1. Introduction
The Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze Sound Retainer is a compact and powerful sustain machine designed to capture and hold notes or chords indefinitely. Building upon the capabilities of previous Freeze pedals, the Deep Freeze offers enhanced features such as layering, adjustable attack/decay speeds, glissando, and dedicated volume controls for both dry and effect signals. Its three operational modes (Latch, Moment, and Auto) provide versatile control to suit various playing styles and creative applications.
Figure 1: Front view of the Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze pedal.
Key Features:
- Instantly captures and freezes input sound.
- Three modes of operation: Latch, Moment, and Auto.
- Separate DRY and EFFECT controls for independent volume adjustment of each signal.
- SPEED/LAYER knob adjusts Attack or Decay time in Moment and Auto modes, or layering amount in Latch mode.
- GLISS control sets the morph time between frozen sounds.
2. Setup
To set up your Pico Deep Freeze pedal, ensure you have a compatible 9V DC power supply (included). Connect your instrument to the INPUT jack and your amplifier or next effect pedal to the OUTPUT jack. The pedal is designed for standard guitar signal levels.
Figure 2: Rear view of the pedal with power input.
- Connect the 9V DC power adapter to the power input jack on the top of the pedal.
- Plug your instrument (e.g., guitar) into the INPUT jack on the right side of the pedal.
- Connect the OUTPUT jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the input of another effects pedal.
- Ensure all connections are secure before powering on your amplifier.
3. Operating Modes and Controls
The Pico Deep Freeze offers three distinct operating modes and several intuitive controls to shape your sound. The MODE button cycles through these modes, indicated by the color of the LED.
Video 1: Official product demonstration of the Electro-Harmonix Deep Freeze Sound Retainer Pedal, showcasing its various modes and controls.
3.1. Operating Modes
Press the MODE button to cycle through the three modes:
- Latch Mode (Green LED): In this mode, the sound is frozen each time the footswitch is pressed. The frozen sound sustains until the footswitch is pressed again to bypass the effect. This allows for continuous backing textures.
- Moment Mode (Orange LED): The sound is frozen only while the footswitch is held down. Releasing the footswitch disengages the effect. Ideal for short, momentary sustain effects.
- Auto Mode (Red LED): This mode automatically captures and freezes sound when it senses a signal above a certain threshold, without requiring footswitch interaction. This provides a hands-free freezing experience.
Figure 3: The three operational modes of the Deep Freeze pedal.
3.2. Controls
The Pico Deep Freeze features four control knobs to fine-tune your sound:
- DRY: Controls the output volume of your original, unprocessed input signal.
- EFFECT: Controls the output volume of the frozen effect signal. Use this to blend the frozen sound with your dry signal.
- SPEED/LAYER: In Moment and Auto modes, this knob adjusts the attack and decay time of the freeze effect. In Latch mode, it controls the amount of layering possible, allowing you to build complex soundscapes. Press and hold the MODE button to switch SPEED between attack and decay control.
- GLISS: Adjusts the morph time between successive frozen sounds. Turning this knob clockwise increases the glissando effect, creating a smoother transition between freezes.
Figure 4: Control knobs for Speed/Layer and Gliss.
4. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Pico Deep Freeze pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, which can damage the finish.
- Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
- Power Supply: Always use the recommended 9V DC power adapter (100mA minimum). Using an incorrect power supply can damage the unit and void the warranty.
- Connections: Periodically check all cables and jacks for wear and tear. Loose or damaged connections can lead to signal loss or noise.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Pico Deep Freeze pedal, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Sound:
- Check all cable connections (instrument to input, output to amp).
- Ensure the power supply is correctly connected and functioning.
- Verify that the DRY and EFFECT knobs are not set to minimum.
- Bypass the pedal to check if the issue lies with other equipment in your signal chain.
- Unexpected Noise/Hum:
- Ensure you are using a regulated 9V DC power supply. Unregulated power supplies can introduce noise.
- Check for faulty cables.
- Move the pedal away from other electronic devices that might cause interference.
- Effect Not Engaging:
- In Moment mode, ensure the footswitch is held down long enough.
- In Auto mode, ensure the input signal is strong enough to trigger the freeze effect.
- Check the MODE button LED to confirm the desired mode is active.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact Electro-Harmonix customer support.
6. Specifications
| Brand | Electro-Harmonix |
| Model Name | Pico Deep Freeze |
| Model Number | PICO FREEZE |
| Style | Sound Retainer / Sustainer |
| Color | White |
| Product Dimensions | 3.65"L x 2"W x 2"H (9.27 cm x 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm) |
| Item Weight | 0.54 Kilograms (1.19 lbs) |
| Voltage | 9 Volts DC |
| Amperage | 100 Milliamps (minimum) |
| Audio Output Effects | Sustainer, Modulation |
| Controls Type | Knob |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Connector Type | Barrel Connector |
| UPC | 683274012490 |
| Included Components | Pedal, Power Adapter |
7. Warranty Information
Electro-Harmonix warrants this product to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If the product fails to operate due to such defects within the warranty period, Electro-Harmonix will repair it. To obtain warranty service, the unit must be shipped securely packed, postage prepaid, and insured, along with a copy of the proof of purchase. Please include a short note describing the problem as specifically as possible. All other charges for parts and labor will be covered by Electro-Harmonix. This warranty does not cover batteries (which must be replaced at the customer's expense) or any unit that has been opened and/or modified by the consumer. To qualify for warranty service, submit your warranty card within 10 days of purchase, either by mail or online registration. This warranty provides specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary by state and country. For warranty service inquiries regarding Electro-Harmonix effects in most locations, please email info@ehx.com.
8. Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries not covered in this manual, please visit the official Electro-Harmonix website or contact their customer service department. Always refer to the latest information available on the manufacturer's website for updated support resources.
Online Resources:
- Visit the Electro-Harmonix Store on Amazon for product information and updates.
- For general inquiries, email: info@ehx.com.
