Electro-Harmonix SYNTH9 User Manual

SYNTH9
Synthesizer Machine
Congratulations on purchasing the Electro-Harmonix SYNTH9 Synthesizer
Machine. The SYNTH9 does for analog synthesizers what the B9 did for organs
and the KEY9 did for electric pianos: now anyone with an electric guitar can play
analog synth emulations of classic Moog
®
, Oberheim
®
and ARP
®
synthesizers,
amongst others, without the need for extra devices such as cumbersome 13-pin
MIDI pickups!
WARNING: Your SYNTH9 comes equipped with an Electro-Harmonix 9.6DC-200BI power
supply (same as used by Boss
®
& Ibanez
®
: 9.6 Volts DC 200mA). The SYNTH9 requires
100mA at 9VDC with a center negative plug. Using the wrong adapter or a plug with the
wrong polarity may damage your SYNTH9 and void the warranty.
GETTING STARTED
Connect the supplied power adapter to the 9V power jack. Plug your instrument
into the INPUT jack. Connect your amp to the SYNTH OUTPUT jack. Set the DRY
knob to minimum (fully counterclockwise) and set the other top row knobs to 12
o’clock. Select a preset (“OBX” is a good starting point) and step on the footswitch
to turn on the LED. Play your instrument and adjust controls to your liking. For
further inspiration check out the SYNTH9’s SUGGESTED FACTORY SETTINGS
insert. Make copies of the included SYNTH9 USER SETTINGS page to keep track
of your favorite sounds and settings.
CONTROLS AND I/O JACKS
DRY VOL KNOB
The DRY VOL knob controls the volume of the untreated instrument signal present
at the SYNTH OUTPUT jack.
SYNTH VOL KNOB
For all presets except MINI MOOD, the SYNTH VOL knob controls the overall
volume of the selected preset at the SYNTH OUTPUT jack. In MINI MOOD, SYNTH
VOL controls the volume of the non-portamento synthesizer; CTRL 1 controls the
volume of the portamento synthesizer.
CTRL 1 & CTRL 2 KNOBS
See the preset descriptions on the following pages for details.
PRESET KNOB
Turn the white numbered knob to select a preset sound.

Electro-Harmonix SYNTH9 Specifications

General

Brand	Electro-Harmonix
Model	SYNTH9
Category	Synthesizer
Language	English

Summary

Power Supply Warning

SYNTH9 Power Requirements

Warning regarding the specific 9.6VDC, 100mA power supply with a center negative plug required for the SYNTH9.

Getting Started Guide

Initial Setup and Operation

Connect power, instrument, and amp. Set initial knob positions, select a preset, and engage the footswitch to play.

Controls and Jacks Overview

DRY VOL KNOB

Controls the volume of the untreated instrument signal at the SYNTH OUTPUT jack.

SYNTH VOL KNOB

Controls the overall volume of the selected preset at the SYNTH OUTPUT jack.

CTRL 1 & CTRL 2 KNOBS

Control parameters that vary per preset, detailed in preset descriptions.

PRESET KNOB

Turn the white numbered knob to select a sound preset.

Connections and Operation

INPUT JACK

Plug your instrument or another effects pedal into this 1/4" jack.

DRY OUTPUT JACK

Outputs the signal present at the INPUT jack through a buffer circuit.

SYNTH OUTPUT JACK

Outputs the mix set by DRY and SYNTH volume controls.

BYPASS FOOTSWITCH

Toggles the SYNTH OUTPUT jack between buffered BYPASS and EFFECT mode.

Preset Descriptions

OBX Preset

Emulation of the Oberheim OB-X. CTRL 1 is tone control, CTRL 2 selects octaves.

PROFIT V Preset

Inspired by Prophet-5. CTRL 1 adjusts filter envelope sweep time, CTRL 2 selects intervals.

VIBE SYNTH Preset

Polyphonic synth with decaying harmonic content and vibrato. CTRL 1 controls harmonics, CTRL 2 controls vibrato.

MINI MOOD Preset

Moog-inspired synth blending portamento and non-portamento voices. Controls adjust volumes and portamento time.

EHX MINI Preset

Emulation of the Electro-Harmonix Mini Synth. CTRL 1 sets filter sweep time/direction, CTRL 2 selects octaves.

SOLO SYNTH Preset

Fuzz-synth preset combining synth oscillator and fuzz guitar. CTRL 1 is tone control, CTRL 2 selects octaves.

MOOD BASS Preset

Inspired by Mini Moog and Taurus pedals. Best played monophonically. CTRL 1 adjusts filter sweep time, CTRL 2 selects octaves.

STRING SYNTH Preset

Emulation of an ARP string synth. CTRL 1 is a tone control, CTRL 2 sets filter sweep attack time.

POLY VI Preset

Inspired by Korg Polysix. CTRL 1 is a tone control, CTRL 2 sets modulation depth.

Notes and Specifications

Technical Specifications

Includes buffered bypass, input/output impedance, and current draw.

Optimal Performance Tips

Advice on pedal chain placement, pickup selection, and avoiding certain effects for best tracking.

Warranty Information

Product Registration and Returns

Instructions for online registration, warranty service, and return authorization procedures.

FCC Compliance Statement

Information regarding compliance with FCC rules for digital devices and potential interference mitigation.