tech21 Bass Compactor User manual

OUT IN
D.C.
Bass
POWER REQUIREMENTS
*Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included).To install, simply remove
back plate. (NOTE: The Input activates battery.To conserve energy, unplug
when not in use.) Power Consumption: approx. 11mA.
*USE DC POWER SUPPLY ONLY! Failure to do so may damage the unit
and void warranty. DC Power Supply Specifications:
-9V DC regulated or unregulated, 100mA minimum;
-2.1mm female plug, center negative (-).
Optional factory power supply is available:Tech 21 Model #DC2.
WARNINGS:
* Attempting to repair unit is not recommended and may void warranty.
* Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void warranty. For your own
protection, be sure serial number labels on the unit’s back plate and exterior
box are intact.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. PROOF OF PURCHASE
REQUIRED. Manufacturer warrants unit to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase.This warranty does not
include damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect cur-
rent or voltage. If unit becomes defective within warranty period,Tech 21 will
elect to repair or replace it free of charge. After warranty expires,Tech 21 will
repair defective unit for a fee.
ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S.: Call Tech 21 for Return Authorization
Number. Manufacturer will not accept packages without prior authorization,
pre-paid freight (UPS preferred) and proper insurance. International purchasers
should contact the authorized Tech 21 distributor in their particular country.
FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:
Contact Tech 21, Inc., weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
TECH 21. NYC
333 West 52nd Street, NY, New York 10019
212-315-1116 / Fax: [phone] / www.tech21nyc.com

PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Bass Compactor combines compression and active tone controls in
one convenient, rugged pedal.Voiced specifically for bass, no other
single pedal offers this kind of control in such a simple, economical and
portable package.
For live performances and recording direct, the 100% analog design
delivers Tech 21’s legendary warm, natural tone.The independently
adjustable, player-friendly controls allow you to determine the formula
that best suits your particular taste in any given venue.You have the
option of using the compression by itself or just the EQ.And, of course,
you can use the two together.You can also use the Bass Compactor sole-
ly for a clean boost.
The effective tone controls can make any passive bass instantly active --
saving you the expense and anxiety of hacking up your favorite bass to
permanently install a pre-amp.And with active basses, you’ll have even
greater flexibility with pre- and post-compression EQ at your
fingertips.
No matter how hard you spank or slap, even when the compression is
set at minimum, the Bass Compactor limits harsh, transient peaks and
evens out your signal. Noise reduction has been thoughtfully engineered
directly into the circuitry.The high-impedance F.E.T.-based input is excep-
tionally responsive to your playing style, be it jazz, funk, blues, or good
old rock ‘n’ roll. Characteristic of all Tech 21 products, the Bass
Compactor will not alter your instrument’s individual personality.
We hope the Bass Compactor will be a useful tool for stimulating your
creativity and, ultimately, inspiring you to play your best.
APPLICATIONS
The Bass Compactor can be used direct into a recording console or
with any amp. It can also be used with any of our highly-acclaimed
SansAmpTM models of Tube Amplifier Emulators.
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
COMP (Compression)
controls the amount of compression. Ranges from minimum at 1:1 to
maximum at 15:1.
LOW & HIGH
Unlike passive controls that can only cut, these active tone controls cut
or boost ±12dB from unity gain at 12 o’clock.This powerful EQ section
effectively reduces the need for a fixed frequency mid control and
enables you to achieve an extensive variety of curves --including a “mid-
cut” as well as a “mid-boost.”
Adjusting Mid-Range Content: The mid-range level of the Bass
Compactor is preset. Boosting Low and High gives you the equivalent
of a “mid-cut” where the relative mid-range level is lower than the
Low and High frequency levels. Cutting Low and High is the
equivalent of a “mid-boost” where the relative mid-range level is
higher than the Low and High frequency levels. NOTE: The overall
output level will change in relation to the adjustments you make with
the EQ controls.You can compensate accordingly with the Level
control.
LEVEL
adjusts the output level without altering any tonal characteristics.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES & SUGGESTIONS
--You need not set everything at max to get maximum results.To get
started right out of the box, we recommend setting all controls at
12 o’clock.
--For a clean boost, turn the compression to minimum (7 o’clock).This
will enable you to kick in up to 6dB of volume without altering the
tone of your bass.
--When using acoustic, semi-acoustic or hollow body instruments, be
aware that too much compression may cause the body to resonate
and feed back. Simply decrease Comp as needed.
--If you should want distortion and overdrive, consider our SansAmp
Bass Driver DI. If you’re looking for mega distortion and overdrive,
consider using our XXL stomp box with a SansAmp Bass Driver DI.
--If you want more sophisticated EQ, consider our SansAmp Acoustic DI.
--The LED will fade as the battery runs low.
USING THE BASS COMPACTOR
WITH OTHER EFFECTS
In most cases, the best results will be achieved by plugging your
instrument directly into the Bass Compactor --even when using it with
a SansAmp.The Bass Compactor should, however, come after an
envelope filter (auto-wah) or other dynamically-controlled effect.
SAMPLE SETTINGS
Peak Limiter
(Amp Saver)
DI Recording
Bass Solo
LEVEL HIGH LOW COMP
Mid Booster
LEVEL HIGH LOW COMP
LEVEL HIGH LOW COMP
Tone Booster
LEVEL HIGH LOW COMP
LEVEL HIGH LOW COMP