DOD Rubberneck Analog Delay Pedal

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the DOD® Rubberneck Analog Delay pedal. The Rubberneck is a feature-rich delay pedal that utilizes BBD technology for up to 1.5 seconds of classic analog delay. It offers standard delay functionality alongside unique performance features such as "Rubbernecking," which allows for time-stretching or compressing delay repeats, and Repeats Oscillation for creating runaway oscillation effects. It also includes a Loop Send/Return jack for integrating external effects into the delay's feedback path. The FOOTSWITCH input allows connection of a DigiTech® FS3X footswitch for hands-free control of Rubbernecking, modulation, and Tap Tempo/Regen.

The Rubberneck Analog Delay pedal provides a classic analog delay sound with modern enhancements.

Features

• Up to 1.5 seconds of delay time
• Unique Rubbernecking time-stretching function
• Controls for Time, Repeats, Level, Modulation Rate, Modulation Depth, Gain, Tone, Speed, and Regeneration
• Tap Ratio switch to select delay feel
• Tails switch
• Effect On/Off footswitch (also enables Rubbernecking function)
• Tempo/Regen footswitch for tap tempo and instant delay feedback
• 1/4" mono input and output jacks
• Footswitch input for optional hands-free control
• Effects loop Send/Return jack for feedback path integration
• True Bypass
• 9 V DC operation (optional power supply required)

Quick Start

1. Engage the effect using the EFFECT ON footswitch. The LED to the right of the footswitch will glow solid green when the effect is active.
2. Use the TIME, REPEATS, and LEVEL controls to set the delay interval, number of repeats, and output level. Use the TAP RATIO switch to set the delay "feel."
3. Use the RATE and DEPTH modulation controls to subtly adjust the delay time. This adds a chorus-like effect to the delayed repeats.
4. Use the GAIN control to adjust the amount of distortion added to the delay signal. Use the TONE control to alter the tone of the delay signal.
5. Set the TAILS switch to your desired position:
   • On+NoDry: Dry signal is muted when the effect is engaged.
   • On: Delayed repeats continue after the effect is bypassed.
   • Off: Delayed repeats are cut off immediately when the effect is bypassed. Use this setting for true bypass.

Explore additional functions to enhance your delay effects:

• Tap Tempo: Tap the TEMPO/REGEN footswitch to set the delay time hands-free. Each tap interval adjusts the delay (indicated by the LED left of the footswitch) to match the tap interval. Combined with the TAP RATIO switch, you can achieve 3:1 or 2:1 delay ratios based on the tap interval.
• Rubbernecking: Press and hold the EFFECT ON footswitch to engage "Rubbernecking," a function where the delay time stretches or compresses over time. This can create "diving bomb" or "chipmunk" style effects during performance. Adjust the RUBBERNECK RATE control to fine-tune the attack/release of the delay stretch.
• Oscillating Repeats: Press and hold the TEMPO/REGEN footswitch to momentarily activate the REGEN ADJUST control. This acts as a secondary feedback control, overriding the REPEATS knob setting. By adjusting REPEATS and REGEN ADJUST, you can transition from single repeats to runaway oscillations by holding and releasing the TEMPO/REGEN footswitch.
• Loop Send/Return: The Loop Send/Return jack allows you to insert other effects (e.g., distortion, chorus, phaser, flanger) into the delay's feedback path, creating unique, dynamically changing delay sounds.

User Interface – Top Panel

The top panel features controls for shaping your delay sound:

• 1. EFFECT ON / RUBBERNECK Footswitch: Engages or bypasses the delay effect. Pressing and holding this switch activates the "Rubberneck" time-stretching function while the switch is held.
• 2. RUBBERNECK RATE Pot & LED: This control shapes the "rubber band" effect created by the Rubberneck function. It adjusts the speed at which the delay time stretches or compresses. The clear, illuminated potentiometer has a dual-color LED:
  • LED Off: Effect is bypassed.
  • LED Solid Green: Effect is engaged.
  • LED Pulsing Green/Yellow: Indicates modulation speed set by the RATE knob. Faster pulsing means higher speed. If DEPTH is at minimum, LED stays solid green (no modulation).
  • LED Red: Rubbernecking function is active.
• 3. TAP RATIO Switch: Selects the ratio between tapped tempo and the resulting delay time. Options are:
  • Quarter Note (1:1)
  • Dotted Eighth Note (Triplet feel)
  • Eighth Note (1/2 delay time)
• 4. TIME Knob: Controls the delay time, ranging from 30ms to 1.0 second. Tap Tempo can extend this to 1.5 seconds.
• 5. RATE / DEPTH Knobs: These concentric knobs control the speed (Rate) and intensity (Depth) of the delay modulation, adding a chorus-like effect to repeats. Turning clockwise increases speed/intensity; counter-clockwise decreases it. Setting DEPTH to minimum deactivates modulation.
• 6. REPEATS Knob: Controls the number of delay repeats. High settings, combined with GAIN and TONE, can lead to oscillation.
• 7. GAIN / TONE Knobs: GAIN increases signal saturation for more distorted repeats. TONE adjusts the brightness/darkness of the delay signal.
• 8. LEVEL Knob: Controls the overall output volume of the delay signal.
• 9. TAILS Switch: Determines whether delayed repeats continue after the effect is bypassed.
  • On+NoDry: Dry signal is muted when the effect is engaged. The signal path is buffered, not true bypass. Repeats continue after bypass.
  • On: Repeats continue after bypass. The signal path is buffered.
  • Off: Repeats are cut off immediately upon bypass. Enables true bypass.
• 10. REGEN ADJUST Pot & LED: A secondary control for repeats, activated by holding the TEMPO/REGEN footswitch. High settings can cause oscillation. The clear, illuminated potentiometer has a white LED that blinks in time with the delay or stays solid red when REGEN ADJUST is active.
• 11. TEMPO / REGEN Footswitch: Tap to set delay time. Press and hold to activate the REGEN function, using the REGEN ADJUST pot for instant regeneration. Releasing returns to normal operation.

User Interface – Rear Panel

The rear panel houses the pedal's connections:

• 1. Input Jack: Connect your guitar or the output of another pedal here.
• 2. Send/Return Jack: A TRS jack for inserting effects into the delay's feedback path. Tip is Send, Ring is Return. Operates at instrument level.
• 3. Output Jack: Connect this to your amplifier's input or the next effect in your chain.
• 4. Footswitch Jack: Connect an optional DigiTech FS3X footswitch for remote control of Rubbernecking, modulation, and Tap Tempo/Regen.
• 5. 9VDC Power Jack: Connect a 9VDC external power supply (e.g., PS0913DC). The Rubberneck does not operate on batteries.

Connection and Power Application

1. Turn down your amplifier's master volume control.
2. Make all connections as shown in the "Connection Diagrams" section.
3. Connect the appropriate power supply (sold separately) to the POWER input jack and plug the other end into a working electrical outlet.
4. Plug in your guitar and gradually increase your amplifier's master volume control to the desired level.

Connection Diagrams

Note: If your amplifier's effects loop has a mix control, set it to 100% wet.

Using the External Footswitch

The FOOTSWITCH input accommodates the optional DigiTech FS3X footswitch for remote control of Rubbernecking, modulation on/off, and Tap Tempo/Regen. Other momentary third-party footswitches may offer limited functionality.

Note: For full functionality, connect the DigiTech FS3X using a TRS cable. A TS cable can be used for Tap Tempo and Regen with a third-party momentary footswitch (latching footswitches will not work). If using a third-party momentary footswitch with a TS cable, connect it to the Rubberneck before applying power for proper recognition.

Specifications

Example Settings

The manual includes example settings for various sounds like Rockabilly, Mod Delay, Dirty Repeats, Vibrato Echo, Delay Bender, and Runaway. These are presented as images of the pedal with knob positions indicated. To replicate these, adjust the controls as shown in the provided diagrams.

Compliance and Safety Instructions

General Safety:

• ⚠️ CAUTION: 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.
• This device is designed for indoor use only.
• Do not expose to liquids or extreme temperatures.
• Ensure proper ventilation; do not block air vents.
• Use only the specified power supply.
• Do not attempt to service the unit yourself; refer to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis voids the warranty.
• Disconnect from power during lightning storms or when unused for extended periods.

Altitude: Do not use this product above 2000 meters (approx. 6560 feet).

UK Mains Plug Warning: If the unit is supplied with a mains plug that needs to be cut off, dispose of it safely. Never insert a damaged plug into a 13A socket. Ensure the fuse cover is in place and use only 13A fuses approved to BS1362.

Disposal: Do not dispose of this product with general household waste. It must be collected separately for proper treatment, recovery, and recycling according to local legislation.

Electrical Wiring (if applicable):

• This appliance must be connected to a mains socket with protective earthing.
• Wire colors for the power cord are typically: Green/Yellow (Earth), Blue (Neutral), Brown (Live). Ensure these correspond to the correct terminals (E/Ground, N/Neutral, L/Live) in your socket.

General Precautions:

• Read and keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Do not use near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings.
• Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources like radiators or other heat-producing apparatus.
• Use only manufacturer-specified accessories.
• Unplug during thunderstorms or long periods of non-use.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs and sockets.
• Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus.
• Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug damage, liquid spillage or objects fallen into the apparatus, exposure to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• The power switch on this device does not interrupt power from the mains.
• The mains plug must remain readily accessible. If installing into a rack or other enclosure where the plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains disconnect switch must be incorporated into the installation.
• When connecting to 240V, a CSA/UL certified power cord must be used.