Source Audio Soundblox 2 User manual

USER’S GUIDE
SA226

2 | Welcome
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing the Soundblox 2 Orbital Modulator. This
powerful multi-effects unit features a dynamic collection of meticulously
crafted modulation effects, including classic renditions of phaser, flanger,
and chorus, plus an amazing set of contemporary modulation options.
With nine adjustable parameters, including TREMOLO, MIX, LoRetain,
and LFO Wave Shape, this pedal goes well beyond the sonic limitations of
traditional modulation effects pedals.
The Orbital Modulator lives in our durable, cast-aluminum Soundblox
2 housing, providing rack-mount power and flexibility in a compact,
easy-to-use stompbox. It also works with all of our Hot Hand© Effect
Controllers or the Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal.
The Quick Start guide will help you with the basics. For more in-depth
information about the Soundblox 2 Orbital Modulator, move on to the
following sections.
Enjoy!
-The Source Audio team
If possible, dispose of the device at a recycling center. Do not dispose of the
device with the household waste.
For full compliance with EN 61000-4-6 standard, input cable must be less
than 3 meters in length.

Overview | 3
OVERVIEW
DIVERSE SOUND PALETTE: Features 12 different flanger, phaser,
and chorus effects.
DEEP CONTROL SET: Access to control parameters typically found
on only professional rack systems.
FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS: Easily accessible control settings
personally selected by Source Audio’s chief scientist, Bob Chidlaw.
TREMOLO: Mix tremolo effects into any of the Orbital Modulator’s
effect types for the added dimension of amplitude modulation.
STATE-OF-THE-ART DSP: Our proprietary 56-bit Digital Signal
Processor, the SA601, and crystal clear 24-bit converters.
COMPACT DESIGN: A compact, rugged, cast-aluminum housing.
UNIVERSAL BYPASS™: Select either analog buffered or relay-based
True Bypass.
2 USER PRESETS: Easy-to-program user presets recallable via two
footswitches.
MULTI-FUNCTION INPUT: A multi-purpose control input for use with
Hot Hand, the Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, or MIDI.

4 | Quick Start
QUICK START
1. POWER
To power the unit, connect the included DC adapter power supply to
the 9V jack (A) on the back panel.
Note: Using a non-Source Audio supply could damage the unit.
Please be very cautious when using 3rd party power supplies.
2. GUITAR/AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Using standard ¼" mono cables, plug your guitar, bass, or other
instrument into the GUITAR IN (B) jack and from the GUITAR OUT (C)
jack to your amp or other audio device.
3. BRIEF KNOB, FOOTSWITCH, AND BUTTON DESCRIPTIONS
(see Controls section for more details)
• EFFECT KNOB (A): Selects the effect type.
• DEPTH (B): Controls the modulation depth of the effect.
GUITAR IN
MULTI-
FUNCTION
IN
MULTI-
FUNCTION
OUT
GUITAR OUT
9V DC
A
B C

Quick Start | 5
1 2
CONTROL
INPUT
OPTION
SELECT
ENV-ENV+
DEPTH
OPTION
SPEED
DELAY/FREQ
FEEDBACK
VOLUME
TREMOLO
MIX
(HOLD)
DEFAULT
HH
MIDI
EXP
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
MOD SOURCE
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE
ORBITA L
MODULATOR
• OPTION (C): Adjusts the parameter selected by the OPTION SELECT
button.
• SPEED (D): Adjusts the rate of the LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), the
attack/decay rate of the envelope follower, or the smoothing of Hot Hand.
• MOD SOURCE (E): Selects between sine LFO, square LFO, or envelope
follower.
• OPTION SELECT (F): Selects which parameter will be controlled by the
OPTION knob.
• CONTROL INPUT (G): Selects which external controller type will be used.
• FOOTSWITCHES (H): Enables/Disables presets. Press and hold either
footswitch to save an edited preset.
G
D
A
C
B
F
H H
E

6 | Connections
CONNECTIONS
GUITAR IN (A): Connect your guitar, bass, or other instrument via a
MONO ¼" cable.
GUITAR OUT (B): Connects to your amp, pedal, or other audio device via
a MONO ¼” cable.
MULTI-FUNCTION IN (C) (optional): The multi-function input is a flexible
control input for use with external controllers. It accepts digital or analog
signals which allow the Orbital Modulator to interface with the following
accessories:
• SA110/SA115 Hot Hand Wireless Adapter
• SA111 Hot Hand Wired Sensor
• SA161 Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal
• Source Audio Soundblox 2 MIDI Adapter
MULTI-FUNCTION OUT (D) (optional): Use a Source Audio daisy-chain
cable to connect this jack to the sensor/multi-function input of another
Soundblox pedal.
9V DC (D): Connects to the included 9 Volt DC power supply.
GUITAR IN
MULTI-
FUNCTION
IN
MULTI-
FUNCTION
OUT
GUITAR OUT
9V DC
D
E
A B
C

Controls: Knobs | 7
CONTROLS: KNOBS
EFFECT (A) (not labeled)
The EFFECT knob selects which effect type will be used. For information
on the individual settings, see the Effect Types section.
- Continued
1 2
CONTROL
INPUT
OPTION
SELECT
ENV-ENV+
DEPTH
OPTION
SPEED
DELAY/FREQ
FEEDBACK
VOLUME
TREMOLO
MIX
(HOLD)
DEFAULT
HH
MIDI
EXP
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
MOD SOURCE
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE
ORBITA L
MODULATOR
A

8 | Contols: Knobs
DEPTH Knob (A)
The DEPTH knob adjusts the range of the modulating signals.
OPTION Knob (B)
The OPTION knob controls six different parameters. Press the OPTION
SELECT button (C) (located just above the OPTION knob) to cycle through
all six choices. The selected parameter is indicated by the three red/
green LEDs. Green indicates the upper parameter (black print), and red
the lower parameter (white print).
1 2
CONTROL
INPUT
OPTION
SELECT
ENV-ENV+
DEPTH
OPTION
SPEED
DELAY/FREQ
FEEDBACK
VOLUME
TREMOLO
MIX
(HOLD)
DEFAULT
HH
MIDI
EXP
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
MOD SOURCE
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE
ORBITA L
MODULATOR
B
A
C

• DELAY/FREQUENCY (Green LED): When Flanger or Chorus
effects are selected the DELAY knob adjusts the delay time
between the dry and modulating signals. Because of the
similarity between flangers and choruses, a flanger can easily
be adjusted to resemble a chorus and vice-versa. As a rule of
thumb, short delay times create flange effects while long delays
produce chorus effects. Set the DELAY knob between 7 and
11 o’clock for flange effects and between 3 and 5 o’clock for
chorus.
When phaser effects are selected, this knob adjusts the
frequency center point of the phase modulation. Turn the
FREQUENCY knob clock-wise to modulate the phaser over
higher frequencies and give the effect a brighter sound.
• FEEDBACK (Red LED): The FEEDBACK knob controls the amount
of wet signal fed back into the effect. Much like the harmonic
feedback created between a guitar pick-up and an amplifier,
increasing the FEEDBACK on the Orbital Modulator creates
a more resonant and ringing response, giving the effect more
prominence.
Controls: Knobs | 9
OPTION
SELECT
DELAY/FREQ
FEEDBACK
VOLUME
TREMOLO
MIX
(HOLD)
DEFAULT
- Continued
Press button to
select option

10 | Controls: Knobs
• VOLUME (Green LED): The VOLUME knob adjusts the output
level, ranging from zero gain to +6dB. Unity gain is found at
roughly 12 o’clock.
• LoRETAIN (Red LED): The LoRETAIN function adjusts the
frequency below which the original signal remains unaffected.
This function is especially useful for bass players—increasing the
LoRETAIN insures a solid low-end foundation while maintaining
the characteristics of the chosen effect. Guitarists may also find
it useful—if the FEEDBACK control is cranked up, increasing
LoRETAIN will prevent excessive volume fluctuations in the
lower frequencies.
• TREMOLO (Green LED): The TREMOLO knob adjusts amplitude
modulation. Unlike traditional tremolo, the Orbital Modulator’s
amplitude modulation is embedded within the flanger, phaser,
and chorus effects, creating a wide range of very unique and
three-dimensional modulation effects. But the TREMOLO func-
tion, if dialed in correctly, will also create sounds reminiscent
of classic amplifier generated tremolo or replicate the sound
of a rotating speaker (see the EFFECT TYPES section for more
detail).
OPTION
SELECT
DELAY/FREQ
FEEDBACK
VOLUME
TREMOLO
MIX
(HOLD)
DEFAULT
Press button to
select option

Controls: Knobs | 11
• MIX (Red LED): The MIX knob controls the ratio between the wet
and dry signals. This knob is split into two regions: normal and
inverted wet signals. The 12 o’clock position produces a 100%
dry signal—as the knob is turned clockwise from 12 o’clock the
wet signal gradually increases as the dry signal decreases until
reaching a 100% wet mix at its right-most position. The process
is repeated with an inverted wet signal in the counter-clockwise
direction. The inverted wet signal interchanges the positions of
the peaks and valleys in the frequency response and tends to
reduce bottom end. The marks at approximately 10 and 2 o’clock
around the MIX knob indicate the point of a 50/50 wet/dry mix.
Set the MIX knob to a 50/50 ratio for the most prominent phase
or flange effects.
Factory Defaults: Given the number of different functions available on
the OPTION KNOB, it can be useful to “zero” all of the controls to a
default value. We pre-loaded the Orbital Modulator with unique default
settings that are a good starting point for each effect type (note: the
CLASSIC effect type defaults to a flanger setting). You can recall these
values at any time by pressing and holding the OPTION SELECT button
until its three LEDs blink two times.
Note: To learn the knob positions of the default settings, go to the
SB2 Orbital Modulator product page on our website and download the
PDF titled, SB2 Orbital Modulator Preset Suggestions.
- Continued

12 | Controls: Knobs
MOD SOURCE Knob (A)
When Hot Hand, MIDI, or an expression pedal are not being used, the
Orbital Modulator features three different types of modulation control:
Envelope Follower, Sine Wave LFO, and Square Wave LFO. The MOD
SOURCE knob controls a gradual blend between them, so setting this
knob between two of the modulation graphics will create a sound with
elements of both modulation forms.
• Sine Wave LFO ( ): The sine wave LFO produces a very
smooth independently moving modulation. Use the sine wave
LFO for traditional flanger, chorus, and phaser effects.
• Square Wave LFO ( ): Unlike the smooth modulation of a
sine wave, the square wave LFO has a blockish sound similar
to a sequencer. We recommend using a square wave LFO for
dramatic, choppy sounding tremolo effects.
• Envelope Followers ( / ): An envelope follower responds
to the amplitude (or volume) of the incoming signal and creates
a control signal, which modulates the wet signal in the same
manner as an auto-wah. The MOD SOURCE knob can set the
modulation direction either forward ( ) or backward ( ).
SPEED Knob (B)
Depending on the modulation source, the SPEED knob controls either
the rate of the LFO, the attack and decay times of the envelope follower,
or the smoothing of Hot Hand.
When using LFO modulation, turning the SPEED knob clock-wise will
increase the modulation rate.
When using an envelope follower, turning the SPEED knob clock-wise
increases the envelope attack, which determines how quickly the enve-
lope rises after the input level increases—the decay rate is the amount
ENV-ENV+
MOD SOURCE
ENV-ENV+
MOD SOURCE
ENV-ENV+
MOD SOURCE
ENV-ENV+
MOD SOURCE
ENV-ENV+
MOD SOURCE
ENV-ENV+
MOD SOURCE

Controls: Knobs | 13
of time it takes for the envelope to drop back when the input signal
decreases. The decay is fixed to a rate twice as slow as the attack.
While Hot Hand is engaged, the SPEED knob controls the amount of
smoothing. Turning the SPEED knob clock-wise increases the smoothing
and makes Hot Hand less responsive and less jittery sounding.
Discovering Preset Knob Positions
Since the Orbital Modulator preset values can differ from the physical
knob positions, it may be useful to determine the positions of the preset
knob values. To start the process, put the pedal in bypass and set all
knobs to the full counter-clockwise position. Next, enable the preset
and slowly turn each knob up one at a time until the preset indicator
LED begins to blink rapidly. The rapid blinking indicates that the current
position of the knob matches the saved value.
1 2
CONTROL
INPUT
OPTION
SELECT
ENV-ENV+
DEPTH
OPTION
SPEED
DELAY/FREQ
FEEDBACK
VOLUME
TREMOLO
MIX
(HOLD)
DEFAULT
HH
MIDI
EXP
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
MOD SOURCE
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE
ORBITA L
MODULATOR
B
A

14 | Controls: Footswitches
CONTROLS: FOOTSWITCHES
There are two footswitches on the Orbital Modulator. The left footswitch
corresponds to preset 1 and the right footswitch corresponds to preset
2. Pressing either of the footswitches will engage the respective preset.
Pressing the same footswitch again will put the effect back into bypass
mode. Pressing the other footswitch will engage the other preset without
going into bypass. The illumination of the LEDs labeled “1” and “2”
indicate which preset is currently enabled. While the effect is in bypass
mode both LEDs remain off.
When a preset is enabled and any sort of adjustment is made, the
indicator LED for that preset will begin to blink, showing that the preset
has been edited. After a preset has been edited, save it by pressing and
holding either footswitch. The corresponding LED will blink quickly to
indicate that the preset has been saved. Once changes are saved, the LED
will illuminate continuously. An edited preset can be saved to either of
the two preset locations. For example if preset 1 has been selected and
edited, it can be saved to preset location 2 by pressing and holding the
right footswitch.
Note: Changes made to a preset will be lost if you go into bypass or
switch to another preset without saving.

Effect Types | 15
EFFECT TYPES
Here are some brief descriptions of the EFFECT SELECTOR knob settings
on the Soundblox 2 Orbital Modulator.
FLANGER & CHORUS
CLASSIC: Flanger and chorus effects are very similar—both combine
the original dry signal with additional modulating clone signals. For this
reason, we’ve positioned the CLASSIC effect type, which uses a single
modulating signal, in both the FLANGER and CHORUS effect categories.
As a rule, short delay times between the dry and modulated signals
create the traditional jet-engine “whoosh” associated with flangers while
longer delay times create lush chorus effects. When using CLASSIC, set
the DELAY knob between 7 and 11 o’clock for a flange effect and between
3 and 5 o’clock for chorus.
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE

16 | Effect Types
CHORUS
DUAL and QUAD: The DUAL and QUAD effect types are multi-voiced
choruses. Both produce a more animated and lavish chorus than the
CLASSIC effect type. The DUAL CHORUS has two modulating delay
signals and the QUAD has four.
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE

Effect Types | 17
FLANGER
THRU ZERO: The THRU ZERO effect type is our version of “through zero
flange” (a.k.a. tape flange). In the world of pre-recorded music this
dramatic effect is achieved when the modulating signal actually passes
through and moves ahead of the original signal—obviously, this is a
difficult feat to pull-off during a live performance (without the assistance
of a time machine). The OM achieves this effect with two delay lines.
The first is a very short, but stationary delay line, which functions as the
dry signal—the other signal modulates. As the modulating signal passes
through and moves ahead of the stationary tap we hear the classic
through zero twist (a split second of complete phase cancellation) as the
frequency response inverts.
SHADOW: The SHADOW flanger effect type features two modulating
signals. This set-up generates a more animated flange effect, with the
primary flange closely shadowed by a subtle, more resonant reflection.
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE

18 | Effect Types
RESONATOR
RES 1 and RES 2: The RESONATOR flangers, labeled RES 1 and RES 2,
both have four modulating signals. These highly resonant flangers create
a distinctly hollow sound with ringing overtones.
PHASER
The classic phaser is similar to a flanger, both require two identical
signals running in parallel, but while the flanger’s modulating frequency
peaks create the well-known “whoosh” sound, a phaser generates
modulating frequency notches, which create a subtle, undulating sound
similar to that found in a rotating Leslie speaker.
VIBE: The VIBE effect type was modeled after the Shin-Ei Univibe, the
original rotating speaker simulator (i.e. the original phaser pedal). This
effect contains 2 relatively wide frequency notches spaced farther from
one another than a typical phaser.
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE

Effect Types | 19
VARIABLE STAGE PHASERS: As a rule, every pair of phase shift stages
creates one notch in the frequency response, so the 4, 6, 8, and 12 STAGE
PHASERS produce 2, 3, 4, and 6 frequency notches, respectfully. As you
progress from the 4 to the 12 STAGE PHASERS, the effect will sound
more complex and pronounced.
TREMOLO
Though TREMOLO is not one of the effects listed around the EFFECT
SELECTOR knob, turning up the Orbital Modulator’s TREMOLO knob can
produce several traditional or non-traditional tremolo effects. For a basic
tremolo, set the MOD SOURCE to a standard sine wave, dial the EFFECT
SELECTOR to CLASSIC, turn the DEPTH and DELAY all the way down
and the MIX to 100% wet, then set the TREMOLO somewhere between 9
and 11 o’clock. For some more unique tremolo effects, try dialing in more
DEPTH and experiment with the different effect types.
FLANGER
CHORUS
PHASER
RESONATOR
4 STAGE
QUAD
CLASSIC
THRU
ZERO
SHADOW
RES 1
RES 2
VIBE
6 STAGE
8 STAGEDUAL
12 STAGE

20 | External Control
EXTERNAL CONTROL
One of the Core Features of the Soundblox 2 line of effects is the MULTI-
FUNCTION Input (A). The MULTI-FUNCTION input is an intelligent control
input that accepts both digital and analog control signals. It replaces the
SENSOR input on previous Soundblox pedals. The MULTI-FUNCTION
input connects to wired or wireless Hot Hand accessories, the Source
Audio Expression Pedal, or a future Source Audio MIDI interface that will
enable full MIDI I/O access to the pedal.
GUITAR IN
MULTI-
FUNCTION
IN
MULTI-
FUNCTION
OUT
GUITAR OUT
9V DC
A