User Manual

KNOCKOUT
Attack Equalizer
Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix KNOCKOUT ATTACK
EQUALIZER! The Knockout is one of the most specific and powerful tonal
adjustment systems that you will ever use. What does that mean exactly? The
KNOCKOUT consists of one Low-Pass filter, one High-Pass filter and a direct dry
signal… each with its own knob. When combined they yield a very specific and
focused tonal sculpture. Extreme and very specific adjustments are not only simple to
set up but also yield a very rich and defined tone that cannot be obtained from an
amplifier or much more complex equalizing systems. The curves of the filters were
specifically selected for their musical value. They may be used independently to
reinforce a specific area but their real value can be heard when all three are used
together. Get ready for the professional sound that you have been waiting for.
- CONTROLS -
LOW Knob –The LOW knob is a volume control for the low or bass frequencies. The
further you turn the LOW knob clockwise, the louder the low frequencies will be. The
LOW knob controls the output volume from the Knockout’s 7-Pole Low-Pass Filter.
The low pass filter has a fixed cutoff frequency of 85 Hz. The LOW knob is
responsible for contouring the bottom end in relation to the total sound.
DRY Knob – The DRY knob is a volume control for the signal present at the Input
Jack. The output volume of the dry signal will increase as this knob is rotated
clockwise. Use the DRY knob in conjunction with the LOW and HIGH knobs to create
your tone.
HIGH Knob – The HIGH Knob is a volume control for the high or treble frequencies.
The further you turn the HIGH knob clockwise, the louder the treble frequencies will
be. The HIGH knob controls the output volume from the Knockout’s 6-Pole High-Pass
Filter. The high pass filter has a fixed cutoff frequency of 6.5kHz. The HIGH knob is
responsible for contouring the high end to the total sound.
STATUS LED – This LED indicates the current state of the unit. When the LED is lit
up, the box is in effect mode. When the LED is off, the box is in TRUE BYPASS mode.
INPUT Jack – This ¼” jack is the audio input to the KNOCKOUT. The input
impedance presented at the Input Jack is 390 kΩ.
OUTPUT Jack – This ¼” jack is the output signal that is sent to your amplifier,
another pedal or to your recording setup.
- OPERATION NOTES -
The KNOCKOUT was designed to work with any Instrument level signal from any
instrument or voice. The simplicity of the setup is brilliant. It is basically a balancing
act, which revolves around the Dry signal. Both the LOW and the High knobs deal
with radical amounts of gain. The Dry signal is like the mediator between both filters.
Each element is critical to the overall sound. It pays to experiment in you search for
the right setup for each situation. You will come across many interesting textures that
you may want to write down and store for recall. Remember that there is a value in
each pot. The DRY, LOW and HIGH elements may each be used independently or in
any combination. With the KNOCKOUT, a little adjustment goes a long way.
Power, from the internal 9-volt battery or external battery eliminator, is activated by
plugging into the input. The input cable should be removed when the unit is not in
use to avoid running down the battery.
The optional 9V power supply from Electro-Harmonix is US96DC-200BI (same as
used by Boss ™ & Ibanez™). 9.6 volts/DC 200ma. The barrel connector on the
front of the Knockout is for the 9-volt battery eliminator capable of delivering a
minimum of 50 mA of current at 9VDC. The inner ring of the 9-volt battery eliminator
must be negative, the outer ring positive. The unit’s battery may be left in or taken
out when the eliminator is in use.