tubesteader EGGNOG User manual

MANUAL v1.0
The Eggnog is a single-channel tube overdrive and preamp pedal
going back to the small, yellow-patterned combination amplifiers made
in Fullerton in the 1950s. Based around a 12AX7 tube running at high
voltage (250VDC – but from a 12VDC supply) to accurately capture the
feel and breakup characteristics of a low-powered Tweed, the
overtly-American preamp circuitry can transform any clean amplifier
into a raspy box of vintage Fendery goodness.
If you’re a fan of the Southern blues-rock of ZZ Top; the boxy, honky
breakup of Joe Walsh in his prime; Keef’s raunchy rock & roll; the
screaming lead tones of Mr Bonamassa; or (at the extremes) the
“excitable” low-end of Neil Young…the Eggnog will deliver those syrupy,
original American tones in spades.
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INTRODUCTION
TUBE OVERDRIVE AND PREAMPTUBE OVERDRIVE AND PREAMP
CAUTION! RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN THE ENCLOSURE.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users
authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAN ICES-003 (B) / NMB-003 (B)
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS
All Tubesteader pedals are warrantied to be free from defects in parts
and craftsmanship for 5 years from the original date of purchase.
The external hardware, such as pots, switches and jacks are warrantied
to be free from defects for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.
The tubes are covered for a period of 30 days from receipt of the pedal.
EXCLUSIONS:
- Damage caused by accident, abuse, modification, improper use.
- Cosmetic wear and tear of the enclosure and external hardware.
- Shipping costs.
Tubesteader reserves the right to make changes and
improvements in designs & dimensions without notice.
The Tubesteader will repair or replace, at our discretion, the product
under the warranty at no cost to the original owner. For any warranty or
repair inquiries, please contact [e-mail]
Returns are accepted within 7 days from the date of receiving your
order. To qualify for return the product has to be in “new” condition,
in the original packaging and perfect working order.
WARRANTYCOMPLIANCE

The tube is pushed by an always-on MOSFET gain stage, giving
your guitar a helping hand in nudging it towards the spongy,
saggy, character we know and love in those old amps once they’re
breaking a sweat. But if you’re in the mood for a little extra juice,
stepping on the second footswitch activates the Boost level knob,
giving you control over how hard the tube is being pushed.
The Eggnog also has ample output level on tap to feed a power
section directly; bypass your amp’s front end via an FX Loop
return; or give a healthy signal to any modern IR cab sims.
SPECIFICATIONS
CIRCUIT
Input Impedance: 1MOhm
Vacuum Tube: ECC83/12AX7
Power: 12VDC @ 350mA, power adapter supplied
Power connector: barrel 2.1mm, center negative
Enclosure: Die-cast aluminum
Size: 4.7” x 2.6“ (121mm x 66mm)
Height: 3.15” (80mm) including tube protector
Weight: 0.8 lbs (400 gr.)
CONNECTIVITY
To prevent malfunction and equipment failure,
always turn down the volume before making any connections.
The Eggnog comes with a 12AX7 vacuum tube installed.
To explore additional tonal possibilities, the stock tube can be
swapped with equivalent preamp tube from other brands.
When powering up from a cold state, please allow the Eggnog to
warm-up a few minutes before playing. The tube run warm to the
touch under normal operation.
TUBES
As an overdrive pedal (or clean-shaper) into the front end of an amplifier.
Set the amplifier clean and with a flat EQ – let the Eggnog add its gain and
impart the inherent Small Tweed boxy EQ. You can use other pedals to
boost into it; run modulations on either side; soak it in reverb and
tremolo…be creative!
Directly into a power amplifier. Turn up the Master to give any power
amp enough level to create a howling Tweed monster.
Into an amplifier’s FX loop return. Bypass your amp’s front end by
plugging your guitar into the Eggnog and running the output into its FX
loop return. Not all loops are created equal though, so the results of this will
be very dependent on the style of loop you have available.
Into IR software or direct to a console/interface. Keep your Front Of
House engineer happy by giving them consistent sound and level
night-after-night; or appease the neighbours by keeping the volume down
when practicing after-dark. If using the Eggnog in this way, we would
recommend using IR/Cabsim for a more true-to-life Tweed amp sound.
1
2
3
4
CONNECTING THE EGGNOG:
CONTROLS
controls the amount of extra gain
the footswitch introduces
True bypass footswitch with a status light
BOOST knob
BYPASS
3-band EQ
tone switch, reminiscent of the dual inputs
on some of the vintage amplifiers.
NORMAL/BRIGHT
increases the gain of the transistor stage
1
2
3
5
6
7
4
adds gain just like cranking up the original amps
VOLUME
controls the overall output level
MASTER
BASS, MID, TREBLE
BOOST footswitch
2
4
1
6
7
5
3
The drawing below represents a block diagram
IN
BYPASS
VOLUME
V1a
MASTER
V1b
OUT
EQ
MOSFET
BOOST
12
MASTER
BOOST
VOLUME
TREBLE
BOOST BYPASS
BAS S MID
NORMAL
BRIGHT