DigiTech Bass Whammy Owner's Manual

Introduction and Warranty

DigiTech is proud of its products and backs each one with the following warranty:

1. To validate this warranty, please register online at www.digitech.com within ten days of purchase. This warranty is valid only in the United States of America.
2. DigiTech warrants this product, when purchased new from an authorized DigiTech dealer in the USA and used exclusively in the USA, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is non-transferable.
3. DigiTech's responsibility under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of defective materials that show signs of defect, provided the product is returned to DigiTech WITH A RETURN AUTHORIZATION, where all parts and labor will be covered for one year. A return authorization number can be obtained from DigiTech by phone. The company is not responsible for any consequential damages resulting from the use of the product in any circuit or assembly.
4. Proof of purchase is the responsibility of the consumer. For any warranty service, a copy of the original proof of purchase must be provided.
5. DigiTech reserves the right to make changes in the design or to make additions or improvements to this product without incurring any obligation to install the same on previously manufactured products.
6. The consumer forfeits the benefits of this warranty if the product's main assembly is opened and tampered with by anyone other than a DigiTech certified technician, or if the product is used with AC voltage outside the manufacturer's recommended range.
7. The foregoing supersedes all other warranties, expressed or implied, and DigiTech neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall DigiTech or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or for any delay in fulfilling this warranty due to reasons beyond their control.

NOTE: Information contained in this manual is subject to change at any time without notice. Some information in this manual may also be inaccurate due to undocumented changes in the product or operating system since the time this version of the manual was completed. Information contained in this version of the user manual supersedes all previous versions.

Congratulations on your purchase of the new Bass Whammy™ pedal. Designed specifically for bass, the Bass Whammy offers DigiTech's latest pitch-shifting technology, classic Whammy pitch-bending effects, and true bypass operation. The added Classic/Chord switch toggles between single-note and chordal Whammy modes, providing rock-solid pitch-shifting effects. The Bass Whammy interface offers the same classic Bass Whammy pitch-bending capabilities you're used to, along with some additional pitch-bending settings from its guitar counterpart.

Features:

• Whammy Pitch Bending Effects
• Classic Whammy Interface
• Classic/Chord Switch
• True Bypass Operation
• MIDI Input for Remote Control of Whammy Effects
• Includes Power Supply

Included Items:

• Bass Whammy Pedal
• Power Supply
• Warranty Registration Information Card

If anything is missing, contact the factory immediately.

Guided Tour / Detailed Description

The Bass Whammy pedal is extremely easy to set up and use. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Expression Pedal: This pedal is used to control the pitch-bend amount of the selected Harmony, Whammy, or Detune effect. Rocking forward (toe down) increases the pitch-bending amount, while rocking backward (toe up) decreases the pitch-bending amount.
2. Harmony LEDs: One of these LEDs lights up when a Harmony effect is selected. Harmony effects have the dry signal added to the effect signal.
3. Classic/Chord Switch: This switch toggles between the classic Whammy algorithm (Classic) and the modern chordal algorithm (Chords). The Classic setting is ideal for single-note playing, while the Chords setting is best for bending entire chords.
4. Selector Knob: This knob is used to select one of the Whammy, Harmony, or Detune effects.
5. Whammy LEDs: One of these LEDs lights up when a Whammy effect is selected. Whammy effects do not have the dry signal added to the effect signal.
6. Detune LED: One of these LEDs lights up when a Detune effect is selected. The Expression Pedal controls the amount of Detune signal mixed with the Dry signal.
7. Status LED: This LED lights up to indicate that the effect is engaged. When the effect is bypassed, this LED turns off.
8. Effect On/Off Footswitch: This footswitch engages and disengages the Whammy, Harmony, or Detune effect.
9. Power Input: Connect the power supply to this connector. Do not use any power supply other than the one provided.
10. Output Connector: Connect this connector to another pedal's input or an amplifier's input.
11. Instrument Input: Connect your instrument to this connector.
12. MIDI Input: Connect an external MIDI device to this connector for remote control of the Bass Whammy.

Connections

The Bass Whammy is extremely easy to set up and use. Follow these steps to begin operation.

1. Connect your instrument to the Bass Whammy's input jack.
2. Connect from the Bass Whammy's output jack to your favorite distortion pedal or amplifier.
3. If you are using an external MIDI device for control, connect the MIDI output from the MIDI device to the Bass Whammy's MIDI input.
4. Connect the supplied power adapter to an AC outlet and the other end to the Bass Whammy's Power Input.
5. Turn on the amplifier and set the volume to the desired level.
6. Use the Effect On/Off footswitch to engage the effect, turn the Selector knob to choose the desired effect, and rock the Expression pedal.

Diagram showing connections: Amplifier -> Bass Whammy Output -> Distortion Pedal Input; Bass Whammy Input -> Guitar; MIDI Out -> Bass Whammy MIDI In; Power Adapter -> Bass Whammy Power Input.

Effects

Whammy Effects

This group of effects bends your incoming signal up or down depending on the effect setting you have chosen. As you rock the Expression pedal back and forth, the signal will bend from the original input pitch (toe up) to the pitch determined by the selected effect setting (toe down).

• 2 OCT UP – Bends your input note up two octaves.
• 1 OCT UP – Bends your input note up one octave.
• 5TH UP – Bends your input note up 7 semitones (a 5th interval).
• 4TH UP – Bends your input note up 5 semitones (a 4th interval).
• 2ND UP – Bends your input note up 2 semitones (a 2nd interval).
• 2ND DN – Bends your input note down 2 semitones (a 2nd interval).
• 4TH DN – Bends your input note down 5 semitones (a 4th interval).
• 5TH DN – Bends your input note down 7 semitones (a 5th interval).
• 1 OCT DN – Bends your input note down one octave.
• DIVE BOM – Bends your input note down three octaves.

Harmony Effects

This group of effects adds harmony to your incoming signal. The harmony note and the input signal are blended together, as if two basses were playing simultaneously. As you rock the pedal back and forth, the harmony note bends between two intervals determined by the selected effect setting, but the input signal remains unchanged.

• OCT UP/2 OCT UP – Bends the harmony between one octave higher (toe up) and two octaves above the input note (toe down).
• OCT UP/10TH UP – Bends the harmony between one octave higher (toe up) and a 10th above the input note (toe down).
• OCT DN/OCT UP – Bends the harmony between one octave lower (toe up) and one octave above the input note (toe down).
• OCT DN/4TH DN – Bends the harmony between one octave lower (toe up) and a fourth below the input note (toe down).
• 5TH UP/OCT UP – Bends the harmony between a fifth higher (toe up) and one octave above the input note (toe down).
• 5TH UP/6TH UP – Bends the harmony between a fifth higher (toe up) and a sixth above the input note (toe down).
• 5TH DN/5TH UP – Bends the harmony between a fifth lower (toe up) and a fifth above the input note (toe down).
• 4TH DN/5TH UP – Bends the harmony between a fourth lower (toe up) and a 5th above the input note (toe down).
• 4TH DN/3RD UP – Bends the harmony between a fourth below (toe up) and a major third above the input note (toe down).

Detune Effects

This group of effects creates a copy of your input signal, shifts the pitch of the copied signal, and then mixes it back with the original signal. As the Expression pedal is rocked forward and backward, the amount of this detuned signal changes. With the pedal in the toe-up position, only the original dry signal is heard. As the pedal is rocked forward, more of the detuned signal is mixed with the dry signal.

• SHALLOW – The copied signal is slightly detuned from the original pitch.
• DEEP – The copied signal is substantially detuned from the original pitch.

MIDI Functions

The Bass Whammy has a MIDI input for receiving MIDI data. MIDI messages can select a Whammy effect and set whether the effect is active or bypassed. MIDI CC messages can then be used to control the position of the Bass Whammy Expression Pedal.

MIDI Channel

The Bass Whammy can receive MIDI messages on any or all MIDI channels. The following steps describe the procedure for accessing or changing the MIDI channel.

1. Disconnect power to the Bass Whammy pedal.
2. Press and hold the Effect On/Off footswitch while reconnecting power. One of the effect LEDs will begin to flash, indicating the currently selected MIDI channel.
3. Use the reference table below to turn the Selector knob to select the desired MIDI channel.
4. Pressing the Effect On/Off footswitch again will exit the MIDI settings menu.

Diagram showing MIDI channel selection (Channel 1-16, Omni).

MIDI Program Change Mapping

The Bass Whammy uses MIDI Program Change commands to select effects. Effects can be selected in either active or bypassed states. The following illustrations show the MIDI Program Change mapping for Classic and Chords modes.

MIDI Program Change Mapping (Classic Mode)

When set to Classic mode, the following illustration shows the Program Change commands recognized by the Bass Whammy and the corresponding effect setting and its status.

Table showing MIDI Program Change #, Bypass, Active, Harmony, Whammy, Classic, Chords, Active, Bypass mapping.

MIDI Program Change Mapping (Chord Mode)

When set to Chords mode, the following illustration shows the Program Change commands recognized by the Bass Whammy and the corresponding effect setting and its status.

Table showing MIDI Program Change #, Bypass, Active, Harmony, Whammy, Classic, Chords, Active, Bypass mapping.

Continuous MIDI Control

MIDI Continuous Control messages can be used to remotely control the position of the Bass Whammy Expression Pedal. MIDI CC11 sets the expression pedal position. A value of 0 on MIDI CC11 corresponds to the toe-up position, and a value of 127 corresponds to the toe-down position.

Expression Pedal Calibration

In the unlikely event that the Expression Pedal is not responding correctly, or the pitch does not bend or return to the correct pitch, it may be necessary to recalibrate it. The following steps describe the procedure for recalibrating the Expression Pedal:

1. Disconnect power to the Bass Whammy pedal.
2. Press and hold the Effect On/Off footswitch while reconnecting power. This allows for MIDI settings and calibration. Wait until one of the Whammy, Detune, or Harmony LEDs begins to flash (indicating the currently selected MIDI channel), then release the footswitch.
3. Rock the Expression Pedal fully forward (toe down) and fully backward (toe up) at least twice. The 4 Harmony LEDs will light up back and forth (from OCT DN/4TH DN to OCT UP/2 OCT UP) as the pedal is rocked, indicating the pedal is calibrating.
4. When complete, press the Effect On/Off footswitch again to exit MIDI settings and calibration and return to normal operation.

Specifications

Safety and Compliance Instructions

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 hazardous 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 expose the unit to moisture. If liquid is spilled on the unit, turn it off immediately and take it to your dealer for repair. Unplug the unit during thunderstorms to prevent damage.

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

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• HEED ALL WARNINGS.
• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

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 ACCESSORIES/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, with one blade wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding pin. The wide blade or the third pin is provided for your safety. If the supplied plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at the 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. 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 the apparatus or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

AC POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: The AC power switch used on this device DOES NOT interrupt the connection from the mains. DISCONNECTED MAINS: The plug must remain readily operable. For rack mounting or installation where the plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch must be incorporated into the rack or building's electrical installation, providing a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole. If connected to a 240V supply, a suitable CSA/UL certified power cord must be used for this supply.

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer Name: DigiTech

Manufacturer Address: 59 Hwagok-ro 61gil Gangseo-gu, Seoul 07590 Korea

Hereby declares that the product:

Product Name: Bass Whammy

Product Option: all

Complies with the following product specifications:

EMC: EN 55032:2015+A11:2020, EN 55035:2017+A11:2020 FCC Part 15

Additional Information:

The product hereby complies with the requirements of: EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC, Regulation EC 278/2009.

Contact: CORTEK Corp. 59 Hwagok-ro 61gil Gangseo-gu, Seoul 07590, Korea / support@digitech.com

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and the product specifications listed in the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• this device must not cause harmful interference, and
• this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Operation of this unit in significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.

• use only shielded connecting cables.

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 that requires proper treatment, recovery, and recycling. Households in the 25 EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway can return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection points or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one). 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, thereby preventing potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.