EBS MICROBASS 3 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The controls on the EBS MICROBASS 3 are color-coded for easy identification:

CLEAN CHANNEL = WHITE KNOBS

DRIVE CHANNEL = BLACK KNOBS

BOTH CHANNELS = GRAY KNOBS

The BLEND knob on the EBS MICROBASS 3 sets the mix level between the clean channel and the drive channel when the drive channel is active. To jump between the Clean and Drive channels, you can set this knob to the maximum position and set the Serial switch to Off.

The MASTER knob controls the volume on the main 1/4″ Output jack. The balanced outputs (XLR) are not affected by the setting of this knob.

The COMP control knob sets the compression ratio, which is the signal strength relation between the input and output. The higher the ratio, the more compression is applied. The LED indicator on the EBS MICROBASS 3 shows when the compressor is responding during play. It is a low-noise compressor/limiter that tightens up the sound and prevents the preamp from saturating at peaks when approaching the headroom limit.

The BASS control on the EBS MICROBASS 3 is a ‘shelving’ type 12dB/oct slope phase-compensated bass filter with a wide gain range for adjusting the low frequencies.

The BYPASS switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 bypasses ALL filters in the clean channel and sets a flat frequency response for that channel.

The MUTE foot switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 mutes the balanced outputs and the master output. The Fx Send is not affected by this function. The Mute switch also enables the built-in tuner for silent tuning. An internal switch can be set to have the tuner active at all times.

The MID control for the drive channel is a peaking filter. The two knobs work in conjunction. Use the right control to pick your desired frequency, and then use the left control to either boost or cut the gain within that chosen frequency range.

The LEVEL knob sets the output volume for the Drive channel of the EBS MICROBASS 3.

The GAIN switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 Drive channel selects between a low-gain (LO) and high-gain (HI) drive engine.

The TONE knob on the EBS MICROBASS 3 shapes the tone range of the drive engine. The setting is flat when the knob is turned all the way up.

The TYPE switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 sets the drive tone character to THIN or DEEP. The neutral position is in between. The DEEP position is designed to compensate for low-frequency loss that can occur at very high gain settings.

The DRIVE knob on the EBS MICROBASS 3 controls the amount of gain in the tube emulation stages (engines) and can provide an extra gain of up to 40 dB. This control also compresses the sound when turned up to its maximum level, which results in pure limitation.

To set the main GAIN on the EBS MICROBASS 3, adjust the knob until the peak LED starts flashing when you are playing hard on your instrument. Setting the gain correctly is vital for the signal processing to work properly.

The TREBLE control on the EBS MICROBASS 3 is a shelving type filter that controls the higher mids and treble registers, which adds presence and ambiance to your sound.

The MID controls on the Clean channel of the EBS MICROBASS 3 consist of two knobs that work together. Use the right control to pick a frequency. Then, use the left control to boost or cut the gain in that chosen frequency range. When the left control is set to Notch, you can use the right control to find and eliminate a precise frequency that is causing unwanted feedback, a common issue with upright basses in larger rooms.

The CHARACTER filter on the EBS MICROBASS 3 is a preshaping tool. When active, it boosts the bass and treble frequencies while slightly dropping the midrange gain, creating what is known as a “smiley EQ curve.” This preshapes your sound before you make final adjustments with the other EQ features.

The BRIGHT switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 engages an advanced high pass filter. It produces a bright, high-treble timbre without adding any noise. This switch provides a gain of 10 dB at 10kHz.

The DRIVE foot switch engages the drive channel. The clean channel is always active. However, if you are in parallel mode and the BLEND control is turned all the way up, activating this switch will make the sound jump from the clean channel to the drive channel.

The EBS MICROBASS 3 has an effects loop for use with external effects units. Connect the FX SEND jack to the input of your effects unit, and the output of your effects unit to the FX RETURN jack. The loop places the external effects after both the Clean and Drive channel EQs and the channel selector (Drive footswitch).

To use STEREO MODE on the EBS MICROBASS 3, push the STEREO MODE ON/OFF switch. This changes the FX Return jack to TRS (stereo) operation. When active, the Balanced Outputs will function as Left and Right outputs instead of post/pre. To achieve a stereo effect, use an external effect with a stereo output as the last unit in your effects chain and connect it to the FX return using a Y-split cable. The stereo effect will also be audible through the headphones output.

The main OUTPUT jack on the EBS MICROBASS 3 is the master output jack used to connect the unit to another amplifier or a power amplifier.

The DRIVE INPUT is a direct input to the Drive channel for use when the EBS MICROBASS 3 is in parallel mode. It allows you to mix two sources, for example, two pickups from one instrument. It can also serve as an input for a second instrument by setting the BLEND knob to max, choosing the LO gain engine, and using a modest Drive setting. You can then use the drive channel EQ to individually tweak the tone for that second instrument.

The SERIAL ON/OFF switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 controls how the Drive channel receives its signal.

In default mode (parallel), the source is taken from the main INPUT or the DRIVE INPUT if used.

In serial mode, the source is taken from the output of the Clean channel, effectively connecting the channels in series (Clean -> Drive).

The balanced outputs (XLR) on the EBS MICROBASS 3 offer high-quality ‘line box’ signals. They are used for connecting the preamp to PA mixing consoles, or to studio or broadcast recording units. These outputs have high noise immunity. The output level of the balanced outputs is not affected by the MASTER knob.

The POST BAL OUT jack on the EBS MICROBASS 3 provides a Post EQ signal that is taken immediately before the Master knob. When using the FX Return in ‘stereo mode’, this jack serves as the Left channel output.

The PRE/POST BAL OUT jack on the EBS MICROBASS 3 sends different signals based on its mode:

1) When the switch is in its outer position, the signal is taken before (PRE) any of the pedal’s EQ.

2) When the switch is engaged, this output normally serves as a post Clean channel EQ only-output. However, if the ‘stereo mode’ for the FX return is active at the same time, this jack will serve as the Right channel output, post EQ.

The GND LIFT switch on the EBS MICROBASS 3 is used to eliminate ground noise and hum. When required, press the Gnd Lift switch to disconnect the ground from the balanced outputs.

The AUX IN jack on the EBS MICROBASS 3 is for an auxiliary input that can only be monitored with headphones. This input does not have its own level control on the pedal, so the volume must be adjusted from the audio source itself.

To use headphones with the EBS MICROBASS 3 for silent practicing, connect them to the PHONES jack. The headphone volume is controlled by the MASTER knob. The volume of any device connected to the AUX IN jack must be adjusted at the source.

The EBS MICROBASS 3 requires a 9V DC, 1000 mA power supply, which is supplied in the package. Connect it to the DC INPUT jack.