DryBell DM1041 Module 4 Orange Flavored Compression User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: DryBell

DryBell DM1041 Module 4 Orange Flavored Compression User Manual

Orange Flavored Compression

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Module 4 pedal from DryBell, Croatia.

The Module 4 is our highly versatile take on a classic vintage compressor

– Dan Armstrong’s Orange Squeezer from the ’70s. It’s an analog compressor engineered with the highest precision to achieve versatility, low noise, expanded headroom and sound resolution, while keeping _Armstrong’s magic inside the pedal. You can choose between two flavors – ‘Orange’ & ‘Full Frequency range’. Orange brings a warm, vintage sound and feel while ‘Full Frequency range’ brings a more _modern, brighter, clearer tone. A burst of inspiration is guaranteed. The pedal is equipped with several usable, unique, colorful and cool options, all packedintoournewenclosureline- Enjoy!

__ ORANGE (pushbutton switch with orange LED) 1

Enables/disables the ORANGE mode – an original, dynamic input impedance which is controlled by the player’s pick attack. You can feel this warm dynamic tone response while playing. It gives you the unique feel and tone of the classic design which can only be heard if you’re not using active pickups or any type of buffer in front. When the ORANGE mode is off, Module 4 becomes a ‘ Full Frequency range ‘ compressor. For secondary functions of the Orange button, see the SWITCH ACTIONS section below.

PREAMP (knob) 2

Controls the input gain of (any) instrument. This ensures that you can use various low or high output pickups, single coils or humbuckers. It drives the compressor stage so you can easily adjust the amount of compression to your needs. Dot mark indicates unity gain (0 dB).

ATTACK (knob) 3

Controls the reaction time of the compressor, meaning how long it takes for the unit to start compressing. The Attack is one of the essential controls for retaining the initial pick attack, especially with humbuckers or hotter pickups. Set the ATTACK knob CCW for faster (F) or CW for slower (S) reaction times.

RELEASE (knob) 4

Controls the time before the unit releases or stops compression. It shapes the sustain, adapting compression dynamic to the playing style. During the natural fade out of the input guitar signal, the compressor automatically increases its gain to maintain the volume. The rate at which the compressor will do this is controlled by the Release control. Set the RELEASE knob CCW for faster (F) or CW for slower (S) release times, adjusting this gives the sustain a wide variaty of character.

BLEND (knob) 5

Sets the mix of dry and compressed signals. You can balance the tone with this smooth parallel compression circuit, while retaining pick attack dynamics. Turn the BLEND knob fully CCW for clean, fully CW for 100% compressed signal or any desired Ratio in between.

TONE (knob) 6

Controls the overall high frequency spectrum of the unit. Flat tone response is at 12:30 o’clock (dot mark on the silkscreen). The TONE control is tweaked just to the right frequencies, for a wide spectrum of usage on any guitar or any amp.

OUTPUT (knob) 7

Controls the output volume (make-up gain) of the compressor. It also acts as a high headroom and distortion-free clean Boost, thanks to the high internal power supply voltage. It’s useful for pushing your amp harder and adding even more sustain to your tone. Turned fully CW, the gain is 17dB or can be reduced up to 17dB turned fully CCW. Unity gain zone (0dB) is approx. at 12 o’clock.

DOT MARKS (on the silkscreen around knobs) 8

On the pedal’s front panel, you will find the dot marks around the knobs. When the control knobs are set to those dot marks and the ORANGE button is ON, Module 4 faithfully provides all the tonal flavors of the original. Also, those dots are a great starting point to explore the Module 4’s various possibilities.

BYPASS SYSTEM (footswitch, LED) 9,10

Each time you press the footswitch the effect is turned ON or OFF. The Module 4 has true and buffered bypass options. Hold the ORANGE button to select true or buffered bypass mode (see the SWITCH ACTIONS section below for more details).

One additional feature of the buffered bypass mode is that the ORANGE button can also work when the pedal is turned off. In this case, the buffered bypass reacts like the Orange Squeezer’s Front-end, keeping the bypass EQ very similar to the EQ when the pedal is active. You will find it helpful for resolving certain pedalboard buffer EQ issues, when using various pedals in the chain.

EXPANDER (option, disabled by default)

When enabled, the EXPANDER’s fade operation automatically attenuates incoming background noise when you mute strings or vice versa. Also, you can choose between slow (default) or fast expander fade operation settings. A turquoise LED indicates active Expander. See the SWITCH ACTIONS section below for more details.

COMPRESSION LEVEL METER (LED) 10

The included 3-color compression level meter gives you a nice visual representation of gain reduction and input signal level. A white LED indicates active Module 4. When a signal appears, it lights up green, then fades-to- orange for moderate compression, and the color changes to red with hotter signals showing that you are getting the strongest compression. Also, when you mute the strings you can see the compressor release reaction in red.

LOW END CUT (option, enabled by default)

The LOW END cut feature allows you to keep or remove certain low-end frequencies. Explore this option if you are a bass player or if you want to hear the original full low end response of the Orange Squeezer. See the switch actions section below for more details.
SWITCH ACTIONS:

1) Press once shortly:

FOOTSWITCH – engage/bypass the pedal

ORANGE – toggle between ‘Orange’ or ‘Full Frequency range’ compressor modes

(glowing orange button indicates ‘Orange’ mode)

2) Hold for 2 secs:

FOOTSWITCH – engage/disengage Expander

(glowing turquoise LED indicates working Expander) ORANGE – toggle between True bypass (TB) and Buffered bypass mode
Note: True bypass enabled – LED flashes green 3x Buffered bypass enabled – LED flashes red 2x
Note: The ‘Orange’ button also works in buffered bypass when the pedal is turned off. In that case, the buffered bypass reacts like the Orange Squeezer’s Front-end, keeping the bypass EQ very similar to the EQ when the pedal is active.

3) Tap 5x fast:

FOOTSWITCH – enable/disable LOW END cut ORANGE – toggle Expander fade in/out reaction time between fast or slow

Note: LOW END cut enabled – LED flashes green 3x LOW END cut disabled – LED flashes red 2x FAST EXPANDER – LED flashes green 3x SLOW EXPANDER – LED flashes red 2x

SAVING POWER ON SETTINGS

When the pedal is powered on, it will immediately operate with the selected saved settings.
Every user can define these settings himself, depending on the needs. For example, if you’re using a switching system, then you want your pedals to be activated when the pedalboard power is turned on.
To save selected settings:

Set the desired power up settings
Press the ORANGE button and footswitch simutaneously and hold them for 3 secs to save the pedal power up ORANGE must be first in the sequence; otherwise you will simply turn the pedal on or off.

Factory defaults: When turning on the power, the pedal will be in a buffered bypass. When you activate the pedal, the ORANGE mode will be active, LOW END cut enabled, EXPANDER operation disabled and EXPANDER reaction time will be slow.

INPUT and OUTPUT (top mounted jacks) 11,12

The input is on the right and the output on the left side of the pedal.

POWER SUPPLY (no battery, power supply only) 13

We recommend a regulated 9VDC / minimum 100mA PSU (not included). Maximum allowed power supply voltage is 18.1V (must be regulated). Higher voltages than 9V (18.1V max) will not affect the tone, dynamics and internal headroom of the Module 4. The current consumption for use with electric guitar is about 85mA maximum. If you connect another device with much higher output than an electric guitar, we recommend using a power supply with 150mA output. The Module 4 has internal protection against reverse power polarity and electrostatic discharges.

CONTACT:

Dry Bell Musical Electronic Laboratory
Almet Stubica d.o.o.
Address: Toplička cesta 44,
49240 Donja Stubica, CROATIA
E- ail: info@drybell.com

KNOBSETTINGS

The knob settings shown on a graphic representation above are the settings of the original Orange Squeezer. The Orange button needs to be
switched on. settings Also, those are a great starting point to explore the Module 4’s various possibilities.

2 YEAR WARRANTY

DryBell M.E.L. guarantees that this product will work without defects in materials or craftsmanship, for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. If a defect occurs within the warranty period, it will be repaired as soon as possible, free of charge. If the product cannot be repaired and the model is no longer produced, the product will be replaced with a current model or in agreement with the buyer, with a similar product. DryBell will extend the warranty period for the duration of service failure if it is not repaired within 30 days (not including transportation time). If the original buyer sells the product to a new owner, the warranty transfers to the new owner. All transportation costs for the service within the warranty period are paid by the owner of the goods. This warranty covers manufacturing defects that occurred while the product was used according to DryBell’s recommendations and instructions. The warranty does not cover loss or theft of products, and excludes failures caused by misuse, mechanical damage, liquid damage of any kind, being dropped, unauthorized modification, shock surge in electricity supply, lightning, improper storage and natural disasters. DryBell assumes no liability for any damages/injuries resulting from the use of this product. In using this product, the customer accepts the terms and conditions set out above. There may be occasional updates on this product; please visit www.drybell.com to find these