tech21 Boost Comp User manual

POWER REQUIRE ENTS
*Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included). NOTE: Input jack
activates battery.To conserve energy, unplug when not in use. Power
Consumption: approx. 5mA, for battery life of approximately 100 hours.
*U E DC POWER UPPLY ONLY! Failure to do so may damage the
unit and void warranty. DC Power upply pecifications:
-9V DC regulated or unregulated, 100mA minimum;
-2.1mm female plug, center negative (-).
Optional factory power supply is available: Tech 21 odel #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, and return your warranty registration card.
ONE YEAR LI ITED WARRANTY. PROOF OF PURCHASE RE-
QUIRED. Manufacturer warrants unit to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase to the original purchaser and
is not transferable. This warranty does not include damage resulting from accident,
misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect current or voltage. If unit becomes defective
within warranty period, Tech 21 will repair or replace it free of charge. After expi-
ration, Tech 21 will repair defective unit for a fee.
ALL REPAIRS for residents of U. . and Canada: Call Tech 21 for Return Au-
thorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept packages without prior
authorization, pre-paid freight (UP preferred) and proper insurance.
FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:
Contact Tech 21 weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, E T.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
Tel: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
www.tech21nyc.com / [e-mail]
©2015 Tech 21 USA, Inc. OWNER’S ANUAL

TECH 21, THE COMPANY
Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination of a trained
ear and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta made his invention com-
mercially available to players and studios around the world. His highly-acclaimed
SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier Emulation in professional applications for
recording direct and performing live, and created an entirely new category of signal
processing. There have since been many entries into this niche, yet ansAmp con-
tinues to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.
With a full line of ansAmp models, Tech 21 also offers effect pedals and MIDI
products, as well as “traditional” style amplifiers for guitar and bass. Each product is
thoughtfully and respectfully designed by B. Andrew Barta himself with the player in
mind. Our goal is to provide you with flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, control,
refine and redefine your own individual sound. Tech 21 takes great pride in deliver-
ing consistent quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
When you want to fatten your tone, increase sustain and punch up your sound, a
compressor is a way to go. But compressors can dredge up feelings of compro-
mise, confusion, frustration and intimidation. o we set out to make a player-
friendly pedal utilizing old school, all-analog, FET-based technology, which is
inherently warmer, more transparent, and more musical than other methods.
Designed specifically for guitar and bass players, the Boost COMP offers simplified,
useful controls --controls that are not normally found on compressors. Most com-
pressors have a singular function or are engineered for studios and full-range sys-
tems. The Boost COMP uniquely gives you pre- and post- tone shaping adjustability
to get the right balance that complements your instrument and playing style.
When it’s time to jump out, a powerful boost function delivers up to 21dB of clean
boost to increase your output level --without adding more compression. A true
post-boost, this function can also be used independently.
Uncomplicated means less stress and more focus on your playing. Get vintage
warmth, dynamics and sustain the easy way with the Boost COMP.
APPLICATIONS and CONTROLS
Use with any amp --tube or solid state, vintage or modern. NOTE: You can also
achieve the same results using the Boost COMP in conjunction with any model of
our own ansAmp™ Tube Amplifier Emulators.
PRESENCE: As compressors typically darken your guitar signal, the Presence
control provides a pre-compression tonal boost in the frequency range of 2-3 kHz
to preserve high-end string attack and clarity.
CO PRESSION: A single, continuously variable control to dial in just the
right amount of compression you need. A little goes a long way, from soft and
barely noticeable to super squashy, infinite sustain.
TONE: Tone provides a post-compression cut or boost to generate a mel-
lower, more lush tone without getting too dark. This very musical, specialized tone
control will cut or boost 12dB of your high end.
LEVEL: Adjusts the output level of the unit.
BOOST: Adds up to 21dB of clean boost. The Boost function is a true post-
boost to kick up the volume without adding any further compression. Activated via
its own footswitch, it can also be used independently from the effect.
THE INS AND OUTS
1/4” INPUT:1megOhm instrument level. For normal operation, signal level
to Input should be close to that of a standard electric guitar (approx -10dBm /
250mV). The input is designed with the same sensitivity and loading characteristic
as a tube amp.
Also switches battery power on/off, so be sure to unplug
when not in use.
1/4” OUTPUT: 1kOhm low impedance output drives long cables without loss
of signal integrity, even in bypass.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES
1) Tech 21 controls are unusually sensitive and tend to perform well be-
yond what would be considered “normal.” o you need not set everything at max
to get maximum results.
2) To find the best settings for interacting with your other gear, you may
need to use radically different settings for each individual way you use it. You need
not be discouraged or suspect something is wrong with the unit. If you’ve got your
sound, you’ve simply found the right balance to complement each individual piece of
gear. We recommend you start with the tone control at 12 o’clock, and boost or
cut as necessary.
3) Tech 21 pedals have exceptionally low noise levels. However, they
may amplify noise emanating from the input source. To minimize noise, we recom-
mend active electronic instruments have the volume set at unity gain/maximum and
tone controls positioned flat. If you need to boost, do so slowly and sparingly. Also
check for pickup interference by moving your guitar or turning the volume off. Be
aware single coil pickups are more likely to generate noise.
4) Placement notes: For best results, plug your guitar directly into the Boost
COMP. This will preserve the interactive nature of the unit. Otherwise, we recom-
mend this basic guideline:
Place the following effects BEFORE the Boost CO P:
Envelope Filter, Wah.
Place the following effects AFTER the Boost CO P:
Chorus, Distortion, Echo, Reverb, ansAmp, Volume Pedal.
5) Buffered bypass eliminates the shortcomings associated with “true bypass”
(pops and clicks, and high-end loss when multiple pedals are connected together),
as well as signal loss associated with other types of switching circuits.
6) Custom actuators. All Tech 21 pedals feature smooth, silent-switching actu-
ators that are licensed by other major manufacturers.
7) LED indicator light. When battery begins running low (around 6 volts), the
LED will become noticeably dim.