DOD LOOKING GLASS OVERDRIVE

Product Overview

The Looking Glass Overdrive is the result of a collaboration between DOD and the boutique pedal company SHOE Pedals. Christopher Venter from SHOE Pedals is known for his unique circuits, a colorful take on classic effects, and minimalist design aesthetics. The collaboration between DOD and SHOE retains all of Christopher's strengths while adding some of the usual tonal appeal with an accessible price point.

Designer's Note

Christopher Venter shares his journey: "Years ago, while living in Brooklyn, I went on a quest to find an overdrive that suited me. Most of these were minor variations of a few classic op-amp models that simply didn't cut it for me. I tried a ridiculous number of pedals and found that none of them fully satisfied me. So, when I initially decided to just make weird experimental fuzz pedals, I decided to break that rule and create a really nice overdrive that I actually wanted to play. After starting with theory and refining it with extensive playing and testing, I came up with the Savior Machine and named it after one of my favorite David Bowie songs."

When DOD asked him to collaborate on a new pedal, he was given the freedom to do what he wanted (within reason). He returned to his roots and designed a wild, high-gain fuzz. While it sounded great, he felt it would only benefit a select few. He wanted to make something for EVERYONE. So, he decided to revisit his original overdrive concept and redesign it with a completely different approach. The result is the Looking Glass. An exceptionally responsive Class A FET design that, he hopes, will give many players satisfaction by feeling like their overdrive rewards their own unique playing style. It's great for blues, but it's also great for hard rock, indie, experimental music, psychedelic music, shoegaze, alternative, punk, bass, etc., etc., etc. The Looking Glass is like a funhouse mirror that allows you to twist and shape your sound in all sorts of ways, while still sounding like your ideal self."

— C.J.M. Venter

Pedal Controls & Layout

The DOD Looking Glass Overdrive features a clean, user-friendly layout with several key controls and indicators:

Pedal Front Panel Description:

• Top Row Knobs: LEVEL (left), GAIN (right).
• Middle Row Controls: BASS CUT/TREBLE (knob on left), HIGH/LOW (toggle switch on right).
• Bottom Row: A blue LED indicator light, and a large FOOTSWITCH.
• Labels: "LOOKING GLASS OVERDRIVE" is prominently displayed. "TREBLE BASS CUT" and "INPUT FILTER" are also labeled near their respective controls. "DESIGNED BY SHOE" is printed below the footswitch.

Control Explanations:

Internal DIP Switches

The Input Filter control is passive and works well with your guitar's electronics when not using a buffer before the Looking Glass. If using buffered pedals before the Looking Glass, you may want to adjust the left DIP switch (1), which slightly increases the pedal's input impedance.

Usage Recommendations

Most guitarists/bassists prefer to place the Looking Glass at the beginning of their effects chain, so start with this placement. A typical effects signal chain would first consist of Overdrive effects, then modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, etc.), and finally time-based effects (Delay and Reverb).

If you place the Looking Glass at the front of your chain, you will preserve its character regardless of the combination of pedals that follow. As mentioned, you can always experiment with different effect placements.

Specifications

Safety and Compliance Information

Altitude: This product is intended for use at low altitudes. Do not use this product above 2000 meters (approx. 6560 feet).

Electrical Safety Warnings:

• [!] 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.
• The symbols above are internationally recognized symbols that alert users to potential hazards with electrical products. A lightning bolt with an arrowhead in an equilateral triangle indicates the presence of dangerous voltages within the unit. An exclamation mark in an equilateral triangle means that the user should refer to the user manual.
• These symbols indicate 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 enclosure for any reason will void the manufacturer's warranty.
• Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, unplug it immediately and take it to a service center. Unplug the unit during thunderstorms to prevent damage.

Mains Plug Warning:

• A mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Dispose of the mains plug at an appropriate disposal facility.
• NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13-AMP 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 amps and MUST be approved by ASTA according to BS1362.

Disposal of Equipment:

• If you wish to discard this product, do not mix it with general household waste. A separate collection system for used electronic products exists in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery, and recycling.
• Private households in the 25 EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway may return their used electronic equipment free of charge to designated collection points or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new product).
• For countries not mentioned 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, thereby preventing potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.

General Operating Precautions:

• READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• HEED ALL WARNINGS.
• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
• DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR WATER.
• CLEAN ONLY WITH A 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.
• USE ONLY ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES 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, one of which is wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, 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. Service 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 CONNECTION: This apparatus will be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earth connection.
• Internal Wiring: The conductors in the mains cable of this apparatus may be colored in accordance with the following code: Green and Yellow – Earth / Blue – Neutral / Brown – Live.
• Wiring Caution: Because the colors of the wires in the mains cable of this apparatus may not correspond with the colored markings or the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
• The wire which is colored GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol ⚡, or colored GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
• The conductor which is colored BLUE must be connected to the terminal marked N or colored BLACK.
• The conductor which is colored BROWN must be connected to the terminal marked L or colored RED.
• This equipment may require the use of a different type of electrical cord, plug, or adapter, depending on the available power source at the installation site. If it is necessary to change the plug, contact qualified service personnel. The green/yellow wire will be connected directly to the chassis of the unit.
• [!] WARNING: If the chassis is chassis-grounded, certain faults in the unit or system to which it is connected may result in a full mains voltage on the chassis. If you simultaneously touch the chassis and ground, you may receive a severe shock or death.