ORIGIN EFFECTS DCX BOOST Tone Shaper and Drive Pedal Owner’s Manual
- June 9, 2024
- ORIGIN EFFECTS
Table of Contents
ORIGIN EFFECTS DCX BOOST Tone Shaper and Drive Pedal
Introducing the DCX BOOST
The DCX Boost is a tone-shaper and drive pedal, inspired by the iconic UA 610 recording preamp. Like the greatest pieces of analogue hardware, the 610 is famous for adding vintage, analogue colour to a signal. It enhances anything that passes through the circuit and gives precise control of level and EQ. The DCX Boost reimagines this circuit for electric guitar with specially chosen frequencies, wide-ranging gain controls and our Adaptive Circuitry, which adjusts the pedal’s voicing in response to playing dynamics and volume knob changes. As well as adding plenty of character, this pedal is designed to give a completely flat frequency response when desired – just like a great piece of studio gear – and its powerful EQ controls have the rare ability to boost bass and treble frequencies without the usual negative effects on overdriven tones. The DCX Boost can be used as clean boost or a subtle tone shaper, all the way to a rich, saturated overdrive, reminiscent of a retro recording console with its input gain cranked. Thanks to meticulously developed circuitry, all these tones are delivered with studio-grade clarity and precision.
Key Features
- Inspired by the iconic UA 610 preamp
- EQ and OD modes provide a versatile gain range
- EQ controls designed for maximum clarity
- Adaptive Circuitry responds to playing dynamics
- Voice control fine-tunes treble response
- Ultra-high input impedance
- High-quality buffered bypass
- Premium components throughout
- Designed and built in England
Connecting the DCX BOOST
- 9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 90mA).
- INSTR: Connect to your guitar.
- AMP OUT: Connect to your amp or modeller.
Controls
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MODE SWITCH – This switch selects between two different gain levels, with subtle voicing tweaks designed to get the best out of each mode.
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EQ MODE – The lower gain setting. This ranges from clean boost and direct-to-console tones to subtle overdrive, with a very flat and neutral frequency response. In EQ mode, the DCX Boost’s Adaptive Circuitry progressively applies a gentle treble roll-off which becomes more pronounced as the pedal begins to overdrive. Clean settings will have a completely neutral treble response, with overdriven sounds benefitting from a subtle reduction in top end. This allows a smooth transition from bright cleans to warmer overdrive tones when playing dynamically or cleaning up from
the volume knob. -
OD MODE – The higher gain setting. This mode has a tighter low end and a permanently engaged treble roll-off, ensuring that more overdriven sounds stay warm and controlled. This setting ranges from classic overdrive to fuzz-like, cranked vintage console tones.
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DRIVE – Turn clockwise to increase the amount of overdrive. For clean boosts in EQ mode, keep this control set low. Higher settings will result in vintage sounding saturation, all the way to fuzz-like tones in OD mode.
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LEVEL – Sets the output level from the pedal. Turn clockwise to push the input of your amp. Keep this control set lower if you want to get all your overdrive from the pedal.
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EQ CONTROLS – The DCX Boost’s EQ controls give precise control over bass and treble at frequencies specifically chosen for electric guitar. These controls have been specially designed to deliver powerful EQ shaping, without sacrificing low-end clarity or overemphasising upper harmonics.
- L.F – Reduces low frequencies when turned counterclockwise, boosts low frequencies when turned clockwise. The low frequency response is completely flat when this control is in the noon position. Due to the design of this circuitry, high levels of boost can be used in conjunction with overdriven settings, without the tone becoming mushy or indistinct.
- H.F – Reduces high frequencies when turned counterclockwise, boosts high frequencies when turned clockwise. The low frequency response is completely flat when this control is in the noon position. Due to the design of this circuitry, high levels of boost can be used without overemphasising the upper harmonics of overdriven sounds, which might usually result in a harsh tone.
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VOICE SWITCH – This switch corresponds to the DCX Boost’s built-in treble roll-off (see: MODE SWITCH), selecting between three different amounts of high-end reduction. When the pedal is in EQ mode, the amount of treble roll-off increases as the tone becomes more overdriven. In OD mode, the treble roll-off is always active.
- FLAT – The brightest setting. In this position, no treble roll-off is applied.
- MED – In this setting, there is a subtle treble roll-off.
- DRK – The darkest setting. In this position, the steepest treble roll-off is applied.
Sample Settings
BRIGHT CRUNCH
Beef up your rhythm sound with this low-gain setting. This gritty overdrive
tone cleans up beautifully, thanks to the Adaptive Circuitry. Boosting bass
and treble adds some heft without drastically altering your tone.
CLEAN AND TIGHT
The perfect clean boost. Setting the DRIVE low keeps this tone clean, while
high output level pushes the front of your amp. Some subtle EQ tweaks ensure
that you stand out of the mix and maintain clarity.
FUSION LEAD
Using the DRK position on the VOICE switch, along with a little H.F. boost
gives this setting a great balance of warmth in the top end and presence in
the midrange. This rich overdrive tone is thick and responsive.
ASSISTANT ENGINEER
Turn everything up! This fully-saturated tone recreates the charm of a
cranked, vintage recording console. The slightly compressed overdrive
character and full low end make this an excellent alternative to fuzz.
Appendix A: Physical Specification
**Appendix B: Performance Specification
**
Appendix C: Connector Pin Out
Instrument & Amplifier 1/4” TS Sockets:
Appendix D: Safety Notices
General Safety
Keep these instructions and heed all warnings. Do not use this apparatus near
water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifi ers)
that produce heat. Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel. When
using an external power supply, use only attachments/accessories specifi ed by
Origin Effects. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one 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 fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
CAUTION! No user-serviceable parts inside. In the event of damage to the unit service or repair must be done by qualifi ed service personnel only.
This Product is CE-compliant.
This product is UKCA compliant.
FCC Certifi cation
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The crossed out wheely bin symbol indicates this product is classifi ed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union and should not be discarded with household waste. Other territories may vary. Contact your local authority or Origin Effects for more information.
This product conforms to the European Union’s directive 2011/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude exceeding 2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on temperate climate conditions only. There may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical climate conditions.
Appendix E: Warranty
This product is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. This applies only to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorised Origin Effects dealer or directly from Origin Effects. All returns or servicing should be arranged through the original dealer. Proof of original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt. For full warranty details visit www.origineffects.com/warranty.
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ORIGIN EFFECTS® is a registered trademark of Origin Effects Limited. All other
product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and
are hereby acknowledged. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the written
permission of Origin Effects Limited. Origin Effects Limited reserves the
right to change the features and specifications described herein without notice
or obligation. Origin Effects Limited cannot be held responsible for any loss
or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this
manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
© Origin Effects Limited 2023
IMPORTANT:
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >90mA power supply with
2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.