Music / Guitar Effects
Darkglass Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal User Manual
Quick guide for the Darkglass Microtubes X7 bass preamp pedal. Learn about control functions, power requirements, technical specifications, and setup instructions.
Quick answers from the manual
Quick answer
- The Microtubes X7 is a bass distortion pedal. This manual details the function of its controls, power requirements, and technical specifications. p. 3, 4
Key actions
- Power the pedal using a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug. p. 4
First start
- Connect a regulated 9V DC power supply (center-negative) to the pedal. p. 4
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Problems and fixes
Harmful interference to radio or television reception
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, increase separation between equipment and receiver, or connect to a different circuit.
p. 5Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value | Meaning | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 1MΩ | Input impedance | p. 4 |
| Output Impedance | 1kΩ | Output impedance | p. 4 |
| Current Consumption | 70mA | Current draw | p. 4 |
| Voltage | 9V DC (Center Negative) | Power supply requirement | p. 4 |
| Dimensions (Width) | 94 mm (3.70 in) | Physical width | p. 4 |
| Dimensions (Height) | 120 mm (4.72 in) | Physical height | p. 4 |
| Dimensions (Depth) | 46 mm (1.81 in) | Physical depth | p. 4 |
| Weight | 320 g (0.70 lb) | p. 4 |
Where to find it in the PDF
- Product Diagram p. 2
- Controls p. 3
- Warning, Warranty, and Specs p. 4
- Disclaimer and EMC/EMI p. 5
- Contact Info p. 6
Table of contents
Quick Guide
The Darkglass Microtubes X7 is a professional bass preamp pedal designed to cover the entire bass distortion spectrum, from articulate high gain to punchy mild overdrive and gnarly fuzz. This manual provides the necessary information to operate the unit safely and effectively.
Controls
The pedal features a dual-path design allowing you to control the high-pass (distorted) and low-pass (clean/compressed) signals independently.
- High Pass Frequency: Controls the cutoff frequency for the distorted signal, ranging from 100Hz (thicker, fuzzier) to 1kHz (ultra-sharp definition).
- High Drive: Sets the amount of distortion for the high-pass side.
- High Level: Sets the output volume of the distorted high-pass signal.
- Low Pass Frequency: Controls the cutoff frequency for the low-pass signal to be mixed back, ranging from 50Hz (sub-bass only) to 500Hz (preserving clean mids).
- Low Comp: Sets the amount of compression for the low-pass signal.
- Low Level: Sets the output volume of the low-pass signal.
- Master: Sets the overall volume of the unit.
- EQ Bands: Includes Low shelf (+-12dB @ 80 Hz), 500 Hz (+-12dB), 1 kHz (+-12dB), and High shelf (+-12dB @ 5 kHz).
Power Requirements
Warning: The Microtubes X7 requires a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug. The unit has a current draw of 70mA. Do not use batteries. Using unregulated power supplies or higher voltages may result in suboptimal noise performance, damage the unit, and void the warranty.
Technical Specifications
- Input Impedance: 1MΩ
- Output Impedance: 1kΩ
- Current Consumption: 70mA
- Voltage: 9V DC (Center Negative)
- Dimensions: 94 mm (W) x 120 mm (H) x 46 mm (D)
- Weight: 320 g
Warranty and Support
To activate your warranty, register your product at http://mypedal.darkglass.com and enter the serial number located on the back of the pedal. For support or before shipping a product for service, please contact [email protected].
Official resources from the manual
Practical help
Common problems
Unit damage or noise
Ensure you are using a regulated 9V DC power supply with a center-negative plug. Unregulated supplies or higher voltages can damage the unit.
Radio or TV interference
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, increase separation between the pedal and the receiver, or connect the pedal to a different circuit outlet.
Before use
- Verify power supply is 9V DC, center-negative, and provides at least 70mA.
- Register your product at http://mypedal.darkglass.com.
- Locate the serial number on the back of the pedal for registration.
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Specs in practice
- High Pass Frequency
- Adjusts the cutoff for the distortion circuit (100Hz-1kHz).
- Low Pass Frequency
- Adjusts the cutoff for the clean/compressed low-end mix (50Hz-500Hz).
- Input Impedance
- 1MΩ, standard for instrument-level signals.
Images and diagrams
- The pedal layout includes four main knobs for the high/low pass sections, five sliders for EQ adjustment, and a footswitch.
Model compatibility
- Does not accept batteries.
- Requires regulated power supply only.
Manual page author
Michael Turner
Technical manual editor