OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION TO MIDI
MIDI (Musical Instrumentation Digital Interface) is the communication specication dened by the
world's musical instrument manufacturers to allow one electronic device to talk to another. The speci-
cation was initially intended to allow keyboards to communicate with other keyboards and computers,
and thus, the specication includes codes to represent note on, note o, volume dynamics, pitch bend,
patch change, etc. In fact, an examination of the controls of a synthesizer gives a good indication of the
types of commands that the MIDI specication covers — anything that you can control in the synth can
also be controlled through the use of MIDI.
A portion of the MIDI specication deals exclusively with music generation, i.e. note on, note o, pitch
bend, and other commands, the rest of the MIDI specication provides a means to control the function
of electronic hardware. The MIDI program and control change commands oer a wide range of possibil-
ities for controlling patch bays, internal routing of signals in mixers, eects units, and many other digi-
tally accessed audio related equipment. The ability of the PDS-3500, THE MIDI PEDAL, to store in
memory up to 1,984 dierent presets and transmit these MIDI control codes to various pieces of equip-
ment makes it a very powerful tool for the performing musician and MIDI studio.
INTRODUCTION THE PDS-3500, THE MIDI PEDAL
The PDS-3500, THE MIDI PEDAL, is a foot controller that will let you enter a series of MIDI pro-
gram changes and recall them at the tap of your foot. Although the PDS-3500 is in a foot switch format,
the touch pads can be actuated with the gentle touch of your nger so that you could use the unit on
top of your keyboard. With the addition of the FX-17, Wah/Volume controller pedal, the PDS-3500 can
be used to control MIDI specication continuous controllers like volume and modulation depth, as well
as pitch bend and channel pressure.
The PDS-3500 is housed in a DigiTech dual foot switch cast-metal housing. The left foot switch pad
is the BANK/STORE switch. It is used to advance the BANK number and to store data when program-
ming. The right foot switch is the PRESET/INCREMENT switch and it is used to advance the PRESET
number and increment the data values during programming. The top of the housing has two three-
position slide switches. The left-hand slide switch is the MODE SWITCH. It selects the OPERATE mode,
the PROGRAM mode, or selects the PEDAL STATUS number during programming. The right-hand slide
switch is the DATA SWITCH. It selects during OPERATE(ing), one of two operating modes: BANK/
PRESET or BANK DUMP or during PROGRAM(ming) selects: BANK and PRESET, PROGRAM CHANGE
number or MIDI CHANNEL number.
The PDS-3500 also has a four-number LED display mounted on the top of the chassis.
On the right side of the PDS-3500 chassis are two jacks: the D to +5 volt input from the FX-17 pedal
and the A.C. power adapter jack.
The PDS-3500 requires the use of an A.C. power adapter IDDD PS-3 A.C. power adapter to operate.
NOTE: The use of any other A.C. adapter other than a DigiTech or DOD power adapter will void the war-
ranty.
The 9-volt battery found under the plastic cover on the top of the unit is to back up the settings pro-
grammed into the PDS-3500 when the A.C. power adapter is withdrawn from the unit.
On the left side of the PDS-3500 is the MIDI output jack.
USEFUL TERMINOLOGY
PRESET: a group of numbers th at are transmitte d to MIDI devices to eect changes in the
way the MIDI devices operate. A PRESET in the PDS-3500 consists of: a BANK number, a PRESET num-
ber, a MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE number, a MIDI CHANNEL number, and an optional PEDAL STATUS
number.
BANK: a group of up to 31 pre sets. Access to the num b er of presets in a BANK may be limite d
by the use of the END-OF- BANK or the END-OF-PROGRAM markers.
END-OF-BANK marker: The use of the END-OF-BANK marker ("Eb") in a preset limits the access
to presets to those which precede the marker. When the END-OF-BANK marker is encountered, the
PDS-3500 resets the preset number back to “0" within that bank.
END-OF-PROGRAM marker: The use of the END-OF-PROGRAM marker ("EP") limits the access
to those presets and banks which precede the marker. When the END-OF-PROGRAM marker is en-
countered in a BANK, the PDS-3500 resets the PRESET number back to "0" within the BANK. When the
END-OF-PROGRAM marker is encountered when advancing BANK numbers, the PDS-3500 resets the
BANK number back to BANK number “1”.
PROGRAM: a group of up to 63 bank s. Access to the num ber of BANKS may be limited to
those BANK numbers which precede the END-OF-PROGRAM marker.
CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS
MODE SWITCH: This is a three position slide switch which selects either the operating
mode or the programming mode. It also enables the pedal status number input when the PDS-3500 is in
the programming mode.
DATA SWITCH: This is a thre e position slide switch. When the MODE SWITCH is in the OP-
ERATE MODE, the DATA SWITCH selects either the BANK I PRESET MODE of operation or the BANK
DUMP MODE of operation: Whe n the MODE SWITCH is in the PROGRAM MODE, the DATA
SWITCH selects the BANK/PRESET, MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE NUMBER, or the MIDI CHANNEL
NUMBER for data input.
BANK/STORE FOOT SWITCH: This is the foot switch on the le ft side of the pedal unit. When
the PDS-3500 is in the OPERATE MODE, this foot switch advances the BANK NUMBER. When the PDS-
3500 is in the PROGRAM MODE, this foot switch stores the values selected,
PRESET/INCREMENT FOOT SWITCH: This is the foot switch on the right side o f the pedal unit.
When the PDS-3500 is in the OPERATE MODE, this foot switch advances the PRESET NUMBER. When
the PDS-3500 is in the PROGRAM MODE, this foot switch advances the data value being programmed.
If the foot switch is held down, the values advance at about ten per second after a moment's pause.
The capacity of the PDS-3500 is 64 banks with 31 presets in each bank. Each preset consists of: (1) a pro-
gram change number, (2) a MIDI channel number, and (3) a pedal status number. The pedal status
number assigns the function of the FX-17 to one of the dened MIDI continuous controllers, pitch bend,
or channel pressure.
Apply power to the PDS-3500 with the switches in the OPERATE and BANK/PRESET positions. If
the LED display does not read "10," remove and re-apply power to the unit.
The PDS-3500 has two operating modes, the BANK/PRESET mode or the BANK DUMP mode.
As you increment through the BANK numbers, the PRESET number shown on the LED display is
"0." This is a null preset that does not transmit any data, but acts as a starting point for either of the two
operating modes.
The BANK/PRESET MODE allows you to step through the presets in each bank one at a time, the
left foot switch selecting the bank number and the right foot switch selecting the preset number. When
the right foot switch is depressed, the PRESET NUMBER is advanced by one, the MIDI PROGRAM
CHANGE number stored in memory for that preset is displayed momentarily and the preset data is
transmitted.
The BANK DUMP MODE sends out all of the presets in the selected bank. This mode allows you to
set up many dierent eects units with dierent corresponding MIDI program numbers with one tap of
your foot. You can assign each eect device to listen on a dierent MIDI channel, then in each preset in
order, program a dierent MIDI program number for each MIDI channel (the continuous controller
denition being the last preset). Put the left hand switch in the OPERATE mode and the right hand
switch in the BANK DUMP mode, select the BANK number with the left (BANK/STORE) foot switch.
Only when you depress the right (PRESET/ INCREMENT) foot switch are all of the presets in the bank
transmitted in the order of the preset numbers. The LED display will show "...." while all of the presets in
the bank are being transmitted.
Programming the PDS-3500 .is straightforward. With the use of the left and right three-position
switches and the two foot switches, the BANK number, the PRESET number, the MIDI PROGRAM num-
ber, the MIDI CHANNEL number, and the PEDAL STATUS number are quickly programmed into THE
MIDI PEDAL. The programmed settings are stored until changed and are backed up by a battery when
power is removed from the unit.
The rst step in programming the PDS-3500 is to determine what you wish to put into the unit. The
approach you will take to programming the PDS-3500 is dependent on your external MIDI controlled
eects and devices and how you are able to program them individually and their ability to be controlled
by external devices to them:
1. You can preset the eects and patches you want in your external units so that you may access the
combination of eects and patches with one MIDI program change number. Or,
2. You may "tune" each of your external devices to a dierent MIDI channel [this allows you to con-
trol up to 16 dierent units independently), and "assemble'’ the setup you want with a combination of
MIDI program change numbers transmitted over dierent MIDI channels to the respective devices you
wish to change. With this approach to programming the unit, it is necessary to limit your presets to 16,
as there are only 16 channels over which you can send MIDI program change numbers.
One additional concept is useful in programming the PDS-3500. When in the BANK/PRESET
MODE, think of the BANK as a song and the PRESETS as dierent setups for sounds within the song
and organize your songs into sets. And when in the BANK DUMP MODE, think of each bank with its
assigned presets as a single sound setup, and that to change to another sound or setup, you will have to
change to another BANK. With good planning THE MIDI PEDAL can be a super tool to help you control
your eects and other MIDI devices. Randomly accessing disorganized bank and presets can be awk-
ward.
PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCES.
Whatever approach you may choose, organizing your setups is more easily accomplished by lling out a
chart like the following:
You will nd one of these charts at the back of the manual. It is a good idea to photocopy more charts
from this original as you need them.
The chart helps you to plan each PRESET in a BANK, by thinking through and writing down the
MIDI PROGRAM number, the MIDI CHANNEL number, and the PEDAL STATUS number.
There are 64 banks. You may store up to 31 presets per bank. In programming for the BANK DUMP
MODE, it is important to remember that all of the presets in the selected bank will be transmitted, that
the last preset in the bank should be used to determine the PEDAL STATUS denition, and that there
are only 16 dierent channels you may transmit data on.
BANK NUMBER PRESET NUMBER PROGRAM NUMBER CHANNEL NUMBER PEDAL STATUS COMMENTS
TO ENTER PROGRAM INFORMATION
You must rst supply power to the PDS-3500 by inserting the A.C. power adapter into the 3.5mm
jack on the right side to the rear of the chassis.
To select the BANK and PRESET numbers: put the MODE SWITCH in the PROGRAM mode and
put the DATA SWITCH in the BANK/PRESET position. Select the BANK you wish to enter data into by
pushing the left foot switch I BANK/STORE!. The BANK number will advance one number at a time at a
single push of the foot switch or, if the foot switch is held down, the BANK numbers will advance at the
rate of about ten numbers per second. The BANK numbers are shown on the left hand portion of the
LED display. When you have reached the desired BANK number, select the desired PRESET number in
the same manner using the right foot switch. The PRESET numbers are shown on the right hand portion
of the LED display. Should you overshoot the number, you may either continue to depress the foot
switch until the desired number comes around again, or you may switch the MODE SWITCH to OPER-
ATE and back to PROGRAM which will reset the BANK number and the PRESET number back to 1 and 0
respectively.
To enter the PROGRAM CHANGE number: with the MODE SWITCH still in the PROGRAM mode,
put the DATA SWITCH in the PROGRAM CHANGE position. Use the right foot switch to advance the
PROGRAM CHANGE numbers as with the PRESET numbers above. The PROGRAM CHANGE numbers
will appear on the LED display with one dot (X X X) in front of the number. The LED display will show
the value that is presently stored in memory for that preset. You change the number by incrementing up
starting at that displayed number. If you fail to store the number you have incremented to, the previous-
ly stored number will remain in memory. Store this number in the memory of the PDS-3500 by depress-
ing the left foot switch. A series of four dashes (----) will appear indicating that the PROGRAM CHANGE
number has been stored. It is not necessary to store each parameter individually; you may stare all three
preset values at a time by depressing the left foot switch once, when the values for PROGRAM
CHANGE, MIDI CHANNEL, and PEDAL STATUS numbers have been selected. You must, however,
store the preset values before you place the DATA SWITCH back into the BANK/PRESET position or the
preset numbers will all be reset to default values.
Entering the MIDI CHANNEL number: is done in the same manner as the PROGRAM CHANGE
number, by putting the DATA SWITCH in the MIDI CHANNEL position and advancing the number
with the right foot switch. The MIDI CHANNEL numbers are shown on the LED display with two dots (.
. X X) in front of the numbers.
NOTE: The PDS-3500 operates in an "edit mode" when programming. This means that whatever values
that were previously stored in that bank and preset number are retained and displayed in the program-
ming mode. To change these values to new ones, simply advance the numbers with the foot switches.
You may have to "roll-around" to the lower number value you desire by advancing the number past the
greatest number value for that parameter back to 1. If you fail to store the newly incremented number,
the number stored in memory will remain as the active number for that preset.
USING THE PDS-3500 WITH A CONTINUOUS CONTROLLER PEDAL
The PEDAL STATUS number is really only necessary when you intend to use the PDS-3500 with a 0
to +5 volt controller pedal like the DOD FX-17. If you do not wish to use a continuous controller pedal
with the PDS-3500, the unit is programmed to the default value of the PEDAL STATUS number, pedal
disabled, indicated by "Pd" on the LED display. You may simply store the PROGRAM CHANGE number
and the MIDI CHANNEL number values without selecting the PEDAL STATUS number and the PDS-
3500 will disable the pedal function and not transmit any information relating to a continuous control-
ler.
Should you program a continuous controller denition into the PDS-3500, but not have the FX-17
plugged in, zero values will be transmitted. This will result in the minimum value for that controller be-
ing sent. The volume will be at the minimum, or there will be no modulation, or any of the other contin-
uous controllers won't work. The use of the PDS-3500 with the controller pedal allows you access to all
of the MIDI dened continuous controllers.
The PDS-3500 uses 7 bit resolution for the continuous controller function, and 8 bit resolution for
the pitch bend. This, combined with the coarseness of the foot controller, may not be of a sucient res-
olution to perform some of the continuous controller functions well. An example may be pitch bend,
where the unit will toggle between two values and yield an unsatisfactory performance.
The following table shows some of the more useful denitions available. For a more complete list of
the currently accepted dened numbers, refer to the listing of the continuous controllers in the back of
the manual.
Entering the PEDAL STATUS number: is done by switching the MODE SWITCH to the PEDAL STA-
TUS position. Depress the right foot switch, advancing the PEDAL STATUS number to the desired value.
This is usually the last value selected, so it is usually appropriate to store the selected values at this paint
by depressing the left foot switch.
The continuous controller pedal transmits data to the function selected by the PEDAL STATUS
number. The position of the 0 to +5 volt controller pedal determines what data is sent and indirectly
what eect is controlled in what manner.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Care must be taken when using the continuous controller and changing to an-
other preset without the same continuous controller denition. The last state which the continuous
controller transmits to the eect will remain when you change presets. For example: if you were using
the controller pedal as a main volume control (PEDAL STATUS number 7), and you reduce the volume
to minimum then change to another preset in which the pedal is disabled, the main volume will remain
Midi No. Description
1 modulation wheel or lever
5 portamento time
7 main volume
10 pan controller
92 tremolo depth
93 chorus depth
95 phaser depth
Cp channel pressure
Pb pitch bend
Pd pedal disabled
at minimum.
If you call for a continuous controller denition, but do not have the FXH#7 pedal attached the mini-
mum value for the controller will be transmitted. This may result in no volume or lowest pitch, or any
other minimum function of the continuous controller's denition.
END-OF-BANK AND END-OF-PROGRAM MARKERS
To mark the last preset in a bank of presets, you may use the END-OF-BANK marker. This marker,
when arrived at during operation of the PDS-3500, will recycle you back to the top of the current bank
from whatever point you insert it. When you have programmed and stored the last preset you want on a
bank, advance to the next PRESET number, place the DATA switch in the PROGRAM CHANGE position
and cycle through all 128 program numbers. When you reach program number 128, advance the program
number one more. The display will read "Eb" for END-OF-BANK. Store the END- OF-BANK as you
would a preset.
The END-OF-BANK marker (Eb) causes the PDS-3500 to recycle to the beginning of the particular
bank in which you're operating. You may place the END-OF- BANK marker at any preset number in the
bank, even though you may have more stored presets after the marker. During operation, when you
reach the END-OF- BANK marker, you will be recycled to the beginning of the bank without accessing
the presets that come after the marker. You may access the next BANK by simply pressing the BANK/
STORE FOOT SWITCH.
The END-OF-PROGRAM marker |EP) causes the PDS-3500 to reset to the rst bank when this marker is
encountered. The END-OFPROGRAM marker is placed in the same manner as the END-OF-BANK
marker. The END-OF-PRDGRAM marker is used in place of the END-OF-BANK marker when you have
reached both the end of a bank and the end of your programmed settings. During programming, after
you have put the DATA switch in the PROGRAM CHANGE position and cycled through the 12B program
numbers and reached the "Eb" marker, advance the PROGRAM CHANGE number to the "EP"
marker which is right after the "Eb" marker. When you encounter the END- OF-PROGRAM marker
while advancing through presets, you will be recycled to the beginning of the bank in which you are op-
erating. When you attempt to advance to the next bank, the PDS-3500 will recycle to the rst bank, even
though there may be other presets in the next banks that have been programmed.
These two markers allow you to more quickly get to the banks and presets you may want to use ra-
ther than having to cycle through unwanted programmed material.
TUTORIAL: EXAMPLE PRESET PROGRAMMING
Let's take the following preset example as illustrated on the programming planning chart:
To enter this preset:
Place the MODE SWITCH in the PROGRAM position and the DATA SWITCH in the BANK/PRESET
position. Advance the BANK number with the left foot switch until the number "2" appears in the left
portion of the LED display and advance the PRESET number with the right foot switch until the number
"15" appears in the right side of the LED display.
Place the DATA SWITCH in the PROGRAM CHANGE position and advance the number with the
right foot switch until "23" appears in the LED display.
Place the DATA SWITCH in the MIDI CHANNEL position and advance the number with the right
foot switch until . 1" appears in the LED display.
Place the MODE SWITCH in the PEDAL STATUS position and advance the number with the right
foot switch until “1” appears in the LED display.
Depress the left foot switch to store the preset in memory. Four dashes - - - - appear in the LED dis-
play conrming that the preset is being stored.
To enter the END-OF-BANK marker:
After you have stored the preset as shown above, return MODE SWITCH to PROGRAM and the DA-
TA SWITCH to the BANK/PRESET position. Advance the PRESET number to number 16. The LED indi-
cator will show " 216" to indicate that you are now programming bank #2, preset #16.
Place the DATA SWITCH in the PROGRAM CHANGE position and advance through all 128 num-
bers and stop when the display reads "Eb."
Store the END-OF-BANK marker by depressing the left foot switch. Four dashes - - - - will appear on
the LED display indicating that the END-OF-BANK marker is being stored.
To recall and transmit the preset:
Place the MODE SWITCH in the OPERATE position and the DATA SWITCH in the BANK/PRESET
position. Depress the left foot switch until "2" appears in the left portion of the LED display and depress
BANK NUMBER PRESET NUMBER PROGRAM NUMBER CHANNEL NUMBER PEDAL STATUS COMMENTS
2 15 23 1 7 volume pedal
2 16 Eb - - end of bank marker
the right foot switch until "15" appears in the right portion of the LED display. Upon arriving at the pre-
set number, the LED display momentarily displays ".23" Indicating that PROGRAM CHANGE number
23, the MIDI CHANNEL number selected and the PEDAL STATUS number selected have been transmit-
ted.
With the END-OF-BANK marker at preset #16 in bank #2, when you advance to the next PRESET,
the PDS-3500 will recycle to the beginning of the bank. The LED display will not show the END-OF-
BANK marker but will go directly to bank #2 preset #0.
MASTER RESETTING OF THE MEMORY
Sometimes it may become more convenient to clear the entire memory of all presets rather than
reprogram them. This may be the case when you add another eect unit in your eects chain, or replace
eects with an eects unit from a dierent manufacturer that requires dierent programming.
Resetting of the memory is accomplished by powering down the unit, placing the MODE SWITCH
in the OPERATE position, the DATA SWITCH in the MIDI CHANNEL position, and depressing only the
PRESET/INCREMENT foot switch while you apply power to the unit. The LED display will show "CLrd"
indicating that the memory has reset. All presets will be reset to PROGRAM CHANGE: 1, MIDI CHAN-
NEL: land PEDAL STATUS: DISABLED. Do not depress both foot switch pedals or just the BANK I
STORE foot switch pedal as you apply power to the PDS-3500 or the unit MAY BE DAMAGED.
CAUTION! MASTER RESETTING OF THE MEMORY COMPLETELY REMOVES ALL PREVIOUSLY
PROGRAMMED MATERIAL. BE CERTAIN THAT YOU MAKE A RECORD OF THE PRESETS YOU
WISH TO REPROGRAM INTO THE PDS-3500 BEFORE YOU RESET THE MEMORY
CHANGING THE BATTERY
The 9 volt battery backs up the programmed settings of the PDS-3500 in the memory when the pow-
er is removed from the unit. The operational life of the battery is judged to be over a year. However, it is
suggested that you replace the battery more often than that to prevent accidental loss of your pro-
grammed data. To replace the battery and avoid accidental loss of data: apply power to the PDS- 3500,
open the battery compartment and remove the old battery, replace with a new battery (EverReady® En-
ergizer® battery No. 522), close the battery compartment, and remove the power to the unit. It is abso-
lutely necessary to replace the battery with the power on to prevent the loss of your presets.
SUMMARY
The PDS-350D stores MIDI control data in 1,9B4 presets 64 banks x 31 presets. Each preset consists
of a MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE number, a MIDI CHANNEL number, and a PEDAL STATUS number.
END-OF-BANK and END-OF- PROGRAM markers allow you to limit the access range of the PDS-3500
so as to give you faster access to the presets you want. The BANK/PRESET OPERATING MODE allows
you to advance one preset at a time in a BANK. The BANK DUMP MODE transmits all of the presets in
that BANK at once allowing sophisticated music and eects setups at a single touch of the foot switch.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY
In the unlikely event that you experience diculty with the PDS-3500, please check the A.C. power
adapter. The 9 volt battery under the cover on the top of the chassis backs up the memory settings pro-
grammed into the unit. Should you begin to lose these settings, please check and/or replace the battery.
Replace the used battery with an EverReady® Energizer® 9 volt alkaline battery No. 522.
The use of any other A.C. power adapter other than a DOD/DigiTech PS-3 or FX-105 will void the
warranty.
Unauthorized repair of the PDS-350D by anyone other than the factory voids the warranty. Contact
your DigiTech dealer for return/repair procedures.
DIGITECH WARRANTY
1. The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate
this warranty.
2. DigiTech warrants this product, when used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in ma-
terial and workmanship under normal use and service.
3. DigiTech Electronics' liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective
materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned through the original dealer,
where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of one year. The company shall not be liable
for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.
4. Proof of date of purchase is considered to he the burden of the consumer.
5. If this product is battery operated: Batteries are not covered by this warranty. Please remove
weak or dead batteries in order to prevent corrosion damage.
6. DigiTech reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements
upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same on PRODUCTS PREVIOUSLY
MANUFACTURED.
7. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and DigiTech neither as-
sumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it 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 from any delay in the performances of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.
DigiTech is a trademark of the OOD Electronics Corp.
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