Origin Effects Cali76 Stacked Edition - User Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
CLEAN OVERDRIVE: All the fun of an overdrive
without the distortion! Maximum sensitivity for easy
legato licks and vast sustain. Solos project through the
mix with full clarity and tone.
Conventional Compression: Using mostly
Stage1, this subtle compression sound evens out play-
ing dynamics without feeling unnatural or intrusive.
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WWW.ORIGINEFFECTS.COM

Summary

Getting Connected

Instrument Input (INSTR)

Connect your guitar or other instrument to the pedal's input jack.

Amplifier;Output Connection (AMP)

Connect the pedal's output to your amplifier or other effects pedals.

Power Supply Requirements (9-18 VDC)

Use a 9-18VDC center-negative power supply (min 100mA) for operation.

Cali76 Controls

Input Gain and Compression (IN)

Adjusts gain and the amount of compression applied when turned clockwise.

Attack;Release Stage 1 (ATT;REL I)

Sets attack/release for the first stage, accentuating note starts for a snappy sound.

Attack;Release Stage 2 (ATT;REL 2)

Sets attack/release for the second stage, smoothing dynamics and sustaining sound.

Inter-Stage Level (THRU)

Controls signal level from the first to second compressor stage, affecting overall compression.

Output Level (OUT)

Determines the final signal level present at the pedal's output.

Dry Signal Blend (DRY)

Mixes dry, uncompressed signal parallel to compressed signal; adds boost up to 2 o'clock.

Metering Explained

Sample Settings Overview

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Cali76 Stacked Edition is a sophisticated dual-stage FET compressor pedal, meticulously designed for guitarists seeking unparalleled control over their dynamics. Drawing inspiration from two UREI® 1176® compressors connected in series, this pedal offers a versatile range of compression effects, from subtle evening out of dynamics to powerful, sustained clean overdrive.

Function Description

At its core, the Cali76 Stacked Edition functions as a dual-stage compressor, meaning it processes your guitar signal through two independent compression circuits in sequence. This unique architecture allows for a more nuanced and powerful approach to dynamic control compared to single-stage compressors. The first stage can be set to gently smooth out playing dynamics, while the second stage can be configured to clamp down on peaks and provide a strong, sustained output. Each compression stage operates with a preset ratio of 4:1, offering a consistent and musical response.

One of the standout features is its ability to deliver a "Clean Overdrive" effect. This isn't a traditional distortion; instead, it provides all the desirable characteristics of an overdrive – increased sensitivity, vast sustain, and a powerful projection through the mix – but without introducing unwanted grit or fuzz. This makes it ideal for legato licks, solos, and any situation where you want your notes to sing with clarity and tone.

Alternatively, the pedal excels at "Conventional Compression," where it subtly evens out playing dynamics. By primarily utilizing Stage 1, you can achieve a natural and unintrusive compression sound that enhances your playing without making it feel artificial or overly processed. This is perfect for adding polish and consistency to your clean tones or for tightening up your rhythm playing.

The Cali76 Stacked Edition also incorporates a "Stacked Compression" mode, where each compressor is assigned a distinct task. The first stage works to gently even out dynamics, ensuring a smooth and consistent input for the second stage. The second stage then takes over, clamping down and limiting peaks, resulting in a highly controlled and sustained output. This stacked approach provides a rich, studio-grade compression that can transform your guitar's voice.

Usage Features

Connecting the Cali76 Stacked Edition is straightforward. You plug your guitar or other instrument into the "INSTR" input and connect the "AMP" output to your amplifier or other effects pedals. For optimal performance, the pedal requires a 9-18VDC 2.1mm centre-negative power supply, with a minimum current of 100mA. The manufacturer recommends using an 18V supply for additional headroom, which can enhance the pedal's dynamic range and clarity.

The pedal's controls are intuitive and allow for precise shaping of your sound:

• IN: This knob controls both the gain and the amount of compression applied. Turning it clockwise increases both, allowing you to dial in more sustain and a hotter signal.
• ATT/REL 1: This control adjusts the attack and release characteristics of the first compression stage. For example, a slow attack and fast release setting will accentuate the start of each note, producing a classic snappy sound. Conversely, a fast attack and slow release will create a smoother, more sustained tone.
• ATT/REL 2: Similar to ATT/REL 1, this knob adjusts the attack and release characteristics of the second compression stage. A common application is to use a fast attack and slow release on Stage 2 to smooth out the dynamics from Stage 1, resulting in a full, sustaining sound.
• THRU: This control determines the level of the signal fed from the output of the first compressor to the input of the second compressor. Turning it clockwise increases the overall compression. Balancing this control with the "IN" knob is crucial for determining how hard each stage is compressing and achieving the desired stacked effect.
• OUT: This knob sets the overall output level of the signal from the pedal, allowing you to match it with the rest of your rig or provide a boost.
• DRY: This control is a powerful mixing tool. It adds some dry, uncompressed signal back into the pedal's output, allowing you to blend your original signal in parallel with the compressed signal. Fully clockwise, this control adds a significant boost, while unity gain is achieved around the 2 o'clock position. This parallel compression technique helps retain the natural dynamics and attack of your guitar while still benefiting from the sustain and control of the compressed signal.

Metering is provided by two LEDs located on either side of the jewel light. These LEDs illuminate as each stage compresses, with their brightness indicating the amount of compression being applied. This visual feedback helps you understand how much your signal is being processed and allows for more precise adjustments.

Maintenance Features

While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, the robust construction and high-quality components typical of Origin Effects pedals suggest a design built for reliability and longevity. As an electronic device, it's generally recommended to keep the pedal in a clean, dry environment and protect it from extreme temperatures or physical shock. Using the correct power supply (9-18VDC, centre-negative, minimum 100mA) is crucial for proper operation and to prevent potential damage. Should any issues arise, the manufacturer directs users to their website for the full owner's manual and support, indicating a commitment to product longevity and customer assistance. The "STUDIO GRADE CLASS A LOW NOISE" designation further implies a design focused on high performance and minimal interference, contributing to a stable and reliable user experience over time.

Origin Effects Cali76 Stacked Edition Specifications