BABY PHASE Quick Start Guide
Product Overview
Congratulations on your purchase of the Mu-Tron BABY PHASE. This pedal offers state-of-the-art performance in a compact and rugged package, building on the legacy of the original Mu-Tron Phasor II. It features proprietary power supply and Opto-Mod technology for superior dynamic range, freedom from overload distortion, low noise, wide sweep range, and intensity. The BABY PHASE includes three continuously-variable controls for Rate, Depth, and Feedback, providing precise control over a wide range of effects. Unique features include the ability to produce both 4-stage and 6-stage phasing, along with true bypass.
Pedal Diagram and Controls
The BABY PHASE pedal features the following controls and connections:
- [Input Jack] (1): A standard 1/4” (TS) input jack for connecting your instrument or other signal sources.
- [Output Jack] (2): A standard 1/4” (TS) output jack that sends a mono output signal to your amplifier or next signal processor.
- [Power Jack] (3): A 9V DC power input jack. The BABY PHASE requires a 9V DC power supply with a center-negative polarity. The current draw is 40mA.
- [Stage Selector 4/6] (4): This control determines whether 4 or 6 stages of phasing are used.
- 6-stage phasing results in a more lush and complex sound.
- 4-stage phasing is more subtle and may be better suited for over-driven or distorted signals.
- [Depth Knob] (5): Continuously-adjustable control that sets the width of the frequency range swept by the modulation. Greater depth increases the sweep range and makes the phasing effect more noticeable.
- [Rate Knob] (6): Continuously-adjustable control that sets the speed of the Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO) sweep. It is adjustable from approximately 1 cycle per 10 seconds to 18 cycles per second.
- [Feedback Knob] (7): Continuously-adjustable control. Turning this knob clockwise from its minimum setting progressively adds more feedback to the phased audio signal. More feedback results in a more noticeable phasing effect, while less feedback creates a more subtle sound.
- [Effect Footswitch] (8): Engages or bypasses the BABY PHASE effect.
- [Effect LED] (9): An LED indicator light. When the LED is OFF, the effect is bypassed. When the LED is ON, the effect is engaged.
Operating Instructions
Connect the power cord of the Mu-Tron BABY PHASE to a 9-volt DC power source; the LED indicator will light up. Connect the output of your instrument (or another sound modifier like a fuzz pedal or MICRO-TRON IV) to the “IN” jack on the back of the BABY PHASE. Connect the “OUT” of the BABY PHASE to the input of your amplifier or any other signal processors (such as an equalizer or echo unit).
For a conventional phasor sound, start with the following settings:
- Phasing Mode: "Normal" (implies 6-stage, as 4-stage is described as subtle/for distortion)
- Rate: 1 to 5
- Depth: 8
- Feedback: 0
Gradually increase the Feedback control and adjust the Rate and Depth knobs to experiment with various settings.
Operating Hints:
- Feedback is most effective at slower sweep rates.
- Feedback is only active in 6-stage mode.
- As the Rate is increased, the Depth should usually be decreased to prevent the effect from sounding choppy.
- If distortion occurs on certain notes during the phasing sweep, slightly reduce the Feedback setting.
How the Mu-Tron BABY PHASE Works:
Every musical signal contains various spectral components called harmonics or overtones. The Mu-Tron BABY PHASE utilizes a six-stage variable phase-delay circuit to create a phase-delayed signal. This delayed signal is electronically recombined with the original, non-delayed signal. This process generates cancellations and reinforcements in the overall frequency response, similar to a comb filter. As the phase delay is adjusted, these cancellations shift up and down the audio spectrum, subtly altering the harmonic structure of the original signal to produce the characteristic swirling, "spacey" phasing sound.
By incorporating electronic feedback into the phase-delay circuit, strong, sharp reinforcements are created between the cancellations. These strengthened reinforcements enhance the contrast between cancellations and reinforcements, thereby emphasizing the sweeping effect.
Safety Information
[Electrical Hazard Warning] TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the product and keep this manual for future reference.
- Carefully observe all warnings, precautions, and instructions on the product and described in the operating instructions supplied with the product.
- Power Source: Connect the product only to the type of power supply described in the operating instructions or marked on the product.
- Power-Cord Protection: Route the power cord to prevent it from being walked on or pinched by objects placed on it. Pay particular attention to plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits the product.
- When Not in Use: Unplug the power adapter cord from the outlet when the product is left unused for a long period. To disconnect the cord, pull it out by grasping the power adapter itself, never pull the power adapter plug out by the cord.
- AC Receptacle: Ensure the AC receptacle holds the power adapter plug firmly and securely. If the power adapter is loose, contact an electrician to replace the defective or unsafe AC connection.
- Foreign Objects: Be careful that foreign objects and liquids do not enter the enclosure through openings.
- Cleaning: Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
[Electrical Hazard Warning] ATTENTION: RISK OF SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
[Caution] RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.
[Caution]: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Service Information
Unplug the product from the wall outlet and consult qualified service personnel when:
- The power cord or plug has been damaged.
- A solid object or liquid has fallen into the enclosure.
- The product has been exposed to rain or moisture.
- The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
- The product has been dropped, or the enclosure is damaged.
Do not attempt to service the product beyond what is described in the operating instructions. For all other servicing, refer to qualified service personnel only.
Warranty Information
Mu-Tron offers a one-year limited warranty on all of its products.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction due to component failure or defective workmanship, contact Mu-Tron.com for return authorization. Mu-Tron will respond quickly with assistance and will then repair or replace your product and send it back.
Please note that Mu-Tron cannot replace a product until it has been received at the factory.
User-generated malfunctions due to dropping, intentionally breaking, attempting to repair during the warranty period, or opening the product will not be covered by the warranty. Customers may send the unit to Mu-Tron for an estimated repair charge, and upon authorization, Mu-Tron will repair and re-calibrate the product.
Limit of Liability Regarding the Product and its Power Supply
Mu-Tron assumes no responsibility for damage to the product, other equipment it might connect to by any means, or any other property damage, injury, or death resulting from its use or misuse.
Connecting the transformer to an incorrect voltage may result in injury or death to anyone operating the equipment.
Use of any power adapter not supplied by Mu-Tron is not recommended.