Black Finger - Audio effect pedal Electro Harmonix - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Compressor/Sustainer Pedal
Model	Black Finger
Brand	Electro Harmonix
Controls	Sustain, Volume, Blend, Compression Ratio (Sustain), Output Level, On/Off Footswitch
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Output Impedance	600 Ω
Power Supply	9V DC (center negative) or 9V battery
Current Consumption	8 mA
Dimensions (W x D x H)	2.75 x 4.5 x 2.125 inches (70 x 114 x 54 mm)
Weight	0.6 lbs (272 g)
Color	Black with gold lettering
Construction	Die-cast zinc chassis
True Bypass	Yes
LED Indicator	Yes (power/effect on)
Inputs/Outputs	1/4" jack input and output
Warranty	1 year limited

Frequently Asked Questions - Black Finger Electro Harmonix

What type of pedal is the Electro Harmonix Black Finger?

The Black Finger is an optical compressor/sustainer pedal designed to even out your signal and sustain notes without altering the original tone. It uses a vactrol optical circuit for smooth, natural compression.

How do I power the Black Finger?

The pedal can be powered by a 9V battery or with a standard 9V DC power supply (center negative, 2.1mm plug). The current draw is only 8 mA, so a battery will last a long time.

What do the controls on the Black Finger do?

The main controls are: Sustain (adjusts compression ratio), Volume (output level), and Blend (mixes dry and compressed signals). The Sustain control has a range from subtle to heavy compression.

Is the Black Finger true bypass?

Yes, the Black Finger features true bypass switching. When the effect is off, your signal goes directly from input to output without any coloration.

Can I use the Black Finger on bass?

Absolutely. The Black Finger works well with both electric guitar and bass. Its frequency response is wide enough to handle low frequencies without muddiness.

How do I set up the Black Finger for a subtle compression?

Set the Sustain knob to a low setting (around 9 o'clock), Volume to match your bypassed level, and Blend to around 12 o'clock for a mix of dry and compressed signal. Adjust to taste.

What does the Blend control do?

The Blend control allows you to mix the dry signal (uncompressed) with the compressed signal. This is useful for parallel compression, preserving the natural attack while adding sustain.

My Black Finger won't turn on. What should I check?

First, ensure the power supply is correctly plugged in (center negative) or that the battery is fresh and properly connected. Check the LED indicator; if it's off, try a different power source. Also verify that the input/output cables are working.

Can I daisy chain the Black Finger with other pedals?

Yes, thanks to its low current draw (8 mA), the Black Finger is safe to daisy chain. However, ensure the power supply can handle the total current of all pedals.

How do I clean the Black Finger?

Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe the exterior. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners. For the jacks, apply contact cleaner if needed. Keep the pedal dry and avoid extreme temperatures.

USER MANUAL Black Finger Electro Harmonix

All-tube Optical Compressor

- OPERATING INSTUCTIONS -

Congratulations on your purchase of the Black Finger! The Black Finger is a warm sounding compressor pedal useful for both guitar and bass, as well as for home recording. This pedal features an all-tube signal path using two premium 12AX7EH vacuum tubes. Carefully reading these instructions will ensure that you will get the most out of your Black Finger.

Included with the Black Finger is a unique 12VAC/1000mA adapter. Use only the adapter supplied. Using any other adapter can cause harm to you, the Black Finger and the adapter.

WARNING: There are extremely high voltages in the Black Finger even when it is unplugged – DO NOT OPEN THE BLACK FINGER.

Optical compressors work by treating an incoming signal with an optically controlled attenuator (a type of volume control) comprised of a fixed resistor and a shunt optocoupled photocell. Because this attenuator is “passive”—as opposed to the more common “active” AGC (Automatic Gain Control) compressor circuits—it doesn’t add an electronic signature to the signal, thus preserving the tone and character of the original sound. Some gain is needed to adjust the output level so that it matches the original level, and this is accomplished with an all-tube fixed gain pre-amp circuit. In general, compressors are used to sustain melody lines, minimize changes in signal level, or add a “forward” percussive effect to instruments or drums.

- CONTROLS -

COMPRESS Knob— Varies the amount of compression from minimum (counterclockwise) to maximum (clockwise).

LAMP/LED Switch— Selects the light source to drive the optical attenuator. The LED is very fast and flat in frequency content. Choose this setting for straight-ahead compression effects and sustain. Choose LAMP for a slow attack and a reduced compression on the treble content. This is great for funk chord playing, voice and keyboards.

SQSH/NORM Switch— Selects between normal attack and a “squashed” long attack time for the attenuator. This directly affects only the LAMP setting but you will see a reduction in compression if you leave SQSH on while in LED mode.

PRE-GAIN Knob—Adjusts the amount of signal fed to the attenuator. With this knob turned toward the minimum (counter-clockwise) position, less of the signal will pass the compression threshold. This is one way to dial in less effect. More signal in will mean that more of the signal will pass the compression threshold. This will maximize the effect when the COMPRESS Knob is turned up, or clip/overdrive the circuit if the COMPRESS Knob is turned down.

POST-GAIN Knob—Adjusts the level of the OUTPUT signal.

LEVEL LED— Gives a visual indication of the gain reduction caused by the compressor. The brighter the LED is, the greater the compression.

STATUS LED—Lights up when the Black Finger effect is engaged. If the STATUS led is off, the unit is in true bypass mode. The footswitch engages/disengages the effect.

- WARRANTY INFORMATION -

Please register online at http://www.ehx.com/product-registration or complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 10 days of purchase. Electro-Harmonix will repair or replace, at its discretion, a product that fails to operate due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. Repaired or replaced units will then be warranted for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term.

If you should need to return your unit for service within the warranty period, please contact the appropriate office listed below. Customers outside the regions listed below, please contact EHX Customer Service for information on warranty repairs at [e-mail] or [phone]. USA and Canadian customers: please obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA#) from EHX Customer Service before returning your product. Include with your returned unit: a written description of the problem as well as your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and RA#; and a copy of your receipt clearly showing the purchase date.

United States & Canada

EHX CUSTOMER SERVICE

ELECTRO-HARMONIX

c/o NEW SENSOR CORP.

47-50 33RD STREET

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Europe

JOHN WILLIAMS

ELECTRO-HARMONIX UK

13 CWMDONKIN TERRACE

SWANSEA SA2 0RQ

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

This warranty gives a purchaser specific legal rights. A purchaser may have even greater rights depending upon the laws of the jurisdiction within which the product was purchased.

To hear demos on all EHX pedals visit us on the web at www.ehx.com

Email us at [e-mail]

- FCC 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. If the device is not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications and void the user's authority to guarantee the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.