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The ADA MICROCAB Miked Guitar Cabinet Emulator is a tone-shaping device designed to replicate the complex physical and psychoacoustic effects that contribute to the unique "live" sound of a close-miked guitar cabinet. Its primary function is to deliver the distinct warmth and presence of a "close-miked" guitar speaker cabinet directly to a mixing console, suitable for both recording studios and live sound reinforcement applications. This device is intended for use in the preamp/effects stage of a guitar component system, accepting signals from preamp outputs of a guitar amplifier or a rack-mounted preamp like the ADA MP-1 MIDI TUBE PREAMP.
The MICROCAB preserves the tone and fidelity from your guitar, preamp, and effects units, while simultaneously emulating the frequency response of various speaker cabinets and simulating the intricate and time-consuming miking techniques often employed in recording studios. Unlike simple band pass filters that can result in a "muddy" sound lacking definition or presence, the MICROCAB offers a true emulation of a classic "close-miked" speaker cabinet. It provides improved voicing, brilliant presence, an "in your face" high-midrange sizzle (1.2-1.5 KHz), and the characteristic "thump" (low frequency resonance) found in classic guitar cabinets. The device is unique in its ability to reproduce this power and feel of a live performance directly to tape.
One of the key features of the MICROCAB is its ability to emulate the close-miking characteristics of the Shure SM57 microphone, an industry standard for guitar miking. This includes the "proximity effect," which is a low-frequency boost at 180 Hz when the microphone is placed very near the sound source, enhancing the "thump" effect often associated with British-style 4x12 cabinets. The MICROCAB also accounts for the high-frequency attenuation observed when the SM57 is placed off-axis, and incorporates shallow comb filter nodes across the mid-frequency band, which are another "live" characteristic.
The MICROCAB offers a variety of cabinet configuration tone settings, allowing users to achieve their desired sound. It can emulate any type or size of guitar cabinet, providing the resonance, depth, and sonic quality of a miked guitar cabinet. The device features stereo inputs and outputs, offering flexibility for various setups. A variable THUMP control allows users to "tune" the cabinet's low end, boosting or cutting low-frequency resonance, particularly useful when emulating sealed cabinets. The HI BALANCE control emulates microphone placement and cabinet brightness, enabling adjustments for a darker or brighter tone coloration.
The MICROCAB provides emulations of 12-inch speakers in 1, 2, and 4-speaker configurations, available in both open-back and sealed enclosures. It also includes VINTAGE settings for a darker-sounding tone coloration. For output, the MICROCAB offers both 1/4" line-level outputs for mixing consoles and XLR (balanced) mic-level outputs for direct connection to tape or other recording devices. Pass Thru outputs are also available, providing the flexibility to use the MICROCAB on stage while still sending the signal to a traditional speaker cabinet. A ground lift switch on the rear panel helps eliminate line noise or hum that may arise from poorly-balanced power sources or ground loops in the system.
To achieve the best tone with the MICROCAB, users are advised to first set up their preamp and effects to get their optimal tone using their entire rig, including their guitar speaker cabinets. Once the desired tone is established, the MICROCAB can be inserted between the preamp and power amp. The pass-thru jacks on the rear panel allow users to monitor their regular speaker tone. When using headphones with the MICROCAB, it may be necessary to adjust the HI BALANCE downward to compensate for the high-frequency emphasis often found in headphones.
Maintenance of the MICROCAB is straightforward, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Users are cautioned against opening the cover to prevent electric shock. All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. It is crucial to note that amplifier outputs should never be plugged into the MICROCAB inputs, as the device is designed for preamp/effects output levels only, and a power amplifier signal will overload and damage the MICROCAB. This warning is emphasized to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the device. The MICROCAB is designed to be a reliable and compact single-space rack device, offering a variety of speaker cabinet tones at the user's fingertips.
Power| maximum input | +20 dBV |
|---|---|
| maximum output | +19 dBm |
| power consumption | 4 Watts |
| external A.C adapter | 117 VAC/60 Hz |
| alternative power option 1 | 220 VAC / 50 Hz |
| alternative power option 2 | 100 VAC 50/60 Hz |
Electrical Specifications| input impedance | 50k ohms |
|---|
Weight and Dimensions| width | 19" |
|---|---|
| depth | 5" |
| height | 1-3/4" |
| weight | 2.5 lbs |
