DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion

Introduction

The Hot Rod Distortion is the world's most advanced distortion pedal. DigiTech's exclusive AudioDNA™ technology is what makes the Hot Rod much more than the standard distortion stompbox. Rather than working from a single distortion circuit, the Hot Rod features a Morph knob which lets you blend three independent distortion types. This gives you a wider variety of different distortion tones that can be dialed in quickly and easily.

Controls

Knob Descriptions

• Level Knob: Controls the effect's output level. Turn clockwise to increase, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• Tone Knob: Controls the boost or cut of high frequencies. Turn clockwise to increase high frequency content, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• Gain Knob: Controls the amount of distortion gain. Turn clockwise to increase, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• Morph Knob: Morphs between three different distortion voicings. Minimum position: smooth, warm tone. 12 o'clock: classic, edgy sound reminiscent of a British Stack. Maximum position: high gain fuzz distortion. Experimenting provides a wide variety of tones.

Jacks and Switches

• Input Jack (IN): Connect your instrument. Engaging the guitar cable powers the pedal via battery.
• Out 1 (Amp) Jack: Connect this output to your guitar amplifier.
• Out 2 (Mixer) Jack: Features DigiTech's CIT™ cabinet modeling technology, allowing direct connection to a mixer or recorder input without an amplifier.
• Pedal (On/Off Pedal): Turns the effect on and off.
• Indicator LED: Indicates when the effect is turned on. Dim or unlit LED suggests battery replacement.
• Pedal Release Pins: Spring-loaded pins on the sides to release the pedal from the chassis for battery access.

Control Diagram Description

A top-down view of the DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion pedal shows its layout. The front panel features four control knobs labeled 'LEVEL', 'TONE', 'GAIN', and 'MORPH' from left to right. Above these knobs, the 'DigiTech' logo and 'X-SERIES' branding are visible. The pedal has a large footswitch at the bottom, labeled 'HOT ROD DISTORTION'. Input and output jacks are located on the sides: 'IN' on the right, 'OUT 1 (AMP)' and 'OUT 2 (MIXER)' on the left. An 'Indicator LED' is positioned near the input jack.

Connections

The Hot Rod has a single input (INPUT) and a pair of outputs (AMP and MIXER). The two outputs give you the following options: running into a guitar amplifier, running directly to a mixing console or recording device, or both. The MIXER output uses DigiTech's advance CIT™ cabinet modeling technology for an authentic guitar amplifier sound without using an amp.

Setup Directions

1. Turn the volume down on the amplifier/mixer you are connecting to.
2. Connect the pedal output to the amplifier/mixer input.
3. Connect the guitar to the pedal 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 the desired listening level.

Connection Diagram Description

This diagram illustrates typical connection setups. A guitar is connected to the 'IN' jack of the DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion pedal. The 'OUT 1 (AMP)' jack connects to an amplifier. The 'OUT 2 (MIXER)' jack connects to a mixer console, which is shown with various input channels (GTR, SYNTH A, VOC, SYNTH B, BAS). An optional DigiTech PS200R power supply is depicted connecting to the pedal.

Battery Replacement

Steps

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. Ensure 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 properly fastened, both released pins are flush with the outer side of the pedal.

Battery Replacement Diagram Description

An exploded view shows the internal components for battery replacement. The pedal unit is shown separate from the pedal chassis. The pedal chassis reveals a battery compartment, a 9V DC battery, a battery cable, a spring, and a pedal switch arm. Release pins are indicated on the sides of the chassis, used to detach the pedal unit.

Safety and Warnings

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Do not use this apparatus near water.
5. Clean only with 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 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: DigiTech, 8760 S. Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070, USA. Product: Hot Rod (requires Class II power adapter conforming to EN60065, EN60742, or equivalent). Conforms to: Safety: IEC 60065 (1998); EMC: EN 55013 (1990), EN 55020 (1991). Supplementary Information: Complies with Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC and EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC. Dated: February 22, 2002. European Contact: Harman Music Group, 8760 South Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070 USA. Ph: (801) 566-8800, Fax: (801) 568-7583.

Warranty

DigiTech is proud of its products and backs them with the following warranty. The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate this warranty. 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. DigiTech liability is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials, provided the product is returned to DigiTech WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION. Parts and labor are covered for one year, extended to six years if properly registered. A Return Authorization number can be obtained by telephone. The company is not liable for consequential damage. Proof-of-purchase is the consumer's responsibility. DigiTech reserves the right to make design changes without obligation to install on previously manufactured products. The consumer forfeits warranty benefits if the product is opened by unauthorized personnel or used with AC voltages outside the suggested range. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. DigiTech does not assume or authorize any person to assume any obligation or liability. DigiTech or its dealers are not liable for special or consequential damages or delays beyond their control. NOTE: Information in this manual is subject to change without notification. Some information may be inaccurate due to undocumented changes. This version supersedes all previous versions.

Specifications

• Controls: Level, Gain, Tone, Morph, On/Off Pedal.
• Jacks: Input, Out 1 (Amp), Out 2 (Mixer).
• Input Impedance: 1 MOhms.
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms.
• Power Supply: 9V Alkaline Dry Battery.
• Power Consumption: 4.8 Watts (with optional PS200R power supply).
• Battery Life: Approximately 4 hours (with continuous usage).
• 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 ~ 50Hz)
• PS200R - 240 (240V ~ 50Hz)

Contact and Manufacturer Information

DigiTech Address: 8760 South Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070.

Phone: (801) 566-8800.

Fax: (801) 566-7005.

DigiTech and X-Series are trademarks of the Harman Music Group Inc.

Copyright: Harman Music Group.

Printed: 11/2002.

Manufactured in the USA.

Owners Manual: 18-1803-B.

Website: Please visit DigiTech on the World Wide Web at: www.digitech.com.

A Harman International Company