Source Audio Ultrawave User Manual

Table of Contents Ultrawave Multiband Processor User Guide
1
Ultrawave User Guide
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the Source Audio Ultrawave Multiband Processor. The Ultrawave is the
first of its kind: a flexible multiband processing toolbox. Through the combination of band splitting,
exotic distortion curves, multi-band tremolo, compression, morphing, and flexible stereo processing,
the Ultrawave opens doors to a wide range of new sounds for guitar, bass, synth, and other musical
instrument applications. The Neuro Desktop and Mobile editors provide an intuitive graphical
environment to unlock the power of the Ultrawave, allowing users to create and share a growing
library of sounds.
At the core of the Ultrawave is multiband separation, distortion, and EQ. In the 1970s music
technologist Craig Anderton created a 4-band distortion tool. It was noted for lessening
intermodulation artifacts when playing complex chords, but the concept was left largely unexplored.
In 2007 Bob Chidlaw took the basics of multiband processing and added cutting-edge foldback
distortion curves, which were relatively unknown at the time. When implemented on a powerful
Analog Devices DSP chip, the Source Audio Multiwave Distortion pedal was born. The Ultrawave
starts where the Multiwave left off and leverages more than a decade of Source Audio know-how
and dramatic increases in DSP power. The Ultrawave is the ultimate expression of multiband
processing in a pedal. We hope you will enjoy our creation, and that it will provide years of
inspiration and fun.

Source Audio Ultrawave Specifications

General

Type	Multi-Band Processor
Analog/Digital	Digital
Effect Type	Distortion, Fuzz, Overdrive
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Inputs	1 x 1/4" Mono
Outputs	1 x 1/4" Mono
Power Supply	9V DC (center negative)
Connectivity	1/4" jacks, MIDI, USB
Technology	Digital Signal Processing

Summary

Welcome

Feature Overview

Connecting the Pedal

Power Connection

Details on connecting the 9V DC power supply and warnings.

Audio Connections

Guitar/Audio Hookup

How to connect instruments and amps using "," mono cables.

Input Side Connections

Primary Input (INPUT 1)

Primary input for instruments and line-level signals.

Secondary Input (INPUT 2)

Secondary input for stereo sources or Neuro App data connection.

Output Side Connections

Primary Output (OUTPUT 1)

Primary audio output for amps, interfaces, or next device.

Secondary Output (OUTPUT 2)

Secondary audio output or Neuro App data daisy-chain output.

Power and Control Port Connections

DC 9V Power Requirements

Details on connecting the 9V DC power supply requirements.

USB Port Usage

Connecting to computers/mobile devices for editing and updates.

CONTROL INPUT Port

Connecting external control devices like expression pedals and Neuro Hub.

Pedal Controls Overview

Footswitch Operation

Engage/bypass pedal, bank to ALT Mode for more presets.

Control Input / ALT Button Function

Enable external control and access ALT parameters on the pedal.

ON/OFF LED Indicator

Indicates effect status (bypassed or engaged), red in ALT Mode.

DRIVE Knob Function

Adjusts distortion level, clockwise for more, counterclockwise for cleaner.

Additional Knob Controls

LEVEL Knob Function

Adjusts the overall output volume and range.

SUSTAIN/BASS Knob Function

Adjusts sustain/bass frequencies based on mode.

TREBLE/MID Knob Function

Controls brightness and midrange tone based on mode.

Preset Selector Toggle Operation

Selects between 6 presets across two banks using toggle and ALT button.

Theory of Operation

Simplified Multiband Distortion Example

Illustrates the application of multiband distortion in a classic setup.

Ultrawave Signal Path Diagram

Foldback Distortion Explained

Distortion Type Details

Comprehensive Distortion Type List

Details on various distortion types like Tube, Hard Clip, Foldback, Octave, etc.

Stereo Operation and Signal Routing

Auto Routing Modes

Four modes: Mono In/Out, Mono In/Stereo Out, Stereo In/Stereo Out, Stereo In/Mono Out.

Additional Routing Modes

Cascade Channel 1 to 2

Runs channels in series for tone shaping and drive-stacking.

Parallel Mono Routing

Runs channels in parallel, controlling mix via Channel Balance.

Preset Storage and Recall

Onboard Preset Access

Accessing presets via onboard hardware or external footswitch.

MIDI Preset Recall

Recalling presets using external MIDI controllers via USB or Neuro Hub.

External Control Options

External Switch Functionality

Using external switches for control options like channel swapping or LFO tempo.

Expression Pedal Control

Connecting and Calibrating Expression Pedals

Connecting and setting up a dual expression pedal for parameter control.

Neuro Editors Overview

Neuro Desktop Editor Features

Tool for creating, organizing, and updating presets and firmware.

Neuro Desktop Editor Interface

Connections Section in Editor

Section displaying connected pedals and Neuro Hub in the editor.

Hardware Options Configuration

Preset/WYSIWYG Mode Selection

Selects between preset recall or knob position override modes.

Sound Editor Functionality

Expression Pedal Calibration in Sound Editor

Calibrating expression pedals for optimal response.

Master Controls Explained

Linking and Copying Channels

Linking channels for simultaneous editing and copying settings between them.

Routing and On/Off State Settings

Configures I/O routing and effect bypass status.

Morphing Controls Overview

Morph, Env->Morph, and LFO Depth Settings

Adjusts morphing amount, envelope intensity, and LFO depth.

Compressor Module Settings

Compressor Module Parameters

Details on Mode, Location, Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Output Gain, Mix, Soft Knee.

Distortion Module Parameters

Band-Splitting, Clean Option, Morph, and Distortion Types

Settings for band splitting, clean signal, morphing, and selecting distortion types.

LFO and Tremolo Controls

LFO Module and Multi-Band Tremolo Settings

Controls LFO Waveform, Rate, Env->Rate, Ring Mod, and Tremolo modes/depth/phase.

Graphic Equalizer Module

High Pass and Low Pass Filter Adjustments

Shelving filters to cut lower and attenuate higher frequencies.

Tremolo, Envelope, and Filter Modules

Single Tremolo, Envelope, Noise Gate, and Input Filter

Details on single tremolo, Env to Volume, Noise Gate, and Input High Pass filter.

Envelope Generator, Balance, and Knob Assignment

Envelope, Balance, and Knob Assignment Details

Covers envelope generator, channel balance, and knob re-assignment functions.

External Control Mapping

Control Source and Option Mapping

Maps expression devices to parameters with Min/Max depth.

Preset Management in Neuro Desktop

Preset Save, Import, and Export Functions

Manage presets via Save, Import, Export, and Refresh in the editor.

Neuro Mobile App Integration

Direct MIDI-USB Communication

Enables two-way communication via USB-MIDI for app control.

Neuro Mobile App Connection Methods

USB-MIDI and Headphone Jack Connectivity

Connects via USB-MIDI or headphone jack for app control.

Neuro Hub Functionality

Unifying Pedals and Scene Saving

Unites pedals, scene saving, and multi-pedal preset management.

MIDI Control and Communication

MIDI CC and PC Message Control

Controls parameters via MIDI CC and PC messages, custom mapping available.

MIDI Preset Recall

Program Change (PC) Message Mapping

Recalling presets using MIDI PC messages 0-127.

MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) Mapping

Default MIDI CC Parameters

Table of default CC numbers for parameters like LFO rate, engage/bypass, preset recall.

Product Specifications

Dimensions, Weight, and Power

Physical size, weight, and power supply requirements.

Audio Performance Metrics

Input/output levels, impedance, DNR, bit depth, bypass type.

Troubleshooting Guide

Factory Reset Procedure

Resets the pedal to factory defaults via hardware or software.

Resolving Noise and Hum Issues

Guidance on resolving noise or hum through power, cables, and grounding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instrument Input and MIDI Response

Clarifies input impedance, signal handling, and MIDI communication issues.

MIDI Command Byte Format

Explains MIDI command byte format for controller communication.

Warranty Information

Limited Transferrable Warranty Terms

Details the 2-year warranty for original purchasers and transferability.

Warranty Disclaimers

Warranty Voiding Conditions and Exclusions

Specifies actions that void the warranty, like opening the pedal, and disclaimers.

Version History

Manual Initial Release Date

Indicates the date of the manual's initial release.