The Ibanez Pentatone Preamp is a versatile guitar effects pedal designed to offer a wide range of tonal shaping and boost capabilities. It features multiple independent sections including PRE BOOST, DISTORTION, 5-BAND EQ, POST BOOST, NOISE GATE, and BYPASS, allowing for comprehensive control over your sound.
Function Description:
The pedal's architecture is designed to provide a flexible signal chain, starting with a Pre Boost, followed by a Distortion section, a 5-Band Parametric EQ, a Post Boost, and finally a Noise Gate, before the output.
PRE BOOST (1, 2, 3): This section allows you to boost your signal before it hits the distortion stage.
- On/off switch (1): Toggles the PRE BOOST function on or off.
- Indicator (2): A red LED lights up when the PRE BOOST is active.
- PRE BOOST knob (3): Controls the boost level. Turning this knob all the way to the left will result in no sound output.
DISTORTION (4, 5, 6, 7, 8): This is the core drive section of the pedal, offering various controls to sculpt your distorted tone.
- BRIGHT (4): Boosts the high frequencies within the distortion.
- LEVEL (5): Controls the overall output volume of the distortion section.
- TREBLE (6): Controls the high-frequency level of the distortion.
- BASS (7): Controls the bass frequency level of the distortion.
- GAIN (8): Controls the amount of distortion applied to the signal.
5-BAND EQ (9, 10, 11): A powerful parametric equalizer for precise tonal adjustments.
- On/off switch (9): Toggles the 5-BAND EQ function on or off. When active, blue LEDs on the sliders light up.
- Frequency (10): Selects the center frequency for each of the five bands that will be boosted or cut. The frequency ranges for each band are:
- Lo: Min 30Hz, Center 80Hz, Max 100Hz
- Low mid: Min 85Hz, Center 250Hz, Max 360Hz
- Mid: Min 200Hz, Center 780Hz, Max 1.3kHz
- High mid: Min 620Hz, Center 2.4kHz, Max 4.0kHz
- High: Min 1.5kHz, Center 7.0kHz, Max 14.5kHz
- Slider (11): Controls the amount of boost or cut applied to each frequency band, providing up to ±10dB of adjustment.
POST BOOST (12, 13, 14): This section provides an additional boost after the distortion and EQ, useful for solos or pushing your amplifier further.
- On/off switch (12): Toggles the POST BOOST function on or off.
- Indicator (13): A red LED lights up when the POST BOOST is active.
- POST BOOST knob (14): Controls the boost level, adjustable between 0-11dB.
NOISE GATE (15, 16, 17, 18): Helps to eliminate unwanted noise and hum, particularly useful with high-gain settings.
- On/off switch (15): Toggles the NOISE GATE function on or off.
- Indicator red (16): A red LED lights up when the NOISE GATE is active.
- Indicator green (17): A green LED lights up when the gate is actively working (muting the signal).
- GATE knob (18): Controls the threshold level at which the mute circuitry engages. Turning the knob clockwise increases the threshold, causing the signal to be muted faster.
BYPASS (19, 20):
- On/off switch (19): A true bypass switch that turns the PENTATONE PREAMP on or off.
- Indicator (20): A red LED lights up when the PENTATONE PREAMP is turned on.
Rear Panel Connections:
- INPUT (21): Connects your instrument (e.g., guitar) or the output of another effect device via a shielded cable. Plugging into this jack automatically powers the unit.
- EXT DC input (22): For connecting an external DC 9V power supply (AC/DC adapter). It requires a center negative plug. When using an external power supply, the internal battery is automatically switched off.
- REMOTE (23): Connects to an Ibanez IFS2L footswitch (sold separately) for remote control of the PRE BOOST and 5-BAND EQ on/off functions. When the footswitch is connected, the toggle switches on the pedal for these functions are disabled.
- OUTPUT (24): Connects to an amplifier or another effect pedal via a shielded cable.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Input Impedance: 300k ohms
- Output Impedance: 1k ohms
- Maximum Output Level: +7.2 dBu
- Power Supply: One 9V Battery (006P) or external AC Adapter (Use DC9V center negative).
- Required Current: 110 mA@9V
- Size [mm]: 146mmW x 128mmD x 59mmH
- Size [inch]: 5.8"W x 5.0"D x 2.3"H
- Weight: 1.0kg, 2.2lb (Including Battery)
Usage Features:
- Versatile Tone Shaping: With independent Pre Boost, Distortion, 5-Band Parametric EQ, and Post Boost sections, the pedal offers extensive control over your guitar tone, from subtle boosts to heavy distortion and precise frequency adjustments.
- Noise Reduction: The integrated Noise Gate helps maintain a clean signal, especially at higher gain settings, by muting unwanted noise.
- Remote Control Capability: The REMOTE jack allows for external footswitch control of the PRE BOOST and 5-BAND EQ, enhancing live performance flexibility.
- True Bypass: Ensures that your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is bypassed, preserving your guitar's natural tone.
- Flexible Power Options: Can be powered by a 9V battery for portability or an external DC 9V adapter for consistent power.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Replacement: When battery power is low, the LEDs on the top panel will dim or not light up, indicating it's time to replace the battery. Unplugging the instrument when not in use helps prolong battery life.
- Cleaning: Do not use thinner, alcohol, or similar substances for cleaning to prevent damage.
- Storage: Avoid storing or using the device in places with water splashes, high humidity, excessive dust, high temperatures, or excessive vibrations to prevent damage or failure.
- AC Adapter Usage: Always use the specified AC adapter (DC9V center negative) to prevent fire or electric shock. Unplug the AC adapter when not in use for a long time for safety.
- General Safety: Do not disassemble or modify the device. In case of abnormalities like smoke or burning smell, immediately stop using the device and unplug the AC adapter. Do not operate with wet hands.
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