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EHX GRAPHIC FUZZ - User Manual

EHX GRAPHIC FUZZ
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GRAPHIC FUZZ
-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS-
The GRAPHIC FUZZ is an AC operated unit which has several unique features
including graphic equalization which are not found on any other fuzz/
distortion/overdrive products on the market today.
The GRAPHIC FUZZ has been specially designed for low noise/low hum operation. An
LED indicator shows when the effect is in either the ON or BYPASS modes. This unit
is sensitive to the dynamics of your playing, that is, the effect wil be louder when you
play harder and will be quieter when you strum or pick more softly.
To operate, plug the unit into a standard AC outlet. Plug your guitar into the INPUT
jack. Plug your amplifier into the OUTPUT jack.
Six slide pots allow you to adjust the output level by as much as + or 15 dB in the
125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 100 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz frequency bands. This allows
for great tonal flexibility.
The small ON-FUZZ-OFF switch at the top of the unit makes the GRAPHIC FUZZ a
dual purpose effect. In the ON position, the fuzz effect is on. In the OFF position, the
fuzz is off and the unit can be used as a graphic equalizer using the six slide pots
already mentioned.
The VOLUME slider controls the output volume level.
The envelope shaping capabilities of the unit are controlled by two slide pots labeled
DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN. The DYNAMICS slider controls the sensitivity of the unit
to your playing style. When the slider is down, the unit behaves like a conventional
fuzz box with the output volume at a more or less constant level. As the slider is
moved up, the unit becomes increasingly more sensitive to the dynamics of your
playing. It will get louder as you play harder and will get softer as you play more
gently. The SUSTAIN slider is only effective when the DYNAMICS slider is up. It
controls how long a note is sustained. Maximum sustain is achieved when the Sustain
slider is all the way up.
The OVERDRIVE footswitch allows you to control the amount of distortion in the
output signal.
The CUT footswitch allows you to bypass the entire unit without having to physically
disconnect it. The red LED will light up when the unit is engaged and will go off when
the unit is bypassed.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Power: 95V-120V AC, 50-60 Hz
Input Impedance: 200K ohm
Input Level: 200 mV to 1V rms
Output Impedance: 1K ohm
Output Level: 1Vnom. 7V max.
Overdrive Gain Range: 28 dB
Sustain Time Range: 100ms to 10 sec
Equalizer Controls: 15 DB
Only use the US96DC-200BI power supply adaptor that was supplied with the
unit. Use of any other adaptor will damage the unit and void the warranty.
- WARRANTY INFORMATION -
Please complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 10 days of purchase.
Electro-Harmonix will repair or replace, at its discretion, a product that fails to
operate due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from
date of purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their
product from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. Repaired or replaced units will
then be warranted for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term. If you
should need to return your unit for service within the warranty period, please include
a brief description of the problem as well as your name, address, telephone number,
copy of your receipt, and a check or money order for shipping and handling:
United States - $12
Canada - $15
Europe and other countries - $25
Ship to:
Europe
EHX CUSTOMER SERVICE JOHN WILLIAMS
ELECTRO-HARMONIX ELECTRO-HARMONIX UK
c/o NEW SENSOR CORP. 13 CWMDONKIN TERRACE
47-50 33RD STREET SWANSEA SA2 0RQ
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 718-937-8300 Tel: +44 179 247 3258
Email: info@ehx.com Email: electroharmonixuk@virginmedia.com
To hear demos on all EHX pedals visit us on the web at www.ehx.com
Email us at info@ehx.com
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

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Summary

Graphic Fuzz Operation and Controls

Basic Setup and Connections

Connect the unit to AC power, guitar to input, and amplifier to output for basic operation.

Graphic Equalizer and Tone Shaping

Six slide pots adjust EQ bands; DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN sliders control sensitivity and note sustain.

Effect Mode Switching

ON-FUZZ-OFF switch selects fuzz or EQ-only mode. CUT footswitch bypasses the entire unit.

Volume and Distortion Control

VOLUME slider controls output level; OVERDRIVE footswitch manages distortion amount.

Technical Specifications

Power and Input;Output Details

Specifies power requirements, input/output impedance, and input/output levels.

Performance Ranges

Details overdrive gain range, sustain time range, and equalizer control range.

Power Supply Recommendation

Advises using only the supplied US96DC-200BI power supply to avoid unit damage.

Warranty and Service Information

Warranty Coverage and Period

One-year warranty for defects in materials/workmanship for original purchasers.

Return for Service Procedure

Includes requirements for returning units for repair within the warranty period.

Shipping Costs for Service

Lists shipping and handling fees for returning units from different regions.

Contact and Online Resources

Provides contact details for service and links to website for demos and information.

Overview

The GRAPHIC FUZZ is an AC-operated effects unit designed to provide a versatile range of fuzz, distortion, and overdrive tones, enhanced by a unique graphic equalization system not commonly found in similar products. This device caters to musicians seeking extensive tonal shaping capabilities and dynamic responsiveness in their sound.

Function Description

At its core, the GRAPHIC FUZZ generates a fuzz effect, which can be engaged or bypassed. Beyond its primary fuzz function, the unit also serves as a standalone graphic equalizer. This dual-purpose design allows users to either apply the fuzz effect with equalization or use the equalization independently to shape their clean tone. The device is engineered for low noise and hum operation, ensuring a clean signal path. A key characteristic of the GRAPHIC FUZZ is its sensitivity to playing dynamics. This means the output volume will naturally increase when played harder and decrease when played more softly, providing a more expressive and responsive playing experience.

The unit features six slide pots dedicated to graphic equalization. These controls allow for precise adjustment of the output level across six distinct frequency bands: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz. Each band can be boosted or cut, offering extensive flexibility to sculpt the tone to suit various musical styles and preferences. This comprehensive equalization system distinguishes the GRAPHIC FUZZ from many other fuzz or distortion pedals, providing a level of control over the sound's timbre that is typically found in dedicated EQ units.

In addition to the equalization, the GRAPHIC FUZZ incorporates controls for overall output volume, dynamics, and sustain. The VOLUME slider adjusts the master output level of the unit. The DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN sliders work in conjunction to shape the envelope of the sound. The DYNAMICS slider controls how sensitive the unit is to the player's attack. When this slider is set to its lowest position, the unit behaves like a conventional fuzz box, producing a relatively constant output volume regardless of playing intensity. As the DYNAMICS slider is moved upwards, the unit becomes increasingly responsive to playing dynamics, resulting in a louder output for harder playing and a softer output for gentler playing. The SUSTAIN slider, which is effective only when the DYNAMICS slider is engaged, controls the duration for which a note is sustained. Pushing the SUSTAIN slider all the way up achieves maximum sustain, allowing notes to ring out for extended periods.

The unit also includes an OVERDRIVE footswitch, which provides control over the amount of distortion in the output signal. This allows players to dial in varying degrees of grit and saturation, from subtle overdrive to intense fuzz. A separate CUT footswitch is provided for bypassing the entire unit. When the unit is engaged, a red LED illuminates, indicating that the effect is active. When the CUT footswitch is pressed, the LED turns off, signifying that the unit is bypassed and the signal passes through unaffected. This bypass function eliminates the need to physically disconnect the unit when the effect is not desired.

Usage Features

To set up the GRAPHIC FUZZ, simply plug it into a standard AC outlet. The guitar connects to the INPUT jack, and the amplifier connects to the OUTPUT jack. The small ON-FUZZ-OFF switch located at the top of the unit is used to select between the fuzz effect and the standalone graphic equalizer mode. In the "ON" position, the fuzz effect is active, and the six slide pots can be used to equalize the fuzzed signal. In the "OFF" position, the fuzz effect is disengaged, allowing the unit to function purely as a graphic equalizer for the clean signal.

The six slide pots for equalization offer intuitive visual feedback on the frequency curve being applied. Users can experiment with different settings to achieve a wide array of tones, from scooped mids for heavy riffs to boosted highs for shimmering leads, or enhanced lows for a fuller sound. The ability to adjust each frequency band independently provides a powerful tool for tone sculpting, allowing the GRAPHIC FUZZ to adapt to various instruments, amplifiers, and musical contexts.

The DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN controls are crucial for tailoring the unit's response to individual playing styles. Players who prefer a consistent, wall-of-sound fuzz can keep the DYNAMICS slider low. Those who desire a more expressive and touch-sensitive effect can raise the DYNAMICS slider and then fine-tune the note sustain with the SUSTAIN slider. This combination of controls allows for a highly personalized and interactive playing experience, where the effect responds directly to the nuances of the player's technique.

The OVERDRIVE footswitch provides on-the-fly control over the intensity of the distortion, making it easy to switch between different levels of gain during a performance. The CUT footswitch offers a convenient way to engage or disengage the entire effect without disrupting the signal chain, which is particularly useful in live settings or during practice. The LED indicator clearly shows the operational status of the unit, ensuring that the player always knows whether the effect is active or bypassed.

Maintenance Features

The GRAPHIC FUZZ is designed for reliable operation. For power, it requires a specific power supply adaptor, the US96DC-200BI, which is supplied with the unit. It is critical to use only this specified adaptor, as using any other adaptor will damage the unit and void the warranty. This emphasizes the importance of proper power management to ensure the longevity and functionality of the device.

In terms of warranty, Electro-Harmonix offers a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty applies exclusively to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. If a unit requires service within the warranty period, the repaired or replaced unit will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty term.

To initiate a warranty service, customers are required to include a brief description of the problem, along with their name, address, telephone number, a copy of their sales receipt, and a check or money order to cover shipping and handling fees. This structured process ensures that service requests are handled efficiently and that the necessary information is provided for proper diagnosis and return shipping. The warranty information clearly outlines the steps for obtaining support, providing a clear pathway for customers experiencing issues with their unit.

For customers outside the United States, specific shipping and handling fees apply for warranty service, with different rates for Canada and Europe/other countries. This global support structure ensures that customers worldwide can access repair services if needed. Contact information, including telephone numbers and email addresses, is provided for both US and UK/European customer service, facilitating direct communication for support inquiries. Additionally, Electro-Harmonix encourages users to visit their website for demos of their pedals and to use their general info email for further questions, fostering an accessible and supportive user community.

EHX GRAPHIC FUZZ Specifications

General IconGeneral
BypassTrue bypass
Dimensions4.75 x 4 x 2.25 inches
Weight1.5 lbs
TypeFuzz
ControlsVolume, Sustain
Inputs1 x 1/4"
Outputs1 x 1/4"
Power Supply9V DC

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