BARGE CONCEPTS
~ Tools for the Discerning Musician ~



Thank you for purchasing a Barge Concepts DB-3 Dual Boost!  We strive to build the best stompboxes possible - versatile, innovative tools, built from high quality components, all offered at an affordable price.   This manual is intended to serve as a basic setup and usage guide for your DB-3.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let us know.  We hope you enjoy your pedal and thank you for supporting Barge Concepts!

Visit us on the web at www.bargeconcepts.com.


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DB-3  Hardware and Controls:

JACKS:

INPUT - 1/4" Switchcraft jack, mounted on the North end of the enclosure.  Receives the signal from the output of your instrument or the output of any effects you are running before the DB-3.

SEND - 1/4" Switchcraft jack, mounted on the North end of the enclosure.  The SEND jack is connected to the output of Channel 1, can be sent to the pedal(s) being used in the effects loop or to drive a second amplifier.  (see the FAQ)

RECEIVE - 1/4" Switchcraft jack, mounted on the North end of the enclosure.  A secondary input for Channel 2 of the DB-3, receives the signal from the pedal(s) being used in the effects loop.  (See the FAQ)

OUTPUT - 1/4" Switchcraft jack, mounted on the North end of the enclosure.  Feeds the output of your DB-3 to your amplifier or any effects you are running after the pedal.

POWER Jack - 2.1mm DC power jack, negative center pin, mounted on the North end of the enclosure.  Supply voltages with operating range of 9-18V are supported.


BYPASS switches and LEDs - Master on/off switches for each of the two Channels of the DB-3, both are true bypass.  The switch on the right activates Channel 1, the switch on the left is for Channel 2.  Dual color LED indicators are provided for each bypass switch.  When the red LED is lit, the channel is in bypass;  when the blue LED is lit the channel is active and in your signal path.


ROTARY CONTROLS:
Channel 1 Gain -  Controls the gain boost for Channel 1.  Variable between unity gain (fully counter-clockwise) and 27+dB (fully clockwise).
Channel 1 Volume -  Limits the output volume of the Channel 1.  Turn counter-clockwise to reduce volume.
Channel 2 Gain -  Controls the gain boost for Channel 2.  Variable between unity gain (fully counter-clockwise) and 27+dB (fully clockwise).
Channel 2 Volume -  Limits the output volume of the Channel 2.  Turn counter-clockwise to reduce volume.



FAQs
Q.  How do I use the effects loop?  A.  The effects loop of the DB-3 is designed to allow you to use the two boost channels independently in different spots in your signal path.  The output of Channel 1 is sent to the SEND jack and is also internally feeding the input of Channel 2.  Plugging a cable into the RECEIVE jack disconnects the internal connection of the output of Channel 1 from the input of Channel 2 - the output of Channel 1 is still being sent out the SEND jack, but the RECEIVE jack is now the input source for Channel 2.  A typical configuration would be as follows:
Instrument> Channel 1> pedal(s) in the loop> Channel 2 (via the RECEIVE jack)> amp.

Q.  Where should the DB-3 go in my chain?  A. The Dual Boost is ideal for any situation where you need clean gain or an impedance buffer.  Clean boosts are often placed at the beginning or end of an effects chain, in the effects loop of an amplifier, or between long cables as a signal buffer.   The routing options of the Dual Boost gives you lots of choices of how to integrate it with your current rig.  A few examples:
    Buffering.  When set at unity gain (ie.  a channel of the DB-3 is active, but the gain control is turned fully counter-clockwise), either channel of the DB-3 can be used as a signal buffer.  Place the DB-3 where ever you may need a signal buffer - usually the first device after your guitar, but possibly before any long cable run, such as between your pedal board and amplifier or amp FX loop.  Also, all of the connections on the DB are buffered, allowing you to use the effects loop of the DB as an input and output buffer for any effect with an unconventional input or output impedance.
    Driving two amplifiers.  With the DB-3 at the end of your signal chain, the SEND and OUTPUT jacks can be used to drive two different amps.  The amp connected to the SEND jack will be driven by Channel 1 of the DB, the amp connected to the OUTPUT jack will be driven by Channel 1 AND Channel 2.  If Vol is max and Gain at min on Channel, then both amps are being driven by channel 1.  An A/B/Y box can also be used with the DB - "A" connected to the INPUT,  "B" connected to the RECEIVE, and the SEND and OUTPUT driving two amps (or two pedal chains, or a stereo pedal, etc.)
    Boosting volume AND gain.  With your favorite pedal(s) in the effects loop, the DB can be used to increase both volume AND gain.  The boost on Channel 1 will feed the pedal(s) in the loop a hotter signal for more gain/clipping, while Channel 2 can be used to boost (or cut, by using the Master Volume) the overall volume of the pedal(s) in the loop.  The same idea can be used with an amplifier with it's own effects loop.  Place the preamp stage in the loop of the DB-3 - Channel 1 will be driving the preamp, while Channel 2 can be used to boost the output of the preamp and drive the power tubes harder.
   Tuner mute, Switching instruments.  With the Master Volume set fully counter-clockwise, Channel 2 of the DB-3 can be used as a signal mute when you need to tune silently or switch instruments without any loud crackles or pops.

 
Q.  Is there a warranty?  What about a return policy?  A.  All Barge Concepts products come with a 7 day return policy and a lifetime, transferable warranty.  If your Barge Concepts pedal isn't right for you, for any reason, let us know with in 7 days - return it to us in its original condition and we'll refund your purchase price.  Also, all of our products are backed by a lifetime transferable warranty.  If, in the course of normal operating conditions, your Barge Concepts pedal fails, we will repair or replace the unit - even if you're not the original owner!



We hope you enjoy your Barge Concepts product.  If you have any questions, please drop us an email at info@bargeconcepts.com.  Also, be sure to sign up for our mailing list to be kept up-to-date on new product news and special offers - mailinglist@bargeconcepts.com.  Thank you for supporting Barge Concepts!

~ The Barge Crew ~