Introduction
The DigiTech TRIO is an innovative electric guitar multi-effect pedal designed to be your personal band. It listens to your guitar playing and automatically generates accompanying bass and drum parts. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your TRIO pedal, ensuring you get the most out of its unique features.
Key Features
- Seven Music Genres and Twelve Song Styles Per Genre to Choose From
- The TRIO can learn up to three different song parts that can be recalled on-the-fly
- Adjustable Tempo & Alternate Half Time/Double Time Variants Bass & Drum Level Controls
- Hands-Free Control Using a DigiTech FS3X Footswitch (optional)
- Amp & Mixer Outputs Headphone Output w/Level Control Power Supply Included
Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your DigiTech TRIO pedal:
- Connect the included 9V DC power supply to the POWER input on the pedal and plug it into a power outlet.
- Connect your electric guitar to the GUITAR IN jack using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
- Connect the AMP OUT jack to your guitar amplifier's input using another 1/4-inch instrument cable.
- For connecting to a mixer or PA system, use the MIXER OUT jack.
- For private practice, connect headphones to the HEADPHONE OUT jack.
- Optionally, connect a DigiTech FS3X Footswitch to the CONTROL IN jack for extended hands-free control.
Figure 1: Top view of the DigiTech TRIO pedal, showing the main controls and footswitch.
Operating Instructions
Basic Operation: Teaching the TRIO a Song
- Press the BAND footswitch once to enter 'Listen' mode. The LEARN LED will illuminate.
- Play your desired chord progression and rhythm clearly. The TRIO will analyze your playing.
- Press the BAND footswitch again to stop 'Listen' mode. The PLAY LED will illuminate, and the TRIO will immediately begin playing generated bass and drum parts.
- You can now play along with your virtual band.
Genre and Style Selection
- Use the GENRE knob to select from Blues, Pop, Alternative Rock, Rock, Country, R&B, and Jazz. The genre affects the overall feel of the generated bass and drum parts.
- Use the STYLE knob to choose from twelve different song styles available for each genre. This allows for further customization of the rhythm and feel.
- The ALT TIME button allows you to switch between 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures.
Looping and Song Parts
- The TRIO can learn up to 3 different song parts. To record a new part, select an empty PART slot (1, 2, or 3) using the corresponding buttons.
- Follow the 'Basic Operation' steps to teach the TRIO the new song part.
- During playback, you can switch between learned song parts on-the-fly by pressing the corresponding PART button.
- The LOOPER footswitch allows you to record and playback your own guitar loops. Press once to start recording, press again to stop recording and start playback, and press and hold to clear the loop.
Adjusting Levels and Tempo
- The TEMPO knob adjusts the playback speed of the band and loops.
- The BASS knob controls the volume level of the generated bass line.
- The DRUMS knob controls the volume level of the generated drum track.
- The LOOP knob controls the volume level of your recorded guitar loop.
Figure 2: Angled view of the DigiTech TRIO pedal, highlighting the control knobs and input/output jacks.
Controls and Connections
The DigiTech TRIO pedal features a user-friendly layout with clearly labeled controls and versatile connection options:
Front Panel Controls:
- GUITAR FX: Activates built-in guitar effects tailored to the selected genre.
- PART 1, 2, 3: Buttons to select and recall different learned song parts.
- ALT TIME: Toggles between 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures.
- TEMPO Knob: Adjusts the overall playback speed.
- GENRE Knob: Selects the musical genre (Blues, Pop, Alt Rock, Rock, Country, R&B, Jazz).
- STYLE Knob: Selects one of twelve styles within the chosen genre.
- LOOP Knob: Controls the volume of your recorded guitar loop.
- BASS Knob: Controls the volume of the generated bass line.
- DRUMS Knob: Controls the volume of the generated drum track.
- LOOPER Footswitch: Records/plays/clears guitar loops.
- BAND Footswitch: Enters 'Listen' mode to learn chords/rhythm, or starts/stops band playback.
Side and Rear Panel Connections:
- GUITAR IN: 1/4-inch input for your electric guitar.
- AMP OUT: 1/4-inch output to your guitar amplifier.
- MIXER OUT: 1/4-inch output for connecting to a mixer or PA system.
- HEADPHONE OUT: 1/8-inch stereo output for headphones.
- CONTROL IN: 1/4-inch input for optional DigiTech FS3X Footswitch.
- POWER: 9V DC input for the included power supply.
- USB: Mini-USB port for firmware updates.
Figure 3: Rear view of the DigiTech TRIO pedal, showing the power input and headphone jack.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces (0.3 kg) |
| Product Dimensions | 4.63 x 3.19 x 2.13 inches (11.76 x 8.10 x 5.41 cm) |
| Item Model Number | TRIO |
| Batteries | 1 9V battery required (for internal use, not primary power) |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Power Source | Corded Electric (9V DC adapter included) |
| Voltage | 9 Volts |
| Amperage | 300 Milliamps |
Maintenance
- Keep the pedal clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Ensure all cables are securely connected to prevent signal loss or damage.
- Avoid dropping the pedal or subjecting it to strong impacts.
Troubleshooting
- No Sound: Check all cable connections (guitar, amp, power). Ensure the pedal is powered on and the volume knobs are not set to zero.
- Poor Sound Quality: Verify that your instrument and amplifier are functioning correctly. Check for damaged cables.
- Band Not Generating Correctly: Ensure you are playing clear, distinct chords during the 'Listen' phase. Try different genres and styles to see if a different setting better interprets your playing.
- Footswitch Unresponsive: Disconnect and reconnect the power supply. If using an optional FS3X footswitch, ensure it is properly connected.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official DigiTech website or contact their customer service. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.





