Marshall BB-2 Blues Breaker Effects Pedal User Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the Marshall BB-2 Blues Breaker Effects Pedal. This pedal is designed to provide versatile overdrive and boost tones, building upon the legacy of the original Bluesbreaker. It features two distinct modes: Boost and Blues, offering a range of sonic possibilities for guitarists seeking classic Marshall tones.

Important Safety Information

Please read and understand these instructions before operating your BB-2 pedal. Failure to do so may result in damage to the unit or personal injury.

Use only the specified power supply (9V DC, center negative).
Do not expose the unit to moisture, rain, or extreme temperatures.
Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Disconnect power when not in use or during electrical storms.

Key Features

The Marshall BB-2 Blues Breaker pedal offers the following features:

Dual Mode Operation: Select between "Boost" and "Blues" modes for versatile tonal options.
Boost Mode: Provides a clean volume boost, ideal for pushing the front end of a valve amplifier or compensating for signal loss over long cable runs.
Blues Mode: Delivers a natural, warm overdrive reminiscent of classic Marshall non-master volume amplifiers, perfect for crunchy rhythms and singing lead tones.
Intuitive Controls: Dedicated knobs for Mode, Drive, Tone, and Volume allow for precise sound shaping.
Durable Construction: Built with robust materials to withstand the rigors of live performance and frequent use.

Marshall BB-2 Blues Breaker Effects Pedal with control knobs and footswitch — This image displays the Marshall BB-2 Blues Breaker pedal. Visible controls include Mode, Drive, Tone, and Volume knobs, along with the input/output jacks and the footswitch. The pedal features a gold finish and the "Blues Breaker II" logo prominently displayed.

Setup and Connections

Powering the Pedal

The BB-2 pedal can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power supply (center negative).

To install a battery: Unscrew the bottom plate of the pedal, insert a fresh 9V battery, and carefully reattach the plate.
For DC power: Connect a compatible 9V DC, center negative power adapter to the "DC IN" jack located on the rear of the pedal.

Connecting to Your Amplifier and Guitar

Connect your guitar to the "INPUT" jack on the right side of the pedal using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
Connect the "OUTPUT" jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier's input using another standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.

Ensure all connections are secure before powering on your amplifier and the pedal.

Operation

Controls Overview

Control	Function	Description
Mode	Selector Switch	Toggles between "Boost" and "Blues" modes.
Drive	Knob	Adjusts the amount of overdrive or gain in Blues mode. This control is bypassed in Boost mode.
Tone	Knob	Shapes the overall tonal character, from darker (counter-clockwise) to brighter (clockwise).
Volume	Knob	Controls the overall output level of the pedal. In Boost mode, this knob controls the clean boost level.
Footswitch	On/Off Switch	Engages or bypasses the effect.

Using the Modes

The BB-2 offers two distinct operational modes, each providing a unique sonic characteristic:

Boost Mode

Select "Boost" using the Mode switch. This mode provides a clean volume boost without altering your core tone. It is ideal for pushing the front end of a valve amplifier into natural overdrive or for compensating for signal loss over long cable runs. The Volume knob controls the level of the clean boost. The Drive control is inactive in this mode.

Blues Mode

Select "Blues" using the Mode switch. This mode delivers a natural, warm overdrive. It is designed to emulate the tonal characteristics of classic Marshall non-master volume amplifiers from the 1960s. Use the Drive knob to adjust the amount of distortion, and the Tone knob to fine-tune the sound from dark to bright. The Volume knob controls the overall output level of the effect.

General Usage Tips

Experiment with the Drive and Tone controls in Blues mode to find your desired sound, from subtle grit to rich, singing lead tones.
Use the Volume control to balance the pedal's output with your amplifier's clean volume, ensuring a smooth transition when engaging the effect.
The BB-2 is designed to interact well with tube amplifiers, enhancing their natural characteristics and responsiveness.

Maintenance

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or excessive moisture, as these can damage the finish or internal components.
Battery Replacement: If using battery power, replace the 9V battery when the effect indicator light dims or the sound quality degrades, indicating low power.
Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use for extended periods. Disconnect all cables and remove the battery if storing for a long time.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No sound when pedal is engaged.	No power to the pedal / Incorrect cable connections.	Check battery or power supply. Ensure all instrument cables are securely connected to the correct INPUT and OUTPUT jacks.
Weak or distorted sound (not intended).	Low battery / Incorrect control settings.	Replace the 9V battery. Adjust Volume, Drive, and Tone controls to appropriate levels.
Pedal not turning on/off via footswitch.	Footswitch malfunction / Internal fault.	Ensure power is connected and the pedal is receiving power. If the problem persists, contact customer support for assistance.
Excessive noise or hum.	Ground loop / Power supply interference / Faulty cables.	Use a high-quality isolated power supply. Check all cables for damage and ensure proper shielding. Try a different power outlet.

Technical Specifications

Model: PEDL 10026
Power Supply: 9V DC (center negative), 9V battery
Dimensions (L x W x H): 8.66 x 5.91 x 4.33 inches
Weight: 12.7 ounces (0.36 Kilograms)
Hardware Interface: HP-HSC
Signal Format: Analog
Color: Gold

Warranty and Customer Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please visit the official Marshall website or contact your local authorized Marshall distributor.

Official Marshall Website: www.marshall.com

For further assistance or to explore other Marshall products, you can also visit the Marshall Store on Amazon: Marshall Store.

	Marshall DriveMaster Re-Issue Pedal: Quick Start Guide A comprehensive guide to the Marshall DriveMaster Re-Issue Pedal, covering its features, specifications, and controls. Includes information in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.
	Marshall Guv'nor Re-Issue Pedal: Quick Start Guide and Specifications Get started with the Marshall Guv'nor Re-Issue Pedal. This guide provides essential information on powering, controlling, and understanding the specifications of this classic distortion effect pedal, celebrating its 60th anniversary reissue. Learn about its features and warranty.
	Marshall Shredmaster Re-Issue Pedal: User Guide and Specifications Comprehensive guide to the Marshall Shredmaster Re-Issue Pedal, covering setup, controls, specifications, and warranty information. Includes multilingual support.
	Marshall JCM 800 Distortion Pedal Quick Start Guide A concise guide to the Marshall JCM 800 Distortion Pedal, covering introduction, power, specifications, and controls. Learn how to use your JCM 800 pedal for classic Marshall tones.
	Marshall JCM 900 Distortion Pedal Quick Start Guide A quick start guide for the Marshall JCM 900 Distortion Pedal, covering its introduction, power requirements, specifications, and controls.
	Marshall 1959 Distortion Pedal - Quick Start Guide Get started quickly with the Marshall 1959 Distortion Pedal. This guide covers introduction, power, specifications, and controls for the iconic amplifier-inspired guitar pedal.

Marshall PEDL 10026