Music / Instruments
User Manual for Origin Effects M-EQ Driver Mid Booster & Drive Pedal
Quick guide for the Origin Effects M-EQ Driver. Learn how to connect, adjust controls, use the Adaptive Circuitry, and find sample settings for this mid-booster and drive pedal.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Origin Effects M-EQ Driver is a mid-booster and drive pedal inspired by vintage 1950s Pultec studio EQs. To get started, ensure you have a 9VDC, 2.1mm centre-negative power supply that provides at least 80mA. Connect your guitar to the INSTR input and your amplifier or modeller to the AMP OUT output.
Introduction
The M-EQ Driver recreates the behaviour of passive EQs from the 1950s, optimized for electric guitar. It features a transformer-equipped circuit for harmonic richness and Adaptive Circuitry on the CUT control, which allows for a smooth transition from warm overdrive to bright clean tones based on your playing dynamics and guitar volume.
Connecting the M-EQ Driver
- 9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 80mA).
- INSTR: Connect your guitar here.
- AMP OUT: Connect to your amplifier or modeller.
Controls
- DRIVE: Increases the amount of overdrive. Lower settings are ideal for boosting an amp on the edge of breakup; higher settings generate valve-like overdrive.
- LEVEL: Sets the output volume. Keep this lower when using high DRIVE settings.
- MIDS: Increases the level of mid boost. Placed before the output stage, high levels cause the pedal to overdrive more at the boosted frequency.
- KCS SWITCH: Selects between three mid boost frequencies: 0.8, 1.0, or 1.3 Kilocycles per second (kHz).
- CUT: Rolls off high-end frequencies. Clockwise rotation results in a warmer tone; counter-clockwise provides a brighter, cutting tone.
- ADAPT SWITCH: In position I, this engages the Adaptive Circuitry, reducing the effect of the CUT control as the signal cleans up (via volume knob or picking dynamics). In position O, the effect is constant.
Sample Settings
- Traditional Drive: Responsive, vintage overdrive with moderate mid boost at 1.0 KCS.
- Amp Distortion: High-end presence boost at 1.3 KCS with extra dynamics from the ADAPT switch.
- Cocked Wah: Aggressive, resonant tone with a huge lift at 0.8 KCS.
- Clean Mid Boost: Precise musical EQ with clean headroom and tasteful treble roll-off.
Technical Specifications
- Input Impedance: 1M Ohm
- Output Impedance: 1k Ohm
- Current Draw: 80mA
- Power Requirements: 9VDC, 2.1mm centre-negative connector
Safety Notices
Do not use the apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not install near heat sources such as radiators or stoves. No user-serviceable parts are inside; refer all servicing to qualified personnel. This product is CE and UKCA compliant.
Practical help
Before use
- Ensure your power supply is 9VDC, 2.1mm centre-negative, and provides at least 80mA.
- Connect your guitar to the INSTR input.
- Connect your amplifier or modeller to the AMP OUT output.
- Check that the ADAPT switch is set to your preference (I for adaptive, O for standard).
Specs in practice
- Input Impedance
- 1M Ohm (Standard for guitar instruments)
- Output Impedance
- 1k Ohm
- Current Draw
- 80mA (Ensure your power supply meets this minimum requirement)
Images and diagrams
- The pedal features a top-mounted layout with two rows of knobs and a central switch.
- Top row: LEVEL (left), DRIVE (right).
- Middle row: MIDS (left), CUT (right), with the KCS frequency switch in the center.
- The ADAPT switch is located centrally between the top and middle rows.
Model compatibility
- Requires 9VDC power supply.
- Designed for electric guitar.
- Compatible with standard 1/4 inch TS instrument cables.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.