DFX-94 .... quirks, etc

["matt davignon" <mattdavignon@hotmail.com>]

Uh... I have no idea what the sampling rate is, but it varies depending on 
how long of a delay you have it set to. The fidelity's a lot better with 
shorter loops.

Some other quirks:

Don't trust it with batteries. It only lasts a few hours, and has a 
tendency 
to go out when you're using it. Shell out the $15 for an adaptor at Radio 
Shack. You'll be glad you did.

It makes a quiet high-pitched whining sound. The pitch changes as you 
change 
the pitch wheel. To make this virtually inaudible, simply feed louder 
signals into it so you can get a better signal-to-whine ratio.

How sampling mode works: Turn the right-hand (function) wheel to "Trig". 
When you hit the button, it'll record until both lights are on again. Once 
you switch it to sample mode, you trigger the sample by hitting the 
switch. 
It'll play the entire sample, so if you want just a fragment, you'll have 
to 
quickly turn down the volume. If you turn the function wheel back to 
infinite repeat, it'll start repeating your sample, but whether the loop 
is 
open (recording) or closed (infinite repeat) depends on how many times you 
hit the switch while it was in sampler mode. To make sure I don't "put a 
hole" in my loop, I always make sure to turn the "repeat" knob (2nd from 
left) to maximum before switching back to infinite repeat mode. If I see 
it's recording, I quickly tap the switch again so it's in infinite repeat 
again without losing anything.

You can also take a loop from infinite repeat mode and play it as a 
triggered sample. Just create a loop in infinite repeat mode, then move 
the 
function switch to "sample" mode. It'll be the sample. If you already have 
a 
loop, then try to sample something in trigger mode (aka "record sample" 
mode), the loop will be an already existing layer. If you want to 
completely 
overwrite it, turn the second knob (repeat) all the way to the left before 
recording. You'll hear the original loop as you're recording, but it won't 
be stored on the sample.

Think of the Repeat knob as the "Layers" or "tracks" knob. By adjusting 
the 
knob while adding new stuff into an existing loop, you can either have 
what 
you're feeding into it be a new layer on top of the loop, or completely 
replace that portion of the loop. Silence counts too, so you can poke a 
bunch of holes in an infinite loop by tapping the switch with the repeat 
knob all the way to the left.

I sure wish my new DL-4 had a "Layers" knob for looping mode. It really 
sucks having no option between "loop gradually fades out after about 30 
minutes" and "loop stops immediately".

The DFX-94's have been central to most things I do for the last 10 years. 
Up 
until recently, I've used them for 9 out of every 10 shows. (The 10th 
would 
either be acoustic, or all cassette recorders.)

Last year, I used them to make about 90% of a remix for the San Diego 
experimental rap group Soul Junk. It's called "Sasketchewan" and is at 
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/8/mattdavignonmusic.htm

Matt

Gary Lehmann done wrote:

It hasn't made it into the setup yet!!!!
I told you it was in its infancy LOL
Any suggestions?
I think probably sampling mode--boy is it a great pedal--thanks Matt
Davignon . . .what do you think the sampling rate on it is?
BTW, I do NOT have a manual for this pup, so if anyone else does, feel free
to scan it and send it my way!
Gary

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