DOD Carcosa Fuzz

The DOD Carcosa Fuzz is a gateway to an alternative fuzz universe where classic tones of legends coexist with splattered and broken abstractions. The combination of Carcosa's wide AFTER bias control range with two voicing toggle positions creates tones ranging from pig-fat to dried-up shards. This versatility makes Carcosa Fuzz a good companion for dirty or clean amps. True bypass, tons of output, and the King in Yellow aesthetic set the stage for unholy mayhem.

The DOD Carcosa Fuzz has an exaggerated mid and treble character that helps it cut through a mix. It was designed to cut through a dense and heavy band but still have great note articulation with chords. However, when extreme distortion ranges (AFTER) are selected, many wild and exaggerated sounds are possible.

Controls

The DOD Carcosa Fuzz features the following controls:

1. BEFORE: Increases/Decreases fuzz amount.
2. OUTPUT: Increases/Decreases overall output level, offering many levels for boost.
3. AFTER (Bias Control): Changes fuzz texture. Counter-clockwise yields "woody" fuzz tones that clean up with guitar volume knob, and full clockwise yields "splatter" or "broken" fuzz tones and "horn-like" vowel sounds and sustain. Mid-range covers classic to more modern "wall-of-sound" fuzz voicings.
4. HI-CUT: Reduces high-frequency content. Start at 9:00 and adjust counter-clockwise for brighter pick-ups and clockwise for darker pick-ups. Don't be afraid to use extreme ranges of this control, as changes to the AFTER bias control also change the fuzz tone. You may find that higher gain or volume settings will also require high-frequency adjustment.
5. IN: Instrument input jack.
6. DEMHE/HALI (Toggle Switch): Selects between two voicing modes. DEMHE voicing (Up Toggle Position) provides increased bass and low-mids, great for clean channel use. HALI voicing (Down Toggle Position) reduces bass, which works well with dirty channels.
7. FOOTSWITCH: Engages and disengages the effect.
8. LED: Indicator light that illuminates when the effect is engaged.
9. OUT: Output jack to connect to the input of another pedal or your amplifier.

Using the Carcosa Fuzz

Generally, using Carcosa depends on how you want to run your amp. If you run your amp dirty, then the HALI mode will keep the low-end tight, and HI-CUT will allow for increased high-frequency detail for use as a treble booster. This makes Carcosa excellent for use as a fuzzy lead boost.

If you run your amp clean, then the DEMHE mode will boost the low-mids and is especially suited for American dual-combo amps (with the amp's bright switch off). The DEMHE mode also sounds great with British amps on the verge of breaking up; Carcosa can boost and push the amp into saturation.

Carcosa allows for a wide range of fuzz voicings. When using lower counter-clockwise (AFTER) settings, Carcosa responds very well to changes in volume and attack dynamics: Cleaning up in a controlled and pleasing manner like classic overdrive fuzzes. As the distortion (AFTER) is set to higher clockwise ranges, the gain and attack characteristics respond less to volume changes, and more aggressive fuzz tones are available – even to strange, ringing tones resembling synthetic horns.

For most uses, the Carcosa's HI-CUT control will rarely be past noon; the rest of the HI-CUT's travel is intended to compensate for attack loss and extreme sag/gating caused by higher AFTER bias settings.

As a final general rule, setting the BEFORE and AFTER controls in opposite directions can yield a wide array of immediately usable tones. For example, if you set the BEFORE control @ 3:00, set the AFTER control @ 9:00, or vice versa. Experimentation is encouraged, as some fantastically nasty sounds can be found in the extremes.

Most guitarists/bassists will prefer placing the Carcosa at the beginning of their effects chain. A typical effects signal chain will consist of Distortion and Fuzz effects, then modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, etc...), and finally time-based effects (Delay and Reverb). Placing the Carcosa towards the front of the chain will preserve the atmosphere regardless of the pedal combination that follows.

Control Range Diagrams

AFTER (Bias) Control Ranges:

This graphic illustrates the tonal spectrum achieved with the AFTER bias control. It shows a transition from "Low Gain Range Reduced Treble Content" to "High Gain Range Increased Treble Content" on one side, and from "Extreme Range Gated/Sputter 'Horn-Like' Sounds" to "Normal Operating Range" on the other.

HIGH-CUT Control Ranges:

This graphic illustrates the effect of the HI-CUT control. It shows a range from "Treble Make-Up Range For Low AFTER (Bias) Settings" to "Extreme Range To Compensate For Extreme Sag/Gate AFTER Settings".

Specifications

Contact Information

DOD
59 Hwagok-ro 61gil Ganseo-gu, Seoul 07590 Republic of Korea
support@digitech.com

Compliance and Safety Instructions

The following text indicates use at low altitudes; do not use this product above 2000 m. (≤2000m)

The symbols above are internationally recognized symbols that warn of potential risks associated with electrical products. A lightning bolt with an arrow in an equilateral triangle means that dangerous voltage is present within the unit. An exclamation mark in an equilateral triangle means that the user must refer to the user manual. These symbols warn that there are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer's warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid spills into the unit, turn it off immediately and take it to your dealer for repair. During a lightning storm, unplug the unit to prevent damage.

UK Mains Plug Warning

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Dispose of the mains plug in a suitable collection point. NEVER plug a damaged or cut mains plug into a 13AMP socket. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover fitted. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local dealer. Replacement fuses are 13 A and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

Disposal Information

If you wish to dispose of this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation requiring proper treatment, recovery, and recycling. Private households in the 25 EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway can return their used electronic equipment free of charge to designated collection points or retailers (if purchasing a similar new product). For countries not listed above, please contact your local authorities for the correct disposal method. This will ensure that your discarded product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery, and recycling, and prevent potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.

For Your Protection Read the Following:

• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• For indoor use only.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

General Safety Precautions

• Use only accessories/attachments specified by the manufacturer.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is for your safety. If the supplied plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Refer all servicing to 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 into, or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• POWER SWITCH: The power switch used on this unit DOES NOT break the connection from the mains.
• UNPLUGGED MAINS: The plug must remain readily operable. For rack mounting or installation where the plug is inaccessible, an all-pole mains switch must be incorporated into the rack or building's electrical installation, with contacts separated by at least 3 mm in each pole.
• When connecting to a 240V supply, use an appropriate power cord certified by CSA/UL for this supply.

Wiring Instructions

ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS, IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER CORD.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE CONNECTED TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH PROTECTIVE EARTH.

The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: GREEN AND YELLOW – EARTH / BLUE – NEUTRAL / BROWN – LIVE

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the colours marking the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

• The wire which is coloured GREEN AND YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or by the symbol of earth, or coloured green, or green and yellow.
• The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked N, or coloured black.
• The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked L, or coloured red.

This appliance may require the use of a different line cord, plug or both, depending on the supply source available at installation. If a replacement attachment plug is required, refer to the table below. The green/yellow conductor must be connected directly to the chassis of the unit.

WARNING: IF GROUNDING IS PRESENT, SOME FAULT CONDITIONS IN THE UNIT OR IN THE SYSTEM TO WHICH IT IS CONNECTED MAY RESULT IN FULL MAINS VOLTAGE BETWEEN THE CHASSIS AND GROUND. IF THE CHASSIS AND GROUND ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY TOUCHED, THIS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.