DOD Looking Glass Overdrive

The Looking Glass Overdrive is a collaboration between DOD and SHOE Pedals, a boutique pedal company known for Christopher Venter's unique circuit designs, colorful perspective on classic effects, and minimalist design aesthetic. The DOD and SHOE collaboration preserves all of Christopher's strengths and adds tonal appeal at an affordable price point. This pedal offers a sweet and musical drive with a character suitable for various playing styles, from lead and rhythm to low-gain, high-gain, or even tone-shaping drive.

From the Designer

Christopher Venter shares his inspiration: "Years ago, while living in Brooklyn, I was on a quest to find the overdrive that worked for me. Most of them were slight variations of a few classic op-amp designs that just didn't cut it for me. I tried a ridiculous number of pedals and found myself not entirely satisfied with any of them. So, after originally setting out to build just quirky experimental fuzz pedals, I decided to break that rule and create a truly beautiful overdrive that I actually wanted to play. After starting with a theory and refining it through extensive play-testing, I created the 'Redemption Machine,' named after one of my favorite David Bowie songs. When DOD approached me about collaborating on a new pedal, I was given free rein to do anything (within reason). So, I first went back to my roots and designed a wild high-gain fuzz. It sounded good, but I thought to myself, this will really only be useful for a select few. I wanted to make something for EVERYONE. So, I decided to rethink my fundamental overdrive concept and redesign it with a completely different approach. The result is the Looking Glass. A super-responsive Class-A FET design that I hope will satisfy many players, rewarding their unique playing styles with their overdrive. It's great for blues, of course, but it's also great for hard rock, indie, experimental, psychedelic, shoegaze, alternative, punk, bass, etc., etc., etc. The Looking Glass is like a funhouse mirror you can twist and modify the sound in any way you want, while still sounding like the ideal."

Controls and Features

The pedal features a clean white finish with chrome knobs and a blue LED indicator.

Pedal Layout

The pedal features a top panel with several controls and jacks, and a front panel with a footswitch and LED.

1. LEVEL: Adjusts the effect's output level. It is recommended to lower this setting when switching to a high-gain mode to avoid large volume jumps.
2. GAIN: Controls how easily the pedal can be pushed into overdrive. The Looking Glass rewards dynamic playing, with most settings producing a clean tone when played lightly. The maximum overdrive level increases as this knob is turned up.
3. BASS CUT/TREBLE: This is a dual-concentric control. The BASS CUT knob adjusts the amount of low-end content of the incoming signal (before overdrive). It is recommended to set this control at noon and adjust up or down to thicken or clarify the overdrive to taste. Setting BASS CUT to maximum produces a very raw sound. The TREBLE knob adjusts the brightness of the pedal's overdriven tone. It is suggested to move this control to roughly align with the Bass Cut control for a balanced sound. Alternatively, for less neutral tones, set the two indicators differently to achieve your preferred sound.
4. INPUT FILTER: This is a variable filter that adjusts the tone of the input signal. Turn this control left to help match brighter guitars and reduce the prominence of spiky, biting attacks. Turn it fully up for a brighter sound and a stronger attack. This control also adjusts the midrange content of the signal, making the midrange more prominent when the knob is turned left.
5. HIGH/LOW: The Looking Glass offers two distinct overdrive modes. The Low mode is for clean tone shaping, mild compression, and lower-gain overdrive. The High mode picks up approximately where the Low mode leaves off, allowing you to dial in overdrive tones from low to high that remain highly touch-sensitive throughout the range. It is recommended to mute the Level control when switching modes to avoid volume jumps and noise as the pedal adapts to the new gain setting.
6. INPUT: Connect your instrument here.
7. FOOTSWITCH: Engages or disengages the effect.
8. LED: Illuminates when the effect is engaged.
9. OUTPUT: Connect to the input of your next pedal or amplifier.

Internal DIP Switches

The pedal has internal DIP switches. The Input Filter control is passive and works well with guitar electronics without a buffer. If using buffered pedals before the Looking Glass, it may be beneficial to set the left DIP switch (1) to increase the pedal's input impedance slightly.

Diagram showing internal DIP switches labeled SW1 and SW2. SW1 is shown in the 'ON' position.

Usage Recommendations

Most guitarists and bassists prefer placing the Looking Glass at the front of their effects chain. A typical effects chain often consists of Overdrive effects first, followed by modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, etc.), and finally time-based effects (Delay and Reverb). Placing the Looking Glass early in the chain helps it retain its character regardless of subsequent pedal combinations. However, experimentation with different effect placements is always encouraged.

Specifications

Specification	Details
Input	1/4" TS Unbalanced - 260 kΩ (DIP 1 set to on) / 235 kΩ (DIP 1 set to off)
Output	1/4" TS Unbalanced - 1 kΩ
Current Draw	4 mA
Bypass	True Bypass
Power	9VDC alkaline battery (not included) / PS0913DC power adapter (optional)
Warranty	1 Year

Safety and Compliance

General Safety Warnings:

This product is designed for use at altitudes up to 2000 meters (approx. 6560 feet).
Electrical Hazard Symbols: The symbols indicate potential dangers. A lightning bolt [⚡] within an equilateral triangle signifies hazardous voltages. An exclamation mark [❗] within an equilateral triangle indicates that the user must read the instruction manual.
No User Serviceable Parts: Do not open the unit or attempt to service it yourself. All servicing should be referred to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Liquid Exposure: Do not expose the unit to liquids. If liquid is spilled on the unit, turn it off immediately and have it serviced.
Storms: Unplug the unit during thunderstorms to avoid damage.
Ventilation: Do not block ventilation openings. Install according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Heat Sources: Do not install near heat sources like radiators, heat registers, or other heat-producing apparatus (including amplifiers).
Accessories: Use only accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Power Cord: Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit the unit.
Mobility: Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Servicing: 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.
Power Switch: The power switch on this equipment does not disconnect the mains supply. The socket outlet shall be made readily accessible. For rack-mounted or other installations where the mains plug may not be accessible, a means of all-pole disconnection must be incorporated in the fixed wiring.

UK Mains Plug Safety:

If the molded mains plug has been cut off from the cord, it is unsafe. Dispose of the plug at an appropriate waste disposal facility.
Never plug a damaged or cut-off mains plug into a 13 AMP socket.
Ensure the fuse cover is in place when using the mains plug. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses must be 13 Ampere and ASTA approved to BS1362.

Disposal Information:

Do not dispose of this product with general household waste. It must be collected separately for treatment, recovery, and recycling.
Consumers in EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway can return their used electronic equipment to designated collection points or retailers free of charge when purchasing similar new products. For countries not mentioned, please contact local authorities for proper disposal methods. This ensures that the disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery, and recycling, preventing potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

Wiring Instructions (for power cord connection):

The unit must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earth connection. The power cord wiring colors may not correspond with the color markings identifying the terminals of your plug. If this is the case, follow these instructions:

Conductor	Wire Color (Normal)	Wire Color (Alternative)	Terminal Identification
Live (L)	Brown	Black	Marked with 'L' [L] or a red colored terminal.
Neutral (N)	Blue	White	Marked with 'N' [N] or a black colored terminal.
Earth (E)	Green/Yellow	Green	Marked with 'E', the earth symbol [⏚], or a green or green/yellow colored terminal.

Warning: If the grounding is interrupted, some faults in the unit or the system to which it is connected may cause a line voltage to appear on the chassis. Severe injury or death could result from simultaneously touching the chassis and earth. If the power cord needs replacement, it must be replaced by qualified service personnel.

Manufacturer Information:

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

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