Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Basstard Flex Bass Overdrive. The Thorn Basstard - Flex Bass Overdrive is a highly versatile and powerful overdrive pedal designed specifically for bass players. Offering a wide range of controls, it allows precise tailoring of sound to fit different playing styles and tonal preferences. The intuitive knobs, including Gain, Damping, Headroom, Volume, as well as the parametric controls for Bass, Mid, and Treble, provide detailed tonal shaping, while the Blend knob ensures the perfect mix of clean and overdriven signal.
For added flexibility, the Thorn Basstard features various switch options, including Symmetry to select the distortion characteristic, a Mid Freq switch to adjust the midrange frequency, and a choice between Class A and Class AB for different tonal behaviors. The Thorn Basstard - Flex Bass Overdrive provides bass players with a versatile tool capable of delivering everything from subtle tonal nuances to bold distortion with ease.
Controls
The pedal features a front panel layout with numbered controls:
- 1. OUTPUT [1/4" jack]: Connect to your next pedal or the input of the amplifier using a [1/4" mono] instrument/patch cable.
- 2. 9-18 VDC Power Supply Jack: Connect a regular pedal power supply unit with a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug, [center negative]. Battery operation is not possible. Do not connect more than 18 V!
- 3. INPUT [1/4" jack]: Connect your instrument cable to this [1/4" mono] input, or connect from the previous pedal in your effects chain.
- 4. GAIN Control: Adjusts the input gain of the signal. Increased gain results in a more pronounced overdrive effect.
- 5. DAMPING Control: A variable filter that reduces low frequency content before the signal enters the overdrive circuit. This helps keep the bottom end tight and responsive.
- 7 o'clock position: "minimum damping = maximum bass"
- 5 o'clock position: "maximum damping = tight bass"
- 6. HEADROOM Control: Works with the Gain control to set the clipping threshold of the output stage, affecting the overall amount of distortion.
- 7 o'clock position: "maximum headroom = minimum distortion"
- 5 o'clock position: "minimum headroom = maximum distortion"
- 7. VOLUME Control: Determines the signal level sent to the output jack.
- 8. Tone Stack Controls: An active tone stack to boost or cut BASS, MID, and TREBLE frequencies. These bands are interactive. The center frequency for the MID band can be selected with the MID FREQ switch.
- 7 o'clock position: Lowest cut of the respective frequency band.
- 12 o'clock position: Flat / neutral response (no cut or boost).
- 5 o'clock position: Highest boost of the respective frequency band.
- 9. BLEND Control: Mixes the clean and effect signal. Turning left provides a cleaner signal; turning right provides more overdrive.
- 10. SYMMETRY Switch: Selects between asymmetrical [O] and symmetrical [I] clipping, affecting the type of distortion applied. Symmetrical clipping is generally perceived as smoother, while asymmetrical clipping offers a more edgy "bite".
- 11. CLASS Switch: Changes the output distortion characteristics between Class AB (smoother tone) and Class A (more raw and edgy response), mimicking power amplifier behaviors.
- 12. MID FREQ Switch: Selects the center frequency for the MID control of the tone stack. Options are 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, or 1.6 kHz. The MID control then acts as a variable bandpass filter around the selected frequency.
- 13. ON/OFF Footswitch & LED: Activates the pedal (LED lights up) or engages True Bypass (LED off).
Specifications
- Input: 1/4" (6.35 mm) [mono] (TS) jack, impedance = 470 kΩ
- Output: 1/4" (6.35 mm) [mono] (TS) jack, impedance = 2.2 kΩ
- Power supply: 9-18 VDC, 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug, [center negative]
- Battery operation: Not possible.
- Maximum voltage: Do not connect more than 18 V!
- Current draw: max. 24 mA
- Dimensions: 3.70" x 4.72" x 1.50" (94 x 120 x 38 mm)
- Weight: 0.90 lbs (410 g)
Safety Precautions and Handling
Power Requirements
Please use only a power supply adapter approved by the manufacturer (9-18 VDC and [center negative] polarity). Only use power supplies approved by relevant authorities meeting UL, CSA, VDE, or CCC standards. Unplug the power adapter when not in use or during thunderstorms. Pedal-specific, transformer-isolated wallwart power supplies or multiple isolated-output supplies are recommended. Pedals may produce extra noise if there is ripple or unclean power. Switching-type power supplies, daisy chains, and non-pedal specific power supplies do not filter dirty power as well and can let unwanted noise through. DO NOT RUN AT HIGHER VOLTAGES!
Storage and Handling
- Do not use excessive force to operate control elements.
- Do not drop the pedal and avoid locations subject to shock or vibrations.
- Do not modify the pedal without authorization.
- Do not place the pedal in locations exposed to direct sunlight or excessively high or low temperatures.
- Do not place the pedal in wet locations or places with high humidity.
- Do not place the pedal in excessively dusty or dirty locations.
Cleaning
Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, lightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, cleaning alcohol, paint thinners, wax, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-impregnated wiping cloths.
Connections
Always disconnect the power supply from the pedal and any other equipment before connecting or disconnecting signal cables. Also, make sure to disconnect all connection cables and the power supply before moving the pedal.
Warranty
This device has a limited warranty of 2 years to the original owner. For any issues, please visit www.thorn-soundlabs.com/warranty.
Recycling
This product carries the selective sorting symbol for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) [WEEE symbol]. This means that this product must be treated in accordance with European Directive 2012/19/EU to be recycled or dismantled, minimizing its environmental impact. The user can return the product to a competent recycling organization or the retailer when purchasing new electrical or electronic equipment.
Symbols and Warnings
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle [warning symbol] is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Contact Information
THORN SOUNDLABS INC.
1508 Elm Hill Pike Suite 106
Nashville, TN 37210
UNITED STATES
Website: www.thorn-soundlabs.com
Email: info@thorn-soundlabs.com
thorn-soundlabs.com
