Tech 21 Double Drive Owner's Manual
T: 973-777-6996 • E: info@tech21nyc.com • W: www.tech21nyc.com
© 2003 Tech 21,Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Designed with Tech 21’s unmistakably warm,rich 100% analo g circuitry, the Double Drive
really is something new --for a change. It offers 2 different types of distortion that are
based solely on the output stages of specific tube amplifiers:Class A (Vox AC30®-style)
and Class A/B (Fender®-style/Marshall®-style).You can use either Drive control individually
or together, which creates a unique blend of the 2 distortions and achieves a cascading
effect.
The interaction of the two Drives with the Tone control yields an immeasurable number of
variations.With the Double Drive, you can go from a clean boost (up to 10dB) to jaw-rattling fuzz.Rather than simply cutting highs,Tone shifts the center frequency of the high cut
to maintain the mids without getting muddy.
Characteristic of all Tech 21 products,the Double Drive will not depersonalize your guitar
tone. It is highly interactive with your individual playing style and your instrument’s individual tonality. It is our hope that the Double Drive will be a useful tool for stimulating your
creativity and,ultimately, providing the inspiration to play your best.
APPLICATIONS
The Double Drive is designed to be used with any amp - - tube or solid state, vintage or
modern.You can achieve the same results using the Double Drive in conjunction with any
of our highly-acclaimed SansAmpTMmodels of Tube Amplifier Emulators.It can also add
warmth and dimension to any digital signal processor.
Simply plug your guitar into the Double Drive, and plug the Double Drive into the input of
your amp (or the input of a SansAmp).
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
DRIVE A
controls the amount of Class A power amp output stage distortion (like Vox AC30®-style
amp),rich in even harmonics.The amount of harmonics is dynamically controlled by the
input level.Therefore, you will influence the ratio of harmonics by how hard you pick.At
minimum,the circuitry has no tonal effect on the sound and is clean.
DRIVE A/B
controls the amount of Class A/B power amp output stage distortion (like
Fender®/Marshall®-style amps),rich in odd harmonics. At minimum,the circuitry has no
tonal effect on the sound and is clean.
TONE
is a very musical,specialized low pass filter that shifts the high cut from 10kH to 1kH.It
allows you to remove the high end without losing mids or getting muddy.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES & SUGGESTIONS
-The signal path of Drive A runs into the signal path of Drive A/B.This results in an electronic
multiplication, rather than addition,of the amount of distortion to achieve a cascading effect.
-If you have hot output pickups, you may experience a hint of distortion when the Drive
controls are at minimum.
-The Tone control is unusually sensitive and powerful.You need not set it at max to get
maximum results. For guitar amps that tend to be on the bright side, we recommend you begin
experimenting with Tone set lower than 12 o’clock.
-The Tone control also helps compensate for the EQ curves found in guitar amps. To find the
best setting for interacting with your amp, start with Tone set at 12 o’clock.Cut or boost as
necessary. Be aware that amplifiers vary greatly. Some may require you to use a radical setting
on the Double Drive to achieve your desired sound.You need not be discouraged or suspect
something is wrong with the unit.If you get your sound,it’s the right balance to complement
your amp.
-The highly efficient,low power consuming LED will fade as the battery runs low (±6.5V).
While the Double Drive will continue to operate, we would recommend replacing the battery
at this time.
USING WITH OTHER EFFECTS
For best results,plug your guitar directly into the Double Drive.This will preserve the interactive
nature of the unit.Otherwise, place the following effects:
BEFORE: Chorus,Envelope Filter/Follower,Wah-Wah
AFTER: Chorus,Distortion (other),Echo, Reverb, SansAmp, Volume Pedal
*Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included).To install,simply remove battery door. (NOTE:The
Input activates battery.To conserve energy, unplug when not in use.) Power Consumption: approx.5mA.
*USE DC POWERSUPPLY ONLY! Failure to do so may damage the unit and void warranty.
DC Power Supply Specifications:
-9V DC regulated or unregulated,100mA minimum;
-2.1mm female plug,center negative (-).
Optional factory po w er supply is available , Model #DC2.
* Attempting to repair unit is not recommended and may void warranty.
* Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void warranty. For your own protection,be sure serial
number labels on the unit’s back plate and exteriorbox are intact.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
WARNINGS:
LEVEL
is capable of extremely high output,up to 10dB (even in clean setting).Useful as a “preboost” for additional gain out of your amp without altering any tonal characteristics.
THE INS AND OUTS
1/4” INPUT : 1megOhm high impedance input,same as traditional tube amps.
1/4” OUTPUT : 1kOhm low impedance output drives long cables without loss of signal
integrity, even in bypass.
®
Names of amplifier styles are intended for descriptive purposes only.
Registered trademarks.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY . PROOF OF PURCHASE REQUIRED . Manufacturer
warrants unit to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase
to the original purchaser and is not transferable.This warranty does not include damage resulting from accident,misuse, abuse, alteration,or incorrect current or voltage. If unit be-comes defective within warranty
period,Tech 21 will elect to repair or replace it free of charge.After warranty expires, Tech 21 will repair
defective unit for a fee.
ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S.Call Tech 21 for Return Authorization Number . Manufacturer will
not accept packages without prior authorization,pre-paid freight (UPSpreferred) and proper insurance.
International purchasers should contact the authorized Tech 21 distributor in their particular country.
FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:
Contact Tech 21,Inc., weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM,EST.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
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