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Details the Element's features: cabinet simulations, Bluetooth, dual headphone outputs, and XLR output for musicians.
Specifies correct power supply requirements (9V DC, center-negative) and warns against unregulated supplies.
Instructions for registering the product online and contacting support for warranty claims.
Explains the touch-sensitive sliders for headphone volume and blend control between instrument and backing tracks.
Lists input impedance, current consumption, voltage, and precise physical dimensions of the device.
Details FCC compliance for Class B digital devices and recommended measures to mitigate radio interference.
Describes the recommended power supply and the USB-C port for firmware updates and impulse response management.
Guide on pairing devices via Bluetooth and using the blend control for mixing backing tracks with instrument audio.
Instructions for connecting external audio sources via the 3.5mm aux input and blending with the instrument signal.
Diagram illustrating how to integrate the Element into a guitar pedalboard setup.
Diagrams for connecting the Element with amplifiers and speaker cabinets, emphasizing it's not a loadbox.
Diagram showing connection between amp and cabinet for amplifiers up to 100W.
Diagram for connecting directly to a Darkglass amplifier's AMP IN without a speaker cabinet.
Information on downloading and using the Darkglass Suite for pedal configuration, IRs, and firmware updates.
Urgent warning against connecting an amplifier to AMP IN simultaneously with an instrument to INSTRUMENT IN.
Notes on specification changes and a list of fulfilled manufacturer compliance standards (EN, ETSI, RoHS, WEEE).
The Darkglass Element is a comprehensive cabsim and headphone amplifier designed to empower modern musicians with a versatile and practical tool for practice, rehearsal, and recording. This innovative device offers a wide array of features, making it a central hub for various audio setups.
At its core, the Element serves as a cabinet simulator, providing a bank of five pre-loaded cabinet simulations right out of the box. These simulations can be easily changed and customized through the Darkglass Suite software, allowing users to tailor their sound to their preferences. Beyond cabinet simulation, the Element functions as a high-quality headphone amplifier, featuring two independent headphone outputs. This allows two musicians to listen simultaneously, facilitating collaborative practice or teaching scenarios.
The device also integrates Bluetooth technology, enabling users to wirelessly stream backing tracks, click tracks, or any audio from a Bluetooth-enabled device directly into their headphones. This feature is invaluable for practicing along with music, learning new songs, or simply enjoying a silent practice session. For wired connections, a 3.5mm Aux input is available, offering an alternative for connecting external audio sources like laptops, keyboards, or mixers.
An XLR output provides a balanced connection to external audio interfaces or PA systems, making the Element suitable for recording or live performance applications where a consistent, simulated cabinet sound is desired. The Element is designed to be integrated into various setups, from a simple pedalboard at the end of the signal chain to more complex amplifier and speaker cabinet configurations. It can handle signals from instruments directly or from amplifiers, offering flexibility in how it's incorporated into a musician's rig.
The Element boasts intuitive controls, primarily through touch-sensitive sliders. Two sliders are dedicated to controlling the volume for each headphone output independently, allowing for personalized listening levels. A third touch-sensitive slider, labeled "Blend," enables users to mix the main input signal (from an instrument or amplifier) with the backing track audio (from Bluetooth or Aux input). This blend control is crucial for achieving the perfect balance between the user's playing and the accompanying audio in their headphones.
Connecting the Element is straightforward, offering multiple audio connection options. It features two 6.3mm jacks that can serve as either a balanced/unbalanced instrument input and output or an amplifier input and speaker (through) output. This dual functionality allows the Element to be placed in different parts of an audio chain. For power, the device requires a 9-12V DC power supply with a center-negative 2.1/5.5mm barrel plug.
Bluetooth pairing is initiated by pressing and holding a touch sensor on the Element until all five surrounding LEDs illuminate, indicating it's ready to connect. The device will appear as "Element" on a Bluetooth device list, though its name can be customized via the Darkglass Suite. It's important to note that Bluetooth and Aux input audio are exclusively routed to the headphone outputs and do not pass through to the XLR output or the 6.3mm instrument/speaker out, ensuring a clean signal path for the main instrument/amp sound.
When used with a pedalboard, the Element is typically placed at the end of the signal chain, with the instrument connected to the "INSTRUMENT IN" input. Users can then select from the five impulse response slots or a bypass signal. The signal then proceeds to the XLR output and through the blend and volume controls to the headphone outputs. For amplifier integration, the Element can be connected after a speaker cabinet using the "AMP IN" input, allowing it to work with amplifiers up to 900 Watts. For amplifiers with a maximum output of 100 Watts, the Element can be placed between the amplifier and the speaker cabinet, utilizing the "AMP IN" and "SPEAKER OUT" connections. Darkglass Class D poweramp users have the additional option of connecting their amplifier directly to the Element's "AMP IN" without needing a speaker cabinet or external load.
The Element's functionality is significantly enhanced by the Darkglass Suite software, which is available for free download. This software allows users to configure the pedal, load new impulse responses (IRs), and perform firmware updates, ensuring the device remains current with the latest features and improvements. The Darkglass Suite comes pre-loaded with a selection of cabinet IRs created by various artists, providing a starting point for sound exploration. Furthermore, users can load their own IRs in WAV and AIFF formats and organize their IR files within the software, offering extensive customization possibilities. An online manual for the Darkglass Suite is available for detailed instructions on its use.
For physical maintenance, it's crucial to use a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug, as the Element has a current draw of 250mA. The device does not accept batteries. Using unregulated power supplies or higher voltages can lead to suboptimal noise performance and potentially damage the unit, which would void the warranty. The Element also features a USB-C port for transferring impulse responses and firmware updates, facilitating easy maintenance and customization.
The manufacturer encourages users to register their product online to activate the warranty, providing a serial number located on the back of the pedal. In case of any issues, users are advised to contact Darkglass support via email before shipping a product for service. The device is built to comply with various international standards for electromagnetic compatibility and safety, reflecting a commitment to quality and reliability.
General| Bluetooth | Yes |
|---|---|
| Channels | 1 |
| Impulse Response (IR) Support | Yes |
| Power Supply | USB Power |
| USB | Yes |
| Headphones | Yes |
| Power Source | USB |
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