Plasma Drive - Keyboard Erica Synths - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Guitar Effects Pedal (Distortion)
Brand	Erica Synths
Model	Plasma Drive
Dimensions	12.5 x 6.5 x 5.5 cm (4.9 x 2.6 x 2.2 in)
Weight	400 g (14.1 oz)
Power Supply	9V DC center negative (2.1 mm barrel)
Current Consumption	45 mA
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Output Impedance	100 Ω
Controls	Drive, Level, Blend, Voicing switch (3-position)
Bypass Type	True bypass (relay-based)
Enclosure Material	Aluminum (anodized)
Audio Connectors	1/4" TS input and output jacks
LED Indicator	Red status LED
Warranty	2 years limited warranty
Country of Origin	Latvia
Included Accessories	User manual, sticker

Frequently Asked Questions - Plasma Drive Erica Synths

What is a plasma drive pedal?

The Plasma Drive is a distortion pedal that uses a high-voltage plasma tube to generate a unique, gated distortion sound with a visual spark display.

Can the Plasma Drive be used with bass?

Yes, the pedal works well with both guitar and bass, though the low-end response may be affected by the blend control.

What power supply do I need?

The Plasma Drive requires a standard 9V DC center negative power supply with a 2.1 mm barrel connector, drawing 45 mA. Do not use a power supply with higher voltage.

Is the bypass true bypass?

Yes, the pedal features a relay-based true bypass to ensure no signal degradation when the effect is off.

How do I adjust the voicing?

The three-position voicing switch alters the frequency response: position 1 for tight low-end, position 2 for mid-focused, position 3 for full-range.

Can the plasma tube be replaced?

The plasma tube is a proprietary component and is not user-replaceable. Contact Erica Synths for service if the tube fails.

What is the blend control for?

The Blend knob mixes the dry (clean) signal with the distorted signal, allowing you to preserve your original tone while adding harmonics.

Does the pedal have an expression input?

No, the Plasma Drive does not include an expression pedal input. All controls are manual.

How do I clean the pedal?

Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the enclosure. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep the jacks and power connector free from dust.

Where is the Plasma Drive manufactured?

The pedal is designed and manufactured in Latvia by Erica Synths.

USER MANUAL Plasma Drive Erica Synths

The Erica Synths Fusion series modules are designed combining vacuum tubes and semiconductors therefore they bring warm, powerful sound and overdrive possibilities of vacuum tubes into your modular system.

Erica Fusion series consist of range of modules used in sound shaping circuit – VCO, Mixer, real Ringmodulator using audio transformers and germanium diode ring, VCF, VCA, Analogue Delay/Flanger, Palsma Drive and others. Also Erica Fusion System is available.

Plasma Drive is result of Erica Synths collaboration with a Latvian company Gamechanger Audio, developers of Plasma Pedal. It gives you a new and previously unexplored method of achieving signal clipping - instead of using LED circuits, transistors or vacuum tubes to produce overdrive, the Plasma Drive boosts audio signal to 3000V and transforms it into a series of continuous high-voltage discharges in a xenon-filled tube. CV control over distortion level and dry/wet mix, as well as octave up and 1 and 2 octaves down tracking oscillators add even more harmonics to the original signal. Tracking oscillators can be switched on/off manually or via trigger signals. Pre- and post- effect equalizer adjusts nuances of sound. The Plasma Drive module is powered via conventional eurorack PSU ribbon cable and the power consumption is around 150mA.

Adjust manually Voltage CV level for desired overdrive dynamics

Adjust input audio signal level! Fusion modules are sensitive to input signal levels and, adjusting it, can on great deal change the resulting sound

This knob provides smooth mix between Dry and Wet signals, Dry/Wet CV is added to the knob position

This three position switch selects tracking oscillators. In up position +1oct is added to the input sound, in low position -1oct is added to the input sound, in the mid position, both +1oct and -1oct are added. This provides extra harmonics and distortion

This is pre-distortion circuit equalizer switch. By default audio signal after distortion circuit is passed through the equalizer. In the EQ ON setting equalizer is also added to the input signal before the distortion circuit

This is audio input

This is Dry/Wet CV input. The CV is added to the Dry/Wet knob setting

This is Voltage CV input. The CV is added to the Voltage knob setting

This is the audio output of the module

Adjust overdrive level manually from light to extreme in far CW setting. The Voltage CV is added to the knob setting

Adjust equalizer high frequency boost/cut

Adjust equalizer low frequency boost/cut

This button engages the tracking oscillators depending on the Octave switch setting. The tracking oscillator is on, when the button is lit

This button engages -2 and -3 octave tracking oscillators.

These will be audible only, if the Octave switch is in the middle or low settings (-1oct tracking oscillator on)

These are octave trigger inputs. The first incoming trigger engages the relevant tracking oscillator, the second one – disengages.

By sending trigger patter into those inputs, you can achieve interesting rhythmic distortion patterns

erica synths

ERICA FUSION PLASMA DRIVE

FEATURES:

Unique distortion flavour

Manually and CV controlled

distortion level and dry/wet mix

Assignable equalizer

(pre- and post effect)

Manually or trigger engaged

1 octave up & 1 and 2 octave down

tracking oscillators

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Audio input level: up to 20V ptp

EQ low freq boost/cut.....±9dB, 600Hz corner freq.

EQ hi freq boost/cut....±10dB, 1.5kHz corner freq.

CV input level -10V - +10V

Panel width: 16HP

Module depth: 45 mm

Power consumption....135mA@+12V, 87mA@-12V

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Please follow the instructions for use of this Erica Synths module below, 'cause only this will guarantee proper operation of the module and ensure warranty from Erica Synths.

Water is lethal for most of the electric devices, unless they are made waterproof. Erica Synths module is NOT intended for use in a humid or wet environment. No liquids or other conducting substances must get into the module. Should this happen, the module should be disconnected from mains power immediately, dried, examined and cleaned by a qualified technician.

Do not expose the module to temperatures above +50°C or below -20°C.

Transport the instrument with modules installed carefully, never let it drop or fall over. Warranty does not apply to modules with visual damages.

The module has to be shipped in the original packaging only. Any module shipped to us for return, exchange and/or warranty repair has to be in its original packaging. All other deliveries will be rejected and returned to you. Make sure you keep the original packaging and technical documentation.

You will find Erica Synths terms of warranty at http://ericasynths.lv/en/terms/

Items for return, exchange and/or warranty repair have to be sent to: Erica Synths, Andrejostas Str. 43, Riga, Latvia, LV-1045

DISPOSAL

This device complies to the EU guidelines and is manufactured RoHS conforming without use of lead, mercury, cadmium and chrome. Nevertheless, this device is special waste and disposal in household waste is not recommended.

Designed and made in Latvia.

User manual by Girts Ozolins@Erica Synths.

Design by Edmunds Pavlovskis.

Copying, distribution or any commercial use in any way is prohibited and needs the written permission by Erica Synths.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

In case of any questions feel free to contact us via e-mail: [e-mail]

Check out other Erica Synths modules & devices at www.ericasynths.lv