DOD Carcosa Fuzz [HRV] Guitar Pedal User Manual and Guide
Controls
- 1. BEFORE: Increases/decreases fuzz thickness.
- 2. OUTPUT: Adjusts overall output level, can be used as a boost.
- 3. AFTER (Bias Control): Shapes fuzz texture. Counter-clockwise yields "woody" fuzzy tones that clean up with guitar volume. Clockwise produces "splatter" or "broken" fuzzy tones and "horn-like" vowel sounds with sustain. Mid-tones range from classic to modern "wall of sound" fuzz.
- 4. HI-CUT: Reduces high-frequency content. Adjust counter-clockwise for brighter sounds, clockwise for darker sounds. Extreme settings may require adjustment of the AFTER bias control. Higher volume or gain settings might necessitate HI-CUT adjustments.
- 5. IN: Connect your instrument here. [input]
- 6. DEMHE/HALI Toggle: DEMHE (Up Toggle Position) provides bass and low-mid boost, ideal for clean channels. HALI (Down Toggle Position) offers bass cut, suitable for dirty channels.
- 7. FOOTSWITCH: Engages/disengages the effect. [footswitch]
- 8. LED: Indicates when the effect is active. [indicator light]
- 9. OUT: Connect to the input of the next pedal or your amplifier. [output]
Using the Carcosa Fuzz
The DOD Carcosa Fuzz offers a unique sonic experience, blending classic fuzz tones with abstract, broken textures. Its versatile AFTER bias control, combined with the DEMHE/HALI toggle, allows for a wide range of sounds, from thick and heavy to brittle and broken.
The pedal features an exaggerated mid and high-frequency character, designed to cut through a dense mix while maintaining excellent articulation, even with complex chords. At extreme bias settings (AFTER control), highly saturated and wild sounds can be achieved.
Amp Pairing:
- With Dirty Amps: Use the HALI mode to retain low-end frequencies. The HI-CUT control can then be used to add high-frequency detail, acting as a treble boost, making the Carcosa an excellent fuzzy lead boost.
- With Clean Amps: The DEMHE mode boosts low-mid frequencies, pairing exceptionally well with American-style amplifiers. It can also thicken the sound of British amplifiers pushed towards breakup.
Control Interaction:
The AFTER (Bias) control influences the fuzz texture, with counter-clockwise settings producing cleaner, "woody" tones and clockwise settings yielding more aggressive, "splatter" or "horn-like" sounds. The HI-CUT control adjusts high-frequency content. Experimenting with these controls in opposite directions can unlock a broad spectrum of usable tones.
Signal Chain Placement:
Most guitarists and bassists prefer placing the Carcosa Fuzz at the beginning of their effects chain. A typical signal chain might include distortion/fuzz pedals first, followed by modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo), and finally time-based effects (Delay, Reverb). Placing the Carcosa early in the chain helps preserve its unique character regardless of the pedals that follow.
Graphical Control Range Descriptions:
- AFTER (Bias) Control Ranges: This control spans from "Extreme Range Gated/Sputter 'Horn-Like' Sounds" to a "Normal Operating Range".
- HI-CUT Control Ranges: This control offers a "Treble Make-Up Range For Low AFTER (Bias) Settings" and extends to "Extreme Range To Compensate For Extreme Sag/Gate AFTER Settings".
Specifications
- Input: 1/4" TS Unbalanced - 500 kΩ
- Output: 1/4" TS Unbalanced - 1 kΩ
- Current Draw: 4 mA
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9VDC alkaline battery (not included) or PS0913DC power adapter (optional)
- Warranty: 1 Year [warranty]
Safety and Compliance
General Safety:
- ⚠️ RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK: DO NOT OPEN. ?
- ⚠️ WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. ??
- Do not use this product above 2000 meters (6561 feet) altitude. ⛰️ 2000m
- Symbols indicate hazardous voltages (⚡) and that there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself; refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the unit will void the manufacturer's warranty.
- If liquid spills on the unit, unplug it immediately and have it serviced.
- Unplug the unit during thunderstorms or when unused for long periods.
UK Plug Specifics:
- Damaged or cut power plugs are unsafe and should be disposed of properly.
- Never insert a damaged or cut power plug into a 13 Amp socket.
- Ensure the plug is used with its fuse cover. Replacement fuses must be 13 Amp and approved by ASTA according to BS1362.
Disposal:
- Do not dispose of this product with general household waste. It must be collected separately for treatment, recovery, and recycling according to local regulations.
- Private households in EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway can return used electronic products free of charge to designated collection points or retailers. For other regions, contact local authorities for proper disposal methods.
Usage Precautions:
- Read and keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use the apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- For indoor use only.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install according to manufacturer instructions.
- Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Power Cord and Wiring:
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, receptacles, and the point where they exit the apparatus.
- Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When using a cart, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Servicing requires qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- The power switch used on this unit does not break the connection to the mains.
- Ensure the unit is connected to a mains socket with protective earthing.
- Wiring Color Code for Power Cord:
- GREEN AND YELLOW – EARTH / Connect to the terminal marked E, or with the earth symbol, or GREEN, or GREEN AND YELLOW.
- BLUE – NEUTRAL / Connect to the terminal marked N or colored BLACK.
- BROWN – LIVE / Connect to the terminal marked L or colored RED.
- WARNING: If the unit is not properly grounded, faults in the unit or system could result in full mains voltage appearing between the chassis and ground. This could cause severe injury or death if the chassis and ground are touched simultaneously.
Contact and Support
DOD
59 Hwagok-ro 61gil Ganseo-gu, Seoul 07590 Republic of Korea
