NAMM 2014: Source Audio Introduces SoundBlox 2 Manta Bass Filter

NAMM 2014: Source Audio Introduces SoundBlox 2 Manta Bass Filter -

Source Audio, creators of the award-winning Soundblox line of effects pedals and the Hot Hand 3 Wireless Effects Controller, have released the Soundblox 2 MANTA Bass Filter.  The Manta is the next generation of Source Audio’s popular Soundblox Pro Bass Envelope Filter.  The pedal features 12 top-notch filter effects that triggered the success of the original Soundblox Pro BEF plus the addition of eight variations of on-board distortion.  The distortions are not just crunch, or amp simulation; they are specifically designed to work in tandem with the filter effect selections. The Manta’s vast range of effect combinations and adjustable parameters offer an abundance of options, from classic funk tones to modern, super-aggressive dubstep wobble effects.

The Manta features a very unique signal path, internally splitting the instrument’s dry and distorted signals.  The dry signal alone controls the envelope, increasing the playing response from the filter.  Bob Chidlaw, Source Audio’s Chief Scientist explains, “The main reason we put in the distortions was to be able to use distortion without it severely compressing the dynamic range of the envelope follower.  The twenty-four filter types provide a lot of opportunity to shape the final tonal spectrum.  Lowering the frequency control generally makes things more mellow, although the Manta prefers to be a snarling, nasty killer!”

The Manta features twelve filter effects, including classics like 2 and 4-pole Low-Pass, Single-Peak, Multi-Peak, and Phasers.  The Distortion Types include Hard and Soft clip, Octave distortion, Fold-back, Quantized, and synth-like Gated Fuzz.  Each distortion has independent gain levels adjusted by the Drive control.  There is also the choice of five different modulation sources including a Fast Attack and Slow Attack Envelope, Sine LFO, Square LFO, and Sawtooth LFO.  Plus, like all Soundblox 2 pedals, the Manta is compatible with the Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, the Hot Hand 3 Wireless Effects Controller, or MIDI control signals via the Soundblox HUB.

Widely acclaimed for bringing innovation into the world of guitar effects pedals, Source Audio was founded in January 2005 by former engineers, scientists, and executives of Analog Devices, Kurzweil Music Systems, and Thomas H. Lee Partners.  In 2006, Source Audio released its flagship product, the Hot Hand Motion-Sensing Ring.  Since that time, Source Audio’s distortion, filter, modulation, and Hot Hand products, have found their way onto the stages and recordings of David Bowie, Phish, My Morning Jacket, The Cure, and Adrian Belew to name a few.  Source Audio was also recognized through multiple awards from Guitar Player, Guitar World, Bass Player, and Premier Guitar Magazines.

The street price of the Soundblox 2 MANTA Bass Filter is $169.  It is available now.  For more information and a list of authorized dealers, visit www.sourceaudio.net