Introduction
The Electro-Harmonix Pico Pitch Fork is a compact pitch shifter pedal designed to offer a wide range of pitch manipulation options for musical instruments. This manual provides detailed instructions for its setup, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Figure 1: Front view of the Electro-Harmonix Pico Pitch Fork pedal, showcasing its compact design and control layout.
Features
- 30 distinct pitch shift options for versatile sound manipulation.
- Three operational modes: Up, Down, and Dual.
- Adjustable wet/dry blend control for output mix.
- Volume control for overall output level.
- Sweep control for adjustable pitch bend sweep time, enabling automatic whammy effects.
- Footswitch with Latching and Momentary modes for flexible effect engagement.
- Compact Pico chassis design for pedalboard efficiency.
Controls and Functions
The Pico Pitch Fork features intuitive controls for precise pitch manipulation. Refer to the diagram below for control identification.
Figure 2: Pico Pitch Fork Control Layout. This image illustrates the pedal's top panel with labels pointing to each control knob and button, including VOL, BLEND, SWEEP, SHIFT, and MODE.
- MODE Button: This button selects between the three primary pitch-shifting modes:
- Up: Shifts the pitch upwards.
- Down: Shifts the pitch downwards.
- Dual: Combines an upward and a downward pitch shift simultaneously, creating harmonic effects.
Figure 3: MODE Button Function. This image highlights the MODE button on the pedal, indicating its role in selecting pitch shift directions.
- VOL (Volume) Knob: Adjusts the overall output volume of the pedal. Turn clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease.
- BLEND Knob: Controls the mix between the dry (unaffected) signal and the wet (pitch-shifted) signal.
- Fully counter-clockwise: 100% dry signal.
- Fully clockwise: 100% wet signal.
- Mid-position: Equal mix of dry and wet signals.
- SWEEP Knob: Sets the time it takes for the pitch bend to sweep when the footswitch is engaged or disengaged in Momentary mode. This creates automatic whammy effects.
- SHIFT Knob: Selects the pitch-shift interval. The pedal offers 10 distinct intervals. Rotate the knob to choose the desired interval.
- Footswitch: Engages or bypasses the effect. It operates in two modes:
- Latching Mode: Press once to turn the effect on, press again to turn it off.
- Momentary Mode: The effect is active only while the footswitch is held down. Releasing the footswitch bypasses the effect.
Figure 4: Footswitch Modes. This image explains the two operational modes of the footswitch: Latching for continuous effect and Momentary for temporary bursts.
Setup
- Power Connection: Connect a 9V DC power adapter (center-negative) to the power input jack on the rear of the pedal. Ensure the power supply meets the specified voltage and polarity requirements.
Figure 5: Power Input. This image displays the rear of the pedal, highlighting the power input jack for connecting a 9V DC adapter.
- Input Connection: 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.
- Output Connection: Connect the OUTPUT jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the next pedal in your signal chain using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
- Initial Settings: Before powering on, set the VOL and BLEND knobs to a mid-position. Set the SHIFT knob to a desired interval and the SWEEP knob to a moderate setting.
Operating Modes
The Pico Pitch Fork offers three distinct pitch-shifting modes, selected via the MODE button:
- Up Mode: In this mode, the pedal shifts the input signal's pitch upwards by the interval selected with the SHIFT knob. This can be used for creating higher harmonies or octave-up effects.
- Down Mode: This mode shifts the input signal's pitch downwards by the interval selected with the SHIFT knob. Useful for creating lower harmonies or octave-down effects.
- Dual Mode: Dual mode simultaneously shifts the pitch both upwards and downwards, creating rich, layered harmonic textures. The specific intervals for the up and down shifts are pre-paired to be musically complementary.
Experiment with the BLEND knob in each mode to find the desired mix of your original signal and the pitch-shifted effect.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PICO PITCH FORK |
| Item Weight | 1.21 pounds (0.55 kg) |
| Product Dimensions | 3.65"L x 2"W x 0.79"H (9.27 x 5.08 x 2.01 cm) |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 9 Volts DC (center-negative) |
| Connector Type | 1/4 inch (6.35mm) audio jack |
| Signal Format | Digital |
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the pedal in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Power Supply: Always use a regulated 9V DC center-negative power supply. Incorrect power can damage the unit and void the warranty.
- Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected to prevent signal loss or intermittent operation.
Troubleshooting
- No Sound:
- Check all cable connections (instrument, amplifier, power).
- Ensure the power supply is correctly connected and functioning.
- Verify the VOL knob is not set to minimum.
- Bypass the pedal to check if the issue is with the pedal or other equipment.
- Effect Not Engaging:
- Confirm the footswitch is pressed correctly.
- If in Momentary mode, ensure the footswitch is held down.
- Check the BLEND knob; if set to 100% dry, no effect will be heard.
- Unwanted Noise/Hum:
- Ensure you are using a high-quality, regulated power supply.
- Check for faulty cables.
- Try isolating the pedal from other pedals or power sources to identify interference.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, 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.
Electro-Harmonix Official Website: www.ehx.com
