Behringer BSY600 Bass Synthesizer Pedal User Manual

Introduction

The Behringer BSY600 Bass Synthesizer is a sophisticated effect pedal designed to reproduce the rich and powerful sounds of classic analog synthesizers. Utilizing Real Sound Modeling (RSM) technology, it combines advanced DSP with algorithms to emulate authentic acoustic environments. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your BSY600 pedal.

Figure 1: Front view of the Behringer BSY600 Bass Synthesizer Pedal, showcasing its controls and robust design.

Setup

Power Supply

The BSY600 can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power adapter (not included). Ensure the power adapter has a negative center polarity to prevent damage.

Battery Installation

1. Carefully push in the two hinge pins located on the sides of the pedal.
2. Lift the pedal up to reveal the battery compartment underneath. A small screwdriver may assist in gently prying it open.
3. Connect a 9V battery to the battery clip.
4. Place the battery inside the compartment and close the pedal, ensuring the hinge pins snap back into place.

Connections

• IN Jack: Connect your bass guitar or other instrument to this input.
• OUT Jack: Connect this output to your amplifier or next effect pedal.
• DIR OUT Jack: Provides a direct, unprocessed signal from your instrument.
• EXP Jack: Connect an optional expression pedal (not included) to control filter cutoff and LFO rate for dynamic sound manipulation.

Figure 2: Left side view of the BSY600, illustrating the input and output connections for your instrument and amplifier.

Operating the BSY600

The BSY600 features a range of controls to shape your bass synthesizer sound. The blue status LED indicates when the effect is active and also serves as a battery check indicator.

Controls Overview

• DIRECT Knob: Adjusts the level of the dry (unaffected) signal.
• EFFECT Knob: Controls the level of the synthesized effect signal.
• RES (Resonance) Knob: Adjusts the resonance of the filter, adding emphasis to the cutoff frequency.
• FREQ (Frequency) Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency of the filter.
• DECAY/RATE Knob: Controls the decay time of the synth sound or the rate of the LFO, depending on the selected mode.
• MODE Knob: Selects between 11 distinct synth waveforms, including Saw, Square, and Pulse. This knob also influences the function of the DECAY/RATE control.

Figure 3: Top-down view of the BSY600, highlighting the arrangement of all control knobs for precise sound shaping.

Basic Operation

1. Connect your instrument and amplifier as described in the Setup section.
2. Press the pedal to engage the effect. The blue LED will illuminate.
3. Start with the DIRECT and EFFECT knobs at noon, and the other controls at their default positions.
4. Experiment with the MODE knob to select different synth waveforms.
5. Adjust the RES, FREQ, and DECAY/RATE knobs to sculpt the desired synthesizer tone.
6. Blend the dry and effect signals using the DIRECT and EFFECT knobs to achieve the perfect mix.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your BSY600 pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Battery Replacement: Replace the 9V battery when the blue status LED dims or the effect performance degrades. Refer to the 'Battery Installation' section for instructions.
• Connections: Periodically check all cable connections for wear and tear. Use high-quality instrument cables.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your BSY600 pedal, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound/Weak Sound:
  • Check all cable connections (instrument, amplifier, power).
  • Ensure the pedal is receiving power (check battery or power adapter). The blue LED should be illuminated when the effect is on.
  • Adjust the DIRECT and EFFECT knobs. If EFFECT is too low, the synthesized sound will be weak.
• Excessive Hum or Noise:
  • Ensure you are using a regulated 9V DC power adapter with negative center polarity. Unfiltered or incorrect adapters can introduce noise.
  • Check for ground loops in your signal chain.
  • Try a different power outlet.
• Inconsistent Synth Triggering:
  • The BSY600 is optimized for bass frequencies. Playing higher notes or single notes on a guitar may result in less consistent triggering.
  • Ensure your instrument's output level is sufficient.
  • Experiment with playing dynamics; sometimes a firmer attack can improve triggering.
• Blue LED Not Illuminating:
  • Check battery charge or power adapter connection.
  • Ensure the pedal is pressed to engage the effect.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Behringer website or contact Behringer customer service directly. Product registration is recommended to ensure access to full support and warranty benefits.