User Manual for Electro-Harmonix RING THING Single Sideband Modulator

Quick guide from the manual

The Electro-Harmonix RING THING is a versatile modulation pedal featuring four distinct modes: Ring Modulation (RM), Upper Band Modulation (UB), Lower Band Modulation (LB), and Pitch Shift (PS). To get started, ensure you are using the supplied 9.6V DC 200mA power supply with a center-negative plug. Connect your instrument to the INST Input jack and your amplifier to the MONO/L output jack. The pedal features nine programmable presets and supports external expression pedal control for advanced sound shaping.

Connection Setup

Follow these steps to connect your equipment:

• Connect an unbalanced instrument cable from your instrument to the INST Input jack on the right side of the pedal.
• Connect an unbalanced instrument cable from the MONO/L output jack on the left side to your amplifier input.
• Plug the supplied AC adapter into a wall outlet and connect it to the 9V power jack.
• Power on your amplifier.

Modes of Operation

The Ring Thing offers four modes, selectable via the MODE knob:

• Ring Modulation (RM): A standard ring modulator with a sweepable filter and five modulation waveforms.
• Upper Band Modulation (UB): Splits the signal, outputting the upper sideband from the MONO/L jack and the lower sideband from the R jack.
• Lower Band Modulation (LB): Splits the signal, outputting the lower sideband from the MONO/L jack and the upper sideband from the R jack.
• Pitch Shift (PS): Shifts incoming notes up or down by the same factor, preserving harmonic relationships.

Controls and Indicators

The pedal features several knobs that function differently depending on the selected mode:

• BLEND: Sets the wet/dry mix.
• WAVE: Selects the modulation waveform (Square, Sine, Ramp Down, Ramp Up, Triangle) or adds harmonics in sideband modes.
• FILTER/RATE: Acts as a low-pass filter in RM/UB/LB modes or controls modulation rate in Pitch Shift mode.
• FINE/DEPTH: Fine-tunes frequency or controls modulation depth.
• COARSE: Tunes frequency over a wide range or sets pitch shift amount.
• MODE Knob: A rotary encoder used to select modes and scroll through presets.

Presets

The Ring Thing allows you to save and recall up to 9 presets:

• Saving: Create your sound, turn the MODE knob to the desired preset number, and press and hold the MODE knob for 3 seconds until the LEDs stop blinking.
• Loading: Use the MODE knob to select the preset number, then press and release the PRESET/TUNE footswitch.
• Unloading: Turn the MODE knob clockwise until no LEDs are lit to return to the current knob settings.

Advanced Features

Expression Pedal: Connect a compatible expression pedal to the EXP jack. In RM/UB/LB modes, the FINE knob must be set fully counter-clockwise to enable expression control. In Pitch Shift mode, it controls the pitch shift amount.

External Oscillator: You can use an external signal as a carrier or modulator by plugging it into the MOD input jack and setting the WAVE knob fully counter-clockwise.

Auto-Tune: In RM, UB, or LB modes, play a single note and press and hold the PRESET/TUNE footswitch for 1 second to automatically tune the internal modulator to that note.

Troubleshooting

If you are not hearing the effect or experiencing unexpected behavior:

• Ensure the BLEND knob is set to 50% or higher.
• Check that the FILTER/RATE knob is not turned to full counter-clockwise.
• If using an expression pedal, ensure the FINE knob is set correctly for the mode.
• If a preset has been modified, the PRESET LED will blink rapidly; press the PRESET footswitch to revert to the saved settings.

Technical Specifications

• Sample Rate: 46.93 kHz
• A/D and D/A Conversion: 24 bits
• Processed Audio: 32 bits
• Power Requirements: 9V DC, 190mA, center negative