT INSTALLED.
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER:
Plug in the external power supply adapter only after assembling the whole signal chain! Before using the adapter, make sure that its body,
connecting cable and plug function properly and are not damaged. First, plug the adapter into an electric mains socket, then connect the
adapter’s low-voltage jack to the power supply input on the unit’s left side panel.
DISCONNECTING THE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY ADAPTER:
Unplug the external power supply adapter from the electric mains socket, then disconnect the adapter’s low-voltage jack from the power
supply input on the unit’s left side panel.
REPLACING THE TUBE:
Disconnect the unit from the power supply and wait at least 3 minutes. Remove the 4 screws holding the unit’s back panel. Take out the
buffer holding the tube in place. Remove the tube by gently rocking it from side to side; do not apply any extra force! Insert the new tube
(12AX7 or its analogue). Put the buffer back in its place. Close the back panel and secure it in place with the 4 screws.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Tube type: 12A X7
Memory card type: microSD
IN: 6,3 mm, mono, unbalanced, -20 dB, 1 MOhm input impedance
THRU: 6,3 mm, mono, unbalanced, -20dB, 1 kOhm output
impedance
SEND: 6,3 mm, mono, unbalanced, -10dB, 1 kOhm output
impedance
RETURN: 6,3 mm, mono, unbalanced, -10dB, 1 MOhm input
impedance
OUT: 6,3 mm, mono, unbalanced, +20dB, 1 kOhm output
impedance
BALANCED OUT: XLR, mono, balanced, +10dB, 1 kOhm output
impedance
AUX: 3,5 mm, stereo, unbalanced, 0dB, 10 kOhm input impedance
PHONES: 3,5 mm, stereo, unbalanced, +10dB, 10 Ohm output
impedance
POWER IN: 12v DC 650mA, negative tip, 2.1/5.5 mm diameter.
Use only regulated power supply units.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 122x102x55 mm (4.8x4x2.2”)
Unit weight: 480 g (1.06 lbs)
PSU weight: 120 g (0.26 lbs)
DELIVERY SET:
Olympic MkIIIS preamplifier;
12V DC 1000mA PSU with 4 changeable plugs;
User guide.