ART DST4 Guitar Preamp and Effects Processor
This document provides comprehensive instructions for the ART DST4 Guitar Preamp and Effects Processor.
Introduction
The DST4 is a powerful guitar preamp combined with high-quality digital effects, offering a unique multi-mode capability. It allows guitarists to use the preamp section independently before a guitar amp, or integrate the DST4's digital effects into the amplifier's effects loop. This synergy enhances tone before the amplifier's power amp section.
Features
- 75 presets featuring four distortion types, studio reverb, delay, chorus, flanging, pitch shifting, and tremolo effects.
- Preamp and effects sections can be used independently.
- Seamless interface with combo amps or heads.
- Four analog preamp types: Xtreme, Scream, Retro, and Cln Tube.
- Features a 12AX7 tube for Cln Tube preamp settings.
- 3-band storable EQ with a sweepable mid-frequency control.
- Stereo outputs.
- Speaker Simulator circuit.
- Headphone and direct outputs.
- Level matching for use with any effects loop.
- Easy programming.
- "Send and Remember" MIDI program change programming.
- External footswitching.
- MIDI mapping.
- 16-bit digital effects.
- Room and hall reverbs.
- Flanging, chorusing, tremolo, and single/dual pitch shifting.
- Combination effects.
- Three-year warranty.
- Designed and manufactured in the United States of America.
Quick Start Instructions
Get your DST4 up and running quickly. This section covers the essential steps for initial setup.
Quick Setup
Ensure your amplifier is in a clean mode with preamp gain set low. Turn the DST4's Output knob fully counter-clockwise before proceeding. Plug the AC power cord into a wall socket.
Straight into an amp
Connect your guitar to the DST4's Input using a shielded cord. Use another shielded cord from the DST4's Left Main Output to the amplifier's input. For stereo operation or amps with stereo inputs, connect the Right Main Output to the second channel input or the second amp.
In an amp's effects loop
The DST4 can be used in two ways with an amplifier's effects loop: 1. Use the DST4's preamp before the guitar amplifier's preamp, and the DST4's effects in the amplifier's effects loop for maximum flexibility. 2. Use it as a standard effects-loop processor by plugging your guitar into the amp, and the DST4 into the amp's effects loop.
Tutorial
The DST4 is designed for intuitive operation, similar to a guitar amplifier. Follow these steps to get started:
- Plug in the DST4's AC cord and press the Power switch. Turn on your amplifier or mixer.
- Ensure your guitar's volume or mixer/amp input level is up.
- Turn up the DST4's Output level and your amp/mixer's gain or return level. You should hear sound.
- Use the Input selector button (below the Input jack) to set the DST4 for Humbucker or Single Coil pickups.
- Press the FX Bypass button to turn off the effects section for now.
- Begin auditioning the preamp sounds by using the Preamp Selector button.
Front Panel Controls & Indicators
The DST4 features controls for both the preamp circuitry and the digital effects section.
Input Jack
Connect your guitar to the front-panel Input jack using a high-quality, shielded cord.
Input Selector (Humbucker/Single Coil)
This button optimizes the input for Humbucker or Single Coil pickups. The Single Coil mode provides a 6dB boost and EQ adjustment for lower-output pickups.
Gain
Adjusts the preamp gain for the distortion circuit, ranging from 00 (clean) to 20 (high distortion).
Low
Adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies, from a 15dB cut to a 15dB boost.
Mid & Mid Freq
The Mid control adjusts the "body" of the sound, while the Mid Freq control sets the frequency range (300 Hz to 5 kHz) for boost or cut. This allows for "scooping" or emphasizing specific frequencies.
High
Adjusts the amount of high-end frequencies, from a 15dB cut to a 15dB boost.
Output
This control sets the output level of the preamp/distortion section feeding into the digital effects. It can be used to match the preamp's level or boost it for leads.
Blend
Adjusts the mix between the DST4's preamp sound and the digital effects, from 00 (Dry) to 20 (Wet).
Preamp Selector Switch
Cycles through the four preamp types: Xtreme, Scream, Retro, and Cln Tube.
Bypass Switch & LED
Allows bypassing the preamp section completely to use only the digital effects. The LED indicates when the bypass is active.
Tweak Mode Switch & LED
This is the unit's "nerve center." Pressing the Tweak button enables Tweak mode, allowing adjustments to all settings. The LED indicates when Tweak mode is active.
Numerical Display Window
Shows preset numbers, parameter values, and MIDI information.
Encoder
Used for adjusting parameters, selecting presets, effects, and MIDI settings.
Effects Section
Contains the digital effects, which can be used with or without the preamp section.
Effects Parameter Edit Switch
Used to adjust individual effects parameters when in Tweak mode or when the effects section is active.
DST4 Effects Algorithms
The DST4 offers 25 effects algorithms. Each algorithm has a specific adjustable parameter:
| Location | Description | Adjustable Parameter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chorus | speed | no regen(eration) |
| 2 | Delay | short delay time | medium regen |
| 3 | Delay | medium delay time | high regen |
| 4 | Delay | long delay time | low regen |
| 5 | Flange | speed | inverted flange |
| 6 | Flange | speed | inverted flange |
| 7 | Reverb | decay | room |
| 8 | Reverb | decay | hall |
| 9 | Pitch Transposer | pitch | |
| 10 | Tremolo | speed | |
| 11 | Tremolo + Reverb | tremolo speed | 1 second decay |
| 12 | Flange + Reverb | flanger speed | 1.5 second decay |
| 13 | Chorus + Delay | short delay time | no regen/slow speed |
| 14 | Chorus + Delay | medium delay time | low regen/slow speed |
| 15 | Chorus + Delay | long delay time | medium regen/medium speed |
| 16 | Flange + Delay | medium delay time | low regen/slow speed |
| 17 | Flange + Delay | long delay time | medium regen/medium speed |
| 18 | Delay + Reverb | delay time | room |
| 19 | Delay + reverb | delay time | hall |
| 20 | Chorus + Reverb | reverb decay | slow speed/room |
| 21 | Chorus + Reverb | reverb decay | slow speed/hall |
| 22 | Dual PT | voice 1 pitch | voice 2 = octave down |
| 23 | Dual PT | voice 1 pitch | voice 2 = octave up |
| 24 | Chorus + Delay + Reverb | delay time | slow speed/no regen |
| 25 | Chorus + Delay + Reverb | reverb decay |
Preamp Types
The DST4 offers four distinct preamp types, each with its own tonal character:
Xtreme
Designed for extreme distortion, ideal for players demanding a tone beyond traditional shred. This setting is meant to be played loud and won't clean up easily.
Scream
Provides a distortion quality reminiscent of late '70s/early '80s stompboxes, with increased gain. It offers a mix of clean signal with distortion for a ratty, smooth sound. The Gain control allows for tone shaping.
Retro
Offers versatility for a wide range of textures, from smooth overdriven vintage tones to Texas Blues distortions. The Drive control allows adjustment from faint tube rattle to a powerful roar.
Cln Tube
Ideal for power surf lead tones, clean country sounds, or bluesy rhythm textures. It utilizes a 12AX7 tube for warmth and responsiveness, allowing it to "dirty-up" with harder picking.
Effects Parameters Explained
Delay Time
Determines the length of the delay effect, supporting short, medium, or long delays for doubling or slapback effects. Regeneration controls the feedback for multiple echoes.
Reverb Decay
Controls the time it takes for reverb to fade. The DST4 includes room and hall reverb simulations.
Speed
Governs the rate of modulation for effects like flanging, chorus, and tremolo.
Pitch
The pitch transposer creates selectable harmonies. Algorithm 9 offers a single harmony, while Algorithms 22 and 23 provide dual harmonies with octave shifts.
Pitch Shift Intervals
A list detailing the intervals created by the DST4's Pitch Transposer, ranging from -octave to +octave, including various major and minor intervals, and detuned unisons.
Connections and Setup Diagrams
The DST4 offers flexible connection options for various setups.
Plugging Directly Into a DST4 and Amp
Connect your guitar to the DST4's Input. Run a cord from the DST4's Preamp Output to the amp's input. For stereo, use the Left and Right Main Outputs to connect to the amp's inputs. The diagram shows a guitar connected to the DST4's front panel, the DST4's rear panel with its various jacks, and an amplifier's input section.
Using the DST4 in an Amp's Effects Loop (Preamp and Effects Split)
Connect your instrument to the DST4's Input. Run a cord from the DST4's Preamp Output to your amplifier's input. Connect the amp's effects send to the DST4's Effects Input. Connect the DST4's Left Main Output to the amp's effects return. For stereo returns, use the Right Main Output as well. The diagram illustrates this connection, showing cables running from the instrument to the DST4, from the DST4's Preamp Output to the amp's input, from the amp's effects send to the DST4's Effects Input, and from the DST4's Main Output to the amp's effects return.
Using the DST4 in an Amp's Effects Loop (Preamp and Effects Together)
Patch the DST4 into the effects loop of an instrument amplifier. For mono setups, use the DST4's Left Main Output jack. For stereo operation, connect the Right Main Output to the amp's second return jack. The diagram shows the instrument plugged into the DST4, the DST4's rear panel, and the amp's effects loop send and return jacks.
Patching Another Signal Processor into the DST4's Effects Loop
Connect your instrument to the DST4's input. Connect the DST4's Preamp Output to the effect's input, and the effect's output to the DST4's Effects Input. Run the Left Main Output to an amp or mixer. The diagram shows a signal flow from the instrument to the DST4, then to a signal processor, and finally to the amp's input.
Patching the DST4 into a Mixer's Input Channels
Connect the Left and Right Main Outputs of the DST4 to mixer line inputs. The Direct Out can also be used. The diagram shows the DST4's rear panel with its outputs connected to a mixer's rear panel, illustrating connections for mono and stereo setups, and the use of the Direct Out.
Patching the DST4 into a Mixer's Input Channel Loop
Connect the mixer's effects send to the DST4's Effects Input, and the DST4's Left Main Output to the mixer's return. This bypasses the DST4's preamp section, using only the effects. The diagram shows the DST4's rear panel connected to a mixer's effects loop, with the DST4's Main Output going to the mixer's return and the mixer's effects send going to the DST4's Effects Input.
Using the DST4 in Stereo with a Power Amp and Speakers
Plug your instrument into the DST4. Connect the Left and Right Main Output jacks into the Left and Right Input jacks on the power amp. Connect the speaker outputs of the amp to cabinets. Power on the DST4 before the power amp. The diagram shows a guitar connected to the DST4, the DST4's rear panel, and two power amps with their inputs connected to the DST4's main outputs.
MIDI Functions
Controlling the DST4's Program Changes with an X-15 or X-12 MIDI Controller
Patch the MIDI Out from your MIDI footcontroller (e.g., ART X-15 or X-12) to the DST4's MIDI In jack to receive Program Change commands.
DST4 MIDI Functions
The DST4's MIDI functionality is designed for ease of use. Smart MIDI mode simplifies programming.
Smart MIDI Mode
This mode allows easy programming of the DST4's MIDI program table. Select a preset, then press Parameter Edit and Save together to send a program message from your MIDI controller, automatically mapping it to the selected preset.
Entering MIDI Mode
Press and hold the Parameter Edit button, then press the FX Bypass button. The display will show a two-digit number and a decimal point.
Exiting MIDI Mode
Press Save to exit MIDI editing mode. Changes are automatically saved.
Editing The MIDI Program Table
Allows editing the DST4's MIDI Program Table to assign specific MIDI program numbers to presets. You can edit program numbers and their corresponding presets.
Editing The MIDI Channel
Enter MIDI mode, press Bypass, and turn the Encoder to select a MIDI channel. Press Save to exit.
Dumping Your Presets To Another MIDI Device
To save DST4 presets to a MIDI storage device, enter MIDI mode, press and hold Parameter Edit, then press Preamp Select. The DST4 will exit MIDI mode automatically when done.
Presets In The DST4
The DST4 comes with 75 factory presets. These can be used as-is or modified and saved.
| Preset | Preamp | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xtreme | Short Delay, no regen(eration) + Slow Chorus |
| 2 | Scream | Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 3 | Retro | Flange + Hall Reverb |
| 4 | Tube | Hall Reverb |
| 5 | Xtreme | Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 6 | Scream | Medium Delay, no regen + Slow Chorus + Room Reverb |
| 7 | Retro | Inverted Flange |
| 8 | Tube | Tremolo + Room Reverb |
| 9 | Xtreme | Chorus |
| 10 | Scream | Medium Delay + Hall Reverb |
| 11 | Retro | Long Delay, medium regen + Medium Flange |
| 12 | Tube | Chorus |
| 13 | Xtreme | Flange |
| 14 | Scream | Dual PT (pitch transposer), with voice 2 one octave up |
| 15 | Retro | Hall Reverb |
| 16 | Tube | Long Delay, medium regen + Medium Flange |
| 17 | Xtreme | Inverted Flange |
| 18 | Scream | Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 19 | Retro | Hall Reverb |
| 20 | Tube | Tremolo + Room Reverb |
| 21 | Xtreme | PT (pitch transposer) |
| 22 | Scream | Short Delay, no regen |
| 23 | Retro | Slow Chorus + Hall Reverb |
| 24 | Tube | Hall Reverb |
| 25 | Xtreme | Medium Delay, low regen + Slow Chorus |
| 26 | Scream | Inverted Flange |
| 27 | Retro | Room Reverb |
| 28 | Tube | Medium Delay, low regen + Slow Chorus |
| 29 | Xtreme | (Bypassed)+Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 30 | Xtreme | Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 31 | Xtreme | Chorus |
| 32 | Xtreme | Hall Reverb |
| 33 | Tube | Flange + Hall Reverb |
| 34 | Tube | Room Reverb |
| 35 | Tube | Chorus |
| 36 | Scream | Medium Delay, low regen + Slow Chorus + Room Reverb |
| 37 | Xtreme | Long Delay, medium regen + Medium Chorus |
| 38 | Scream | Medium Delay, low regen + Slow Chorus + Room Reverb |
| 39 | Retro | Long Delay, medium regen + Medium Flange |
| 40 | Tube | Room Reverb |
| 41 | Xtreme | Hall Reverb |
| 42 | Tube | Medium Delay + Room Reverb |
| 43 | Xtreme | Chorus |
| 44 | Tube | Flange |
| 45 | Xtreme | Long Delay, medium regen + Medium Flange |
| 46 | Xtreme | Long Delay, medium regen + Medium Chorus |
| 47 | Tube | Medium Delay + Hall Reverb |
| 48 | Xtreme | Medium Delay + Room Reverb |
| 49 | Tube | Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 50 | Xtreme | Tremolo |
| 51 | Scream | Room Reverb |
| 52 | Tube | Room Reverb |
| 53 | Retro | Hall Reverb |
| 54 | Xtreme | Short Delay, no regen |
| 55 | Tube | Medium Delay, medium regen |
| 56 | Xtreme | Long Delay, high regen |
| 57 | Tube | Tremolo |
| 58 | Xtreme | Room Reverb |
| 59 | Tube | Room Reverb |
| 60 | Tube | Hall Reverb |
| 61 | Tube | Short Delay, no regen + Slow Chorus |
| 62 | Xtreme | Inverted Flange |
| 63 | Retro | (Bypassed)+Tremolo |
| 64 | Xtreme | Medium Delay, low regen + Slow Flange |
| 65 | Retro | Dual PT, voice 2 octave up |
| 66 | Scream | Room Reverb |
| 67 | Tube | Room Reverb |
| 68 | Tube | Medium Delay, low regen + Slow Chorus |
| 69 | Retro | Inverted Flange |
| 70 | Scream | Medium Delay, no regen + Slow Chorus + Room Reverb |
| 71 | Tube | Chorus |
| 72 | Xtreme | Flange |
| 73 | Scream | Dual PT, voice 2 octave up |
| 74 | Retro | Hall Reverb |
| 75 | Xtreme | Inverted Flange |
Restoring Presets To Original Factory Settings
To restore all presets to their factory settings, simultaneously press the Preamp Select, Parameter Edit, and Save buttons. This action will overwrite all customized presets. It is recommended to back up favorite presets via MIDI Data Dump before performing a full reset.
Warranty Information
Limited Warranty
Applied Research and Technology, Inc. (ART) warrants this product to the original purchaser for three years from the date of purchase against defects in workmanship and materials. ART will repair or replace defective units free of charge upon prepaid delivery to their service department with proof of purchase.
Exclusions
This warranty does not cover misuse, abuse, unauthorized alterations, or repairs. It is void if the serial number is altered or defaced.
Service
Before seeking service, ensure the unit has power, all cables are correctly connected, and the cables themselves are in working condition.
