Zvex Handpainted RingTone TT Ring Modulation Pedal (Demo)

To view a Quicktime movie demo of this pedal click here.
Here is a setup video for this pedal click here.

Description:

The Ringtone TT by Z.Vex Effects is the world's first dedicated tap-tempo sequenced ring modulator for guitar use.

Controls:
The controls are as follows: from the upper left, there is a sequence/random/step switch which sets the function of the left stomp switch, a speed control for the sequence/random mode, 8 individual carrier pitch adjustment knobs, the left stomp switch which enters tap tempos or operates as a manual step control, and the true-bypass stomp switch on the right. Also, inside there is a trim-pot adjustment on the small daughter board attached to the bypass switch to set the mix of ring-modulated sound versus direct guitar... when shipped from the factory, this is mix is set for pure ring-modulation.

Setup:
The way I've set up the Ringtone in the setup video on the zvex.com website is as follows: Set the upper left switch to step mode (far right.) Switch the bypass stomp switch to on, so that ring modulation begins. Turn the first carrier knob (with the illuminated led) to a pitch which matches your first chord or note selection on the guitar and gives a pleasing tone. The pitch of the carrier is lower to the right, with the extreme setting resulting in tremolo-like pulsing.

Push the left stomp switch to advance to the next carrier knob and repeat the process until you have prepared all of the carrier knobs to pitches which work with your chord or note progression. For sequenced operation, set the small upper left switch to the left for Run mode, and adjust the speed knob next to it for the proper speed. The left stomp switch selects sequenced or random action in this mode.

For sequencing, set the small upper left switch to sequence mode and use the left stomp switch to set the tempo, one-for-one tapping for each channel change. To set the speed with the speed knob, simply turn the knob more than 10% from its previous position and it will take over tempo control. Tap at any time to set tap tempo. You must tap an even number of times to initiate tap tempo. Tapping 3 times, for example, will confuse the unit as it waits for the 4th tap. You may set the small upper left switch for random mode to create unpredictable patterns. The rest of the functions work as in sequence mode.

Internal adjustment: To set the mix control as demonstrated in the first video for the Ringtone on zvex.com, begin by removing the four screws on the bottom of the unit. Set the lid aside and use a small flat-blade screwdriver or your fingernail to adjust the blue trim pot for the proper mix of guitar/ring mod. Note the original position... this position is pure ring modulation. The other extreme setting is pure guitar.

Battery:
If operation becomes intermittent, replace the dead battery with a fresh alkaline 9 volt battery. The Ringtone has special circuitry which helps drain the battery to a very low voltage before it fails, to extract as much power as possible from the battery before diminishing the quality of operation. This helps save on batteries as well as helping the environment. Be sure to recycle your batteries!

For use with a 9V adaptor, you must purchase a Z.Vex power plate and be sure to protect the unit from damage by securely taping the battery clips to avoid shorting inside, and taping the clips into the battery compartment securely away from the jacks.