DOD Meatbox SubSynth
User Manual and Safety Information
Product Overview
The DOD Meatbox SubSynth is a compact and powerful effects pedal designed to deliver deep, synthesized bass tones. Its distinctive red casing and intuitive controls make it a versatile tool for bassists and guitarists seeking unique sonic textures.
Visual Description: The pedal is bright red with a robust metal casing. The top panel features four silver rotary knobs labeled OCTAVE, OUTPUT, SUB, and LOW. Below these, the DOD logo and "MEATBOX SUBSYNTH" are prominently displayed. A blue LED indicator light is situated above the footswitch. The front panel is further characterized by white vertical stripes and a small illustration of an insect.
Controls and Connections
The Meatbox SubSynth features the following controls and connections:
- 1. OCTAVE: Adjusts the amount of low octave added to the signal.
- 2. OUTPUT: Adjusts the overall output level of the effect.
- 3. SUB: Adjusts the amount of synthesized sub-harmonic effect added to the signal.
- 4. LOW: Adjusts the low-frequency content of the overall effect.
Important Warning: Start with the OUTPUT and LOW controls at minimum and gradually increase their levels to prevent potential damage to speakers.
- 5. INPUT: Connect your instrument here.
- 6. FOOTSITCH: Engages and disengages the effect.
- 7. LED: Illuminates when the effect is active.
- 8. OUTPUT: Connect to the next pedal's input or your amplifier's input. This output allows routing of the dry, unprocessed signal (Ring) and the processed signal (Tip) simultaneously using a TRS 'Y' cable.
- Tip = Octave + Sub
- Ring = Dry
- Sleeve = Ground
Usage
Most bassists will prefer placing the Meatbox at the beginning of their effects chain. Guitarists may find it beneficial to place it after distortion effects or closer to the end of their effects chain.
A typical effects signal chain often consists of distortion effects first, followed by modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, etc.), and finally time-based effects (Delay and Reverb). However, experimentation with different effect placements is encouraged.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input | 1/4" TS Unbalanced - 470 kΩ |
| Output | 1/4" TRS Unbalanced - 100 Ω |
| Current Draw | 20 mA |
| Bypass | True Bypass |
| Power | 9VDC alkaline battery (not included) / PS0913DC power adapter (optional) |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Safety and Warnings
General Safety Precautions
The following symbols are internationally recognized warnings for potential risks associated with electrical products:
- ⚡ (Lightning Bolt): Indicates the presence of hazardous voltage within the unit.
- ❗ (Exclamation Mark): Indicates that the user must refer to the user manual for important operating instructions.
Do not open the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Attempting self-repair will void the manufacturer's warranty. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Moisture Warning: Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. If liquid spills onto the unit, turn it off immediately and take it to your dealer for repair. Unplug the unit during thunderstorms to prevent damage.
Altitude Warning: Do not use this product above 2000 meters (approx. 6560 feet).
Electrical Safety
Power Cord and Plug: Always use the power cord and plug specified by the manufacturer. Ensure the power cord is protected from being walked on or pinched, especially at the plug and where it exits the unit. Unplug the unit during electrical storms or when unused for long periods.
Polarized/Grounded Plugs: Polarized plugs have two blades, one wider than the other. Grounding-type plugs have two blades and a third grounding pin. These features are for your safety. If the supplied plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Servicing: All servicing should be performed by qualified service personnel. Service is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-cord or plug damage, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Power Switch: The power switch on this device does not interrupt the mains connection. For complete disconnection from the mains, the plug must be removed from the mains socket. Ensure the plug remains easily accessible.
Wiring Color Codes (for power cord connection):
| Conductor | Wire Color (Normal) | Wire Color (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Live | Brown | Black |
| Neutral | Blue | White |
| Earth/Ground | Green/Yellow | Green |
Important: If your unit's power cord wiring colors do not match the terminal colors in your socket, follow these instructions:
- The wire colored GREEN AND YELLOW must be connected to the terminal marked 'E' or by the earth symbol ?, or colored GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW.
- The wire colored BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked 'N' or colored BLACK.
- The wire colored BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked 'L' or colored RED.
This device may require a different line cord, plug, or both, depending on the power source available at installation. If a plug needs replacement, consult qualified service personnel. The green/yellow wire must be connected directly to the unit's chassis.
Grounding Warning: If grounding is absent, certain fault conditions in the unit or the system to which it is connected may result in full mains voltage between the chassis and ground. Touching the chassis and ground simultaneously could cause severe injury or death.
Product Disposal
Do not dispose of this product with general household waste. It must be collected separately for proper treatment, recovery, and recycling in accordance with applicable legislation.
Private households in EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway can return their used electrical products free of charge to designated collection points or to the retailer (if purchasing a similar new product). For countries not listed, please contact your local authorities for correct disposal procedures. This ensures that your discarded product undergoes the necessary processing, recovery, and recycling, preventing potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.
General Usage Precautions
- Read and save these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- For indoor use only.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
