Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone Analog Chorus Pedal User Manual

Introduction

The Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone is an analog chorus pedal designed to deliver the classic Small Clone sound in a compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure. It utilizes a high-quality bucket brigade chip for its true analog design, providing a rich and lush sonic texture.

Features

• Compact, pedalboard-friendly footprint.
• Total analog design using a high-quality bucket brigade chip.
• Sultry sonic texture with depth control.
• Operates on a 9V battery (included) or optional 9V power adapter.

Setup

Powering the Pedal

The Neo Clone can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power adapter. A 9V battery is included with the pedal. To install or replace the battery, remove the four screws on the bottom plate of the pedal. Connect the battery to the battery clip inside the pedal and replace the bottom plate.

For external power, use a 9V DC power adapter with a center-negative plug. The power jack is located at the top of the pedal.

Connecting the Pedal

1. Connect your instrument (e.g., guitar) to the INPUT jack on the right side of the pedal using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
2. Connect the AMP (OUTPUT) jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the next effect pedal in your signal chain using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
3. If using an external power adapter, plug it into the 9V DC jack.

The Neo Clone is typically placed early in the signal chain, often before distortion or overdrive pedals, to achieve a classic chorus sound.

Operating the Pedal

The Neo Clone features simple controls for intuitive operation:

Controls

• RATE Knob: This knob controls the speed of the chorus effect. Turning it clockwise increases the modulation speed, while turning it counter-clockwise decreases it.
• DEPTH Switch: This toggle switch selects between two different depth settings for the chorus effect. The "up" position provides a deeper, more pronounced chorus, while the "down" position offers a more subtle effect.
• Footswitch: Engages or bypasses the chorus effect. The red LED illuminates when the effect is active.

Basic Usage

To activate the chorus effect, press the footswitch. The red LED will light up. To bypass the effect, press the footswitch again. Experiment with the RATE knob and DEPTH switch to find your desired chorus sound. Lower rate settings with higher depth can create lush, swirling textures, while higher rate settings can produce more vibrato-like or rotary speaker effects.

Image: The Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone pedal, showing its Rate knob, Depth switch, and footswitch. Input and Amp (Output) jacks are visible on the sides.

Demonstration Videos

Maintenance

• Keep the pedal clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
• Avoid exposing the pedal to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• When not in use for extended periods, remove the battery to prevent leakage and damage.
• Ensure all cable connections are secure to prevent signal loss or intermittent operation.

Troubleshooting

No Sound or Weak Signal

• Check all cable connections to ensure they are securely plugged into the correct input/output jacks.
• Verify the power supply. If using a battery, ensure it is fresh and correctly installed. If using an adapter, confirm it is the correct voltage (9V DC) and polarity (center-negative).
• Test the pedal with a different instrument cable or amplifier to rule out external equipment issues.

"Pop" Sound When Engaging Effect

Some true bypass pedals, including the Neo Clone, may produce a slight "pop" sound when engaged. This is often a characteristic of the true bypass switching mechanism and typically does not indicate a malfunction. If the pop is excessively loud, ensure proper grounding of your equipment and try engaging the pedal when not actively playing.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Electro-Harmonix products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Electro-Harmonix website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.