Darkglass Electronics ALPHA OMEGA PHOTON

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Darkglass Electronics ALPHA OMEGA PHOTON and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Quick Start Guide

Connections

Describes how to connect instruments, headphones, and other devices to the pedal.

Input

Details the primary instrument input on the Alpha Omega Photon.

Aux In

Explains the stereo input for playback of backing tracks.

Headphone Output

Information on connecting headphones and adjusting volume.

Balanced Outputs

Discusses routing versatility and audio interface capabilities.

Signal Chain

Block Diagram

Visual representation of the default and optional signal chains.

Compressor

Details the compressor block within the signal chain.

Distortion

Describes the distortion block in the signal chain.

Cabinet Simulation

Explains the cabinet simulation feature in the signal chain.

Blend

Describes the blend control for mixing signals.

EQ

Details the equalizer block in the signal chain.

Direct Output

Information about the XLR output for connecting to mixers.

MIDI In

Explains the MIDI input for external controller connection.

USB

Details the USB-C port for audio interface and app interaction.

Signal Chain Options

Discusses changing the Cabsim block position via the Suite.

Controls

Smart Potentiometers

Introduces the five smart potentiometers for sound sculpting.

Compressor Potentiometer

Details the one-knob compression control.

Blend Potentiometer

Explains the blend control for mixing signals.

Drive Potentiometer

Explains how the DRIVE knob adds distortion to the signal.

Mod Potentiometer

Details the MOD knob for selecting Alpha/Omega circuits.

Level Potentiometer

Controls the master volume of the Alpha-Omega Photon.

Touch Sensitive Sliders

Describes the touch-sensitive sliders for the 6-band graphic EQ.

Rotary Footswitch Encoders and Basic Operation

Rotary Footswitch Encoders

Explains the function of the three rotary footswitch encoders (A, B, C).

Basic Operation

Covers general operation and preset management.

Editing and Saving Presets

Details the process of editing, auditioning, and saving presets.

Tuner, Bypass, and Performance Lock

Tuner

Instructions for entering and using the built-in chromatic tuner.

Bypass

How to engage and exit bypass mode for signal processing.

Performance Lock

Explains how to lock controls to prevent accidental changes.

Bluetooth and USB Audio Interface

Bluetooth Pairing

Steps to pair the Alpha Omega Photon with Bluetooth devices.

Alpha Omega Photon as a USB Audio Interface

Information on using the pedal as a USB audio interface.

Setting Up the Drivers

Guidance on installing necessary drivers for Windows users.

USB Routing

Details the available USB audio output routing options.

Audio Routing and Specifications

USB Input

Describes the different USB input signal types.

Audio Routing

Explains how instrument, Aux, and Bluetooth audio is routed.

Darkglass IR Library

Information about the library of Impulse Response (IR) files.

Technical Specifications

Lists key technical specifications like impedance, current, and voltage.

The Alpha·Omega Photon is a versatile audio interface and signal processor designed for musicians, particularly bass and guitar players. It integrates a range of effects and routing options into a compact pedal-style unit, making it suitable for practice, recording, and live performance.

Function Description

At its core, the Alpha·Omega Photon serves as an instrument input, allowing you to connect your guitar or bass directly. It features a sophisticated signal chain that includes a compressor, distortion, cabinet simulation, blend control, and a 6-band graphic equalizer. This comprehensive suite of effects enables extensive sound sculpting, from subtle tone shaping to aggressive, raw distortion.

The device's distortion circuit is a key feature, offering an accurate model of the Alpha·Omega distortion developed in collaboration with Jon Stockman. It provides two distinct distortion types—Alpha (punchy, tight with definition) and Omega (brutal and raw)—which can be blended for greater versatility. Additionally, "Growl" and "Bite" boost functions are available to add low-end and high-end sparkle to the distorted signal.

The compressor is a one-knob solution that controls the input gain to the compressor, with an intelligent make-up gain algorithm to maintain usable output levels. It offers five selectable ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, and ALL IN, providing flexibility for different compression needs.

Cabinet simulation is handled via Impulse Response (IR) technology, with five onboard cabinet slots pre-loaded with default IRs selected by the Darkglass Team. Users can also load their own IRs into these slots using the Darkglass Suite desktop or mobile app, expanding the sonic possibilities. The position of the cabinet simulation block within the signal chain can be adjusted via the Suite.

The blend control allows users to mix the distorted signal with a clean sidechain signal, offering a way to retain clarity and low-end presence even with heavy distortion. A programmable 6-band graphic equalizer, positioned at the end of the signal chain, provides precise tonal control. Its frequency bands include a low shelf, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz, and a high shelf, with alternative frequency bands (100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz) available through the Darkglass Suite.

Beyond its core effects, the Alpha·Omega Photon functions as a USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of processed and unprocessed signals to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It supports stereo recording from the Aux input simultaneously. The device also includes Bluetooth pairing for wireless audio playback, enabling users to practice along with backing tracks from mobile devices or laptops.

For live performance and practice, the Alpha·Omega Photon offers a chromatic tuner with a five-octave range, ensuring accurate tuning for various instruments and tunings. It also features a bypass mode, which passes the unprocessed input signal directly to the outputs, and a performance lock mode to prevent accidental parameter changes during live use.

Usage Features

The Alpha·Omega Photon is designed for intuitive operation with a combination of smart potentiometers, touch-sensitive sliders, and rotary footswitch encoders.

Smart Potentiometers: Five smart potentiometers—Compression, Drive, Mod, Blend, and Level—are the primary interface for sculpting the sound. These potentiometers store their positions within each preset, and a ring of LEDs around each knob indicates the stored setting, providing a visual reference even when switching between presets with different physical knob positions.
Touch-Sensitive Sliders: Located at the center of the unit, these sliders control the 6-band graphic EQ. Users can swipe upwards to boost a frequency band or downwards to cut it. Double-tapping a slider resets the band to 0 dB. The sliders are responsive to swipes across any part of their length, allowing for precise adjustments without obscuring the actual slider position with a finger.
Rotary Footswitch Encoders: Three rotary footswitch encoders (A, B, and C) are located below the sliders. These can be pressed to select one of three pre-programmed presets. Holding a footswitch for two seconds saves current settings into that preset. Rotation of these encoders allows for changing the compressor ratio (Encoder A), distortion mode (Encoder B), or active IR (Encoder C). When none of the five LEDs under an encoder are lit, the corresponding effect (compressor, distortion, or IR) is bypassed.
Preset Management: The device comes with three pre-programmed presets (A, B, C) accessible via the footswitches. Additional presets can be accessed via MIDI or the Darkglass Suite. Editing a preset is straightforward: any change to a parameter (potentiometer, slider, encoder rotation) activates an "edit" or "audition" mode, indicated by a gently breathing color LED. Auditions can be saved by holding a footswitch or discarded. The device flashes all LEDs rapidly to confirm a save.
Tuner: To activate the tuner, users press footswitches B and C simultaneously. The tuner is chromatic and supports notes from A0 to A#5. The rightmost sliders display tuning accuracy, transitioning from red (flat/sharp) to green (perfect pitch).
Bypass Mode: Engaging bypass mode (pressing A and B simultaneously) routes the unprocessed input signal directly to the outputs, with all LEDs turning off.
Performance Lock: This mode (activated by pressing A and C simultaneously) prevents accidental parameter changes during live performances. While locked, all LEDs gently breathe, and users can still switch between saved presets and access the tuner or bypass modes.
Connectivity: The Alpha·Omega Photon offers a variety of connections: a 1/4" mono input for instruments, a 1/8" stereo Aux In for backing tracks, a 1/8" stereo headphone output with a dedicated volume potentiometer, two 1/4" balanced outputs (TRS) for studio monitors or amplifiers, an XLR Direct Output with ground lift for mixing desks or audio interfaces, a 1/8" TRS (Type B) MIDI In for external controllers, and a USB-C port for audio interface functionality, software updates, and access to the Darkglass Suite.
Bluetooth Pairing: To pair with a Bluetooth device, users press and hold an encoder while simultaneously rotating it. The five LEDs under the encoder will illuminate sequentially, and pairing will begin when all five are lit.

Maintenance Features

While the manual does not explicitly detail "maintenance features" in the traditional sense (e.g., cleaning instructions), it highlights aspects that contribute to the device's longevity and optimal performance through software and connectivity:

Darkglass Suite Integration: The USB-C port allows interaction with the Darkglass Suite desktop app. This software is crucial for managing the device, enabling software updates, and providing access to the extensive Darkglass IR library. Regular updates via the Suite ensure the device runs with the latest features and bug fixes, contributing to its long-term usability.
IR Library Management: The Darkglass Suite allows users to assign new IRs to the five cabinet slots, offering a way to refresh and expand the device's sonic palette over time without needing new hardware. This feature ensures the device remains versatile and adaptable to evolving musical tastes and production needs.
Driver Management: For Windows users, the manual directs them to download the latest USB audio drivers from the Darkglass website. Keeping these drivers updated is essential for maintaining stable and high-quality audio interface functionality, preventing compatibility issues and ensuring smooth operation with DAWs. Mac users typically do not require additional drivers.
Power Supply Requirements: The manual specifies a compatible power supply (9V center negative, min. 500 mA). Adhering to these requirements is critical for the device's proper functioning and to prevent damage from incorrect power input.

In summary, the Alpha·Omega Photon is a comprehensive and user-friendly device that combines powerful signal processing with versatile connectivity, designed to be a central tool for musicians in various scenarios, supported by software for ongoing customization and updates.