Surprise sound HVO User manual

HVO TM
Owner’s Manual
Revision 1.0
Description
The HVO is a high voltage overdrive pedal. It is unique in that it runs off
a 250V internal supply. Also, the discreet transistor gain stages are
configured for Triode mode operation. The result is that it sounds like a
great tube amp.
Inputs and Outputs
IN: This ¼” mono jack is used to connect to a guitar or the output of an
effects pedal.
OUT: This ¼” mono jack is used to connect to a guitar amplifier or
another pedal.
9V DC: This 5.5/2.1mm jack is used to connect to the supplied external
power supply. This supply is 9V DC (center negative) and is regulated.
At least 350mA is required. Only this type of supply should be used.
Controls
POWER: This is the ON/OFF power switch. Push to the left to turn on
the pedal.
GAIN: This knob is used to control the gain.
BASS FREQ: This 3-way switch is used to control the bass rolloff
frequency.
BASS: This knob is used to control the bass level.
BOOST: This 3-way switch is used to boost the gain of the amplifier.
The left position is the lowest gain, the center position is medium gain,
and the right position is maximum gain.
TREBLE: This knob is used to control the treble level.
VOICE: This 3-way switch is used to change the overall voicing.
The center position provides a “vintage” sound. The right position
provides a “modern” sound, and the left position provides a “metal”
sound.
VOLUME: This knob is used to set the output volume.
Operating Instructions
Connect the guitar or effects pedal to the IN jack using a guitar
cable with a ¼” mono plug. Also connect the OUT jack to another
amplifier or effects pedal using an instrument cable with a ¼” mono
plug.
Connect the supplied external power supply to the 9V DC jack and
plug the external supply into a wall socket. Turn on the HVO with
the POWER switch. The blue LED will turn on when the footswitch
is in the ON position. It will turn off when the footswitch is in the
bypass position.
The output volume of the HVO is controlled with the VOLUME knob.
The BYPASS footswitch is used to bypass the HVO.
Set the amp for a clean tone with the HVO bypassed (blue LED off).
Push the footswitch (LED on) and adjust the VOL knob to match the
volume when bypassed.
For a Clean Boost: .
Set the BOOST switch to the left (minimum) position. Adjust the
GAIN knob for maximum volume without distortion. Adjust the
BASS, TREBLE and VOICE controls to taste. Adjust the VOLUME
knob for the amount of boost desired
For a “Bluesbreaker” sound:
This is best used with an amp set for clean or mild overdrive. Set the
VOL knob to about 10 o’clock. Set the BOOST switch to the middle
position. Adjust the GAIN knob to about 1:00 o’clock for a Strat
(lower for a Les Paul). Set the VOICE switch to the middle position.
Set the BASS FREQ switch to the middle position. Set the BASS
knob to maximum and the TREBLE knob to about 9:30 o’clock.
Adjust GAIN and TREBLE to taste.

For a Classic Rock sound:
Best if used with amp set for a clean tone. Adjust the VOL knob for same
volume as when bypassed. Set the BOOST switch to the center
position. Set the VOICE switch to the center or right position. Set the
BASS FREQ switch to the left position and the BASS knob to the center
position. Adjust the GAIN and TREBLE knobs to taste.
For a Metal sound:
Best if used with amp set for a clean tone. Adjust the VOL knob for
same volume as when bypassed. Set the BOOST switch to the right
position. Set the VOICE switch to the left position. Set the BASS FREQ
switch to the center position and the BASS knob to the center position.
Adjust the GAIN and TREBLE knobs to taste.
Specifications
Input impedance 700K ohms
Output impedance 1.5K ohms
Power 9V DC, 350mA, center negative
Warranty and Repair
The warranty period is 2 years. If during the first 2 years the HVO needs
repair, Surprise Sound Lab will repair or replace it at no charge. The
owner will be responsible for shipping charges. Any problems due to
misuse, abuse or modification will not be covered under the warranty. Any
repairs outside of the warranty will be performed by Surprise Sound Lab for
a reasonable fee. Please email [email protected] for any
repair requests