The Messenger Pro is a studio grade professional preamp for electronic instruments. The unique input impedance control allows you to dial in the correct load for your instrument, while the EQ and filter controls allow you to dial in the perfect tonal footprint. The Messenger Pro takes the approach of a console studio EQ that is broad enough for any instrument, but in a pedal format that is intended for live and studio use for the gigging musician.
 
Input Stage
The input of the Messenger Pro utilizes a unique input impedance control that allows you to dial in the proper load for your instrument, continuously variable from 100k to 10M ohms. Electronic instruments such as keys and synths or active signals can be dialed in with a low input impedance. Guitar and bass pickups can find their sweet spot in the 1M range, with the pickup resonance increasing at higher impedances, or more warmth at lower impedances. Piezo pickups can be dialed in at 5M to 10M to tune the proper amount of low response without going too far and having an overly sensitive pickup.
 
Gain Stage / Phase
Following the input stage is an ultra low noise, high headroom gain stage. The gain ranges from 0 dB (unity gain) up to +20 dB. The signal phase can be inverted at this stage, useful for dialing out feedback for some acoustic instruments.
 
High Pass / Notch Filter
After the gain stage, the Messenger Pro provides a filter that can be switched from HPF mode or notch mode. Use a HPF to dial out extraneous low frequencies for clear, punchy tone without the mud. Use a notch filter to dial out problematic feedback frequencies, or particularly resonant frequencies that appear in some venues. The notch filter could also be used for a characteristic mid scoop at a specific frequency, simulating a speaker cab profile or EQ shape.
 
Shelving Bass / Treble EQ
The shelving bass and treble EQ has a range of +/- 15 dB. The bass EQ peaks at 100 Hz and below, and the treble EQ peaks at 3k Hz and above.
 
Middle EQ
The middle EQ ranges from +/- 15 dB at the selected frequency. The frequency ranges from 200 to 2k Hz with a Q of 1.85.
 
Boost
The boost knob provides up to +10 dB of boost, useful for solos, highlights, or just some extra "oomph" when needed. Activate the boost with the boost footswitch.
 
Mute
The mute footswitch electronically mutes your signal so there are no clicks or artifacts in the audio. Your signal gracefully fades within a few milliseconds upon pressing the mute switch.
 
Mono Output
The 1/4" mono output is a low impedance source that can drive other pedals, preamps, rack gear, or even power amplifiers.
 
Balanced Output
The XLR output is a low impedance balanced source that can feed any device that accepts balanced signals, such as an audio interface, a mixing console, a power amp, or other audio gear. The balanced out can be toggled between line and mic level. Use mic level by default unless your gear specifically requires a line level balanced signal, such as a power amp.
 
The balanced output safely blocks any incoming phantom power.
 
The Ground lift switch disconnects pin 1 of the XLR from the pedal chassis when de-pressed. Toggle the ground lift switch if there is a ground buzz in the audio.
 
Power Supply
The Messenger Pro requires a regulated DC power supply. The voltage must be no less than 9 volts and no greater than 18 volts. The supply must be rated for at least 200 mA. The supply must use a 2.1 mm barrel connector with center-negative polarity. You should choose a supply that is intended to be used for musical devices to ensure it will be low noise. There is no difference in performance when using 18V compared to 9V. 
 
Dimensions
The Messenger Pro is 4.8" wide x 4" long.