Hex Distortion Pickup with Hex Distorted Outputs
Mono distortion and individual string overdrive distortion for effects
Overview:
The SynQuaNon Hex Output Distortion Pickup has an active polyphonic design using twelve individual string coils arranged in six humbucking pairs. The individual string outputs are routed separately through dedicated two-stage voltage-controlled
distortion circuits.
This approach creates a unique distortion sound full of rich harmonics and devoid of the usual distasteful intermodulation distortion in typical mono pickups. The six distorted signals are summed in an output mixer amplifier for the final MONO distortion output via an EMG-compatible header and made available through the 10-pin HEX OUT header for individual string processing.
The first distortion stage is controlled by the GAIN1 control voltage (CV) generated by a potentiometer connected to the GAIN1 header, while the second distortion stage is controlled by the GAIN2 CV through a second potentiometer connected to the GAIN2 header. At the lowest potentiometer settings the distortion amplifier gains produce a gain of 19dB, which is equivalent to a clean boost. The GAIN1 potentiometer may be
replaced by a trim pot on the rear if so desired.
A voltage-controlled low-pass treble suppression filter is available via a shorting block to automatically reduce the treble content as the distortion is increased, as necessary.
The mixing volume for the top three strings (E4, B3, G3) can be adjusted via the three trim pots on the rear according to user taste. The string potentiometer adjustment is an improved equivalent of a mechanical solution using pole pieces (screws) on the pickup. This allows you to adjust the volume balance between wound and bare strings.
The six individual string distorted outputs are active, high output signals suited for further effects processing. Their levels track the MONO distortion signal output level.
The pickup is currently available in a nickel or black plastic cover, with additional finishes planned for the future.
Furthermore, it is possible to customize the pickup during production to suit
individual needs - mainly the levels of gain and harmonic frequencies, both for all strings simultaneously and for each string separately. This would require a special
order and minimum order quantity.
Features:
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Twelve individual string coils paired for noise cancellation
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Six dual-stage distortion circuits with voltage control over distortion level for each stage
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Mono output is a mix of all six distortion channels
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Hex output consists of buffered dual-stage distortion signals, ideal for use with single-string processing modules
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Trim pots adjust mix for high strings
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Treble cut filter select for high strings
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Solderless connections throughout
Technical Specifications:
Magnets: Rare Earth FeNdB (N-40H)
Magnetic flux density: approx. 35mT (at a distance of 2 mm)
Power supply: 9V (max. 18V)
Current draw: 5mA (typical)
Output impedance: 4.5kOhm // 3.3nF (low pass filter)
String spacing: 10.2mm (0.402”)
Battery lifetime: up to 100 hours (depends on battery capacity)