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
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