Tech 21 Double Drive 3X Owner's Manual

*Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included). NOTE: Input jack

POWER REQUIREMENTS

activates battery. To conserve energy, unplug when not in use. Power Consumption: approx. 5mA.

*USE DC POWER SUPPLY 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 power supply is available: Tech 21 Model #DC2.

WARNINGS:

* 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 exterior box are intact, and return your warranty registration card.

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 becomes defective within warranty period, Tech 21 will repair or replace it free of charge. After expiration, Tech 21 will repair defective unit for a fee.

ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S. and Canada: Call Tech 21 for Return Authorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept packages without

prior authorization, pre-paid freight (UPS preferred) and proper insurance.

FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:

Contact Tech 21 weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST.

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

TECH 21, THE COMPANY

Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination of a trained ear and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta made his invention commercially available to players and studios around the world. His highly-acclaimed SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier Emulation in professional applications for recording direct and performing live, and created an entirely new category of signal processing. There have since been many entries into this niche, yet SansAmp continues to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.

With a full line of SansAmp models, Tech 21 also offers effect pedals and MIDI products, as well as “traditional” style amplifiers for guitar and bass. Each product is thoughtfully and respectfully designed by B. Andrew Barta himself with the player in mind. Our goal is to provide you with flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, control, refine and redefine your own individual sound. Tech 21 takes great pride in delivering consistent quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.

APPLICATIONS

The Double Drive 3X 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 3X in conjunction with any of our own SansAmp™ models of Tube Amplifier Emulators.

Simply plug your guitar into the Double Drive 3X, and plug the Double Drive 3X into the input of your amp or the input of a SansAmp.

THE INS AND OUTS

1/4” INPUT: 1megOhm high impedance input, same as traditional tube amps. Also switches

battery power on/off. To avoid battery drain, unplug when unit is not in use.

1/4” OUTPUT: 1kOhm low impedance output drives long cables without loss of signal

integrity, even in bypass.

SIGNAL LEVEL TO INPUT

The Double Drive 3X is designed to accommodate instrument level signals to the Input, such as the output of a guitar, the output of (other) distortion pedals, etc.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Double Drive 3X is a 3-channel, fully programmable version of its single channel predecessor with active 3-band EQ.

With a

100% analog signal path, the Double Drive design offers 2 different types of distor-

tion that are based solely on the 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 EQ controls yields an immeasurable number of variations. With the Double Drive 3X, you can go from a clean boost (up to 10dB) to jawrattling fuzz.

The ease of operation allows you to make changes on the fly, even during your performance --without having to take this manual with you. There are no complex formulas or numerical calculations to learn, so nothing will get in the way of your creative flow.

Independent footswitches put your three favorite tones right at your feet. Custom actuators provide a smooth transition between channels for instantaneous switching, so you can dance with the music instead of your gear.

As with each Tech 21 product, the controls are designed to give you the flexibility to obtain your desired sound. It is our hope that the Double Drive 3X will be a useful tool for stimulating your creativity and, ultimately, providing the inspiration to play your best.

Simply plug your guitar into the Double Drive 3X, and plug the Double Drive 3X into the input of your amp or the input of a SansAmp.

output stages of specific tube amplifiers: Class A (Vox

For normal operation, signal level to Input should be close to that of a standard electric guitar (approx -10dB / 250mV). However, for extreme effect, feel free to add a treble booster or other overdrive pedal in front of the Double Drive 3X, as the unit will not be harmed.

NOTE: Hot pickups will increase the gain structure of the Double Drive 3X.

GUIDE TO CONTROLS

DRIVE A

controls the amount of Class A power amp output stage distortion (like Vox AC30®-style amps), 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 position, 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.

BASS, MID & TREBLE

Unlike passive controls that only cut, these fully programmable active tone controls cut or boost ±

12dB from unity gain at 12 o’clock. Frequencies are: Bass @ 125 Hz. Mid @ 500 Hz. Treble @

3.5 kHz.

LEVEL

Adjusts the output level.

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