GigRig Wetter Box Manual

Introduction

1. SELECT INPUT STEREO/ MONO
2. MIX BLEND CONTROL
3. OPTOKICK FOOTSWITCH
4. GAIN CONTROL LOOP B RETURN
5. GAIN CONTROL LOOP A RETURN
6. EFFECTS LOOP A RETURN
7. EFFECTS LOOP A SEND
8. MAIN INPUT
9. PHASE LOOP B RETURN
10. MIX/ BLEND SELECT
11. REMOTE SWITCH INPUT
12. EXPRESSION PEDAL INPUT
13. EFFECTS LOOP B SEND
14. EFFECTS LOOP B RETURN
15. OUTPUT LEFT (MONO)
16. OUTPUT RIGHT (STEREO)

Glossary

• INPUT MONO/STEREO: If your INPUT to the Wetter Box is Mono, set the switch to MONO. If your signal path is stereo (using a TRS cable), set to STEREO.
• MAIN INPUT: Connect your guitar here (if using STEREO, use a TRS Cable).
• GAIN CONTROL LOOP B RETURN: Use this to control the Gain of LOOP B.
• GAIN CONTROL LOOP A RETURN: Use this to control the Gain of LOOP A.
• EFFECTS LOOP A SEND: Connect a patch cable (TRS, if STEREO) from here to the Input of the effects pedal in LOOP A.
• EFFECTS LOOP A RETURN: Connect a patch cable (TRS, if STEREO) from here to the Output of the effects pedal in LOOP A.
• EFFECTS LOOP B SEND: Connect a patch cable, (TRS, if STEREO) from here to the Input of the effects pedal in LOOP B.
• EFFECTS LOOP B RETURN: Connect a patch cable (TRS, if STEREO) from here to the Output of the effects pedal in LOOP B.
• OUTPUT LEFT (MONO): Connect to Amp for Mono Output.
• OUTPUT RIGHT (STEREO): Connect second Amp for STEREO output.
• OPTOKICK FOOTSWITCH: Press this to engage/disengage the Wetter Box.
• MIX/BLEND SELECT: Push to select between MIX or BLEND modes of operation.
• MIX/BLEND CONTROL: Use this dial to either MIX or BLEND LOOP A and LOOP B together.
• PHASE LOOP B RETURN: Use this to flip the Phase on LOOP B when required.
• REMOTE SWITCH INPUT: Plug in a Mono (TS) cable here to control the wetter box remotely from any latching Footswitch.
• EXPRESSION PEDAL INPUT: Connect an Expression Pedal here for alternative MIX/ BLEND Control operation.
• DC INPUT: Plug in your DC power here. You'll need a supply capable of 185mA using a standard 2.1mm centre neg connector.

PLEASE NOTE
if you are using TheGigRig Modular Power Supply you may power the Wetter Box direct from a Distributor as the power is isolated internally

How It Works

In a standard series signal path, the signal flows through each effect one after the other. In a parallel path, the signal is split and sent separately to each effect, then the processed signals are mixed together before being sent to the output.

How the Wetter Box Works:

• The signal enters the Wetter Box through the main INPUT.
• The signal is then split into two separate signals.
• These signals are routed to Effects Loop A and Effects Loop B.
• If no cables are plugged into an effects loop, the signal simply bypasses that loop.
• The signal from the Loop Return (or, if the loop is empty, the signal directly from the split) is then fed into the Gain stage.
• Finally, these signals are mixed together and sent to the Output.

Blending A Pedal In Parallel

Setting Up Your Wetter Box

1. Power & Connections:
   • Ensure that your pedals and the Wetter Box are correctly powered.
   • Connect your guitar to the INPUT.
   • Connect OUT L to your amplifier.
     Note: In standard MONO operation, signal will only come from OUTPUT L.
2. Connecting an Effects Pedal:
   • Plug your effects pedal (e.g. an analog delay) into LOOP B of the Wetter Box.
3. Using the MIX CONTROL:
   • Set the MIX CONTROL to A to hear only your direct signal.
   • Set the MIX CONTROL to B to hear only the effected signal from your pedal.
   • Balance the mix using the GAIN CONTROLS.

Understanding the Controls

GAIN CONTROLS

• Each loop has its own independent GAIN CONTROL to help balance levels between effects.
• The gain stage is after the loop return, acting as a master volume—allowing you to boost or cut the level.
• Important: These controls remain active, even if no pedal is connected to the loop.

MIX CONTROL

• The MIX CONTROL blends between LOOP A and LOOP B.
• If a loop is empty (e.g. LOOP A in this example), that loop acts as your direct signal.
• With the MIX CONTROL fully set to LOOP B, adjust your delay pedal to the maximum desired level.
• As you turn the control towards LOOP A, the delay effect will gradually fade, allowing more of your direct signal to take over.

Blending 2 Pedals Together

Blending Two Pedals with the Wetter Box
You can blend any two pedals using the Wetter Box.

1. Power & Connections:
   • Ensure your pedals and the Wetter Box are correctly powered.
   • Connect your guitar to the INPUT.
   • Connect OUT L to your amplifier.
     Note: In standard MONO operation, signal will only be output from OUT L.
2. Connecting Your Pedals:
   For LOOP A:
   • Connect a patch lead from the SEND of LOOP A to the input of your first pedal.
   • Connect the output of the pedal to the LOOP A RETURN.
     For LOOP B:
   • Connect your second pedal in the same way using LOOP B.

Setting the Gain Controls

1. Start with both pedals turned off (in their bypass state).
2. Turn on the Wetter Box by pressing the FOOTSWITCH (Blue LED will light up).
3. Set the MIX CONTROL fully to A (100% LOOP A, 0% LOOP B).
4. Toggle the Wetter Box on and off, adjusting GAIN A until the level matches the bypassed signal.
5. Turn the MIX CONTROL fully to B and repeat the process for GAIN B.

Now, turn on your pedals and use the MIX CONTROL to seamlessly blend between them, finding the perfect balance between your effects.

Phase Loop B

Using the Phase & MIX Mode on the Wetter Box

Phase Correction (PHASE LOOP B Button)

• On the side of the Wetter Box, you'll find the PHASE LOOP B button.
• When two signals are in phase, they combine properly, ensuring a full and natural sound.
• When signals are out of phase, they partially cancel each other out, making the overall signal quieter.
• If you notice this happening, press the PHASE LOOP B button to reverse the phase on LOOP B, restoring full sound.
  

MIX Mode Layering Effects

• MIX mode blends LOOP B on top of LOOP A, allowing both signals to remain present in the mix.
• For example, if you place a reverb pedal in LOOP A and a delay pedal in LOOP B, the delay will sit on top of the reverb without reducing it.
• This works especially well with pedals that have a KILL DRY or 100% Wet setting
  

Using an Expression Pedal & Remote Switch

Expression Pedal Control

• Plugging an expression pedal into the EXP PEDAL input disables the master MIX knob, allowing you to blend effects in real-time.
• Compatible with any expression pedal with a pot value between 10K and 100K (most are 50K and work well).
• No audio passes through the expression pedal—it simply sends a control voltage to adjust the blend ratio.

Remote Switching

• The REMOTE switch lets you turn the Wetter Box on and off remotely.
• Any latching switch can control the Wetter Box's ON/OFF state.
• Why use a remote switch?
• If you're running the Wetter Box in your amp's FX loop, this feature eliminates the need for long audio cable runs.
• Simply leave the Wetter Box near your amp and switch it on/off from your pedal board.

Connecting the Wetter Box to your Amps FX Loop

1. Connect the SEND from your amp's FX loop to the INPUT of the Wetter Box.
2. Connect the OUTPUT of the Wetter Box to the FX RETURN of your amp.

Pro Tip: For the best results, try using a delay pedal set to 100% wet (Kill Dry mode) in the loop. This allows you to blend the delay seamlessly on top of your amp's preamp tone, preserving clarity and depth.

Using the Wetter Box in Stereo

The Wetter Box is fully stereo-compatible, with a stereo signal path that includes stereo gain controls. How to Access Stereo Capabilities:

• Use TRS to Dual Mono connectors to split the stereo signal.
• This allows you to blend stereo signals in parallel, maintaining full stereo width while controlling the mix between effects.

Pro Tip: Pairing the Wetter Box with stereo delay or reverb pedals creates lush, immersive soundscapes while keeping full control over your wet/dry balance.

MONO Send/ Stereo Return

Switching Between Mono & Stereo on the Wetter Box
The Wetter Box can operate in Mono or Stereo, giving you maximum flexibility for different setups. How to Switch Modes:

• Mono Mode: Use a standard patch cable and set the switch to Mono.
• Stereo Mode: Use a TRS to Dual Mono connector and set the switch to Stereo.

Example: Connecting Two Pedals with Mono Inputs & Stereo Outputs

1. Set the switch to Mono.
2. Connect LOOP A:
   • Send → Pedal A Input
   • Pedal A Stereo Outputs → Dual Mono Jacks (Y-cable)
   • TRS Jack (Y-cable) → Loop A Return
3. Connect LOOP B:
   • Send → Pedal B Input
   • Pedal B Stereo Outputs → Dual Mono Jacks (Y-cable)
   • TRS Jack (Y-cable) → Loop B Return

Pro Tip: Running stereo effects like delay and reverb in this setup creates a rich, immersive sound while keeping precise control over your mix.

Stereo Input to Wetter Box

Feeding a True Stereo Signal into the Wetter Box
To feed the Wetter Box with a true stereo signal, simply use a TRS to Dual Mono connector. Example: Using a Stereo Chorus Pedal

1. Connect the stereo output of your stereo chorus pedal to the TRS input on the Wetter Box using a TRS to Dual Mono connector.
2. This will send the stereo signal from the chorus into the Wetter Box, where you can blend it with your dry signal as desired.

Pro Tip: Using a stereo signal with the Wetter Box lets you create immersive, wide stereo effects while keeping control over the wet/dry mix.

The entire signal path is true stereo but you need to change the input switch on the Wetter Box from MONO to STEREO.

True Bypass or Trails Mode

Bypass States: True Bypass & Trails Mode

The Wetter Box offers two bypass states: True Bypass and Trails Mode.

True Bypass

• This is the default mode (all circuitry bypassed), indicated by the BLUE LED.
• In this mode, no signal processing occurs, and your signal passes straight through.

Trails Mode

• Exclusive to LOOP B, Trails Mode allows your delay/reverb to spill over when bypassed.
• When a delay pedal is placed in LOOP B (and LOOP A is empty), the repeats of the delay will continue after you bypass the Wetter Box.
• Trails Mode is indicated by the RED LED.

Switching Between True Bypass and Trails Mode

1. Unplug the power to the Wetter Box.
2. Hold down the footswitch.
3. While holding the footswitch, plug the power back into the Wetter Box.
4. The LED will flash—continue holding the footswitch for 3 seconds, then release.
5. Your Wetter Box is now in the selected bypass state.

To revert to the previous bypass mode, repeat the process.

Using Delay/Echo Trails MONO

Here's an example of using the Wetter Box to get delay trails in a MONO setup.

Follow these steps to get delay trails in a Mono setup with the Wetter Box:

1. Turn on Trails Mode (indicated by the RED LED) and press the MIX mode button in.
2. Leave LOOP A empty to keep it as your direct signal.
3. Remember, in Trails Mode, the GAIN CONTROL for LOOP A is still active even when the Wetter Box is bypassed.
4. Set your delay pedal to 100% Wet or Kill Dry, ensuring only the delay repeats are heard, with no direct signal from the pedal.
5. Use the MIX CONTROL to blend between:
   • LOOP A (your direct signal)
   • LOOP A + LOOP B (your direct signal plus the delay)
6. Now, when you turn off the Wetter Box using the footswitch, you'll hear the delay repeats trail over your direct signal.

Note:

• If your delay pedal doesn't have a Kill Dry or 100% Wet feature (common in older analog delay pedals), switch to BLEND mode instead of MIX mode.
• With the MIX control set to LOOP B, adjust your delay pedal to the desired maximum level of delay.

Using Delay/Echo Trails Stereo

To make this work you'll require a MONO to DUAL MONO TRS connector.

Setting Up the Wetter Box for Stereo Delay Trails

1. Mono signal: Connect your guitar's output to the mono input of your delay pedal.
2. Stereo outputs of the delay pedal: Feed both left and right sides of the stereo signal into LOOP B return using a dual MONO/Stereo TRS connector.
3. LOOP A setup:
   • Use a MONO send from LOOP A and connect it to the dual MONO return.
   • This will feed both sides of the stereo signal into the stereo return using a MONO/Dual MONO TRS cable as described above.
4. Blending in your delay: Now, when you blend in your delay pedal, the stereo signal from the delay will blend in parallel with your input signal, applying to both the left and right channels.

Tip on Powering Your Wetter Box

• Under the Phase and WET/MIX push buttons, you'll find the 9V, 2.1mm centre-negative DC input.
• The Wetter Box requires a power supply capable of delivering 185mA for proper operation.
• If your current power supply doesn't meet this requirement, consider:
  • Purchasing the optional Wetter Box power supply from The GigRig website, or
  • Checking out The GigRig Modular power solutions.
• If you're already using TheGigRig Modular Power Supply, you can power the Wetter Box directly from a Distributor since the power is internally isolated, meaning you don't need a high-current adapter.

Using the Wetter Box with G2 or Quartermaster

Integrating the Wetter Box with G2

Think of the Wetter Box as another effects pedal, with the sounds you create using it selected by including it in a loop on the G2 or Quartermaster.

Example Setup: Blending Short Analog Delay with Long Digital Delay

• Place the Wetter Box in the last loop of the G2.
• When you activate this loop, the Wetter Box will be fed by all the pedals before it in the signal chain.
• By using an expression pedal, you can blend in real time between your short analog delay and long digital delay when the Wetter Box loop is selected.

Stereo Integration with G2

• Don't forget, the Wetter Box is stereo, so you can seamlessly integrate it into the G2's stereo loops.
• This allows you to blend stereo reverbs and delays in parallel, adding even more depth and dimension to your sound.

Using the Wetter Box's REMOTE SWITCH with G2

• Another way to integrate the Wetter Box is to utilise its REMOTE SWITCH.
• By connecting the Wetter Box to one of the G2's Remote Switches, you can control it within a G2 preset, making it easy to switch the Wetter Box on and off without needing to press the pedal itself.

Technical Specification

Supply Voltage - 9V DC (2.1mm centre negative connector)

Max current - 185mA

Input Drive Levels (Line level compatible)

True Bypass:
Input impedance = Source impedance
Max input level = Source maximum

Buffered/Trails Bypass:
Input impedance = 1MΩ
Max input level = +/- 8.5V

Outputs Left (mono) and Right (stereo)
True Bypass mode:
Bandwidth = Source bandwidth
Output impedance = Source impedance
Max output Level = Source Level
Gain=0dB(V)

Bypass Trails mode:
Bandwidth = 10Hz 85KHz
Output impedance = 27Ω
Noise = 3nV/√Hz
Max output Level = +/- 8.5V
Gain=+6dB(V)

Documents / Resources

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download GigRig Wetter Box Manual