1. Introduction
The TC Electronic MIMIQ DOUBLER is a guitar effects pedal designed to simulate the sound of multiple guitar tracks playing in unison. It adds depth and thickness to your guitar tone by creating up to three additional virtual guitar tracks, each with slight variations in timing and pitch, mimicking the natural imperfections of human performance. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your MIMIQ DOUBLER pedal.
2. Safety Instructions
Before using the MIMIQ DOUBLER, please read and understand the following safety precautions:
- Power Supply: Use only a regulated 9V DC power supply with a center-negative plug, providing at least 100mA. Incorrect voltage or polarity can damage the unit and void the warranty.
- Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or extreme humidity. Avoid placing liquids near the pedal.
- Heat: Do not place the unit near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Cleaning: Clean the unit only with a dry, soft cloth.
Figure 1: Regulatory information and power specifications for the MIMIQ DOUBLER.
3. Product Overview
The MIMIQ DOUBLER pedal features intuitive controls for shaping your doubled guitar sound. It offers both mono and stereo input/output options for versatile integration into your rig.
Figure 2: Top view of the MIMIQ DOUBLER pedal, highlighting the control layout.
Controls and Connections:
- Dubs Switch: A three-position toggle switch to select the number of virtual doubled tracks (1, 2, or 3).
- Tightness Knob: Adjusts the precision of the doubled tracks. Lower settings create a looser, more natural feel, while higher settings result in a tighter, more synchronized sound.
- Effect Knob: Controls the output level of the doubled signal.
- Dry Knob: Controls the output level of your original, unprocessed guitar signal.
- True Bypass Footswitch: Engages or bypasses the doubling effect. When bypassed, your signal passes through unaffected.
- Stereo In / Mono Input: Connect your guitar or previous pedal in the signal chain here. For mono operation, use the left input. For stereo, use both inputs.
- Stereo Out / Mono Output: Connect to your amplifier(s) or next pedal. For mono operation, use the left output. For stereo, use both outputs.
- 9V DC Power Input: Connect a regulated 9V DC, center-negative power supply (minimum 100mA).
- USB Port: For firmware updates.
Figure 3: Rear panel connections for power and USB.
4. Setup
Follow these steps to integrate the MIMIQ DOUBLER into your guitar rig:
- Power Connection: Connect a compatible 9V DC, center-negative power supply (not included) to the 9V DC input jack on the rear of the pedal.
- Guitar/Input Connection:
- Mono Setup: Connect your guitar or the output of your preceding pedal to the 'Stereo In Mono' (left) input jack.
- Stereo Setup: If using a stereo signal source, connect the left channel to the 'Stereo In Mono' (left) input and the right channel to the 'Stereo In' (right) input.
- Amplifier/Output Connection:
- Mono Setup: Connect the 'Stereo Out Mono' (left) output jack to your amplifier's input.
- Stereo Setup: Connect the 'Stereo Out Mono' (left) output to your left amplifier/channel and the 'Stereo Out' (right) output to your right amplifier/channel. This configuration is recommended for the most immersive doubling effect.
- Initial Settings: For a starting point, set the 'Tightness' knob to 12 o'clock, 'Effect' to 3 o'clock, and 'Dry' to 12 o'clock. Set the 'Dubs' switch to '2'. Adjust to taste from there.
5. Operating
The MIMIQ DOUBLER allows for precise control over the doubling effect. Experiment with the knobs and switch to find your desired sound.
Figure 4: Detailed view of the control knobs and Dubs switch.
Control Functions:
- Dubs Switch (1, 2, 3): This switch determines how many additional virtual guitar tracks are generated. '1' adds one track, '2' adds two, and '3' adds three. More tracks create a thicker, more expansive sound.
- Tightness Knob: This control adjusts the subtle timing and pitch variations between the original and doubled tracks. A lower 'Tightness' setting introduces more human-like imperfections, making the doubled tracks sound less synchronized. A higher 'Tightness' setting makes the tracks align more closely, resulting in a very precise and unified sound.
- Effect Knob: Use this knob to set the volume level of the generated doubled tracks. Increase for a more prominent doubling effect, decrease for subtlety.
- Dry Knob: This knob controls the volume level of your original, unprocessed guitar signal. Balance this with the 'Effect' knob to achieve the desired blend of dry and doubled sound.
- True Bypass Footswitch: Press the footswitch to toggle the effect on or off. The LED indicator will illuminate when the effect is active. True bypass ensures your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is disengaged.
6. Maintenance
The MIMIQ DOUBLER is a robust pedal, but proper care ensures its longevity:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the pedal. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Connections: Periodically check all cable connections for wear and tear. Replace damaged cables to prevent signal loss or noise.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your MIMIQ DOUBLER, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound when pedal is engaged. | Incorrect power supply; faulty cables; 'Effect' or 'Dry' knobs set to zero. | Verify power supply (9V DC, 100mA, center-negative). Check all audio cables. Ensure 'Effect' and 'Dry' knobs are not fully counter-clockwise. |
| Volume drop when engaged. | 'Effect' and/or 'Dry' knobs set too low relative to bypass volume. | Adjust 'Effect' and 'Dry' knobs to achieve unity gain or desired boost when the pedal is active. |
| Unwanted noise or hum. | Ground loop; faulty power supply; interference from other electronics. | Use a high-quality, isolated power supply. Try different power outlets. Ensure all cables are in good condition. Move the pedal away from other electronic devices. |
| Doubling effect is too subtle or too extreme. | 'Tightness', 'Effect', or 'Dubs' settings are not optimized. | Experiment with the 'Tightness' knob to adjust the feel. Increase 'Effect' for more prominent doubling. Change the 'Dubs' switch setting to add or remove tracks. |
8. Specifications
- Model Name: Mimiq Doubler
- Brand: TC Electronic
- Power Source: Battery Powered (9V battery, not included) or 9V DC, 100mA, center-negative power supply (not included)
- Hardware Interface: 1/4-inch Audio
- Signal Format: Analog
- Controls Type: Pedal (Dubs switch, Tightness, Effect, Dry knobs, True Bypass Footswitch)
- Item Weight: 0.34 Kilograms (approximately 0.75 lbs)
- Item Dimensions: 12.2 x 7.4 x 5 inches (approximate packaging dimensions)
- Included Components: Stereo I/O cables (check packaging for exact contents)
9. Warranty
The TC Electronic MIMIQ DOUBLER pedal comes with a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For full warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official TC Electronic website or contact customer support.
10. Support
For further assistance, technical support, or to download the latest firmware updates, please visit the official TC Electronic website:
You may also contact their customer service department for specific inquiries.