Digital Delay Systems: Owner'S Manual
Digital Delay Systems: Owner'S Manual
Digital Delay Systems: Owner'S Manual
DIGITAL
DELAY
SYSTEMS
DIGITECH DIGITAL DELAY SYSTEMS
The DigiTech Digital Delay Systems offer a great variety of time delay effects in single space, rack
mounted units. Flanging, chorusing, doubling, and echo are all at your finger tips. The RDS 1900
and RDS 2001 Digital Delays offer a maximum delay time of 1.9 seconds, the RDS 3.6 Digital
Delay offers 3.6 seconds of maximum delay time, and the RDS 7.6 offers up to 7.6 seconds of
delay at full bandwidth. Foot switch controllable functions include "delay kill", "repeat hold", plus
pedal control of the delay time. The RDS 2001 and RDS 7.6 offer the additional capability of ~
sampling up to 1.9 seconds and 7.6 seconds respectively, and several means of triggering the I
sample, a record cancel input jack, and a trigger sync input. Ruggedly built and conveniently
laid-out, each digital delay will provide years of excellent signal processing service.
INTRODUCTION
Modern music makes use of several musical effects that a few years ago were only available in
the recording studio. Many of these effects are time dependent. That is, the sound is time
delayed and mixed with the original signal.
For instance, flanging came about by playing two tape recorders of the same track together and
dragging a finger on the 1l.ange. of one of the tape feed reels to get the changing comb filtering, or
"folding-in-on-itself-sound" that has become a standard sound in music today.
Each effect is a variation of three basic elements: the delay time of the orig inal signal, variance of
the time delay (WIDTH), and the rate at wh ich the delay variance changes (SPEED).
DigiTech Digital Delay Systems each offer the musician the ability to independently change these
parameters and create a wide number of effect sounds useful in contemporary music playing and
recording.
INSTALLATION
All three of the DigiTech digital delays are rack mountable, or may be used as free standing units.
Rack mounting: mount the chassis in the rack with the provided rack screws.
Free-standing: rubber self-adhesive feet are provided if you wish to use the delay as a free
standing unit.
Route the power cord to a convenient outlet away from audio lines, plug in the appropriate audio
lines (input and outputs) and the various exterior controls you may wish to use (delay kill, infinite
repeat, sync input, and/or VCO control voltage). Determine what input sensitivity level will allow
you the most dynamic range with the least amount of noise and set the level switch on the rear
panel at either -30 (usually for direct instrument or guitar input) or -1 0 (usually used as an effects
loop or mixer outboard effects). The MIX control allows the use of the DigiTech delays without a
mixer or other routing equipment.
-- -- -- --- ------
MAKING CONNECTIONS
All connections to the delays are made with 1/4 inch mono male phone plugs.
Tip: hot.
UNBALANCED CONNECTION
~r-----TiP(HOT)
LFO/vCO FUNCTIONS
A bit of explanation of how the delays work at this time will help you to understand the workings of
the front panel controls.
The time delay produced by these units is a product of two things: the amount of memory available
in the unit, and the frequency of the internal voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The memory
available is chosen by selecting one of the four push buttons on the front panel, (or by the
ARMITRIGGER PULSE synchronization feature on the RDS 2001 and RDS 7.6). The VCO is set
by one of three things:
(2) the VCO CONTROL jack input, which allows remole control of the time delay with a foot pedal
that delivers a control voltage of 0 to +5 volts, or
The LFO is active whenever the WIDTH control is turned clockwise from its "off" position. The
LFO makes an automatic variation of time delay, which can be imitated by rotating Ihe TIME
DELAY control knob back and forth, (or by using the VCO CONTROL jack). It is this low
frequency oscillator that automatically makes the chorus effect and flanging effect sounds. In
longer delay times such as the doubling or echo settings the LFO will make sounds that are not
normally useful in music. The maximum amount of WIDTH or time change ratio is 9 to 1 that can
be controlled from the TIME DELAY control, the VCO CONTROL input jack, or automatically from
the LFO.
The WIDTH control sets the amount of time delay variation by the LFO. When the WIDTH control
is fully counterclockwise no variation is allowed, and when it is fully clockwise the maximum
variation of 9 to 1 is allowed.
The SPEED control adjusts the sweep speed of the LFO, which automatically changes the rate of
time delay change. For the SPEED control to have an effect, the WIDTH control must be on any
setting otherthan minimum.
The DELAY time control sets the amount of time delay when the WIDTH control is off. When the
WIDTH control is on, it sets the center time setting, around which the delay will vary.
These buttons select specific ranges of delay time by effectively changing the amount of memory
used by the system. This allows for quick and easy effect selection and set-up.
I-
ii
MEMORY USED PER MAXIMUM DELAY TIMES
RDS 1900 RDS 3.6
FLANGE 14 msec. -- 512 bytes 14 msec. -- 256 bytes
CHORUS 56 msec. -- 2,048 bytes 112 msec. -- 2,048
DOUBLE 225 msec. -- 8,192 bytes 450 msec. -- 8,192 bytes
ECHOES 1900 msec. -- 65,536 bytes 3600 msec. -- 65,536 bytes
An LED under the button will light when that range has been selected.
When the ECHO time range button is pushed, the LED underneath will flash on-and-off Iour times
during each cycle of the memory. The RDS 7.6 flashes ~ times. This can be used as a
metronome to help time your playing to the memory length. This feature can also be very useful
on the RDS 2001 and the RDS 7.6 when sampling to time your playing to the sample length (See
the section on sampling).
Memory size is also set with the ARMfTRIGGER PULSE memory reset function on the RDS 2001,
and 7.6. This feature is explained in more detail in the REAR PANEL section of this manual.
NOTE: When powering up or changing the delay time range on any of the units, the output is
muted to allow the machine to clear any random data from the memory. The mute time may last
as long as 10 seconds depending upon the delay time you have selected.
SIGNAL MANIPULATION
The REPEAT HOLD button stops anything else from being "recorded" in the memory of the delay
unit and endlessly repeats whatever was the last put in just before the button was pressed. While
the REPEAT HOLD function is activated a lead line may be played over the top of a repeating 6ff
and mixed via the mix output control. This function can also be activated through the REPEAT
HOLD input jack on the rear panel.
The ARMfTRIGGER button switch appears only on the RDS 2001 and the RDS 7.6, and will be
discussed more in detail in the section on sampling.
The DELAY/SAMPLE MODE switch appears on the RDS 2001 and RDS 7.6, and selects the
operating mode of the delay. This switch should be put in the "NORMAL" postiton when no
sampling functions are wanted. Always put the unit in the "NORMAL" position when first turning on
the unit. Putting the DELAY/SAMPLE MODE switch in either the "SAMPLE" or "TRIGGER"
positions, automatically sets the delay time to the ECHO range. (For a discussion of the function
of this switch see the section on sarnplinq.)
The feedback INVERSION switch inverts the phase of the delayed signal as it is fedback into the
delay. When the switch is out the phase is normal. Pushing the switch in, lights the INVERT
PHASE LED, indicating that the phase is inverted. Inverted phase changes the character of the
flanging and chorusing sounds.
The FEEDBACK control adjusts the amount of delayed signal that is fedback through the delay
unit again. By turning the FEEDBACK control up, more echoes are heard. Increased feedback
will also make the flange sound more pronounced. With the FEEDBACK control fully clockwise,
the feedback is set at 100%, allowing for sounds-an-sound layering, using the INFINITE REPEAT
function of the delay.
The INPUT control sets the signal level that is fed into the delay unit.
The LED bar graph indicates the strength of the input signal level. The input signal should be as
high as possible without lighting the red (+3) LED. Signals greater than this will distort in the unit.
The EFFECT switch inserts the delay effect into the signal path or removes it.
REAR PANEL
The INPUT LEVEL SENSITIVITY SWITCH lets you select the input level which will allow the
greatest dynamic range with the least noise from the digital delay. The -30 position is used forthe
direct input from an instrument or guitar. The -10 position is used when the delay is used as part
of an effects loop from a guitar amplifier or as an outboard unit from a mixer when the signal
strengths are closer to "line level". This switch when used with the INPUT and OUTPUT controls
of the digital delay can optimize the dynamic range and signal-to-noise performance of the unit.
The INPUTto all models of delays is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack, which accepts unbalanced
inputs and has an input impedance of 470K ohms. The units will accept a maximum input level of
+ 18 dBv (ref.: 0.775 Vrms).
The DRY OUTput is a "loop-through" connection, so that the signal may be "daisy chained" on to
other effects. The connector is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack with an output impedance of 470
ohms and is unaffected by the INPUT and OUTPUT LEVEL controls.
The MIX OUTput connector is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack with an output impedance of 470 ohms.
The signal from this output is a proportion of the "dry" and "wet" signals as adjusted by the
OUTPUT MIX control and its strength is adjusted by the OUTPUT LEVEL control. The maximum
output level is + 18 dBv (ref.: 0.775 Vrm.) into a load of 10K ohms or higher, or is +14 dBv (ret.:
0.775 Vrm.) into a load of 600 ohms.
The PHASE OUTput is a phase inverted (180) output of the MIX OUTput signal. This is useful for
a stereo amplifier set-up and creates a pseudo-stereo effect. Send the M IX OUTput to one amp
and the PHASE OUTput to the other to create the stereo ambience.
The DELAY KILL is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack which can be used to mute the delayed signal,
allowing only the "dry" signal to pass. A foot switch will mute the delayed signal when the tip
conductor is connected to ground (See your DigiTech dealer for DigiTech's footswitch controller).
When the delayed signal is muted (foot switch is activated), the "dry" signal is allowed to pass to
both the MIX OUTput and the PHASE OUTput (180 out of phase).
The RECORD CANCEL is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack which appears on the RDS 2001 and RDS
7.6 delays, and can be used to cut off the input to the delay section of these units. This allows
"editing" of the delayed or sampled signal on-the-fly to precisely get the desired line or lick into the
delay. This function is most easily used with a momentary foot switch (See your DigiTech dealer
for DigiTech's footswitch controller).
The BYPASS is a 114-inch phone jack that allows foot switch control of the EFFECT button on the
front panel of the delay. Activation of the BYPASS shuts off the input and output of the delay
section of the unit. The DRY OUTput, the MIX OUTput, and the PHASE OUTput continue to
produce the original signal unaffected by the delay. This function is best used with a
push-on/push-off type foot switch (See your DigiTech dealer for DigiTech's footswitch controller).
The EFFECT in/out switch on the front panel must be in the cut position to give control to the
BYPASS foot switch.
The REPEAT HOLD is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack that allows foot control of the REPEAT HOLD
feature of the delay. Use a switch that connects the tip conductor to ground when activated (See
your DigiTech dealer for DigiTech's footswitch controller).
The VCO CONTROL VOLTAGE input is a 1/4-inch mono phone jack, which allows control of the
delay time with a volume type pedal. Use a pedal that provides a control voltage of 0 to +5 volts.
Plug the output of the pedal into the VCO CONTROL VOLTAGE jack. (See the DOD FX-17
WahlVolume control pedal.)
The RDS 2001 and RDS 7.6 are equipped with a ARMITRIGGER PULSE input. It uses a 1/4-inch
mono phone jack, which is designed to be connected to a synchronous +5 volt pulse generator,
such as from a drum machine. When the RDS 2001's or RDS 7.6's DELAY/SAMPLE MODE
switch is in the NORMAL position and a pulse is received at the ARMITRIGGER PULSE jack; the
memory is reset, thus adjusting the number of bytes of memory to be used by the delay section.
This feature allows synchronizing of the memory length-time with a interval determined by the
device generating the sync pulse. When used for sync the time between the pulses must be less
than the delay time of the unit.
When the RDS 2001 orthe RDS 7.6 is in the trigger position, the recorded sample stored in
memory can be started by a synchronizing pulse. The time between pulses may be any length of
time, however, if it is shorter than the sample length, only part of the sample will be heard before it
repeats again.
A pulse fed to the ARMITRIGGER PULSE input jack will also "arm" the "record sample" function
when the DELAY/SAMPLE MODE switch is in the SAMPLE position (see the section on sample
recording).
The RDS 2001 and RDS 7.6 are equipped with a ARMITRIGGER FOOT SWITCH jack which
allows you to execute the ARMITRIGGER button functions remotely with a foot switch.
A FUSE is provided to prevent damage to the delay unit by excess curren!. To replace a blown 1
fuse, push a small tool, like a small screwdriver into the hole on the bottom of the fuse holder.
This will release the catch and allow the fuse and holder cap to pop out. Please replace Ihe fuse
1
with a .25 amp slow blow fuse to prevent possible damage to the delay unit.
REMEMBER: When powering up or changing the delay time range on any of the units, the output
is muted to allow the machine to clear any random data from the memory. The mute time may last
as long as 10 seconds depending upon the delay time you have selected.
APPLICATIONS
Most of the musical effects produced by the digital delays are a function of one of three variables:
the DELAY TIME length, the amount of delay time length variation (WIDTH), and the SPEED at
wh ich the delay time length varies. The intensity of the effect is changed by the FEEDBACK
control and the MIX control.
FLANGING
Flanging uses very short delay times (1 to 12 ms.) and usually a lot of width at a slow speed.
Width refers to the ratio of longest to shortest delay time; the more width the higher the ratio.
Speed refers to how fast the delay time changes. A fast speed is used for vibrato and shimmer
type sounds, while a slow speed is used for smooth sweeping type sounds. The flanger's
characteristic sound comes from mixing the dry and the delayed signal together. At some
frequencies the signals combine, and at others they cancel, creating a series of peaks and valleys
in the frequency response. These peaks and valleys are commonly referred to as a comb filter.
Regeneration makes the comb filter effect more pronounced, adding a resonant flavor to the sound.
CHORUSING
Chorusing uses longer delay times, (4 to 50 ms.) less width, and no regeneration. When using
delay times in this range varying the delay time will cause the pitch of the delayed signal to be
changed. Mixing the delayed signal with the dry signal also causes notches and peaks in the
frequency response. However, in this range of delay times the notches and peaks are close
enough together that any coloration is very subtle. Varying the delay time causes the notches and
peaks to slide up and down in frequency. This, combined with the mild pitch shift, is what gives
chorusing its characteristic sound. Personal preference plays a big part in setting up a chorus, as
there are many different settings that sound good. To set up a chorus: first set the TIME RANGE
SWITCH to 56 msec and the DELAY TIME to a medium setting, orto 225 msec and a short
setting; and the WIDTH control to a medium setting. Set the SPEED control to the desired sweep
rate and then re-adjust both the DELAY TIME and the WIDTH controls to achieve the desired
chorus sound. Balance the SPEED setting against the WIDTH setting to avoid an "out of tune"
sound. Slower SPEED settings (sweep rates) require wider WIDTH settings (delay time variation),
and faster SPEED settings require narrower WIDTH settings. Longer TIME DELAY settings
create a thicker sound and shorter TIME DELAY settings create a more colored sound in a chorus
effect.
--.._.
I
SETTINGS FOR A SLOW SWEEPING CHORUS
DOUBLING
Doubling uses slightly longer delay times than chorusing, (40 to 80 ms.) and no width or speed.
Rather than sounding like two different players playing the same line as in chorusing, doubling
does what it sounds like - the same line played just slightly behind the original. The signal is
delayed enough to be heard as two signals, but with little comb filtering effect. For doubling, set
the TIME RANGE to the 225 msec position, the DELAY TIME control to medium low, and the MIX
and FEEDBACK controls as desired.
n
__ ••• w ..• "
0 Cl
SLAP BACK
Slap back uses a longer delay time than doubling (50 to 100 ms.). Slap back sounds like a very
quick, single echo, something like the bounce off of the back wall of a small, absorbent concert
hall. Set the TIME RANGE SWITCH to the 225 msec position, DELAY TIME low, FEEDBACK low
and MIX control as desired.
Cl
CJ
I
SETTINGS FOR SLAP BACK
ECHO
Echo can use almost any of the delay time settings of the digital delays from 250 msec. up to the
full delay time available. Adjust the DELAY TIME for longer or shorter echoes. Add FEEDBACK
for more than ne repeat to smooth out the sound.
o
I lI.2.g"~lIliJujLl'
;:" "jl"~'' ' JiUfil:':':'l:';~~]:;~1:':':·I;';~:·I':".'~I·~~I~L'' D~'9:
SETTI NGS FOR ECHO
INFINITE REPEAT
INANITE REPEAT is the ability of the DigiTech digital delays to "record" a sound up to 1.9 or 7.6
seconds in length and continually play it back like a tape loop. To use the INFINITE REPEAT, set
the MEMORY LENGTH SELECTION switch to ECHO, DELAY TIME control to the amount of
delay time desired, and MIX as desired. The ARMffRIGGER PULSE input on the back of the
RDS 2001 may instead be used to set the amount of delay time in order to synchronize it with a
drum machine(See the section on the SYNC input). Playa riff in time with the delay, press the
INFINITE REPEAT button, or the foot switch if one is connected. The rhythm will now be stored in
memory and will continue to repeat until the INFIN ITE REPEAT switch is pressed again. While the
INFINITE REPEAT switch is depressed, anything that is played into the unit comes out as a dry
signal mixed with the repeating rhythm. Note that the EFFECT switch may be pressed without
erasing the memory. Another touch of the EFFECT switch will bring the rhythm riff back.
SOUND ON SOUND
SOUND ON SOUND is achieved with the INFINITE REPEAT foot switch. Put down a rhythm riff
as explained above. Turn the FEEDBACK control all the way up. Press the INFINITE REPEAT
foot switch, playa lick that fits the rhythm, and press the INFINITE REPEAT foot switch again.
With this method, several tracks may be stored in the memory, however the earlier tracks will be
attenuated (reduced) slightly.
SAMPLING
The RDS 2001 and the RDS 7.6 are the only models capable of sampling a sound. Sampling is
the recording of a sound in the memory of the unit so that it may be played Irom the beginning
whenever you want. The sound will remain in the memory until it is erased, replaced, or the power
is turned off.
To sample a sound: push the ECHO delay time range button (note that the LED underneath the
button will begin to flash), turn the DELAY TIME control to the desired amount 01 delay time (or set
the pulse time from a drum machine) and place the DELAY/SAMPLE MODE switch in the
"SAMPLE" position. Make sure that the level control is up, and delay is receiving the proper level.
I
SETIINGS FOR RECORDING A SAMPLE
Press the ARMffRIGGER button to "arm" the sampling lunction. The sampling function may also
be "armed" by a loot switch connected to the ARMffRIGGER FOOT SWITCH jack on the rear of
the delay panel, or a pulse fed to the ARMffRIGGER PULSE input jack on the rear of the delay.
As soon as you playa sound into the unit, the REPEAT HOLD LED goes 011, indicating that the
unit is recording the sample. The REPEAT HOLD LED comes on when the sample memory is full
and the unit stops recording. There is no other way to begin the sampling other than to play into
the unit. The RDS 2001 has a maximum sample time of 1.9 seconds, and the RDS 7.6 has a
maximum delay time of 7.6 seconds. The sample time may be shortened with the DELAY TIME
control, or a pulse into the ARMffRIGGER PULSE input jack. The flashing LED under the ECHO
delay time range button is useful in liming your playing to the sample time length. The LED
flashes on-and-off four times per sample time length on the RDS 2001 and it flashes on-and-off
eight times on the RDS 7.6. This metronome-like flashing automatically resets when you begin the
sample recording or when you press the ARMffRIGGER button in the sample TRIGGER mode.
So it automatically synchronizes to beat out its four (or eight) flashes lor each memory cycle.
Playback 01 the sample may be done in three different ways: place the DELAY/SAMPLE MODE
switch in the TRIGGER position, and (1) push the ARMffRIGGER button on the front panel, or (2)
depress a foot switch connected to the ARMffRIGGER FOOT SWITCH jack on the rear panel, or
(3) trigger the playback with a pulse from another device, like a drum machine, into the
ARMITR IGGER PULSE jack.
Sound-an-Sound recording is easy to do with the RDS 2001 or the RDS 7.6 in the sample mode.
Set the delay to the same settings as when making a sample recording: turn the DELAY TIME
control to the desired amount of delay time, be sure the WIDTH and SPEED controls are off, place
the DELAY/SAMPLE MODE switch in the "SAMPLE" position, make sure that the level control is
up, and delay is receiving the proper level, and, turn the FEEDBACK control all the way up. This
way, whatever is recorded in the memory will be re-recorded at the same time the new signal is
layered with it as you play. To record the Sound-an-Sound sample: be sure the unit is in the
SAMPLE MODE, arm the system by pushing the ARMITRIGGER button (or depressing a foot
switch connected to the ARMITRIGGER FOOT SWITCH jack, or a send a pulse into the
ARMITRIGGER PULSE input jack) and begin to play. The unit will immediately begin the
recording process and also play back the signal that is stored in memory. Use of the RECORD
CANCEL, BYPASS, and DELAY KILL foot switches will allow you to "edit" the material recorded in
he sample recording.
This ability of the RDS 2001 to delay, repeat infinitely, sample, record sound-on-sound, and edit
the recording makes for an infinite number of creative possibilities.
SUMMARY
DigiTech digital delays give you the features, the flexibility, and the possibilities for superior music
effects. All of the settings and setups possible with these units is far beyond the capacity of this
manual, therefore, the only way to realize the full potential of these capabilities is to experiment
with the unit.
DOD WARRANTY
1. The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate
this warranty.
2. DOD warrants this product, when used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use and service.
3. DOD Electronics liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective
materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned through the original
dealer, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of one year. The company shall
not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or
assembly.
5. DOD reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon
this product without incurring any obligation to install the same on PRODUCTS PREVIOUSLY
MANUFACTURED.
6. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and DOD neither assumes
nor authorizes any person to assume for it any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of
this product. In no event shall DOD or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages
or from any delay in the performances of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
Other than keeping the unit clean, and occasionally checking the connectors and wires to the unit
for their integrity, there is no maintenance necessary for the digital delays.
There are NO user serviceable parts inside the digital delays. Opening the chassis will void the
warranty. All service and repair must be performed by the factory for the warranty to remain in
1 service.
Should a problem arise with the unit, please contact your DigiTech dealer lor return/repair
procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: Wel- 20 Hz to 15K Hz, +/-1 dB (RDS 3.6: 20 Hz to 7.5K Hz, +/-1 dB.)
Dry - 20 Hz to 20K Hz, +/-0.5 dB.
Signal to Noise Ratio: Wet - greater than 85 dB. Dry - greater than 90 dB.
Maximum Output Level: + 18 dBv into 10K ohms or higher. + 14 dBv into 600 ohms.
Dimensions (all units): 1.75" H. x 19" W. x 8.5" D. (45mm H. x 479mm W. x 214mm D.)
DOD Electronics Corporation, 5639 South Riley Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107
Telephone (801) 268-8400, Telex 4943178