TEST: Digitech Drop

 Oh man, who doesn't know this problem. You have laboriously sacrificed your precious free time to finally adjust your new, beloved six-string instrument to your personal playing style in terms of neck curvature, string thickness and vibrato system, and then the singer comes along and asks for one or two semitones to be downtuned, since it is " "Something is scratching your throat today and you probably won't be able to play the high notes today."

Or the chief songwriter of the house ensemble has discovered that his creative outpourings sound a lot fatter in C sharp and he now really wants to tune four semitones lower for two songs. Even hardened Fender or Gibson players are now tearing their hair out as they find themselves confronted with loose strings, convex neck curvatures or at least one or two spare guitars that need to be transported as well as maintained.

However, the colleague with the free-floating vibrato system a la Floyd Rose will go completely crazy. Because of the aforementioned construction, even if the string breaks, he will not be able to finish the song, let alone put the guitar in a different tuning. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have an electronic solution that not only has minimal latency, but also the lowest possible sound artifacts during processor operation? The man can be helped.

America's specialist in effects and more, Digitech, recently launched the Whammy DT, not only a further development of its legendary pedal, but also included a subsection with which you can transpose the original signal up or down by seven semitones, or one octave can. Those responsible asked themselves why not offer this area as a separate effect with only a downtuning function at a low price, and hey presto, the Digitech Drop was born.


construction

To underline its lineage, the Digitech Drop comes in the classic Whammy Red. Whether you like the color or not is irrelevant; it sticks to the product like a Ferrari. With dimensions of 121 mm x 73 mm x 45 mm and a weight of 360 grams, the Digitech Drop is within normal pedal dimensions. The internal electronics were packaged in very solid sheet steel, which should also withstand heavy trampling.

You really can't go wrong with the Digitech Drop. Input, output, true bypass foot switch and a connection socket for the included power supply make a wiring error actually impossible, well, almost ;-) You can set the desired interval with an endless rotary control, and you also have the option of using a toggle switch to change the functionality of the foot switch can be varied between permanently or only while the switch is pressed. This of course opens up adventurous interactions with personal gaming operations.


Practice

First of all, let's take a look at the Octaver function, as we know it from various competing products. What is immediately noticeable in terms of sound is the product's extremely fast processor, as was already installed in the Whammy DT. Even with extremely fast solo shredding passages of the wild variety, the original sound does not manage to outpace the effect signal. You are spared the sometimes horrible results of the first Octaver pedals, which struggled more than well due to the CPU performance and sometimes calculated so slowly that you had to adapt your personal playing style to the product. Here you get the impression that you have an eventide in the signal path in terms of computing speed.

Now to downtuning, which can also be done relatively quickly. It just sounds excellent. Of course, the tonal artifacts increase a fraction with each semitone, but when you consider the haptic effort you save with this pedal, everything is put into perspective. The highlight, however, is the momentary mode of the footswitch, which allows for adventurous riffs in song terms. Heavy prog storm with a standard tuning guitar that mutates into a baritone guitar for seconds for heavy passages and then immediately returns to standard mode, that's something. This is not even possible at this speed with the original Whammy pedal.


Conclusion

The Digitech Drop is an excellent sounding and exemplary workmanship special pedal for a wide range of applications. Whether unusual prog orgies, shortening endless tuning sessions, saving on special instruments or just the whining whiner on the vocal microphone, the Digitech Drop solves many problems in no time.

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Additional Informations:

Digitech Pedals, a pioneering force in the world of guitar effects, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with its groundbreaking innovations and commitment to sonic excellence. From its humble beginnings in a small garage to its status as a global leader in effects pedals, Digitech has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sound manipulation. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the rich history of Digitech, tracing its evolution from a passion project to a household name among musicians worldwide.

### The Genesis of Innovation:

Digitech was founded in 1984 by two friends and electrical engineering enthusiasts, Tom Cram and Dave DiFrancesco, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fueled by a shared passion for music and technology, the duo set out to create innovative audio products that would revolutionize the way musicians shape their sound. Drawing inspiration from emerging digital signal processing (DSP) technology, Cram and DiFrancesco embarked on a mission to develop effects pedals that offered unparalleled flexibility and sonic quality.

### Early Breakthroughs and Milestones:

In its formative years, Digitech made significant strides in the realm of digital effects processing, introducing pioneering products that would set the stage for its future success. One of the company's earliest breakthroughs came with the release of the DSP128, a digital multi-effects processor that showcased Digitech's prowess in harnessing the power of DSP technology for musical applications. The DSP128 laid the groundwork for subsequent innovations, establishing Digitech as a trailblazer in the field of digital effects.

### The Birth of Iconic Pedals:

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Digitech solidified its reputation as a leading manufacturer of effects pedals with the introduction of several iconic products that would become staples in the rigs of guitarists worldwide. Among these groundbreaking pedals was the Whammy, a pitch-shifting pedal that allowed players to create dramatic pitch bends and dive-bomb effects with the tap of a foot. The Whammy's distinctive sound and innovative design made it a favorite among artists ranging from rock icons to experimental virtuosos.

### Expansion and Diversification:

As Digitech continued to grow and expand its product lineup, the company diversified its offerings to cater to a broader range of musicians and musical styles. In addition to its flagship effects pedals, Digitech introduced a variety of other products, including amp modelers, vocal processors, and recording equipment. This expansion into new markets further solidified Digitech's position as a leading innovator in the audio technology industry, with a product catalog that appealed to musicians of all backgrounds and genres.

### The Influence of Technology:

Digitech's success can be attributed in large part to its relentless pursuit of technological innovation. Throughout its history, the company has remained at the forefront of advancements in digital audio processing, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of sound manipulation and expression. From the development of proprietary algorithms to the integration of cutting-edge hardware components, Digitech's commitment to technological excellence has been a driving force behind its success.

### Enduring Legacy and Impact:

Over the years, Digitech has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing generations of musicians with its innovative products and groundbreaking technologies. From the iconic sounds of the Whammy to the versatility of its multi-effects processors, Digitech pedals have become synonymous with creativity, expression, and sonic exploration. Moreover, Digitech's dedication to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction has earned the company a loyal following of musicians who continue to rely on its products in the studio and on stage.

### Embracing Change and Adaptation:

In the dynamic landscape of the music industry, Digitech has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to changing trends and technologies while staying true to its core values of innovation and quality. As digital audio technology has evolved, Digitech has continued to refine its products, incorporating new features and functionalities to meet the evolving needs of musicians. From the transition to more compact and user-friendly designs to the integration of wireless connectivity and mobile app compatibility, Digitech has remained at the forefront of advancements in effects pedal technology.

### Collaborations and Artist Endorsements:

A key factor in Digitech's enduring success has been its partnerships with influential artists and musicians. Collaborations with renowned guitarists and performers have not only provided valuable feedback for product development but have also helped to raise the company's profile and expand its reach within the music community. From signature pedals designed in collaboration with artists like Joe Satriani and Brian May to endorsements from top-tier performers across genres, Digitech's association with high-profile musicians has played a significant role in shaping its brand identity and cultivating a loyal customer base.

### Customer Engagement and Community Building:

Digitech has fostered a strong sense of community among its customers through various initiatives aimed at engaging with musicians and enthusiasts. From online forums and social media groups to educational content and product demonstrations, Digitech has created platforms for musicians to connect, share experiences, and exchange ideas. By actively listening to customer feedback and incorporating user suggestions into product development, Digitech has built a reputation for being responsive to the needs and preferences of its user base, further solidifying its position as a trusted ally in the quest for sonic exploration.

### Commitment to Quality and Reliability:

At the heart of Digitech's success lies a steadfast commitment to quality and reliability. From the materials used in construction to the rigorous testing procedures employed during manufacturing, Digitech places a premium on ensuring that its products meet the highest standards of performance and durability. This dedication to excellence has earned Digitech the trust and confidence of musicians worldwide, who rely on its pedals to deliver consistent and inspiring tones in a variety of musical settings.

### Looking Ahead: Innovation and Continuity:

As Digitech looks to the future, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the pursuit of sonic excellence. With advancements in digital technology continuing to drive new possibilities in sound manipulation and expression, Digitech is poised to remain at the forefront of the music technology industry, inspiring musicians to explore new sonic territories and push the limits of their creativity. With a rich legacy of innovation and a steadfast commitment to quality, Digitech Pedals is poised to continue shaping the future of music for years to come.

### Conclusion:

In an industry characterized by constant change and evolution, Digitech Pedals stands as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and reliability. From its humble beginnings in a small garage to its status as a global leader in effects pedal technology, Digitech has remained true to its founding principles of pushing the boundaries of sonic possibility. With a rich history of groundbreaking innovations, a commitment to quality and reliability, and a dedication to fostering community and engagement among musicians, Digitech Pedals is poised to continue shaping the future of music for generations to come.