The Dreadbox Darkness is a stereo reverb pedal designed to create a wide range of atmospheric and spatial effects, from subtle echoes to vast, dark soundscapes. Its name, "Darkness," alludes to its ability to generate deep, immersive reverb, drawing a parallel to the absence of visible light or the primordial Greek god of darkness, Scotus.

Function Description:

At its core, the Darkness is a stereo reverb unit. It processes incoming audio signals, adding a reverberant tail that can be extensively shaped and controlled. The pedal offers three distinct control pages: Main, Secondary, and Gate, each providing access to different parameters and functionalities, allowing for a high degree of sound customization.

Main Page Controls:

The Main Page provides the primary controls for the reverb effect:

Spread (Reverb Size): This knob adjusts the overall size of the reverb, ranging from smaller, tighter spaces to expansive, cavernous environments.
Mix (Dry/Wet Balance): This control blends the original (dry) signal with the processed (wet) reverb signal. A 50/50 mix is achieved at the 3 o'clock position, while turning the knob to its maximum setting completely removes the dry signal, leaving only the reverb.
Decay (Reverb Decay Time/Feedback): This knob determines how long the reverb tail sustains. Higher settings result in longer, more lingering decays.
Control (Mode-Dependent Parameter): The function of this knob changes based on the position of the Mode switch.
- Mode Switch Position 1 (Shifter Semitone): In this mode, the Control knob adjusts the pitch of a shimmer effect by +/-12 semitones. A 50% setting results in no pitch shift.
- Mode Switch Position 2 (Shifter Mix): When the Mode switch is in this position, the Control knob adjusts the amount or intensity of the shimmer effect.

Secondary Controls Page:

Accessed by holding down the ON/OFF footswitch, the Secondary Controls Page offers advanced modulation and filtering options:

Spread (No Function): On this page, the Spread knob has no active function.
Mix (Reverb Filter): This knob acts as a filter for the reverb tail. Turning it to the left engages a low-pass filter, while turning it to the right engages a high-pass filter.
Decay (LFO Depth): This control adjusts the depth of a Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO). At the 50% position, there is no LFO. Turning it to the left engages a Sample and Hold LFO, while turning it to the right engages a Triangle LFO.
Control (LFO Rate): This knob sets the speed of the LFO, which always targets the Reverb Spread parameter.
Mode Switch (Tails On/Off): This switch determines whether the reverb tail continues to be audible after the effect is disengaged.
- Left (Off): When the effect is turned off via the ON/OFF footswitch, the reverb tail immediately cuts off.
- Right (On): With "Tails On," the reverb tail will naturally decay even after the effect is bypassed, creating a smoother transition.

Gate Controls Page:

Accessed by holding down the HOLD footswitch, the Gate Controls Page provides parameters for shaping the dynamics of the reverb through a gate effect:

Spread (No Function): On this page, the Spread knob has no active function.
Mix (Threshold): This knob controls the sensitivity of the gate, determining how easily it closes.
Decay (Attack Time): After the gate opens, this control sets the time it takes for the effect to reach its maximum programmed volume.
Control (Release Time): After the gate closes, this knob controls the time it takes for the effect to completely fade out.
Mode Switch (Gate On/Off): This switch enables or disables the gate effect.
- Left (Off): When the gate is off, the other knobs on this page have no effect.
- Right (On): When the gate is on, the threshold, attack, and release time controls become active.

Usage Features:

Stereo Input and Output: The Darkness supports true stereo operation, allowing for immersive stereo soundscapes. Connect your instrument or audio source to the L and R INPUTS, and connect the L and R OUTPUTS to your amplifier, monitors, or mixer. For mono instruments (like a guitar), simply connect to either input. For mono output, either output jack can be used.
9VDC Center Pin Negative Power: The pedal requires a standard 9VDC center pin negative power supply with at least 150mA.
Not True Bypass: The Darkness is not a true bypass effect, meaning it requires power to pass any sound through it, even when the effect is disengaged.
Memory Function: Upon power-up, the pedal recalls the last settings used, ensuring consistency in your sound.
JUMP Mode Controls: The controls operate in a "JUMP" mode. This means that the value of a knob will not change until you physically move it past its previously stored position. This prevents sudden jumps in sound when switching between pages or recalling settings.
ON/OFF Footswitch: A swift press of this footswitch activates or deactivates the main reverb effect. Holding it down provides access to the Secondary Controls Page.
HOLD Footswitch (Loop Input / Page 3 Access):
- A swift press of this footswitch will loop the next 150ms of your input signal. If no signal is present, the switch will effectively kill the effect.
- While the input is looped, no new input is processed, but you can still manipulate the looped sound using the pedal's controls.
- Holding down the HOLD footswitch provides access to the Gate Controls Page.

Maintenance Features:

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features beyond the power requirements and general usage. However, as with most electronic pedals, it is advisable to:

Use the specified power supply to prevent damage.
Keep the pedal in a clean, dry environment to avoid dust and moisture ingress.
Handle the footswitches and knobs with care to ensure their longevity.
Avoid exposing the pedal to extreme temperatures.

The Dreadbox Darkness is a versatile and powerful stereo reverb pedal, offering a deep level of control over its sound. Its multi-page control system, combined with its unique shimmer and gating capabilities, allows users to craft everything from subtle spatial enhancements to complex, evolving ambient textures.

Dreadbox Darkness - Page 3

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