Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shift Pedal User Manual

1. Introduction

The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a polyphonic pitch shift pedal designed to transpose an instrument's pitch over a +/- three-octave range. It offers three distinct modes for pitch transposition: up, down, or both simultaneously. The pedal allows for precise control over the pitch shift amount, which can be set to a fixed interval or continuously varied using an external expression pedal or control voltage. Its intuitive controls ensure ease of use for musicians seeking to expand their sonic capabilities.

Image 1.1: The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shift Pedal. This image displays the compact white pedal with its control knobs, toggle switches, and footswitch, along with input/output jacks.

2. Features

• Three shift modes: up, down, or dual.
• 11-position Shift knob for selecting transposition intervals.
• EXP input for controlling pitch shift or glissando via an optional expression pedal.
• Latch and Momentary modes to define footswitch and EXP input behavior.
• Blend knob to control the mix of dry and effected signals.
• Compact and durable metal chassis.
• Includes EHX 9.6DC-200 mA power supply and can also run on a 9 Volt battery.

3. Controls and Connections

Familiarize yourself with the Pitch Fork's controls and connections:

• BLEND Knob: Controls the mix between your dry (unaffected) instrument signal and the wet (effected) pitch-shifted signal. Turn clockwise for more effect, counter-clockwise for more dry signal.
• SHIFT Knob: An 11-position rotary switch that selects the maximum transposition interval. Settings range from D (Detune, 17 cents) through Minor 2nd, Major 2nd, Major 3rd, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Major 6th, Minor 7th, 1 Octave, 2 Octaves, and 3 Octaves.
• DUAL Toggle Switch: A three-position toggle switch that determines the direction of the pitch shift.
  • UP: Shifts the pitch upwards.
  • DOWN: Shifts the pitch downwards.
  • DUAL: Outputs two pitch-shifted signals simultaneously. One follows the SHIFT knob as if in the UP position, while the other creates a harmony. Dual Mode settings include M3 up + P5 up, P5 up + 1 Oct down, 1 Oct up + 1 Oct down, and other combinations.
• LATCH/MOMENTARY Switch: Affects the behavior of the footswitch and the EXP input.
  • LATCH Mode: The footswitch toggles the effect between on and off with each press. The EXP input continuously varies pitch.
  • MOMENTARY Mode: The effect is active only while the footswitch is depressed. Releasing the footswitch bypasses the effect. In this mode, the EXP input controls the glissando rate for the footswitch.
• FOOTSWITCH: Engages or bypasses the effect, depending on the LATCH/MOMENTARY mode.
• INPUT Jack: 1/4-inch instrument input.
• OUTPUT Jack: 1/4-inch effect output.
• EXP Jack: Connects to an optional expression pedal (e.g., EHX Expression Pedal) or control voltage source for dynamic control over pitch or glissando.
• 9V Power Jack: Connects to the included EHX 9.6DC-200 mA power supply.

Image 3.1: The Pitch Fork pedal connected to an instrument and amplifier via standard 1/4-inch cables. This view highlights the input and output jacks.

4. Setup

4.1 Powering the Pedal

The Pitch Fork can be powered by either a 9V battery or the included EHX 9.6DC-200 mA power supply.

• Battery Installation: To install a 9V battery, remove the four screws on the bottom of the unit. Take off the bottom plate and connect the 9V battery to the clip. Replace the bottom plate and screws.
• Power Supply: Connect the output plug of the EHX 9.6DC-200 mA power supply into the 9V power jack on the top of the Pitch Fork. The pedal requires 9V DC at 50mA with a center-negative plug.

4.2 Connecting to Your Rig

1. Connect your instrument (e.g., guitar, bass) to the INPUT jack on the right side of the pedal using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
2. Connect the OUTPUT jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the next effect pedal in your signal chain using another 1/4-inch instrument cable.
3. If using an expression pedal, connect it to the EXP jack.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Basic Pitch Shifting

1. Ensure the pedal is powered and connected as described in the Setup section.
2. Set the LATCH/MOMENTARY switch to LATCH mode for standard on/off operation.
3. Select your desired pitch shift direction using the DUAL toggle switch (UP, DOWN, or DUAL).
4. Rotate the SHIFT knob to choose the desired transposition interval (e.g., 1 Octave, Perfect 5th).
5. Adjust the BLEND knob to mix the dry and effected signals to your preference.
6. Press the footswitch to engage the pitch shift effect.

5.2 Using an Expression Pedal (EXP Input)

An expression pedal connected to the EXP jack offers enhanced control:

• In LATCH Mode: The expression pedal continuously varies the pitch. The heel position corresponds to the original pitch (unity), and the toe position corresponds to the interval set by the SHIFT knob. This allows for smooth pitch bends or "whammy" effects.
• In MOMENTARY Mode: The expression pedal controls the glissando rate. When the footswitch is pressed, the Pitch Fork jumps from bypass to the interval set by the SHIFT knob. The amount of time it takes to reach that new note is the glissando rate. When the footswitch is released, the pitch returns to unity at the same rate. The glissando time can vary between 4 milliseconds (heel position) to two seconds (toe position) depending on the expression pedal's position.

Image 5.1: The Pitch Fork pedal with an expression pedal connected to its EXP jack, demonstrating a common setup for dynamic pitch control.

6. Maintenance

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

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid 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 and extreme temperatures when not in use.
• Power Supply: Always use the included EHX 9.6DC-200 mA power supply or a compatible 9V DC center-negative power supply. Using an incorrect power supply can damage the unit and void the warranty.
• Battery Replacement: If using battery power, replace the 9V battery when the effect LED dims or the pedal's performance degrades. Remove the battery if the pedal will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Pitch Fork pedal, consult the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections (instrument to input, output to amplifier).
  • Ensure the power supply is correctly connected and functioning, or that the 9V battery is fresh and properly installed.
  • Verify that your instrument and amplifier are working correctly.
  • If using an expression pedal, try disconnecting it to rule out any issues with the expression pedal itself.
• Unexpected Pitch Shifting/Tracking Issues:
  • Ensure the SHIFT knob is set to the desired interval.
  • Check the DUAL toggle switch position.
  • Verify the BLEND knob setting; if set fully wet, you might not hear your dry signal for reference.
  • Ensure the LATCH/MOMENTARY switch is in the intended position. Momentary mode will only engage the effect while the footswitch is held down.
  • If using an expression pedal, ensure it is calibrated correctly and functioning as expected.
• Noise or Hum:
  • Try a different power outlet or power supply.
  • Ensure all cables are in good condition and properly shielded.
  • Move the pedal away from other electronic devices that might cause interference.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Electro-Harmonix products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Electro-Harmonix website or contact their customer service directly.

• Online Resources: Visit the Electro-Harmonix website for product manuals, FAQs, and support contact information.
• Service: If your pedal requires service, contact Electro-Harmonix customer support for authorization before returning the unit.