Electro-Harmonix HOT WAX

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HOT WAX

Dual Overdrive

Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix Hot Wax. The Hot

Wax is a unique dual overdrive pedal that combines the distortion sections

used by two EHX classics: the Crayon and the Hot Tubes. Each section can

be engaged independently, for two very different overdrive flavors, or

together to create a massive overdriven sound. The Hot Wax is a flexible and

great-sounding distortion unit useful for guitar, bass, keyboards, and many

other musical instruments.

The Hot Wax includes a two-knob EQ (BASS and TREBLE) for extensive

tonal control, and a BLEND control to mix between your dry and distorted

sound. These three controls are active with either or both distortion sections

engaged, and bypassed when both overdrive section are turned off. The Hot

Wax features buffered bypass and is powered by a standard 9V power jack.

WARNING: Your Hot Wax comes equipped with an Electro-Harmonix 9.6DC-200BI power

supply (same as used by Boss

& Ibanez

: 9.6 Volts DC 200mA). The Hot Wax requires 75mA

at 9VDC with a center negative plug. Use of the wrong adapter or a plug with the wrong

polarity may damage your Hot Wax and void the warranty.

- USING THE HOT WAX-

Plug the included power adapter into the 9V jack. The pedal must be

powered to pass a signal through, regardless of whether or not distortion is

engaged. Step on the CRAYON footswitch to engage the Crayon section.

The green LED lights to indicate that the Crayon is on. Click the HOT TUBES

footswitch to turn on the Hot Tubes section, as indicated by the red LED.

The BASS & TREBLE EQ and BLEND controls are active when either one or

both sections are in use. When only one section is active, adjust that

section’s VOL (volume) knob to set the master volume. When both sections

are active:

 The Crayon comes first in the signal path.

 The Crayon’s VOL knob sets the level driving the Hot Tubes section.

 The EQ affects the signal

after

the Hot Tubes’ distortion section.

 The BLEND knob combines the clean signal with the post-EQ signal.

 The Hot Tubes’ VOL knob functions as the master volume.

- CONTROLS and I/O JACKS -

Footswitches and LEDs

The right LED (green) illuminates when the Crayon section is engaged via

the footswitch. The left (red) LED lights when using the Hot Tubes section.

VOL Knob (Crayon)

If only the Crayon is active, the VOL knob sets master output level. If both

sections are active, the VOL knob sets the level between the Crayon’s drive

section and the Hot Tubes’ drive section.

VOL Knob (Hot Tubes)

Use the Hot Tubes VOL knob to set the master output level.

DRIVE Knobs

Turn the appropriate DRIVE knob to set the distortion intensity.

BASS and TREBLE Equalization Knobs

Adjust the BASS knob to boost or cut low frequencies. Adjust the TREBLE

knob to boost or cut high frequencies. The frequency response for either

knob is flat (no boost or cut) when the knob is set halfway up.

BLEND Knob

The BLEND knob mixes the dry and distorted signal. With BLEND set to

minimum (fully counterclockwise), you will only hear the dry signal. When

BLEND is turned fully clockwise, you will only hear the distorted signal. All

other settings will yield varying mixtures of dry and distorted sounds.

Turning BLEND down to add dry signal can add more punch and clarity,

along with more emphasis on pick attack. This functionality may be of

particular importance to bassists, as full-on distortion can reduce punch and

muddy up low end frequencies.

INPUT Jack

Plug your instrument or the output of another effects pedal into the ¼”

INPUT jack. The input impedance is 2.2M.

OUTPUT Jack

Use the ¼” OUTPUT jack to send the signal to an amp or another effects

pedal. The signal will be dry or effected based on the bypass status. The

output impedance is 220.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Electro-Harmonix HOT WAX and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Controls and I;O Jacks

Footswitches and LEDs

Indicates Crayon and Hot Tubes engagement via colored LEDs.

Volume Controls (VOL)

Sets master output or drive level between Crayon and Hot Tubes sections.

Distortion and Tone Controls

Adjusts distortion intensity (DRIVE) and EQ (BASS, TREBLE) for tonal shaping.

Blend and Signal Mixing

Mixes dry signal with distorted signal for tonal variation and clarity.

Input and Output Jacks

Connects instruments and outputs to amps or other effects pedals.

Using the Hot Wax

Signal Path and Knob Interaction

Details the sequence of Crayon, Hot Tubes, EQ, and BLEND, and VOL knob functions.

Power and Specifications

Power Requirements

Details the required 9VDC power supply and adapter specifications.

Specifications Overview

Lists key specifications including bypass type, input/output impedance, and current draw.

Warranty and Compliance

Warranty Information

Outlines the one-year limited warranty and service return procedures.

FCC Compliance

Details compliance with FCC rules for digital devices and potential interference.

The Electro-Harmonix Hot Wax is a versatile dual overdrive pedal designed to combine the distinct distortion characteristics of two EHX classics: the Crayon and the Hot Tubes. This pedal offers a wide range of overdrive flavors, from subtle to massive, making it suitable for guitar, bass, keyboards, and other musical instruments.

Function Description

The Hot Wax features two independent overdrive sections, Crayon and Hot Tubes, each with its own footswitch and LED indicator. The Crayon section is engaged via the right footswitch, illuminating a green LED, while the Hot Tubes section is activated by the left footswitch, indicated by a red LED. These sections can be used independently to achieve different overdrive sounds or combined for a more intense, overdriven effect.

Beyond its core overdrive capabilities, the Hot Wax incorporates a two-knob EQ section (BASS and TREBLE) for comprehensive tonal shaping. These controls allow users to boost or cut low and high frequencies, with a flat response when set to the halfway position. The EQ is active whenever either or both distortion sections are engaged.

A BLEND control is also included, enabling users to mix their dry instrument signal with the distorted output. Turning the BLEND knob fully counterclockwise results in only the dry signal, while a fully clockwise setting yields only the distorted signal. Intermediate settings provide varying combinations of dry and distorted sounds. This feature is particularly useful for bassists, as blending in the dry signal can help maintain punch, clarity, and emphasize pick attack, preventing low-end frequencies from becoming muddy with full distortion.

The pedal operates with buffered bypass, ensuring signal integrity even when the effects are disengaged. The Hot Wax requires a standard 9V power supply with a center-negative plug and draws 75mA.

Usage Features

To begin using the Hot Wax, connect the included 9.6DC-200 power adapter to the 9V jack. The pedal must be powered for any signal to pass through, regardless of whether distortion is active.

Engage the Crayon section by stepping on its footswitch; the green LED will illuminate. To activate the Hot Tubes section, click its footswitch, and the red LED will light up.

Each overdrive section has a DRIVE knob to adjust the intensity of the distortion. The VOL knob for the Crayon section serves a dual purpose: when only the Crayon is active, it sets the master output level. However, when both Crayon and Hot Tubes sections are engaged, the Crayon's VOL knob controls the level feeding into the Hot Tubes' drive section. The Hot Tubes' VOL knob, in contrast, consistently functions as the master output volume.

The BASS and TREBLE EQ controls, along with the BLEND knob, become active when either one or both distortion sections are in use. Adjust the BASS knob to boost or cut low frequencies and the TREBLE knob to boost or cut high frequencies. The BLEND knob allows for precise mixing of the dry and distorted signals, offering flexibility in shaping the overall sound.

The signal path within the Hot Wax is structured with the Crayon section preceding the Hot Tubes. The Crayon's VOL knob dictates the level driving the Hot Tubes. The EQ then affects the signal after the Hot Tubes' distortion section, and finally, the BLEND knob combines the clean signal with the post-EQ signal.

The Hot Wax is equipped with a 1/4" INPUT jack for connecting your instrument or another effects pedal, featuring an input impedance of 2.2MΩ. The 1/4" OUTPUT jack sends the signal to an amplifier or subsequent effects pedals, with an output impedance of 220Ω.

Maintenance Features

The Hot Wax is designed for durability and reliable performance. It does not accept batteries and relies solely on an external 9V power supply. Users are cautioned against opening the unit, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the unit may also void the warranty.

It is crucial to use the correct power adapter: a 9VDC center-negative plug that provides at least 75mA. Using an adapter with the wrong voltage, polarity, or insufficient current can damage the Hot Wax and void its warranty. The pedal is compatible with Boss® and Ibanez® style AC Adapters capable of delivering at least 200mA.

For any service needs within the warranty period, users should contact the appropriate customer service office. For customers outside specific regions, general EHX Customer Service can be reached via email or phone. USA and Canadian customers are required to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA#) from EHX Customer Service before returning their product. The returned unit should include a written description of the problem, along with the user's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, RA#, and a copy of the purchase receipt.

Electro-Harmonix offers a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials or workmanship for original purchasers from authorized retailers. Repaired or replaced units will be warranted for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term.

The device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules, indicating that it is designed to operate without causing harmful interference and to accept any interference received. Users are advised that modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void their authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules. In case of interference, measures such as reorienting the receiving antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, or connecting to a different circuit are suggested.