I broke down and ordered this from Sweetwater. Expectations are high. I'll report back once I get it.
Side note - I wonder if you could use a loop to mix the detuned signal with your original for a pitch shifter.
I, too, was tempted by the low-pitched siren song of the Drop.
Can't wait to hear your impression.
I too am interested. The C# seemed to track very well and would love to doom it out at a drop of a hat.
Cody
Is it any different from the Whammy DT or they just took its droptune section and made it into a separate pedal?
Oh man, that's sweet.
Yeah, let us know your thoughts when you get it.
It does seem to track really well, which is kind of surprising for digitech. ;)
I'm not much of a pedalsniffer but to my ear digitech has gotten it's shit together somewhat, namely with the hardwire series.
I'm also quite fond of the Bad Monkey. *ducks*
Quote from: muddyfox on September 18, 2014, 01:09:32 PM
I'm not much of a pedalsniffer but to my ear digitech has gotten it's shit together somewhat, namely with the hardwire series.
I'm also quite fond of the Bad Monkey. *ducks*
Agreed. The supernatural was cool
This is a cool pedal definitely. If they come out with the version that does notes above the note you're playing then that's gonna drill a hole in my pocket immediately.
I've had the Whammy 5 for some time to play with and it tracked fantastic, and was built like never I've experienced with Digitech before. This looks to be just as good.
This is going to sound snarky, but I promise it's an honest question: is there a difference between this pedal and a Whammy tuned down? Aside from the fact that you'd have the whole sweep of the foot control on the Whammy, of course.
Its the drop tune section from the whammy dt in a separate box.
I'm with selfdestroyer on the doom on demand.
Richard
Got this today. Here is my quick review.
Tracking: Excellent. No complaints here. There is a very small lag between effect and picked notes but that is to be expected. Not enough to be bothersome. Very akin to the lag you might hear through a headphone mix when recording in a studio when your rig is isolated.
Bypass: Seems fine. No big difference in bypass signal when plugged in. The switch is relay based - I can hear it click over when the switch is toggled.
Pitch Shifting: Seems very accurate. No real complaints here.
Polyphonics: Really good, but not "perfect". Chords are definitely polyphonic in all settings. But, there is a subtle difference in how it sounds compared to an actual detuned guitar. I think it has to do with how the strings interact and the "beats" you get on certain intervals with a physically detuned guitar. This is not really something you can replicate digitally, I think. Also, at bedroom levels you hear your true pitch from the strings vs. the shifted output so that can have some effect on this perception. Not an issue if the amp or your ears are isolated. Overall, very serviceable for a shifter.
Last thoughts: I really wish they had a dry mix knob on this. It would be so useful. I think you could probably hack it in the actual pedal since there is a setting for dry+octave down. But, running it in a loop with a dry volume control would probably accomplish the same thing (assuming the output and input are in phase).
Pretty happy with the purchase vs. price paid. The enclosure is very heavy duty - a bit wider than the 1590B but almost a half inch lower in height. Really cool. I would love to have some enclosures like this.
I had owned the Whammy DT (same detune engine I think) for a while and can confirm your impressions. Very acurate and clean.
The lack of the dry blend was really a bummer though (and the SIZE ...)
I ended up selling it and buying an EHX Ring Thing instead. I never looked back :-)
It can save 8 presets, has a dry blend, it can do the whammy thing with an expression pedal, detune, ring mod, tremolo, Vibe, chorus etc... It's puzzling how this pedal never became very popular ...
So when can we expect a layout? Lol
Looks like they are getting their mileage out of the whammy bits.
Was watching the demos for the Drop and this came up.
I like it around 4:16 & really like it when he kicks the boost in at 5:50 and again at 7:00
When I gigged as a bass player in Dallas, the Whammy was a mainstay on my board. Actually, it was my guitar player's but he let me use it even after I dropped it on a concrete floor :-[
Anyway, the Whammy detune on bass sounds amazing. I used it a lot. It was the original one, too - not the re-issue. Don't know if there is much difference.
If what I spy is correct, your wish for a dry blend may have been answered by EHX.
On their home page on the 360 looper promo shot, there's an obscured pedal above the east river drive which I am fairly sure is called the Pitch Fork from looking at it, can definitely see it has a rotary control with labels all round the knob, and I think I see a toggle and a small black knob which may well be de-tune and blend.
Yup saw that a bit earlier, god damn it EHX, my gear fund change jar is only 1/5th of the way to the B9! Why do you hate my bank!
wow....i really like that pitch fork
Dang. The PitchFork has some good features. Damn you Digitech!
Wow. Pitchfork sounds really good.
That sounds great.
I'm probably getting a B9 in trade, but I think it's a bit more of a novelty. I think I'd use the Pitchfork more.
Quote from: pickdropper on October 07, 2014, 10:55:27 PM
That sounds great.
I'm probably getting a B9 in trade, but I think it's a bit more of a novelty. I think I'd use the Pitchfork more.
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--SQf1rVvI--/1975ipxyx8o7jjpg.jpg)
When the B9 was first introduced i was all over it... but have'nt got one yet.. but that Pitchfork i think would be much more useable for what i used that type of effect for, initial purchase price is probly cheaper too... WIN!
Quote from: GrindCustoms on October 08, 2014, 04:36:48 AM
When the B9 was first introduced i was all over it... but have'nt got one yet.. but that Pitchfork i think would be much more useable for what i used that type of effect for, initial purchase price is probly cheaper too... WIN!
My exact situation. I am leaning towards a Pitch Fork also. Now I just need to wait for Sweetwater to get them stocked.
Cody
Quote from: selfdestroyer on October 08, 2014, 05:44:25 AM
Quote from: GrindCustoms on October 08, 2014, 04:36:48 AM
When the B9 was first introduced i was all over it... but have'nt got one yet.. but that Pitchfork i think would be much more useable for what i used that type of effect for, initial purchase price is probly cheaper too... WIN!
My exact situation. I am leaning towards a Pitch Fork also. Now I just need to wait for Sweetwater to get them stocked.
Cody
Send me an email or PM when you see it stocked... i'd maybe ask you a little service if you're down (or up or dual) for it. :D
Rej
Quote from: GrindCustoms on October 08, 2014, 06:09:18 AM
Quote from: selfdestroyer on October 08, 2014, 05:44:25 AM
Quote from: GrindCustoms on October 08, 2014, 04:36:48 AM
When the B9 was first introduced i was all over it... but have'nt got one yet.. but that Pitchfork i think would be much more useable for what i used that type of effect for, initial purchase price is probly cheaper too... WIN!
My exact situation. I am leaning towards a Pitch Fork also. Now I just need to wait for Sweetwater to get them stocked.
Cody
Send me an email or PM when you see it stocked... i'd maybe ask you a little service if you're down (or up or dual) for it. :D
Rej
Will do Rej.
Cody
uBer thank!
Quote from: madbean on September 20, 2014, 12:55:51 AMThe enclosure is very heavy duty - a bit wider than the 1590B but almost a half inch lower in height. Really cool. I would love to have some enclosures like this.
Camden Boss RTM5003/13-NAT is like that, which is my box if choice. Surprisingly substantial. A little fatter than a 1590B and quite a bit more shallow. Really compact.
Pitchfork looks really good fun.
Gonna treat myself to one me thinks!
I can't believe EHX. Damnit. Now I have to have one.
At least it's good to see that after a couple of years of noodling around and coming out with countless (pointless?) distortion/overdrive/fuzz boxes that perhaps no one needs, EHX is finally going back to what they are best at :-)
Perhaps they needed that time to develop the new stuff (a bit like bands that bring out a "Greatest Hits" album just to stay present on the market while they come up with something new)
Yep EHX rule.
There is no denying it.
They are the big daddy as far as I am concerned!
Quote from: drolo on October 08, 2014, 08:55:28 AM
At least it's good to see that after a couple of years of noodling around and coming out with countless (pointless?) distortion/overdrive/fuzz boxes that perhaps no one needs, EHX is finally going back to what they are best at :-)
Perhaps they needed that time to develop the new stuff (a bit like bands that bring out a "Greatest Hits" album just to stay present on the market while they come up with something new)
I think i'm right in saying in an interview Mike Matthews did fairly recently he basically said all the drives etc were just to bring in quick cash to fund stuff like this as they sell and were easy to make.
What I can't believe is the manual, only 30mA current draw and can use a battery!
Quote from: madbean on October 07, 2014, 11:54:28 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on October 07, 2014, 10:55:27 PM
That sounds great.
I'm probably getting a B9 in trade, but I think it's a bit more of a novelty. I think I'd use the Pitchfork more.
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--SQf1rVvI--/1975ipxyx8o7jjpg.jpg)
Entirely possible.
Quote from: Scruffie on October 08, 2014, 11:35:45 AM
What I can't believe is the manual, only 30mA current draw and can use a battery!
For the pitch fork ? Wow
*checks EHX wishlist of pedals he already wants to have*
- Deluxe Big Muff Pi
- Another 44 Magnum
- B9
- Pog2/Micropog
- EHX Tortion
- Hog 2
- Holy Grail
- Ring Thing
- Slammi
- Tone Tattoo
*shakes fist in anger at EHX*
Damn you, Mike Matthews, damn you to hell!
Holy Moses! You really can't turn your back towards EHX for a second or they'll release yet another pedal!
I really like the Drop but I'm still within the return window @ Sweetwater. It's really tempting...the Pitch Fork has some things on it I would definitely use.
Quote from: madbean on October 08, 2014, 02:33:42 PM
I really like the Drop but I'm still within the return window @ Sweetwater. It's really tempting...the Pitch Fork has some things on it I would definitely use.
I don't know how much the Drop cost you and if the quote I heard is correct, but the EHX could also get you some cash back, $130 is floating around.
Yeah, that Pitch Fork looks pretty cool. I'd use some things on it right away. $130 isn't bad.
Edit: I'm not digging the enclosure on it though. Anyone ever re-box a production pedal purely for aesthetics? Or would that just be crazy?
you can always sand it down and repaint/etch :-)
Quote from: drolo on October 08, 2014, 12:57:55 PM
Quote from: Scruffie on October 08, 2014, 11:35:45 AM
What I can't believe is the manual, only 30mA current draw and can use a battery!
For the pitch fork ? Wow
Yup, wonder what's going on under that hood to keep the draw so low... hope it doesn't suffer from underpowered processing.
Quote from: drolo on October 08, 2014, 03:24:10 PM
you can always sand it down and repaint/etch :-)
Probably a better idea, the way EHX pedals are put together, I wouldn't want to try and rehouse them.
Quote from: madbean on October 08, 2014, 02:33:42 PM
I really like the Drop but I'm still within the return window @ Sweetwater. It's really tempting...the Pitch Fork has some things on it I would definitely use.
I would think the clean blend would be the deal breaker for you since that's the one thing you said you wish the Drop had. They both look very useful but the Pitch Fork seems like a tighter little package for sure.
Cody
The digitech Drop seems to stay more true to the timbre of whats being transposed. In general I think the EHX pitch pedals sound more synthetic i don't mean it in a negative way though.
Maybe another way to look at it, Digitech Drop is a realistic transposer and PF is more an add on or substitude harmonizer.
Therefor, everyone should have both!!!!
Ballarhaf
I did manage to arrange an exchange of the Drop for the Pitch Fork. Not sure when I will get the Fork. Hopefully, it will work out...the Drop is pretty great. But, I can't help but love some of the added features in the Fork, ya know.
Quote from: madbean on October 17, 2014, 11:56:37 PM
I did manage to arrange an exchange of the Drop for the Pitch Fork. Not sure when I will get the Fork. Hopefully, it will work out...the Drop is pretty great. But, I can't help but love some of the added features in the Fork, ya know.
Just ordered one for myself and Rej today. Now we're in for the FedEx waiting game.
Cody
Quote from: selfdestroyer on October 18, 2014, 12:05:38 AM
Quote from: madbean on October 17, 2014, 11:56:37 PM
I did manage to arrange an exchange of the Drop for the Pitch Fork. Not sure when I will get the Fork. Hopefully, it will work out...the Drop is pretty great. But, I can't help but love some of the added features in the Fork, ya know.
Just ordered one for myself and Rej today. Now we're in for the FedEx waiting game.
Cody
8)
The Pitch Fork came yesterday and I spent about 20 minutes on it. Here are my thoughts:
Good:
Tracking is pretty well perfect. I could not get it to glitch so far.
Pitch accuracy seems very good.
The dual mode is very cool...part of the reason I traded the Drop.
There does not seem to be much latency at all...probably less than the Drop which was not bad itself.
The Detune sounds great. Much like the Whammy.
The latching mode for the switch is a win.
30mA draw...I mean, c'mon!
Not so good:
The two and three octave up/down is pretty useless for me. Once the octaves up get that high they are basically cartoons. But, that's not surprising---I expected that and it's not a feature I was counting on. I would prefer to have had two extra pitch options than the two/three octave up/down like flat 3rd, 5th or natural 7th. The two and three octaves down do not translate will enough on the AC4, but it's just a 10" speaker. Maybe through the AC15 15" they will be a bit more prominent.
Overall, I think the end quality of pitch shifting is not quite as natural sounding as the Drop, but I cannot do a side by side comparison. The Drop was really pretty great for shifting the entire pitch down on the guitar. The Fork is also good, but perhaps slightly less natural. Not enough to bother me...after all mostly I will use this for an effect not a replacement tuning.
Other thoughts:
I have not tried the expression pedal input yet.
The Blend knob is singal through left, blended in the middle, and effected signal right. If I had my druthers, I probably would have made independent volume controls for the dry and wet signals. Or, maybe switches since the output is unity. But, that is minor.
So, for $130 this is pretty well a no-brainer if you can accept the limitations. I can see this taking a permanent place on my board unless I get a POG or HOG someday.
Quote from: madbean on October 24, 2014, 01:18:42 PM
Not so good:
The two and three octave up/down is pretty useless for me. Once the octaves up get that high they are basically cartoons. But, that's not surprising---I expected that and it's not a feature I was counting on. I would prefer to have had two extra pitch options than the two/three octave up/down like flat 3rd, 5th or natural 7th.
Perhaps you can build a preset expression box where you can define CV voltages for the desired intervals :-)
Had mine for a couple of days and have had a quick play around with it.
First thoughts:
Pros: -> The tracking is good and as Madbean states there are no nasty glitches.
-> Using an expression pedal is GREAT fun for dive bombs, pitch squeels etc. etc.
-> Latch mode could have some great experimental applications.
-> Bass/baritone pitch drops sound great with fuzz/distortion.
-> There is plenty of flexibility with the up, down and up+down modes available.
Cons: -> The latency is quite noticeable (which is to be expected to be fair).
-> In isolation the pitch shifting is not particularly 'natural' sounding (again to be expected).
-> Due to the latency and tonality of the shifting, I wouln't really want to use this pedal for an automatic 'drop tuning' if I was playing in a band.
Overall, for the cost I am well happy with mine, and I think it is something of a bargain for the versatility it offers.
I saw that demo a little while ago. It has been doggin me ever since...
Crap, gotta have it. Now you guys are all buying them..yea that's it, it's all your fault! :o
Can't wait to open it up and take a peek inside.
Wonder what an 8 string will sound like through it.....
Wish I could play my 8 string worth a damn.
Quote from: blearyeyes on October 27, 2014, 10:24:46 PM
I saw that demo a little while ago. It has been doggin me ever since...
Crap, gotta have it. Now you guys are all buying them..yea that's it, it's all your fault! :o
Can't wait to open it up and take a peek inside.
Wonder what an 8 string will sound like through it.....
Wish I could play my 8 string worth a damn.
There are gut shots over at FreeStombox and as you would expect its all full of DSP goodness.
Cody
Quote from: selfdestroyer on October 27, 2014, 10:31:45 PM
There are gut shots over at FreeStombox and as you would expect its all full of DSP goodness.
The DSP is not the mountain to climb. The proprietary code is the bugger ::)
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on October 27, 2014, 10:35:41 PM
Quote from: selfdestroyer on October 27, 2014, 10:31:45 PM
There are gut shots over at FreeStombox and as you would expect its all full of DSP goodness.
The DSP is not the mountain to climb. The proprietary code is the bugger ::)
True Dat!
Cody
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on October 27, 2014, 10:35:41 PM
Quote from: selfdestroyer on October 27, 2014, 10:31:45 PM
There are gut shots over at FreeStombox and as you would expect its all full of DSP goodness.
The DSP is not the mountain to climb. The proprietary code is the bugger ::)
I have a couple of AU's that I wrote that do pitch shifting up and down on multiple splits of the audio. The algorithms for this are really pretty easy. What I'm still surprised by is that they can do this with 30mA of current. I
need to know what's inside this thing.
http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25224
Analog Devices Blackfin ADSP-BF592
Quote from: kothoma on October 28, 2014, 02:24:18 PM
http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25224
Analog Devices Blackfin ADSP-BF592
Hmm, that makes the 30mA number a bit suspect. The parts are low power for sure, but according to the spec sheet, even running it at 100MHz at the lowest voltage setting would have the current use for the processor alone at about 30mA while not doing much of anything.
Was there any information on the AD/DA converter(s)?
Has anyone actually measured the current draw for one of the pedals? I'm guessing more like 50-100mA. If that's the case, it's still pretty good.
It would be an interesting processor to play with, but their development environment prices kill any thought of that for me.
Quote from: RobA on October 28, 2014, 03:53:22 PM
Quote from: kothoma on October 28, 2014, 02:24:18 PM
http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25224
Analog Devices Blackfin ADSP-BF592
Hmm, that makes the 30mA number a bit suspect. The parts are low power for sure, but according to the spec sheet, even running it at 100MHz at the lowest voltage setting would have the current use for the processor alone at about 30mA while not doing much of anything.
Was there any information on the AD/DA converter(s)?
Has anyone actually measured the current draw for one of the pedals? I'm guessing more like 50-100mA. If that's the case, it's still pretty good.
It would be an interesting processor to play with, but their development environment prices kill any thought of that for me.
I woulnd't put it past EHX to be a bit optimistic with their quoted specifications.
30mA is probably the quiescent, rather than full operational, current.