Tronographic Rusty Box

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Rusty Box

Bass Preamplifier

The Tronographic Rusty Box is an instrument pre-amp in effect pedal format. Though optimized for bass guitar,

the Rusty Box is also effective on standard guitar. It is designed to re-create the unique 1970’s “hi-gain” solid-

state bass amp tone whilst adding useful modern features such as balanced line out, true-bypass and Master

volume.

Features:

• Input Gain controls allow musicians to dial-in just the right amount of gain and drive

• Passive EQ includes separate Middle, Bass and Treble knobs, all tailored for bass guitar

• Boost Mode for extra volume/drive is activated with your foot

• Can be used as a DI box on balanced Main Out with capability of driving 600Ω

• True-Bypass: Input is connected to Main Out and nothing else

• Look for “9V” in the upper left corner. If found, required power is 9VDC/130mA on center-negative plug

Common Configurations

Rusty Box as an Effects Pedal:

The Rusty Box can easily be inserted into a chain of effects, in an effects loop or as a single effect before an

amp that has a pre-amp section. Connect your instrument or the output of the previous device to the Input

jack on the Rusty Box. Connect the Main Out jack on the Rusty Box to the input of the next device in your chain.

Use standard ¼-inch guitar cables for both connections in this configuration.

Rusty Box as a DI Box:

The Main Out jack on the Rusty Box outputs a balanced signal capable of driving a 600Ω load. As in the effects

pedal configuration, connect your instrument or the output of the previous device to the Input jack on the

Rusty Box using a standard ¼-inch guitar cable. For the Main Out jack, plug in a balanced ¼-inch TRS cable; this

type of cable is necessary to properly use the Rusty Box as a DI. The other end of the balanced cable can go

directly to a mixing board or similar balanced audio devices. Optionally you can also use the Rusty Box’s Line

Out jack to connect to a monitor amp near the musician (described below).

Rusty Box as a Pre-Amp for a Power Amp:

The Line Out jack on the Rusty Box outputs the unbalanced audio signal at full volume. This connection, made

prior to the Vol knob in the circuit, is perfect for driving a power amp with its own input volume control. As in the

two previous configurations, connect your instrument or the output of the previous device in the chain to the

Input jack on the Rusty Box then connect the Line Out jack to the input of the power amp. Use standard ¼-inch

guitar cables for both connections in this configuration.

Controls

INPUT GAIN Knob: sets the gain for the input amplifier stage in the Rusty Box. As you turn the Gain knob

clockwise, your signal will get louder and be driven harder. You can obtain distortion when this control is turned

above 9 o’clock and the BOOST function is activated. The Input Gain knob works in conjunction with the HI/LO

toggle switch located below it.

HI/LO Toggle Switch: This switch gives the Rusty Box the equivalent functionality of high and low input jacks on

an amplifier. Setting this switch to the HI setting is just like plugging into the high input jack; high impedance with

full signal amplitude. Setting this switch to LO is just like plugging into the low input jack; your input signal will be

attenuated and the input impedance is reduced. In short the HI setting is louder, the LO setting is lower in

volume with slight treble attenuation.

BOOST Footswitch and LED: When the Boost switch is activated, the gain of the input stage is boosted or

increased. The Boost footswitch can be used to give your sound extra volume and drive while playing your

instrument. Use the Boost footswitch to toggle in and out of Boost mode. When lit, the LED above the Boost

Other manuals for Tronographic Rusty Box

Quick Guide2 pages

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Summary

Rusty Box Common Configurations

Rusty Box as Effects Pedal Configuration

Connect instrument to Input, and next device to Main Out using standard guitar cables.

Rusty Box as DI Box Configuration

Use Main Out with a balanced TRS cable to connect to mixing boards or audio devices.

Rusty Box as Pre-Amp for Power Amp

Connect Line Out to power amp input for unbalanced audio signal at full volume.

Rusty Box Controls Overview

Input Gain and HI;LO Toggle

Input Gain controls drive level; HI/LO toggle adjusts impedance and signal amplitude.

Boost Footswitch and LED

Activates extra volume and drive; LED indicates Boost mode status.

EQ and Master Volume Controls

Mid, Bass, Treble knobs shape tone; Vol knob controls master output volume.

Effect and True-Bypass Footswitch

Toggles between effect mode (LED lit) and True-Bypass (LED off).

Rusty Box Connections

Input Jack

Audio input for instrument or previous effects. Offers 250kΩ (HI) or 18kΩ (LO) impedance.

Line Out Jack

Unbalanced audio output at full volume, unaffected by Vol knob; muted in bypass.

Main Out Jack (Bal;Unbal)

Main audio output, usable balanced or unbalanced. Vol knob affects this jack only.

9 V PWR Jack

Requires standard 9VDC center-negative power supply (130mA draw).

Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage

Covers manufacturer defects or normal use damage for up to 2 years from purchase.

FCC Compliance and Interference

Details FCC compliance, potential interference, and user correction measures.

The Tronographic Rusty Box is a versatile instrument pre-amp designed in a compact effect pedal format, primarily optimized for bass guitar but also highly effective with standard guitar. It meticulously recreates the distinctive "hi-gain" solid-state bass amp tone of the 1970s while integrating modern functionalities such as a balanced line out, true-bypass switching, and a Master volume control. This combination allows musicians to achieve a classic sound with contemporary flexibility and control.

Function Description

The core function of the Rusty Box is to act as a pre-amplifier, shaping and boosting your instrument's signal. It features an Input Gain Knob that allows precise control over the input amplifier stage. Turning this knob clockwise increases signal loudness and drive, with distortion achievable above the 9 o'clock position, especially when the BOOST function is active. This knob works in conjunction with the HI/LO Toggle Switch, which emulates the high and low input jacks found on traditional amplifiers. The HI setting provides high impedance with full signal amplitude, similar to plugging into a high input jack, resulting in a louder output. Conversely, the LO setting attenuates the input signal and reduces impedance, offering a lower volume with slight treble attenuation, akin to a low input jack.

The Rusty Box incorporates a passive EQ section with dedicated Middle, Bass, and Treble Knobs, all specifically tailored for bass guitar frequencies. The MID Knob adjusts the level of middle frequencies; turning it clockwise increases their presence, while turning it down below 12 o'clock can achieve a "scooped" sound. The BASS Knob controls the low frequencies, with clockwise rotation increasing bass presence. The TREBLE Knob is the final EQ control, boosting high frequencies when turned clockwise.

A VOL Knob serves as the master volume control, regulating the output volume at the Main Out jack. It's important to note that this knob does not affect the output volume at the Line Out jack.

The device includes a BOOST Footswitch and LED. When activated, the Boost switch increases the gain of the input stage, providing extra volume and drive. The LED above the footswitch illuminates when Boost mode is active. When Boost is inactive or the Rusty Box is in True-Bypass mode, the LED is off.

The EFFECT Footswitch and LED manage the overall effect status. This footswitch toggles the Rusty Box between Effect mode and True-Bypass. When the LED above the Effect footswitch is lit, the Rusty Box effect is active. In True-Bypass mode (LED off), the Input jack is directly connected to the Main Out jack, bypassing the internal circuitry. In this mode, the Line Out jack is muted, and the Main Out jack operates as an unbalanced output.

Usage Features

The Rusty Box offers multiple configurations for diverse musical setups:

As an Effects Pedal: It can be easily integrated into an existing effects chain, an effects loop, or used as a standalone effect before an amplifier with a pre-amp section. To set this up, connect your instrument or the output of the preceding device to the Input jack using a standard ¼-inch guitar cable. Then, connect the Main Out jack to the input of the next device in your chain, also with a standard ¼-inch guitar cable.

As a DI Box: The Main Out jack provides a balanced signal. For this configuration, connect your instrument or the output of the previous device to the Input jack using a standard ¼-inch guitar cable. For the Main Out jack, a balanced ¼-inch TRS cable is essential for proper DI functionality. The other end of this balanced cable can be connected directly to a mixing board or other balanced audio devices. Additionally, the Rusty Box's Line Out jack can be used to connect to a monitor amplifier near the musician for local monitoring. When using the Rusty Box as a DI box, it is recommended to keep it in effect mode at all times and avoid switching to bypass mode, as the Main Out jack becomes unbalanced in True-Bypass mode.

As a Pre-Amp for a Power Amp: The Line Out jack outputs an unbalanced audio signal at full volume, independent of the Vol knob. This connection is ideal for driving a power amp that has its own input volume control. To configure this, connect your instrument or the output of the previous device to the Input jack, then connect the Line Out jack to the input of the power amp using standard ¼-inch guitar cables for both connections. The volume of the signal from the Line Out jack can be adjusted using the Input Gain knob, Boost footswitch, or HI/LO toggle switch.

Maintenance Features

The Tronographic Rusty Box is designed for durability and reliability. In terms of power, it requires a standard 9VDC, center-negative effects pedal power supply. While its current draw is 130mA, it is recommended to use a power supply capable of providing at least 150mA to ensure stable operation. The power jack can accept voltages up to 12VDC, but it is crucial not to connect voltages greater than 12.5VDC to prevent damage. The polarity of the 9V Rusty Box's power jack is center-negative.

Tronographic provides a warranty for the Rusty Box, offering free repair due to manufacturer defect or damage incurred during normal use for up to 2 years from the date of purchase. For warranty claims or further information, customers can contact Tronographic via email. This commitment to post-purchase support ensures the longevity and continued performance of the device.