Icarus - Effects pedal Caroline - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Effects Pedal (Preamp/Boost)
Brand	Caroline
Model	Icarus
Power Supply	9V DC center-negative, BOSS PSA or equivalent, 20mA estimated current draw
Battery	9V alkaline (not included); unplug input to save battery life
Bypass Type	Switchable: Buffered or True Bypass via internal slide switch
Controls	GAIN, HIGHS, OUTPUT knobs
Input Impedance	1MΩ (typical)
Output Impedance	100Ω (typical)
Maximum Boost	+12dB with GAIN off; additional clipping with GAIN up
Dimensions (approx)	4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5" (114mm x 64mm x 38mm)
Weight (approx)	0.3 kg (0.66 lb)
Warranty	Covers component failures and manufacturing defects; excludes misuse, modifications, unofficial repairs
Expected Lifespan	10+ years with proper care
Construction Material	Die-cast aluminum enclosure
Country of Origin	USA (assembled)
Included Accessories	User manual (PDF)
Cleaning Instructions	Wipe with dry cloth; avoid solvents
Storage Conditions	Dry environment, room temperature

Frequently Asked Questions - Icarus Caroline

What is the ICARUS pedal based on?

The ICARUS is based on Caroline's PARABOLA and MÉTÉORE preamps, reproducing a vintage Soviet microphone preamp circuit.

How do I switch between buffered and true bypass?

Use the internal slide switch. Move it to one position for buffered bypass (maintains signal integrity over long cable runs) and the other for true bypass (removes the circuit from the signal path when off).

What power supply can I use?

Use only a 9V DC center-negative power supply, such as a BOSS PSA or equivalent. Do not exceed 9V.

Can I use a battery?

Yes, a standard 9V battery can be used. Unplug the input cable when not in use to save battery life.

What do the GAIN, HIGHS, and OUTPUT controls do?

GAIN adds boost and clips the diodes. HIGHS adjusts high-frequency content. OUTPUT controls the overall volume; even with GAIN off, it can provide up to +12dB boost.

What is the warranty coverage?

The warranty covers component failures and manufacturing defects. It does not cover misuse, abuse, modifications, or unofficial repair work. Contact Caroline for service.

How do I clean the pedal?

Wipe the exterior with a dry cloth. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Can I stack the ICARUS with other pedals?

Yes, the ICARUS works well as a boost or light drive before or after other pedals. Its low noise and high headroom make it versatile in any signal chain.

What is the current draw?

Approximately 20mA, making it compatible with most pedalboard power supplies.

What is the story behind the ICARUS?

According to Caroline, the circuit traces to a Soviet surveillance microphone preamp from 1972, later used by famous musicians and producers in legendary recordings. The company resurrected the design with modern components.

USER MANUAL Icarus Caroline

Three knobs and the truth! This preamp is useful and plenty loud, so don't be surprised to run it lower than you might with other light drives or boosts. A little goes a long way. GAIN is how much boost is applied to your input signal: all the way off is just the signal from your instrument, turning up will clip the diodes nicely. HIGHS is the amount of high frequency content. It interacts with the OUTPUT knob, which controls the output volume. With GAIN all the way off, OUTPUT can still give you up to +12db of boost, so with those other controls up, you may want to keep it down. Horses for courses, they say.

The slide switch on the inside will convert this pedal between buffered and true bypass. The buffer can help maintain signal integrity for longer signal runs.

It's 1972. A Soviet surveillance microphone preamp has made its way west thanks to a courageous defector. The nascent, nefarious, and invisible Caroline Corporation obtains it and converts it into devices for military psychoacoustic special operations, then covertly delivers them to legendary users with fame and influence for evaluation. The guitar player of the world's most famous band plugs in his rosewood guitar into one and uses it for a famous benefit concert. A producer runs instruments through another directly into a mixer, spills a bag full of illicit drugs into its faders, and records all-time smash hits. An unknown actress brings one to a film screening and wins the Golden Globe. Facing public exposure from Senate hearings over arms trading and supermarket cloning scandals, the Corporation mysteriously dissolves in 1983, leaving no traces except abandoned file cabinets in a dilapidated office basement. Decades later, the Corporation's hilariously neglected "Guitar Company" satellite office, blissfully unaware that their parent company has dissolved decades earlier, discovers the schematic and parts specifications. They source some discontinued Russian "unobtanium" diodes and recreate its special flavor.

There is no evidence that any of the above has or has not happened. So anyway, here's ICARUS™. It is "sonic awesomeness" based on our PARABOLA and MÉTÉORE preamps.

musical/personal agenda

"OK, this is *definitely* making things louder..."

"...and this is *definitely* hairier."

"Well, this is pleasantly crunchy in a manner that is both comforting yet kind of dangerous."

"Uh, was it supposed to get this gnarly? Cause I don't really mind!"

IMPORTANT: if you use a power supply, use only a 9V DC center negative tip power supply, BOSS PSA or equivalent industry standard units. Unplug cable from input when not in use to save battery life. Our warranty only covers component failures or manufacturing defects - it does not cover misuse or abuse of the product, modifications or unofficial repair work. Contact *us* for service.

carolineguitar.com

803.545.4182