www.turboharp.com

®

Harmonicas of the Future

rev. 3.8.13pg. 1

USER’S GUIDE 4.4AntakaMatics, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA

V 05.07.12 pg. 2

Congratulations on being one of the very first citizens of Planet Earth to play the TurboHarp/ELX, the world’s first and only truly electronic harmonica. It is the result of over 20 years of development, and is based on a patented pickup system for detecting the motion of the reeds of the harmonica.

FEATURES • World’s Only Fully Electric

Harmonica• Optical sensors (pickups)

convert reed vibration to electrical signal.

• Uses standard 10-hole diatonic harmonica body

• Virtually eliminates feedback.• Enables creative audio

effects

US Patent 6,326,532

Prof. Turbodog

Blow Notes: Right Channel

Draw Notes: Left Channel

pg. 3

Disclaimers

1. Our famous no-questions-asked satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied, or just don’t think its for you, then please return it within 30-days without any obligations.

2. These harmonicas are currently hand assembled. They are NOT perfect. But we have tried our best to provide high quality so that you can make some beautiful noise. Here are some of the known imperfections:

1. When connected directly to an amplifier, there may be some noticeable “idling noise” or hiss. Our RP-55 multi-effects unit includes a noise gate that greatly mitigates this effect. If you chose to use your own effects unit, we recommend that you either incorporate a noise gate, cut the high-end EQ (treble).

2. The gain (volume) of each of the reeds might not be perfectly balanced. There are two adjustments you can make to correct this. If necessary, please contact us for instructions.

3. The unadulterated output of the ELX is kind of boring... like an electric guitar without an amplifier. We strongly urge you to use some sort of electronics effects (stomp box, guitar pedal, etc.) to get the most out of it.

4. We greatly value your feedback and constructive criticism. In particular we encourage your suggestions regarding the choice of effects that might work best with the ELX.

5. We would be even more grateful if you could send us a recording, or upload a video that we can post on our website.

6. If we introduce any improvements within 6 months of your purchase of the harp, we will provide them to you free of charge.

Sincere thanks for your interest and encouragement!

Although the ELX has gone through many revisions and improvements over the past 10 years, we admit that it is still not perfect. We ask that you please keep the following points in mind:

The ELX is not a substitute for your favorite microphone. Think of it as the “electric guitar” of the harmonica.

“before you begin”(if that’s even possible)

make sure you have everything

BELT PACK (9V BATT. INCL.)

3’ CABLE

COMPACTGIG CASE

ELX MODULEwith HOHNERSPECIAL-20

PRO SET

DNR BELT PACK (9V BATT. INCL.)

24” CABLE

DIGITECH RP-55MULTI-EFFECTS(6 AA BATTS. INCL.)

LARGEGIG CASE

DELUXE SET

ELX MODULEwith HOHNERSPECIAL-20

BELT PACK(9V BATT. INCL.)

ELX HARP MODULE+economy harp body

(key of C)

24” AUDIO CABLE

STARTER SET

WIRING DIAGRAM

IncludedAudio Cable

¼ Patch Cord(garden variety)

Requires 6 AA Batteries (Included)OR AC Adapter - optional

Requires 9VBattery (included)

Requires 9VBattery (included)

ELX MODULE

BELT PACK*

AMPLIFIER – CUSTOMER SUPPLIED(also avail at www.TurboHarp.com)

AC Adapter(optional)

Digitech Multi-Effects BoxDigitech Multi-Effects Box

WIRING DIAGRAM(Stereo)

IncludedAudio Cable

Splitter*¼” stereo to ¼” or RCA

ELX MODULE

BELT PACK

HEADPHONESOPTIONAL

This configuration allows the blow notes and draw notes to be separated to L & R channels.

YOUR MIXER/AMP

LEFTSPEAKER

RIGHTSPEAKER

* optional: use stereo patch cord without splitter, depending on your system.

Your Stereo Multi-FXProcessor

NOT SHOWN (BACK SIDE OF CIRCUIT BOARDS)•Individual trimmer pots – 1 per sensor•LED Bias gain adjustment(for authorized service person, or advanced users)

NOT SHOWN (BACK SIDE OF CIRCUIT BOARDS)•Individual trimmer pots – 1 per sensor•LED Bias gain adjustment(for authorized service person, or advanced users)

Getting to Know your ELX

LIGHT SENSORSONE PER REED

ACOUSTIC HARP BODY (SPECIAL 20 SHOWN)

MAGNETICLATCH

HINGEDCASE

FLEXCABLEFLEXCABLE

SPACERSCREWSPACERSCREW

BALANCEADJUSTMENTBALANCEADJUSTMENT

•Acoustic Harp Body – an ordinary Special-20 sized harp, with cover plates removed.•Light Sensors – convert reed vibration to electrical signal.•Hinged Case – holds everything together.•Magnetic Latch - holds the case closed, allows harp body to be changed quickly.•Flex Cable – connects the draw board to the blow board.•Balance Adjustment – turn left to boost draw notes, right to boost blow notes.•Spacer Screw – adjusts distance between sensor and reeds. Should not require adjustment.

pg. 9

RP-55 QuickStart

The Digitech RP55 can do many cool things. Check out the user’s guide. (Included in shipment, also available electronically.)

The unit should come shipped with the first twelve (12) effects pre-programmed to help you get started with the ELX right away.

Step 1: Cycle through pre-programmed effects (presets) using the left/right pedals.

The display shows the effect number (1-40 are user-programmable, and 41-80 are pre-programmed.)

Step 2: Adjust volume either through your external amp, or with “Master”volume control.

Step 3: If you wish to tweak any of the presets, start by pressing the “Edit/Effect” (right) and cycling through the categories, illuminated above.

Step 3a: To alter the levels or individual effects, press “Value”buttons right or left.

Step 3b: To save an effect, press “Store” then choose the target location with the up/down pedals, and then “Store” again.

If your system came equipped with a Digitech RP-55 effects box, here’s all you need to know to get started.

pg. 10

RP-55 “TurboHarp” PatchesSince the effects pedal was intended for guitar, the factory-programmed patches don't work very well with the ELX. So we pre-programmed the first 13 for you to get you started.

If you discover any other patches that you’d like to share, by all means, tell us!

For Reference:The first 40 patches of the DigiTechRP55 are user-programmable.The subsequent patches (41 to 80) are factory preset.Initially patches 1-40 are identical to 41-80.But we have reprogrammed #1-13

pos’n (original) Descriptive name L

eve

l

Pic

kup

Co

mp

Am

p /C

ab

No

ise

Gat

e

EQ

(b/m

/t)

Ch

oru

s /M

od

Del

ay

(tim

e)

Rev

erb

1 (3) Fresh Aire 78 Cr 4 C3 G5 6/5/3 C2 d5,35 of 2 (39) Why, Why? 50 Cr 1 o5< G5 6/5/3 >A2 of of 3 (40) “Cacophony” 30 Cr 1 r8 52 6/5/3 H1 p4,60 C2 4 (4) St Paul 30 Cr 1 H6 G5 6/5/3 H1 of r8 5 (7) Fuzzzzz 30 Cr 1 F4 G5 6/5/3 of of C3

6 (26) Echo Echo Echo 75 Cr 1 b5 G5 6/5/3 b7 P8, 70 C2 7 (33) Steel Drums 75 Cr 1 b4 53 6/5/3 Y1< of 51

8 Popcorn 25 Cr 15 >G9 G7 7/9/4 of P2, 50 H1 9 Chorus 30 Cr 15 >H3 G5 6/5/3 of A1, 45 of 10 Hammond Echo 85 Cr 3 b6< G5 6/5/3 >b7 P8,70 C2 11 Brass 65 Cr 5 o5 G5 6/5/3 F6 >P2, 45 r1<

12 (33) Sub Woof 80 Cr 1 b4 52 6/5/3 Y4 of 51 13 Clean 75 Cr 1 >AC G5 6/5/3 of of of

pg. 11

TurboHarp/ELX

How it Works

draw blow

DRAWREED

BLOW REEDBLOW

REEDPLATE

SENSOR

DRAWREEDPLATE

COMB

SENSOR

HARMONICA BODY(STANDARD)

UPPERSENSOR BOARD(BLOW NOTES)

UPPERHOUSING

LOWER HOUSING

LOWERSENSOR BOARD(DRAW NOTES)

draw blow SENSOR

UPPER (BLOW)SENSOR BOARD

HARMONICABODY

SENSOR

LOWER (DRAW)SENSOR BOARD

The operation of the TurboHarp/ELX is similar to an electric guitar. It transforms the vibration of the reeds of the harmonica to electrical signals that are transmitted to the amplifier, mixer, or effects box. Unlike a guitar, however, which uses electromagnetic pickups, the ELX relies on optical sensors which detect motion by reflection off the reed surface. Each reed has its own sensor, for a total of twenty.

pg. 12

Replacing the Harmonica Body

Step 1: Place the assembly in your left hand (for right handed players). Holding the lower lid between thumb and index finger, flip open the upper lid.

Step 2: Remove the harmonica body, noting the orientation: blow reeds on top.)

Step 3: Replace the harmonica body, close lid, and you’re good to go!

•The ELX is designed to accept any Special-20 harmonica body. It can also be used with similarly sized harmonicas, including Marine Band, etc, but may require extra shims to assure a proper fit.

•Technical Note: the spacing between the sensor and the reeds is critical to the proper operation of the ELX. This gap has been adjusted at the factory using a “standard” harp body. If, after replacing harp bodies you detect a change in the loudness of any of the reeds, it might indicate incorrect gapping. And if this happens, please contact us for instructions.

pg. 13

Troubleshooting Guide

No sound Remove plug from ELX, tap with finger. If you hear a buzz or pop, then there is something wrong with the ELX.

Contact TurboHarp

If not... then something else is the culprit.

Check for something disconnected or switched off between ELX and speaker: power strip, amp, effects box, mixer. “Divide and conquer.”

Loudness uneven amongst reeds

If all blow reeds or all draw reeds affected, then it is most likely due to the offset position.

Adjust standoff screws of the weaker of the two boards to increase the offset.OR: adjust the balance pot on the top board

If only one or two reeds affected.

If too weak: Check for corrosion or tarnish on respective reed.If too loud: adjust trim pot for that particular read

Volume seems to drop out when bending low notes

This is not supposed to happen, but if it does, its due to improper offset.

First test by playing the harp with one of the lids slightly pried open (about one fingernail thickness.) If this solves the problem, then one of the boards is too close to the reedplate and the respective standoff screw needs loosened.If it does not solve the problem – call TurboHarp

Hiss There is normally a small amount of unavoidable hiss due to the “idling” of the optical pickups.

Hiss can be reduced by cutting the treble end of the EQ.Recommended solution: introduce a noise gate or an effects unit with built-in gate, such as the RP-70.

Hum/buzz 60 Hz noise could be due to several factors: a bad ground, noisy power supply, or noisy fluorescent lights

If there are fluorescent lights nearby, try switching them off.If the ELX lid is open, it will pick up 60Hz from any light source plugged in the wall; but this will go away once you close the lid.Else: look for bad connection, or cable.

Crackle, pop This is not a good sign... please contact us

Contact TurboHarp for a replacement.

circa 1991 – original “breadboard”version – originally intended for experimentation on physics of reed dynamics. Two eddy current proximity sensors used.

circa 1996: Piezo version: flexible plastic sensors painstakingly bonded to each reed. Wire attachment was a big problem.

circa 2001: Improved piezo version: wire attachment problem “solved” kind-of. But still painstaking, and resulted in unacceptable damping. Note brief venture into using Lee Oskar bodies.

Origins of the ELX

circa 2003: Attempt at proximity sensors integrated into the comb.

circa 2004: First optical pickup version. 4 channels: low notes blow, low draw, high blow, high draw

Origins of the ELX

• Optical sensors (pickups) convert reed vibration to electrical signal.

• Used standard harmonica body

• Required disassembly of lids (by 2 allen screws) to swap harmonica bodies.

RIGHT

LEFT

4 channels from harp:•Low blow•Low draw•High blow•High draw

•Quad output: blow-draw; low-high registers

pg. 16

Origins of the ELX: Generation-2 Optical

circa 2004

circa 2003: Demo CD

circa 2004: refined 4-channel mixer.circa 2004: refined 4-channel mixer.

•Experimented with various effects boxes, including Line-6, POD, Pandora Box, Digitech RP50, and RP70, and others.

History of the ELX• circa 1990 – experimental studies on harmonica reed

dynamics accidentally results in realization that reed motion when converted to voltage, can then be translated to sound.

• circa 1996 – first piezo electric prototype• circa 1999 – piezo model is “perfected” however has

significant drawbacks. Presented to Hohner, who expressed no interest.

• circa 2002 – eddy current sensor• circa 2002 – capacitive sensor• 2003 – patent filed• 2004 – first prototype using optical sensor using simple

passive summer circuit. Worked “ok” but gain was uneven across reeds (very weak for the high reeds) and there was unacceptable hiss.

• 2005 – second optical prototype designed by Tom Dragness including on-board preamplifiers. Sensors changed from Optek to Omron to save cost. This harp was configured as quadraphonic: high register separated from low, draw from blow, patched to mini quad mixer (Nobels.) Drawbacks included complexity, difficulty to replace harp bodies (requiring disassembly of lids), and ongoing problem of hiss.

• 2008 – retained Daedalus to re-design ELX to deal with manufacturability issue and hiss. They redesigned the circuit, and produced 5 prototypes, but not much was changed, except convert from four channel to one (for sake of simplicity, obviating 4-channel mixer.) The manufacturability issue was never addressed.

• 2009-at wits end, Prof Turbodog decides to take matters into his own hands, and redesigns the covers to permit easy exchange of harp bodies. Returns to Daedalus for minor revisions to circuit, particularly replacing sensors which had been discontinued by Omron by Fairchild sensors. Added pot’s to each of the reeds to balance gain; Also inverted summation of blow and draw (based on suggestion of Harmonica John) to prevent cancellation when bending notes. Also added on-board connector along with other improvements to improve manufacture, assembly, and adjustment.

• 2011 – retained Novodyne (Burbank, CA) to produce circuit boards.• 2011, November 7 – first 5 boards arrived. Assembled to 5-sets of rapid-prototype lids

to produce the first five “production” ELX’s.• April 2012 – Novodyne loses lease, goes out of business; runs off with our down

payment.• ca June 2012 – we find another supplier of circuit boards, and conduct another round of

debugging, and minor revisions. • August 17, 2012: first set of 100 circuit boards received, full production initiated.• ...and the beat goes on...

www.turboharp.com

®

Harmonicas of the Future