Pedal I/O 1U - Computer keyboard Intellijel - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Eurorack Module
Brand	Intellijel
Model	Pedal I/O 1U
Form Factor	1U (1.75 inches high), 6 HP (1.2 inches wide)
Depth	1.5 inches (38 mm)
Weight	0.11 lbs (50 g)
Power Consumption	+12V @ 160 mA, -12V @ 0 mA
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Output Impedance	100 Ω
Input / Output Connectors	Two 1/4" TS jacks (Send and Return), one 3.5 mm TRS jack for pedal control
Level Control	Trim pot for input gain adjustment
Primary Function	Interface guitar pedals with Eurorack modular synthesizers
Signal Level Compatibility	Converts Eurorack modular levels to guitar pedal levels and back
Power Connection	10-pin ribbon cable (Eurorack standard)
Maintenance	Clean gently with a soft dry cloth; avoid moisture and solvents
Safety Precautions	Use only with a properly powered Eurorack case; do not reverse power ribbon cable
Replaceable Parts	None; module is non-serviceable
Warranty	2 years limited warranty
General Information	Designed for Eurorack systems; 1U tile format compatible with Intellijel cases

Frequently Asked Questions - Pedal I/O 1U Intellijel

What is the Intellijel Pedal I/O 1U used for?

It allows you to integrate guitar effects pedals into a Eurorack modular synthesizer system, converting between modular and pedal signal levels.

Do I need a special power supply for this module?

No, it uses standard Eurorack power (+12V and -12V) via a 10-pin ribbon cable. Ensure your case has sufficient power capacity.

Can I use the Pedal I/O 1U with any guitar pedal?

Yes, it works with most standard guitar pedals that use 1/4" TS connectors for input and output.

What is the difference between Send and Return jacks?

The Send jack outputs modular-level signal to the pedal, and the Return jack brings the pedal's output back into the modular system.

How do I adjust the input level?

Use the small trim pot on the front panel to set the gain so that the pedal receives an appropriate signal without clipping.

Can I use the Pedal I/O 1U with stereo pedals?

No, it is a mono module. For stereo, you would need two units or a different module.

Is there a manual available?

Yes, the manual can be downloaded in PDF format from the Intellijel website or from notice-facile.com.

What is the 3.5mm TRS jack for?

It is an expression pedal input or control voltage input for certain pedals that support external control.

Can I power the module from my Eurorack case?

Yes, it is designed to be powered from a Eurorack case with standard ±12V rails.

How deep is the module?

The depth is approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm), so it fits in most Eurorack cases.

USER MANUAL Pedal I/O 1U Intellijel

Effects Pedal Send/Return & High Impedance Instrument Input for Eurorack

Pedal I/O 1U

Pedal I/O Jacks 1U

7U Case with 1st Gen Audio Jacks

OR 7U Case with 2nd Gen Audio Jacks

OR

Palette Case

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMPLIANCE 2

OVERVIEW 3

System 4

Features 5

INSTALLATION 6

Before You Start 6

Installing Your Module 7

Connecting the Pedal I/O to a Pedal I/O Jacks 1U Module 8

Connecting the Pedal I/O to a 7U Case 9

Connecting to a 2nd Generation Audio Jacks Board 9

Connecting to a 1st Generation Audio Jacks Board 10

Connecting the Pedal I/O to a Palette Case 11

FRONT PANEL (Pedal I/O 1U) 12

Controls 12

Inputs & Outputs 13

FRONT PANEL (Pedal I/O Jacks 1U) 14

Inputs & Outputs 14

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 15

COMPLIANCE

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Intellij Designs, Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Any digital equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

This device meets the requirements of the following standards and directives:

EMC: 2014/30/EU

EN55032:2015 ; EN55103-2:2009 (EN55024) ; EN61000-3-2 ; EN61000-3-3

Low Voltage: 2014/35/EU

EN 60065:2002+A1:2006+A11:2008+A2:2010+A12:2011

RoHS2: 2011/65/EU

WEEE: 2012/19/EU

OVERVIEW

Eurorack is a synthesist's toy chest. Stompboxes are a guitarist's toy chest. Each industry offers a seemingly infinite variety of products that enable musicians to build systems unique to their needs, and to create a signature sound. Each is also somewhat addictive. Rare is the musician who doesn't eventually need a larger toy chest to house the accumulated toys.

Fortunately for the budget conscious musician, Eurorack modules and stompboxes have always existed in separate worlds — someone whose eurorack system consumes an entire wall in their home is usually not the same person whose pedalboard now requires a dedicated roadie just to transport it to the gig.

But those worlds have now collided. Thanks to the release of the Pedal I/O 1U system, Intellijel has knocked down the barrier between eurorack and stompbox. This seemingly innocuous little product is both a modular synthesist's portal to stompbox nirvana, and a guitarist's wormhole to the sonic manipulations of eurorack modules.

The Pedal I/O 1U system enables the modular synthesist to interact with the impressive assortment of delays, choruses, flangers, phasers, fuzz boxes, tremolos, wah-wahs, amp simulators, compressors and pitch shifter pedals available to guitarists. Conversely, it also grants guitarists access to the myriad filters, ring mods, wavefolders and — most importantly — the near infinite CV modulation delights inherent in eurorack.

System

A complete Pedal I/O solution requires two components:

1. A Pedal I/O 1U Module:

The Pedal I/O 1U module houses all the necessary gain and impedance-matching circuitry, and version 2 includes switches for inverting phase and selecting between pedal level or instrument level signals. It features a pair of 1/8" jacks for interfacing with eurorack modules, and ships with a 3-pin link cable for connecting to one of several available 1/4" jack options, as detailed below.

2. A pair of 1/4" jacks (one send, and one return) for connecting your pedal. There are several ways to acquire these jacks, including:

	Pedal I/O Jacks 1U ModuleIf you don't own an Intellijel case with built-in 1/4 " jacks (or if you prefer to use those jacks or other purposes), you'll need to purchase a Pedal I/O Jacks 1U, which connects directly to the Pedal I/O 1U, and provides a pair of 1/4 " in/out jacks for connecting stompboxes, guitars, or instruments.
	Palette CaseIf you own an Intellijel Palette case, you can connect the Pedal I/O 1U module directly to a pair of its built-in 1/4 " jacks, rather than purchasing a Pedal I/O Jacks 1U module.
	7U Case w/ 2nd Generation Audio Jacks BoardIf you own an Intellijel 7U case with a 2nd generationAudio Jacks Board(distinguished by the row of shrouded headers along its bottom edge), you can use its jacks rather than purchasing a Pedal I/O Jacks 1U module.
	7U Case w/ 1st Generation Audio Jacks BoardIf your Intellijel 7U case has a 1st generation Audio Jacks Board, you have two options:Purchase a 2nd gen Audio Jacks Boardto replace the 1st.Purchase the Pedal I/O 7U 1st Gen CaseAdapter, which allows you to connect a pair of Pedal I/O 1U modules to a 1st generationAudio Jacks Board.

Features

- Signals arriving at the Pedal I/O System through the RETURN jack (or from your case's IN jack if using a 7U or Palette case) pass through a Class A triode emulator, allowing for some tube-like overdrive at high gain setting.

- The Pedal I/O is more than just a simple level shifter — it's also an impedance converter, which provides proper drive and loading for any FX pedals or instruments you connect.

- Separate gain controls on both the SEND and RETURN. This enables you to adjust the level of any audio being sent to the FX pedals as well as any audio coming back into the modular. Not only does this allow you to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio, but by significantly boosting the RETURN level, you can achieve some pleasingly overdriven tones.

- Supports both Pedal Level and Line Level signals via a front panel switch (version 2 only).

- Use the Pedal I/O's RETURN circuit as a "direct box" for connecting any instrument.

- The high input impedance of the RETURN circuit allows it to be used as a piezo pickup preamp for acoustic instruments.

- Use Pedal I/O in the studio as an active "re-amping" device to play pre-recorded tracks back through guitar amplifiers or pedals.

- All inputs are protected for minimum RF interference.

- Return signal can be phase inverted for use with those pedals or effects types that invert phase (version 2 only).

- Low MIX output impedance for driving long cables, lower noise, and minimum interference from outside sources.

INSTALLATION

This module is designed for use within an Intellijel-standard 1U row, like that contained within the Intellijel 4U, 7U, and Palette cases. Intellijel's 1U specification is derived from the Eurorack mechanical specification set by Doepfer, which is designed to support the use of lipped rails within industry standard rack heights.

Before You Start

Intellijel Eurorack modules are designed to be used with a Eurorack-compatible case and power supply. We recommend you use Intellijel cases and power supplies.

Before installing a new module in your case, you must ensure your power supply has a free power header and sufficient available capacity to power the module:

• Sum up the specified +12V current draw for all modules, including the new one. Do the same for the -12V and +5V current draw. The current draw will be specified in the manufacturer's technical specifications for each module.
• Compare each of the sums to specifications for your case's power supply.
• Only proceed with installation if none of the values exceeds the power supply's specifications. Otherwise you must remove modules to free up capacity or upgrade your power supply.

You will also need to ensure your case has enough free space (hp) to fit the new module. To prevent screws or other debris from falling into the case and shorting any electrical contacts, do not leave gaps between adjacent modules, and cover all unused areas with blank panels. Similarly, do not use open frames or any other enclosure that exposes the backside of any module or the power distribution board.

You can use a tool like ModularGrid to assist in your planning. Failure to adequately power your modules may result in damage to your modules or power supply. If you are unsure, please contact us before proceeding.

Installing Your Module

When installing or removing a module, always turn off the power to the case and disconnect the power cable. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or equipment damage.

Ensure the 10-pin connector on the power cable is connected correctly to the module before proceeding. The red stripe on the cable must line up with the -12V pins on the module's power connector. The pins are indicated with the label -12V, a white stripe next to the connector, the words "red stripe", or some combination of those indicators. Some modules have shrouded headers to prevent accidental reversal.

Most modules will come with the cable already connected, but it is good to double check the orientation. Be aware that some modules may have headers that serve other purposes so ensure the cable is connected to the right one.

The other end of the cable, with a 16-pin connector, connects to the power bus board of your Eurorack case. Ensure the red stripe on the cable lines up with the -12V pins on the bus board. On Intellijel power supplies the pins are labelled with the label “-12V” and a thick white stripe, while others have shrouded headers to prevent accidental reversal:

If you're using another manufacturer's power supply, check their documentation for instructions.

Before reconnecting power and turning on your modular system, double check that the ribbon cable is fully seated on both ends and that all the pins are correctly aligned. If the pins are misaligned in any direction or the ribbon is backwards you can cause damage to your module, power supply, or other modules.

After you have confirmed all the connections, you can reconnect the power cable and turn on your modular system. You should immediately check that all your modules have powered on and are functioning correctly. If you notice any anomalies, turn your system off right away and check your cabling again for mistakes.

Connecting the Pedal I/O to a Pedal I/O Jacks 1U Module

The Pedal I/O 1U module ships with a 3-wire link cable. Use this to connect the Pedal I/O to either a Pedal I/O Jacks module or to a compatible case with built-in 1/4" jacks.

If you purchased the Pedal I/O Jacks module, simply connect it to the Pedal I/O module with the link cable as shown to the right.

The connectors are keyed, so

you can orient them only one way — ensuring that you can't connect the cable backwards. The Pedal I/O Jacks does not require power, and the link cable is long enough that the two modules don't have to be installed side-by-side if you don't wish.

NOTE: Never use the 3-wire link cable to connect a Pedal I/O module to an Intellijel Mixup module. Although both modules use this same cable/connector — they serve different purposes and carry different signals.

Connecting the Pedal I/O to a 7U Case

The Pedal I/O 1U module ships with a 3-wire link cable. Use this to connect the Pedal I/O to either a Pedal I/O Jacks module or to a compatible case with built-in 1/4" jacks.

If you're connecting to a 7U case, first determine whether it has a 1st or 2nd generation Audio Jacks board. 1st gen boards (included with cases built before early 2019) have a single connector (other than the power connector). 2nd gen boards have a large shrouded header flanked by two smaller shrouded headers, flanked by two link connectors at either end.

1st GENERATION AUDIO JACKS

2nd GENERATION AUDIO JACKS

Connecting to a 2nd Generation Audio Jacks Board

If your case has a 2nd generation board, you can connect the link cable directly between the Pedal I/O 1U module and one of the two link connectors on your Audio Jacks Board.

The connectors are keyed, so you can orient them only one way.

The left connector sends/returns from the left pair of jacks and the right connector sends/returns from the right pair of jacks. You can connect two Pedal I/O's to a single Audio Jack board if you wish.

Connecting to a 1st Generation Audio Jacks Board

If your case has the 1st generation board, you have two choices:

A) Purchase and install a 2nd generation Audio Jacks Board. This has the advantage of providing you with greater flexibility, allowing you to mix and match which modules you wish to connect to the jacks. B) Purchase a Pedal I/O 7U Case Adapter, which connects to the single connector on a 1st generation audio jacks board, enabling you to use it with a pair of Pedal I/O 1U modules.

If you chose to purchase the Pedal I/O 7U Case Adapter, simply connect it to the Pedal I/O module with the link cable as shown to the right. Note that you can connect two Pedal I/O modules to a single Pedal I/O 7U Case Adapter.

Next, plug the Pedal I/O 7U Case Adapter into the your case's first generation Audio Jacks Board, making sure to align the white lines on the two boards, as shown to the right.

Connecting the Pedal I/O to a Palette Case

The Pedal I/O 1U module ships with a 3-wire link cable. Use this to connect the Pedal I/O to either a Pedal I/O Jacks module or to a compatible case with built in 1/4" jacks.

If you're installing the Pedal I/O 1U in a 62 HP Palette case, simply connect the link cable directly between the Pedal I/O 1U module and the single 3-pin link connector on your Palette case's circuit board. The connectors are keyed, so you can orient them only one way — ensuring that you can't connect the cable backwards.

If you're installing the Pedal I/O 1U in a 104 HP Palette case, you can choose which pair of 1/4" jacks you want associated with the Pedal I/O, and each pair has its own 3-pin link connector on the Palette's circuit board.

FRONT PANEL (Pedal I/O 1U)

Controls

[A] SEND LEVEL knob - Adjusts the level of the signal arriving at the Pedal I/O's IN jack before it's sent out of your modular and into your FX pedals (by way of either the 1/4" SEND jack on the Pedal I/O Jacks, or a 1/4" OUT on a compatible case).

[B] RETURN LEVEL knob - Adjusts the signal level coming back into the modular from your external effects pedals, or from an instrument plugged directly into either the 1/4" RETURN jack on the Pedal I/O Jacks, or a 1/4" IN on a compatible case.

[C] PHASE INVERT switch - In the DOWN position, the return signal is in phase. In the UP position, the return signal is 180 degrees out of phase. Some pedals invert phase, so this switch is useful when balancing the dry (send) and wet (return) signals with the MIX knob.

VERSION 2

VERSION 1

NOTE: This switch was added on Version 2, and is not on Version 1 of the Pedal I/O 1U.

[D] CLIP Indicator LED - This LED monitors the signal level coming back into the modular from either your external effects pedals, or from a connected instrument input. It lights slightly before clipping, giving you a bit of headroom before actual clipping occurs. This lets you maximize levels by allowing the CLIP LED to light occasionally on the highest peaks. But as with all things musical — use your ears as the deciding factor!

[E] MIX (DRY/WET) knob - Determines the wet/dry balance of the signal sent to the module's MIX output. Fully counterclockwise, only the DRY (unprocessed) signal is heard in the MIX. Fully clockwise, only the WET (processed) signal is heard in the MIX. At the noon position, equal amounts of WET and DRY appear in the MIX.

NOTE: Not every pedal is designed to have its input signal mixed in with its output. Some (for example, phase shifters) may return a signal that is out of phase with the original audio, so balancing the Wet & Dry levels could result in phase cancellation. In such cases, you'll probably want to set the MIX knob to maximum wetness.

[F] PEDAL/LINE level switch - Sets whether the signal levels sent to the external device are driving a guitar PEDAL, or LINE level, pro audio gear.

NOTE: This switch was added on Version 2, and is not on Version 1 of the Pedal I/O 1U.

Inputs & Outputs

[1] IN - Connect the audio signal you want processed by your external pedals to the IN jack. Modular-level audio arriving at this jack is converted to the appropriate signal level (switchable between "line-level" or "pedal-level", if using a v2 Pedal I/O) and impedance-matched before it's sent to either the Pedal I/O Jacks' SEND jack or to the 1/4" OUT jack on a compatible case.

VERSION 2

VERSION 1

[2] MIX - Any audio that's returned from your

FX pedals is converted back to modular-level and impedance-matched prior to appearing here at the MIX jack. If you plug a guitar or other instrument into the Pedal I/O Jacks' RETURN jack (or into a 1/4" IN jack on a compatible case), then the modular-level and impedance-matched signal from that instrument appears at the MIX jack.

FRONT PANEL (Pedal I/O Jacks 1U)

Inputs & Outputs

[1] SEND - Connect a 1/4" instrument cable from the SEND jack to the input of your external FX pedal. If using the first version Pedal I/O, then audio coming out the SEND jack is an instrument-level & impedance-matched version of the modular-level audio signal you connected to the Pedal I/O module's IN jack. If using v2 of the Pedal I/O, then the audio is switchable between line and pedal levels.

NOTE: This is an unbalanced TS cable (standard for guitars and FX pedals), though you can use TRS cables — you just won't get any benefit from doing so.

[2] RETURN - Connect a 1/4" instrument cable from the output

of your external FX pedal to the RETURN jack on this module. The audio arriving at this jack is impedance-matched and converted to modular-level by the Pedal I/O module, where it's then made available at that module's MIX jack.

You can also plug a guitar or other instrument directly into the RETURN jack and process it with your modular synth. This is a high impedance input, allowing the Pedal I/O system to act as a piezo pickup preamp for acoustic instruments. Audio arriving at the RETURN jack passes through a Class A triode emulator (enabling anything from clean to tube-like distortion) and an impedance converter and level shifter to insure full integration in a modular synth environment.

NOTE: This is an unbalanced TS cable (standard for guitars and FX pedals), though you can use TRS cables — you just won't get any benefit from doing so.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Pedal I/O IN jack:

• Input level = 0 dBV nominal, +17 dBV max
• Input impedance = 60 KΩ
• Gain = -30 dB to -20 dB
• RF filter protected

Pedal I/O Jack SEND (or 7U Case Adapter OUT):

• PEDAL MODE: Output level = -20 dBV to -30 dBV nominal based on Send Level
• LINE MODE: Output level = +5 dBV to -5 dBV nominal based on Send Level
• Output impedance = 12 kΩ to simulate the impedance of magnetic guitar pickup

Pedal I/O Jack RETURN (or 7U Case Adapter IN):

• Input level = -20 dBV to -30 dBV nominal based on Return Level
• Input impedance = 1 MΩ
• Return Gain = fully off to +30 dB
• RF filter protected

Pedal I/O MIX jack:

• Output level = 0 dBV nominal, +17 dB max • Output impedance = 100 Ω • Frequency response is 20 Hz to 22 kHz
• THD = 0.002% to 0.085% at Vin = 0 dBV to +17 dBV (Pedal In to Pedal Out, Mix = effect, Return Level = min, Send Level = max) THD = 0.04% to 4.0% at Vin = 0 dBV to +17 dBV (Pedal In to Pedal Out, Mix = effect, Return Level = max, Send Level = max)

Dimensions & Current Draw:

Pedal I/O Width	16 hp
Pedal I/O Jacks Width	8 hp
Pedal I/O Maximum Depth	29 mm
Pedal I/O Jacks Depth	44 mm
Current Draw	10 mA @ +12V
	10 mA @ -12V