TABLE OF CONTENTS

• How do I power Microcosm?
• How do I update Microcosm's Firmware?
• My signal is quiet. How do I fix that?
• There is no wet signal coming out of Microcosm. What's wrong?
• Should I use Instrument Level or Line Level?
• What is Microcosm's sample rate and bit depth?
• I can't change global settings when I'm in Global Configuration. Why is that?
• I'm only getting sound out of Microcosm's left channel. What's happening?
• What are the input and output impedances of Microcosm?

How do I power Microcosm?

Microcosm requires a 9V DC center-negative power supply capable of supplying greater than 450mA of current. Some issues can be traced back to faulty, daisy-chained, or underpowered supplies.

How do I update Microcosm's Firmware?

Visit our firmware page here.

My signal is quiet. How do I fix that?

Microcosm has a secondary "Effect Volume" control that adjusts the output volume of Microcosm's effects. To alter this, hold the Shift button and turn the Mix knob. Turning it fully clockwise will turn the Effect Volume all the way up. Adjusting the Effect Volume does not adjust the volume of your dry signal.

Next, experiment with changing your pedal's input mode to "Instrument Level," if it isn't already.

If you are running Microcosm into an audio interface, it is typically best to run it into a high impedance (Hi-Z) input. This will result in the best signal to noise ratio. If you run Microcosm into a Line Input, you may find that you have to turn your preamp gain up higher to get an adequate signal. In these instances, the noise that results is likely coming from your interface's preamps. 

There is no wet signal coming out of Microcosm. What's wrong?

Check your Filter knob and make sure it isn't turned all the way down. Additionally, if there is an expression pedal plugged into Microcosm, remove it. Then, turn the Filter knob all the way up. Having an expression pedal plugged into Microcosm's EXP IN when it is powered on will automatically assign the expression control to Microcosm's Filter; it will also typically set the Filter parameter at the heel-down position (Filter all the way closed), which is why no wet signal appears to come through. 

Another culprit could be that an older version of Microcosm's firmware is on your unit. Triggering issues (which can result in limited or absent wet signal output) were present in firmware version v1.1 and older. Visit our firmware page here to determine what firmware you have on your Microcosm.

Beyond this, checking cables and ensuring that your power supply meets the specifications/is not faulty are additional troubleshooting steps.

Should I use Instrument Level or Line Level?

It depends. Typically, when using Line Level instruments (such as synthesizers, grooveboxes, or signal coming from an audio interface), it would be advisable to use Line Level mode. However, it will not damage the pedal to leave it in Instrument Level, and you may even find that leaving it Instrument Level will work better in your setup. 

Changing Microcosm from Instrument Level to Line Level will attenuate the signal going through Microcosm - it is not changing the input impedance of the pedal. Accordingly, Microcosm's head room is essentially the same when in Instrument Level vs. Line Level. The best advice is to experiment and find which mode works better for you.

What is Microcosm's sample rate and bit depth?

Microcosm operates at 48kHz 24-bit.

I can't change global settings when I'm in Global Configuration. Why is that?

There are a few steps that can be overlooked when making Global Configuration changes. Make sure you are following these steps: 

1. Enter Global Configuration by holding the Shift + Phrase Looper buttons simultaneously. 

2. Move the corresponding knob for the setting you'd like to change, e.g. the Mix knob to change between Instrument Level or Line Level. 

3. Once you have moved the corresponding knob, you then must use the Preset Selector to toggle between the different options. Most of time when users report not being able to change global settings, they are overlooking this step.

4. Once you have moved the white cursor to the setting you'd like to change, you must press in the Preset Selector to confirm the change. If this is not done, the change will not be persistent. This step is also commonly overlooked.

I'm only getting sound out of Microcosm's left channel. What's happening?

More likely than not, you are running a mono source into Microcosm, but have the pedal configured in Stereo Input mode. There are some misconceptions about Microcosm's Stereo configuration. 

If you are sending a mono signal into Microcosm, you do not have to change any global settings in order to get a stereo output signal. The only instance you should be changing Microcosm to Stereo Input mode is if you are running a stereo signal into it. 

If you are running Stereo In/Stereo Out but are still only getting output in one channel, troubleshoot your dual TS to TRS cable to make sure it is not defective. Also, check to make sure the output cables you are using are working properly. Last, check to make sure the power supply you are using with Microcosm meets the power requirements and is not defective. 

If you are still experiencing issues troubleshooting, feel free to use the contact form to send us a message.

What are the input and output impedances of Microcosm?

The input impedance is 500kOhm. The output impedance is < 1kOhm. The recommended input impedance of the next device in the chain is 10kOhm or greater, although it can drive smaller loads.