DOD Carcosa Fuzz

Introduction

The DOD Carcosa Fuzz pedal offers a gateway to an alternative fuzz universe, where classic legendary tones coexist with the splattered and broken abstractions of Pollock. This pedal combines a wide range of AFTER bias control with a two-position switch, creating sounds from thick, saturated fuzz to dry, broken-off pieces. Its versatility makes the Carcosa Fuzz a great companion for dirty or clean amplifiers. Featuring true bypass, ample output, and the iconic 'King in Yellow' aesthetic, it sets the stage for fuzzy madness.

The DOD Carcosa Fuzz has a pronounced mid and treble character, helping it cut through a mix. It is designed to punch through dense and heavy rhythm parts while maintaining excellent note articulation with chords. However, when extreme AFTER bias settings are selected, many wild and exaggerated sounds are possible.

Controls

1. 1. BEFORE: Increases/Decreases the amount of fuzz.
2. 2. OUTPUT: Increases/Decreases the overall output level, providing plenty of volume for boost.
3. 3. AFTER (Bias Control): Shapes the texture of the fuzz. Turning counter-clockwise yields loud, "woody" fuzz tones that can be cleaned up with the guitar's volume knob. Turning clockwise produces splattering, "broken," vowel-like sounds and sustain. The mid-range shifts from familiar classic tones to more modern "wall of sound" fuzz.
4. 4. HI-CUT: Reduces high-frequency content. Start at the 9:00 position and adjust. Turning counter-clockwise produces brighter pickups, and clockwise produces darker pickups. Do not hesitate to use extreme ranges of this control, as changes in the AFTER bias control also alter the fuzz tone. You may find higher gain or stage volume settings that also require high-frequency adjustments.
5. 5. IN: Connect your instrument here.
6. 6. DEMHE/HALI Switch: Use the DEMHE setting (switch in the up position) to boost bass and low-mid tones, which works well for clean channel use. Use the HALI setting (switch in the down position) to cut bass, which works well for dirty channel use.
7. 7. FOOTSWITCH: Engages and disengages the effect.
8. 8. LED: Illuminates when the effect is active.
9. 9. OUT: Connect to the input of the next pedal or to your amplifier's input.

Control Range Visualizations

The document includes diagrams illustrating the effects of the 'AFTER (Bias)' and 'HIGH-CUT' controls. These visualize different tonal ranges, including 'Low Gain Range' (Reduced Treble Content), 'High Gain Range' (Increased Treble Content), 'Extreme Range Gated/Sputter "Horn-Like" Sounds' for the AFTER control, and 'Normal Operating Range' and 'Treble Make-Up Range For Low AFTER (Bias) Settings' and 'Extreme Range To Compensate For Extreme Sag/Gate AFTER Settings' for the HIGH-CUT control. These visual aids help users understand how adjusting these controls impacts the fuzz tone.

Usage and Tone Shaping

Generally, using the Carcosa depends on how you like to use your amplifier. If you use your amplifier in dirty mode, the HALI mode will keep the low-end tight, and HI-CUT will allow for more high-frequency detail to be used as a treble booster. This makes the Carcosa Fuzz an excellent lead fuzz amplifier. If you use your amplifier in clean mode, the DEMHE mode will boost the low-mid frequencies, and this mode pairs particularly well with American-style twin combo amps (with the amp's bright switch disengaged). The DEMHE mode also sounds great with British amps on the verge of breakup; the Carcosa can thicken them up and push them into saturation.

A wide range of fuzz tones is possible with the Carcosa. When using lower counter-clockwise AFTER bias settings, the Carcosa responds very well to changes in the volume knob and attack dynamics, cleaning up in a controlled and pleasing manner, like a classic fuzz overdrive. When setting the AFTER bias to higher clockwise ranges, the gain and attack characteristics become less sensitive to volume changes, and more aggressive fuzz tones are available – even strange, sputtering sounds reminiscent of synth brass.

In most applications, the Carcosa's HI-CUT control rarely needs to be turned past noon; the rest of the HI-CUT's travel is intended to compensate for the loss of attack and extreme sag caused by higher AFTER bias settings. A general rule of thumb is that setting the BEFORE and AFTER controls in opposite directions can yield a wide range of instantly controllable tones. For example, set the BEFORE control to 3:00 and the AFTER control to 9:00, or vice versa. Experimentation is encouraged, as many fantastic, wild sounds can be found at the extremes.

Most guitarists/bassists will prefer placing the Carcosa at the beginning of their effects chain, so start there. A typical effects signal chain would consist of Distortion and Fuzz effects first, followed by Modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, etc.), and finally time-based effects (Delay and Reverb). Placing the Carcosa at the front of the chain or effects will preserve its character regardless of the subsequent pedal combination. Experiment with different effect settings to find your preferred sound.

Specifications

• Input: 1/4" TS Unbalanced - 500 kΩ
• 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

Manufacturer Information

DOD

59 Hwagok-ro 61gil Ganseo-gu, Seoul 07590 Republic of Korea

support@digitech.com

Safety and Compliance Information

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
• Do not operate above 2000m (6561 ft) above sea level.
• Symbols indicate potential hazards: a lightning bolt in a triangle signifies dangerous voltages; an exclamation mark in a triangle signifies the user must read the manual. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Contact qualified personnel for servicing. Opening the unit voids the manufacturer's warranty. Do not expose to liquid; unplug and seek service if liquid is spilled. Unplug during thunderstorms to prevent damage.

UK Mains Plug Safety:

• WARNING regarding UK mains plug: A cut mains plug is hazardous. Dispose of it in a suitable recycling facility.
• NEVER 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-amp and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362.

Disposal:

• Do not dispose of this product with general household waste. Use separate collection systems for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) for proper treatment, recovery, and recycling.
• Households in 25 EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway can return WEEE free of charge to designated collection points or retailers (if purchasing a similar new product). For countries not listed, contact your local authorities for the correct disposal method. This ensures your discarded product undergoes necessary treatment, recovery, and recycling, preventing potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

General Precautions:

• READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• FOLLOW 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 ACCORDING TO 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 THUNDERSTORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS.
• Polarized/Grounding Plug Safety: If the supplied plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially near plugs, convenience outlets, and the point where it exits the apparatus. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When using a cart, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Servicing: 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.
• POWER SWITCH: The power switch used on this unit does NOT interrupt mains input.
• MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug must remain readily accessible. If the unit is installed in a cabinet or other enclosure where the plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains disconnect switch with a minimum contact gap of 3 mm on each pole must be incorporated into the cabinet or building's electrical installation.
• For 240V operation, use an appropriate CSA/UL certified power cord.

Wiring Instructions:

• WARNING: CONNECT TO A MAINS SOCKET WITH PROTECTIVE EARTH CONTACT.
• The wires in the power cord are colored in accordance with the following code:
• GREEN AND YELLOW – EARTH / BLUE – NEUTRAL / BROWN – LIVE
• Because the wire colors in the power cord of this apparatus may not correspond with the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
• • THE WIRE COLORED GREEN AND YELLOW MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE TERMINAL MARKED 'E' OR BY THE EARTH SYMBOL OR IN GREEN OR GREEN/YELLOW.
• • THE WIRE COLORED BLUE MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE TERMINAL MARKED 'N' OR IN BLACK.
• • THE WIRE COLORED BROWN MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE TERMINAL MARKED 'L' OR IN RED.
• This apparatus may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source during installation. If the attachment plug needs to be replaced, consult qualified service personnel who should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire should be connected directly to the unit's chassis.

Earth Ground Warning:

• WARNING: IF EARTH GROUND IS REMOVED, CERTAIN FAULT CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE FULL LINE VOLTAGE BETWEEN THE CHASSIS AND GROUND. IF THE CHASSIS AND GROUND ARE TOUCHED SIMULTANEOUSLY, SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT.