Electro-Harmonix GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI User Manual

1
GERMANIUM
4
BIG MUFF PI
Dual Vintage Distortion and Overdrive
Congratulations on your purchase of the GERMANIUM
4
BIG MUFF
PI. The GERMANIUM
4
BIG MUFF PI is a new and versatile
overdrive/distortion that captures the essence of the warm sound
unique to the germanium transistors from the ‘60s. The
GERMANIUM
4
BIG MUFF PI is two independent circuits, one a
distortion and one an overdrive, each with completely independent
controls. The two circuits can be used separately or together. Each
circuit has its own independent ON/OFF bypass footswitch.
-CONTROLS-
DISTORTION SIDE: The DISTORTION side can be used
independently or with the OVERDRIVE side. When both sides are
ON, the DISTORTION side precedes the OVERDRIVE side in the
signal chain. The DISTORTION utilizes two germanium transistors
and is capable of going from clean - to a gritty overdrive - to a full
on distortion and beyond.
GAIN CONTROL – This knob adjusts the amount of preamp gain
for the DISTORTION side of the pedal. As you turn the GAIN knob
clockwise the distortion and volume will increase dramatically.
BIAS CONTROL – This knob adjusts the character of the distortion
by changing the bias of the signal before it is distorted by the
Germanium transistors. Turning the BIAS knob counter-clockwise
will result in a more mellow and compressed tone. Turning the
BIAS knob clockwise will result in an edgy and more aggressive
tone.

Electro-Harmonix GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI Specifications

General

Type	Fuzz
Technology	Analog
Controls	Volume, Tone, Sustain
Bypass	True Bypass
Weight	1.5 lbs
Current Draw	5 mA
Power Supply	9V battery
Dimensions	2.25 inches
Input Impedance	1M ohm

Summary

Distortion Side Controls

Gain Control (Distortion)

Adjusts preamp gain for the DISTORTION side. Clockwise increases distortion and volume.

Bias Control (Distortion)

Changes distortion character via bias. Counter-clockwise is mellow/compressed; clockwise is edgy/aggressive.

Volts Control (Distortion)

Adjusts voltage to DISTORTION side. Simulates dying battery for varied textures and compression.

Volume Control (Distortion)

Controls output level of the DISTORTION side. Clockwise increases volume to maximum.

Overdrive Side Controls

Gain Control (Overdrive)

Adjusts gain in the OVERDRIVE preamp stage. Less gain than Distortion side. Character depends on BIAS.

Bias Control (Overdrive)

Changes distortion character in OVERDRIVE preamp. Noon is clearest; counter-clockwise is compressed; clockwise is gritty.

Tone Control (Overdrive)

Single knob tone control for OVERDRIVE side. Clockwise shifts tone from low to high emphasis.

Volume Control (Overdrive)

Controls output level of the OVERDRIVE side. Clockwise increases volume to maximum.

Status Indicators and Jacks

Status LED and Footswitch

Indicates effect status (ON/OFF) and controls true bypass for both Distortion and Overdrive sides.

Input and Output Jacks

Connects instrument to input jack (200K ohms) and output jack to amplifier.

9V Power Jack

For 9V battery or 9VDC power supply (min 100mA). Current draw is 12mA.