ART DST-825 Rules Breaker

Programmable Guitar Amplifier USER'S GUIDE

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the DST-825! The DST-825 is a unique guitar amplifier that offers the ability to model classic amplifier tones, in addition to possessing its own sound. It combines the familiarity of conventional guitar amplifier functions and controls with the convenience of programming and an on-board digital effects processor. Dan Pearce has added the perfect compliment to the tube preamp stage with his 130 watt stereo power amp design, custom designed for the Celestion-loaded closed back cabinet. The amplifier's preamp section may be used without the amplifier and speakers as an exceptional tool for direct recording and live use. With its powerful, yet friendly programmability and full MIDI control, the DST-825 guitar amplifier provides maximum flexibility for creating "your" sound.

The DST-825 provides five preamp circuits plus 25 digital effect algorithms containing studio-quality reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, tremolo, single and dual pitch-shifting, and multi-effects combinations. ART designed a powerful combination of tone and signal processing into the DST-825. It is suggested that users read and refer to this manual while getting used to their new amplifier.

Features

Celestion-loaded, Stereo Guitar Combo
7-Ply, Void-Free closed-back cabinet
Five analog preamp circuits: Xtreme, Roar, Stack, Clean Tube, and Crystal
Hand selected 12AX7 preamp tube
Incredible sound and the ability to model classic amp tones
130 Watt Stereo, Dan Pearce designed, Power Amp
Selectable Power Amp damping (Loose or Tight)
3-band storable EQ with sweepable mid frequency control
All knobs, switches, and parameters are programmable
25 digital effect chains - up to three effects at once!
Each digital effect is adjustable and storable
75 user programmable presets can store any sound created or modified
Easy programming - Grab a knob and store custom settings instantly
Full MIDI compatibility - Program Change and Real-time control of all parameters
ART's exclusive "Send and Remember" MIDI program change programming
Separate Stereo Preamp and Direct recording output with Speaker Simulator circuit
Stereo Headphone output
Three year parts and labor warranty
Designed and manufactured in the United States of America

Front Panel Description

The DST-825 features a front panel with controls for the preamp circuitry on the upper left and the digital effects section on the upper right. Amp volume controls are located below the preamp section. The display window shows a 2-digit number corresponding to the current preset or MIDI operations.

Controls & Indicators:

Input Jack: For plugging in your guitar.
Input Selector Switch (Humbucker/Single Coil): Selects the best response for Humbucker or Single Coil pickups.
Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the preamp circuits (0-20).
Low EQ: Adjusts the low-end frequency response (cut/boost, 0-20).
Mid & Mid Freq: Adjusts the midrange boost/cut and sets the frequency range (300 Hz - 5kHz).
High EQ: Adjusts the high-end frequency response (cut/boost, 0-20).
Output: Output level control for the preamp section (stored with preset).
Blend: Adjusts the mix of digital effects from Dry to Wet (0-20).
Preamp Select Switch: Cycles through five preamp types: Xtreme, Roar, Stack, Clean Tube, and Crystal.
Preamp Bypass Switch & LED: Bypasses the preamp stage. LED indicates bypass status.
Tweak Switch & LED: Enters/exits Tweak (edit) mode. LED indicates Tweak mode is active.
Power Amp Level Controls: Stereo volume controls for the power amp stage.
Encoder: Used for selecting presets, effects, parameters, and saving presets.
Parameter Select Switch: Cycles through editable parameters within an effect algorithm.
Effects Bypass Switch & LED: Bypasses the effects section. LED indicates bypass status.

Front Panel Image Description: The front panel of the DST-825 displays a comprehensive layout of controls. On the left are knobs for Input, Gain, Low, Mid, Mid Freq, High, and Output, accompanied by switches for Input Selector, Preamp Select, Preamp Bypass, and Tweak. The right side features the Blend knob, Encoder, Parameter Select Switch, and Effects Bypass switch. Below the preamp controls are the Power Amp Level Controls. A digital display window is positioned centrally.

Preamp Types

The DST-825 offers five distinct preamp types:

Xtreme: Ultimate distortion for aggressive playing styles.
Roar: Unique distortion blending clean and high-gain for a smooth, intelligible sound.
Stack: Offers a wide range of textures from fat, overdriven vintage to down-and-dirty blues distortions.
Clean Tube: Delivers power surf lead tone, country pickin', or blues rhythm textures, utilizing a 12AX7 tube for warmth.
Crystal: A clean preamp with complete EQ control, ideal for clean guitar patches, pads, and edge-like delay lines. The Gain control is inactive for this preamp.

Effects Section

The DST-825 features 25 digital effect algorithms, including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, tremolo, pitch shifting, and multi-effects. Each effect has adjustable parameters that can be edited using the Encoder and Parameter Select Switch.

Effect Algorithms (Examples):

1: Chorus
2: Short Delay (no regen)
3: Medium Delay (medium regen)
4: Long Delay (high regen)
5: Flange
6: Inverted Flange
7: Room Reverb
8: Hall Reverb
9: Pitch Transposer
10: Tremolo
11: Short Delay + Chorus
12: Medium Delay + Chorus
13: Long Delay + Chorus
14: Medium Delay + Flange
15: Long Delay + Flange
16: Medium Delay + Room Reverb
17: Medium Delay + Hall Reverb
18: Chorus + Room Reverb
19: Chorus + Hall Reverb
20: Tremolo + Room Reverb
21: Flange + Hall Reverb
22: Dual PT voice 2 octave up
23: Dual PT voice 2 octave down
24: Medium Delay + Chorus + Room Reverb
25: Medium Delay + Chorus + Room Reverb

Parameter Adjustment: When an effect parameter is selected (blinking), the Encoder adjusts its value (0-20). The Blend control can be used to adjust the mix of individual effects within multi-effect algorithms.

Operation and Saving Presets

Selecting Presets: In Preset mode (Tweak LED off), turn the Encoder to select from 75 presets. The display shows the preset number and the Preamp LEDs indicate the preamp type used.

Saving Presets: To save a preset, enter Save mode by pressing the Save button. The display blinks the current preset location. Press Save again to store at the current location, or turn the Encoder to select a new location and press Save again. "YA" indicates the preset has been saved.

Factory Reset: To restore all presets to factory settings, press Preamp Select, Parameter Edit, and Save simultaneously. This erases all customized presets.

MIDI Mode

The DST-825 supports full MIDI compatibility for program change and real-time control. MIDI mode allows assignment of MIDI controllers to parameters, editing the MIDI Program Table (MPT), and performing MIDI data dumps.

Entering MIDI Mode: Press and hold the Effects Parameter Edit button, then press the Effects Bypass button.
Exiting MIDI Mode: Press either the Preamp Bypass or Effects Bypass buttons.
MIDI Parameters: Various front panel controls can be mapped to MIDI controllers (e.g., "GA" for Gain, "Lo" for Low EQ, "bL" for Blend).
MIDI Program Table (MPT): Allows reordering of presets for MIDI recall.
Smart MIDI Mode: Facilitates easy mapping of presets to MIDI program change messages using "Send and Remember".
Assigning MIDI Channel: Set the MIDI channel for communication (default is Omni).
Assigning MIDI Controllers: Map MIDI controllers (e.g., expression pedals) to specific parameters for real-time control.
Dumping/Receiving Presets: Save or load presets to/from external MIDI devices.

Specifications

Dimensions: 11" D x 29.0" W x 24" H
Weight: 68.0 lbs
Cabinet Construction: 7-Ply, Void-free
Speakers: Celestion G12T-75
Power Amp Output: 130 watts RMS Stereo (65 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms)
Outputs: Stereo 1/4" Preamp Outputs, XLR Direct Recording Out, Stereo 1/4" headphone output
Loop: 1/4" Preamp out and Effects Return
Presets: 75 factory/user-definable
Effects algorithms: 25
MIDI: MIDI In, MIDI Out/Thru
Footswitch: 1/4" TRS for increment/decrement presets
Input impedance: 470k ohms
Maximum output level: +20dBu (Preamp outputs)
Power: Internal supply, 95 to 125VAC, 300W, USA - Fuse: 3A slo-blo
Battery (memory protection): Lithium - Ray-o-vac BR2325 (three to five year lifetime)

Warranty Information

Applied Research & Technology, Inc. (ART) warrants this product to the original purchaser for a period of Three years from the original date of purchase against defects in workmanship and materials. Service will be provided without charge by repairing or replacing defective product or component parts, upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase.

Exclusions: The warranty does not cover misuse, abuse, unauthorized alterations, or repairs. It is void if the serial number is altered or removed.

Service: For service, ensure the unit is the cause of the problem, check power and connections. Contact ART Customer Service for a Return Authorization (RA) number and technical assistance. Pack the unit securely, preferably in its original carton, and clearly label the shipping box with the RA number and return shipping address.

Contact:

Applied Research & Technology, Inc.
215 Tremont Street
Rochester, NY 14608 USA
Phone: (716) 436-2720
FAX: (716) 436-3942

Website: www.artroch.com

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