Carl Martin Octa-Switch II User Manual

Manual Octa-Switch
Ok, so you have eight effects pedals which you use regularly. You use various combinations of these pedals
in various songs, but you are not good at tap dancing…or you are just clumsy and have stepped on the ultra
tricked out-metalized-distortion pedal for the lead in your one ABBA cover. You have seen the digital effects
controllers they use on the big stages, and have secretly yearned for one, even though you may never make
the big stage? Enter Thomas Guldmann’s Octa-switch. Your eight effects plug into the eight effects-loops on
the back of this unit (all true-bypass, impedance free gold relays so you can run any of your pedals, new and
old without problem), and then by turning on or off the numbered switches in each of eight DIP Bank switches,
you determine which effects you wish to use simultaneously in each Bank. There is a blue LED for every
effects loop used and for each Bank (so once you are programmed, when you step on Bank 6 you will see the
lights of all the effects you have assigned to Bank 6 and the Bank 6 LED). Once you have each Bank
programmed, we recommend placing a piece of scotch or electrical tape over each DIP (….just to protect the
switch from damage or floods….like beer). There is a buffered (or not….switchable) Mono input and a stereo
Output, and the unit is powered by dual 9v batteries, or by a regulated power supply.
Then by turning on or off the numbered switches in each of eight DIP Bank
switches, you determine which effects you wish to use simultaneously in
each Bank. There is a blue LED for every effects loop used and for each
Bank (so once you are programmed, when you step on Bank 6 you will see
the lights of all the effects you have assigned to Bank 6 and the Bank 6
LED).
Please note, the DIP switches are slide type, NOT push down. They are
easily operated with a small screwdriver, a pen, or a very very small finger.
There is a buffered (or not….switchable) Mono input
On large stages when running long connected cables, there is a definite drop
in the high end of your guitar sound (more or less depending on the input
impedance of your amplifier). The solution according to Thomas was once
again ‘simple’. He built in a buffer circuit at the input, so the user can choose
between 100% true bypass, or buffered bypass to ‘beef’ up the signal.
Loop 8 offer a mono send and a stereo return on a stereo jack plug,
with left at the jack tip and right at the jack ring.

Carl Martin Octa-Switch II Specifications

General

Brand	Carl Martin
Model	Octa-Switch II
Category	Switch
Language	English

Summary

Octa-Switch Core Features

Programming Effects Banks

Details how DIP switches are used to determine effects combinations for each of the eight programmable banks.

Input Buffer Circuit

Explains the switchable mono input buffer, offering true bypass or buffered signal options to maintain tone.

Loop 8 Configuration

Describes Loop 8's mono send and stereo return capability, ideal for stereo effects pedals.

Advanced Connectivity and Control

Stereo Outputs and Loop 8

Discusses stereo outputs and the stereo return on Loop 8 for stereo effects like choruses.

Bypass Switch Function

Identifies the ninth switch as a true bypass for clean sound, engaging the buffer if selected.

External Switching Jacks

Details the two external jacks for changing amp channels or other features via DIP switch settings.

Wiring Examples

Mono Dual Amp Operation

Illustrates wiring for mono dual amp setups using Y-cables for signal distribution.

Stereo Dual Amp Operation

Shows wiring configurations for stereo dual amp setups, including stereo pedal considerations.

Specific Operation Scenarios

Mono Operation with Tuner Out

Explains how to set up for mono operation with a tuner, muting the system while sending signal to the tuner.

Pedals in Amp's Own Loop

Details using some pedals in front of the amp and others within the amp's effects loop.

Specifications and Warranty

Technical Specifications

Lists input/output impedance, S/N ratio, loop count, present count, and dimensions.

Power Requirements and Safety

Covers power supply needs, battery usage, and essential safety warnings for operation.

Product Warranty Information

Outlines the one-year warranty terms, coverage, and conditions for repairs or replacement.