DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion

Product Overview

The DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion is presented as the world's most advanced distortion pedal. It utilizes DigiTech's exclusive AudioDNA™ technology, distinguishing it from standard distortion stompboxes. Unlike pedals with a single distortion circuit, the Hot Rod features a 'Morph' knob that allows users to blend three independent distortion types. This provides a wide range of distortion tones that can be quickly and easily adjusted.

Controls and Features

Knobs:

1. Level Knob

Controls the effect's output level. Turning this knob clockwise increases the output level, while turning it counter-clockwise decreases it.

2. Tone Knob

Controls the boost or cut of high frequencies. Turning this knob clockwise increases the high frequency content, and turning it counter-clockwise decreases it.

4. Gain Knob

Controls the amount of distortion gain. Turning this knob clockwise increases the amount of distortion, and turning it counter-clockwise decreases it.

5. Morph Knob

This knob morphs between three different distortion voicings. The minimum position offers a smooth, warm distortion tone. At the 12 o'clock position, it provides a classic, edgy distortion sound reminiscent of a British Stack. The maximum position delivers a high gain fuzz distortion. Experimenting with different knob positions allows for a wide variety of tones.

Jacks:

3. AC Adapter Jack

Connect a DigiTech PS200R power supply to this jack. Ensure the supply matches your area's Mains line voltage.

6. Input Jack

Connect your instrument (e.g., guitar) to this jack. Connecting a guitar cable to this jack engages battery power, even if the Indicator LED is not lit. To prolong battery life, disconnect all cables from the pedal when not in use.

9. Out 1 (Amp) Jack

Connect this output to your guitar amplifier.

11. Out 2 (Mixer) Jack

This output features DigiTech's CIT™ cabinet modeling technology, enabling the pedal to be run directly into a mixer or recorder input without requiring a guitar amplifier.

Other Features:

7. Pedal Release Pins

These are spring-loaded hinges that hold the pedal in place. Push these pins inward to release the pedal from the chassis, exposing the battery compartment.

8. Pedal

This is the foot-switch that turns the effect on and off.

10. Indicator LED

Indicates when the effect is turned on. If the LED becomes dim or does not light when cables are connected, the battery may need to be replaced.

Pedal Layout Description

The DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion pedal features a rectangular chassis with a textured foot-switch at the bottom. The top panel displays four control knobs labeled 'LEVEL', 'TONE', 'GAIN', and 'MORPH' from left to right, numbered 1 through 4 respectively. Above these knobs, the 'X-SERIES' branding is visible, along with the 'DigiTech' logo. To the right of the knobs, the 'HOT ROD DISTORTION' product name is prominently displayed. On the rear panel, there are two output jacks labeled 'OUT 2 (MIXER)' (11) and 'OUT 1 (AMP)' (9), and an input jack labeled 'IN' (6). An indicator LED (10) is also present near the input jack. The pedal is designed for easy access to internal components, such as the battery compartment, via spring-loaded release pins (7).

For battery replacement, the internal components include the 'Pedal Chassis', the 'Spring' mechanism, the 'Pedal Switch Arm', the '9V DC Battery', and the 'Battery Compartment'. The 'Pedal Release Pins' are shown securing the pedal assembly to the chassis.

Connections and Setup

Connection Options

The Hot Rod features a single input (INPUT) and a pair of outputs (AMP and MIXER). These two outputs offer flexibility: running into a guitar amplifier, connecting directly to a mixing console or recording device, or using both simultaneously. The MIXER output utilizes DigiTech's advanced CIT™ cabinet modeling technology to provide an authentic guitar amplifier sound without the need for an external amp.

Setup Directions

1. Turn the volume down on the amplifier/mixer you are connecting to.
2. Connect the pedal's output to the amplifier/mixer input.
3. Connect your guitar to the pedal's input.
4. Connect the power supply to the pedal (optional).
5. Turn the 'Level' control on the pedal to the minimum position.
6. Turn up your amplifier/mixer level to the desired listening level.
7. Turn on the pedal by pressing the pedal switch and gradually turn up the 'Level' to achieve the desired listening level.

Connection Diagram Description

This diagram illustrates typical connection setups for the DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion. A guitar is shown connected to the pedal's 'IN' jack. The pedal offers two output options: 'OUT 1 (AMP)' is connected to a guitar amplifier, and 'OUT 2 (MIXER)' is connected to a mixer. An optional DigiTech PS200R power supply is depicted connected to the pedal for power. The diagram also includes representations of a mixer with various input channels (GTR, SYNTH A, VOC, SYNTH B, BAS) and an amplifier.

Important Safety Instructions

For your protection, please read the following:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Do not use this apparatus near water.
5. Clean only with a dry cloth.
6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
8. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
9. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
10. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as if the 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.
11. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
12. Refer to labels on the unit, including the bottom cover, for other markings and pertinent information.

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer's Name: DigiTech

Manufacturer's Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

Declares that the product:

Product name: Hot Rod

Product option: All (requires Class II power adapter that conforms to the requirements of EN60065, EN60742, or equivalent.)

Conforms to the following Product Specifications:

• Safety: IEC 60065 (1998)
• EMC: EN 55013 (1990), EN 55020 (1991)

Supplementary Information: The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.

Dated: February 22, 2002

Signed by: Vice-President of Engineering, DigiTech, 8760 S. Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

European Contact: Your local DigiTech Sales and Service Office or Harman Music Group, 8760 South Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070 USA. Ph: (801) 566-8800, Fax: (801) 568-7583.

Warranty Information

DigiTech is proud of its products and backs each one with the following warranty:

1. The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after the purchase date to validate this warranty.
2. DigiTech warrants this product, when used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.
3. DigiTech's liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to DigiTech WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION. All parts and labor will be covered up to a period of one year. This warranty is extended to a period of six years when the product has been properly registered by mail or through the DigiTech website. A Return Authorization number may be obtained from DigiTech by telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.
4. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.
5. DigiTech reserves the right to make changes in design, or make additions to, or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
6. The consumer forfeits the benefits of this warranty if the product's main assembly is opened and tampered with by anyone other than a certified DigiTech technician, or if the product is used with AC voltages outside of the range suggested by the manufacturer.
7. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and DigiTech neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall DigiTech or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

NOTE: The information contained in this manual is subject to change at any time without notification. Some information may also be inaccurate due to undocumented changes in the product or operating system since this version of the manual was completed. The information contained in this version of the owner's manual supersedes all previous versions.

Battery Replacement

1. Using the tip of a 1/4" guitar cable, push one of the release pins in on either side of the pedal, and remove the pedal from the pedal chassis.
2. Remove the battery from the battery compartment and disconnect the battery cable.
3. Connect a new battery to the battery cable and put it back in the battery compartment. Make sure the battery cable does not interfere with the spring or pedal switch arm.
4. Place one hole of the pedal over its corresponding pin.
5. Push the opposite pin in and lower the other side of the pedal into place over the depressed pin. Release the pin. When the pedal is properly fastened, both released pins are flush with the outer side of the pedal.

Specifications

• Controls: Level, Gain, Tone, Morph, On/Off Pedal
• Jacks: Input, Out 1 (Amp), Out 2 (Mixer)
• Input Impedance: 280 kOhms
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Power Supply: 9V Alkaline Dry Battery
• Power Consumption: 4.8 Watts
• Dimensions: 4 15/16" (L) x 3 1/8" (W) x 2 1/8" (H)
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Optional Power Supply: PS200R - 100 (100V ~ 50/60Hz), PS200R - 120 (120V ~ 60Hz), PS200R - 230 (230V ~ 60Hz), PS200R - 240 (240V ~ 60Hz)

Contact and Manufacturer Information