SONICAKE A Factory Acoustic Guitar Preamp and Digital Reverb Pedal

Introduction

The SONICAKE A Factory pedal is a powerful acoustic instrument preamp designed to enhance the sound of your acoustic guitar, violin, mandolin, and other acoustic instruments. It features a high impedance input and an XLR balanced output, ensuring optimal signal integrity. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your A Factory pedal.

Figure 1: Front view of the SONICAKE A Factory pedal, showing all controls and footswitches.

Setup

Follow these steps to properly set up your SONICAKE A Factory pedal:

1. Power Connection: Connect a DC 9V power adapter (5.5×2.1mm, center negative, 60mA) to the DC 9V input jack on the pedal. Ensure the power adapter meets these specifications to prevent damage.


Figure 2: Diagram showing the DC 9V central negative power connection for the pedal.

2. Instrument Input: Connect your acoustic instrument to the "INPUT" jack on the pedal using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable. The pedal features a high impedance input suitable for various acoustic pickups.
3. Output Connection:
   • For connecting to an amplifier or other pedals, use the 1/4-inch "OUTPUT" jack.
   • For connecting to an audio interface or mixer, use the XLR balanced "XLR OUT" jack. This provides a clean, balanced signal for recording or live sound applications.
4. Ground Lift: The pedal includes a ground lift feature to eliminate ground noise. If you experience hum or buzzing, try engaging the ground lift switch located near the XLR output.

Operating Instructions

The A Factory pedal offers a range of controls to shape your acoustic tone:

• Controls:

  Control	Function
  NOTCH	Adjusts the gain of the Notch Filter. Use this to quickly eliminate whistling feedback.
  N.FREQ	Adjusts the frequency range of the Notch Filter. Fine-tune your tone or eliminate unwanted feedback.
  VOLUME	Controls the overall output volume of the pedal.
  TREBLE	Adjusts the high-frequency response of the 3-Band EQ.
  R.MIX	Controls the mix level of the digital reverb effect.
  R.DECAY	Controls the duration of the digital reverb effect.
  BASS	Adjusts the low-frequency response of the 3-Band EQ.
  MIDDLE	Adjusts the mid-frequency response of the 3-Band EQ.

  

  Figure 3: Close-up view of the Notch Filter controls (NOTCH and N.FREQ).

• Footswitches:

  • REVERB Footswitch: Tap to switch the reverb effect on or off.
  • HOLD FOR MUTE: Press and hold the REVERB footswitch to activate the mute function. This is useful for silent tuning or changing instruments.
  

  Figure 4: Illustration of the REVERB footswitch and its "Hold for Mute" function.

  • PREAMP Footswitch: Activates or deactivates the preamp section of the pedal.

• Buffer Bypass:

  The A Factory pedal features a special design buffer bypass circuit. This ensures that your instrument's pristine sound is maintained even when the pedal is disengaged, preventing signal degradation over long cable runs or through multiple pedals.

  

  Figure 5: Visual representation highlighting the buffer bypass feature.

Product Demonstration Video:

Video 1: A demonstration of the SONICAKE A Factory pedal's sound and features with an acoustic guitar.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your A Factory pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's surface. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Handling: Handle the pedal with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, as this can damage the internal circuitry or the aluminum-alloy casing.


Figure 6: The robust aluminium-alloy casing of the pedal, designed for durability.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your A Factory pedal, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections (input, output, power).
  • Ensure the power adapter is correctly connected and providing the specified DC 9V, center negative power.
  • Verify that your instrument and amplifier are working correctly.
  • Check if the MUTE function is accidentally engaged (hold the REVERB footswitch to disengage).
• Hum or Buzzing Noise:
  • Engage the ground lift switch near the XLR output.
  • Try a different power outlet or power supply.
  • Ensure all cables are in good condition and properly shielded.
• Effect Not Engaging:
  • Ensure the respective footswitch (REVERB or PREAMP) is pressed firmly.
  • Check the control knobs for the effect (R.MIX, R.DECAY) to ensure they are not set to zero.

If the problem persists, please contact SONICAKE customer support for further assistance.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or any other inquiries, please refer to the official SONICAKE website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

This product includes a user manual in the package. Please refer to it for additional details and specific instructions.