OWNER’S MANUAL
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INTRODUCTION
Thanks for choosing the DigiTech® Obscura stereo delay pedal. The Obscura was designed for the
selective guitarist who wants the highest quality delay in a compact package. The Obscura provides
such distinguishing features as organic delay algorithms, true bypass, constant high voltage operation,
and true stereo processing, making the Obscura an essential addition to the signal chain of players who
know about sound quality and demand the utmost in performance with superior tone and control.
The Obscura is more than just a digital delay pedal. Using the Repeat Hold feature, it can be used
for creating interesting real-time effects that will repeat as long as you like, even when the effect is
bypassed, allowing you to create amazing ambient effects and textures that you can play over the top
of.
The Obscura offers 4 delay types:
• Analog
• Tape
• Lo-Fi
• Reverse
To use the Obscura pedal, enable the effect with the Footswitch (the LED will light when the effect is
enabled). Adjust the LEVEL control to mix in the amount of delay effect. Select the desired delay type
with the DELAY TYPE selector knob. Adjust the TIME and REPEATS controls to set the delay time and
adjust the length of the delay repeats (or tail). To use Tap Tempo, press and hold the FOOTSWITCH for 3
seconds then tap in the tempo. Change the tone and quality of the delay with the TONE and DEGRADE
controls. Set the TAILS switch to the ‘ON’position if you want the delay tails to decay naturally after
switching the effect off or want to use the Repeat Hold feature for additional real-time effect control.
Set the TAILS switch to the ‘OFF”position if you want the delay tails to end abruptly when switching the
effect off or want to utilize the true bypass feature.
FEATURES
• 4 Delay Algorithm Types
• Up to 2 Seconds of Stereo Delay Time
• Tap Tempo
• Delay Repeat Hold
• Tails On/Off Switch
• True Bypass
• Stereo 1/4”Inputs & Outputs w/ True Stereo Processing
• Constant High Voltage Power Rails
• Effect On/Off LED Indicator
• Soft Touch Vacuum Switch
• Included StompLock™ & Pedalboard Hook & Loop Pad
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USER INTERFACE
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1. Tails Switch
When this switch is set to the ON position, delay tails will decay naturally when the effect is
switched to bypass. When set to the OFF position, delay decays will end abruptly when the effect is
switched to bypass. When the Tails Switch is set to ON, the Obscura does not utilize true hardwire
bypass. If you always want to use true hardwire bypass, set the Tails Switch to the OFF position.
2. DC Power Jack
Connect the specified Harman power supply (sold separately) to this jack. Be sure to use the proper
model information. The Obscura can only be powered using the external power supply.
3. Delay Type Selector Knob
Selects from the following delay algorithm types:
• ANALOG - Classic sound of a vintage bucket brigade analog delay circuit.
• TAPE - Emulates a classic tube tape echo.
• LO-FI - A low-fidelity delay that has limited bandwidth and reduced bit-depth to approximate
the effects of low sample rate and 8-bit signal processing used in vintage digital delays.
• REVERSE - A delay where the repeats are played backwards. No dry signal is present when
REVERSE is selected.
4. Tone Knob
Adjusts the frequency response of the delay effect, making it brighter or darker in tone.
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5. Degrade Knob
This knob controls the amount of degradation and its effect on the sound varies depending on
which delay type is selected. Here’s a description of the DEGRADE control for each delay type:
• ANALOG - Increases aliasing and grit.
• TAPE - Increases wow and flutter.
• LO-FI - Increases “input channel overdrive”.
• REVERSE - Increases “tape saturation”.
6. Input 1 (Mono)
Use this jack when only a single connection is needed. Connect your instrument, the output of a
pedal, or an amp effects send to this jack. Signals are heard at both outputs when only this jack is
used.
7. Indicator LED
This multi-color LED lights red to indicate when the effect is turned on. When using Tap Tempo, the
LED will flash at the rate of the delay time and will flash yellow, red, or green, depending on the
position of the TIME knob. See ‘Tap Tempo’ on page 8 for more information on using the Tap
Tempo feature.
8. Input 2
Connect a second input to this jack for stereo operation. Inputs 1 and 2 are processed separately
through the stereo delay effect then fed to Outputs 1 and 2, keeping true stereo separation
between channels.
9. Footswitch
Turns the effect on and off. The Footswitch is also used for tapping in the delay time when using
the Tap Tempo feature, see ‘Tap Tempo’ on page 8 for further information on using this feature.
10. Output 2
Connect this output to the input of a second guitar amplifier when a second amp is being used.
When only the Input 1 (Mono) jack is connected, guitar and delay signal can be heard in both
Outputs 1 and 2 when they are used.
11. Output 1 (Mono)
Connect this output to the input of a single guitar amplifier or amp effects return.
12. Repeats Knob
Controls the number of delay repeats. Turn this knob clockwise to increase and counter-clockwise
to decrease the number of repeats. Turn this knob to the 3 ‘o clock or higher position (indicated by
the screened line next to the knob) to engage Repeat Hold, see ‘Using Repeat Hold’ on page 9
for more information.
13. Time Knob
Controls the amount of delay time. When Tap Tempo is active, you can use the TIME knob to set the
tap multiplier. See ‘Tap Tempo’ on page 8 for information on using this feature.
14. Level Knob
Controls the delay level. Turn this knob clockwise to increase and counter-clockwise to decrease
the delay level. Note that when the REVERSE delay type is selected, no dry signal is added, so when
the LEVEL knob is at the minimum position, no signal will be heard.
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MAKING CONNECTIONS/APPLYING POWER
To connect the Obscura pedal to your rig:
1. Turn down the amplifier’s master volume control.
3. Connect the appropriate Harman power supply (not included) to the POWER input connector
and connect the other end to an available AC outlet.
4. Strum your guitar and gradually increase your amplifier’s master volume control until the
desired level is achieved.
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CONNECTION DIAGRAMS
Mono/Stereo Amplifier Setup
Amp 1
Harman
Power Supply
IN
IN 1 (MONO)
IN 2
OUT 1 (MONO)
OUT
OUT 2
Amp 2
IN
Other Effects
Use only unbalanced TS instrument cables for audio connections.
Optional
Amplifier Effects Loop Setup
Harman
FX SND
FX RTN
Power Supply
Amp
IN 1 (MONO)
OUT 1 (MONO)
OUT
Other Effects
IN
Use only unbalanced TS instrument cables for audio connections.
Optional
NOTE: If the amp effects loop has a mix control, set the mix to 100% full wet.
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EXAMPLE SETTINGS
Try these settings to get started.
Get Out Of My Way
Dark Wobbly Lead
Dirty Pulse
Backwards Saturated Tape
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Tick Tock Runaway Clock (Oscillating)
Motion Of The Ocean (Oscillating)
Play Part Then
Engage
Play Part Then
Engage
Repeat
Repeat
Hold
Hold
Dark Stalker (Oscillating)
Tar Pit (Oscillating)
Play Part Then
Engage
Play Part Then
Engage
Repeat
Repeat
Hold
Hold
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TAP TEMPO
The Obscura’s Footswitch can be used as a Tap Tempo switch for setting the delay time during a live
performance.
To use Tap Tempo:
1. Press and hold the FOOTSWITCH for 3 seconds. The Indicator LED will begin flashing to indicate
Tap Tempo mode is now active and the LED will flash at the current delay time rate.
2. Tap the FOOTSWITCH at least two times to set a new delay time. The last two pedal tap intervals
set the delay time.
3. While Tap Tempo is active, the TIME knob can
be used to set the multiplier value of eighth
note, dotted eighth note (quarter note triplet),
and quarter note (1:1 tap ratio). A flashing green
LED indicates eighth note multiplier is selected,
a flashing yellow LED indicates dotted eighth
multiplier is selected, and a flashing red LED
indicates the quarter note multiplier is selected.
TIME Knob -
Delay Time Multiplier Range
Yellow
Green
Red
4. To exit Tap Tempo, press and hold the FOOTSWITCH for 3 seconds until the Indicator LED stops
flashing and lights solid RED again. Once Tap Tempo mode is exited, the tapped delay time
remains active until either the delay type is changed or the TIME knob is adjusted.
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USING REPEAT HOLD
The Obscura has some musically useful behaviors that may not be apparent at first glance. The Repeat
Hold feature can be used to create delays that repeat infinitely (or at least until you stop them). This
allows you to:
• Create sonically interesting noises, rhythmic glitches, and ambient soundscapes that you can play
over the top of.
• Manipulate and destroy time using Tap Tempo, the TAILS switch, and the control knobs.
• Create effects that build up or delays that run away, then fade them out or stop them abruptly.
Repeat Hold is enabled by setting the REPEATS
knob to the 3 ‘o clock or higher position (indicated
by the screened line next to the knob).
REPEATS Knob -
Repeat Hold Enabled Range
Delay Repeats
Range
Repeat Hold
Enabled Range
The following section describes how to use Repeat Hold and the various ways to manipulate the delay,
and then it is up to your creativity to discover the musical application (that’s the fun part).
To use the Repeat Hold feature:
1. Set the REPEATS knob somewhere below the 3 ‘o clock position.
2. Make sure the effect is enabled using the FOOTSWITCH (LED should be on).
3. Play something on the guitar then turn the REPEATS knob to the full clockwise position.
4. The delayed signal will now repeat infinitely and you can play over the top of it or manipulate
the controls to perform real-time special effects as outlined in the following section.
TIP: With Repeat Hold active, setting the TAILS switch to ON will keep the Repeat Hold repeating forever,
even when the effect is bypassed. When used in this way, any of the following actions can be performed
while the effect is on or bypassed.
TIP: When performing any of the following actions, runaway oscillation can be controlled at any time by
turning up the DEGRADE knob, turning down the TONE knob, or a combination of the two. To quickly
stop runaway oscillation or clear the delay repeats, set the TAILS switch to OFF then bypass the effect or
simply change the DELAY TYPE SELECTOR knob.
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Control(s)
Manipulated
Action
Instructions
• If starting in with a quick delay, the TIME knob can
be increased to cause the delay pitch to drop and
the repeats to slow.
Manipulate Time
TIME
• If starting in with a long delay, the TIME knob can be
decreased to cause the delay pitch to rise and the
repeats to speed up.
1. Enter Tap Tempo mode (see ‘Tap Tempo’ on page
8) then tap in new times and the repeating delay
will change abruptly to the new division, giving you
blipping, cycling, repeats that can be timed to the
tempo of your song.
Manipulate Time
(w/ Subdivisions)
TAP TEMPO/
TIME
2. Turning the TIME knob while in the Tap Tempo mode
alters the delay by changing the subdivision note
values (see ‘Tap Tempo’ on page 8), .
• Increase the TONE knob to make the delay “stand
out”more and/or cause the delay to go into
runaway.
Manipulate Tone,
Create Build-Up or
Runaway
TONE
• Decrease the TONE knob to move the delay
“underneath”your guitar tone and/or tame runaway.
• Increase the DEGRADE knob to modify the character
of the sound and/or tame runaway.
• Decrease the DEGRADE knob to modify the
character of the sound and/or cause the delay to go
into runaway.
Modify Character,
Create Build-Up or
Runaway
DEGRADE
NOTE: DEGRADE can alter the repeats in various
ways depending on the delay type selected, see the
2 for more information.
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Control(s)
Manipulated
Action
Instructions
1. Adjust the LEVEL control to alter the direct guitar
vs. delayed signal levels or to manually fade delay
signals in and out.
Adjust Level or
Manually Fade In/Out
LEVEL
NOTE: Delays will continue to repeat-hold under the
hood until the TAILS switch is turned OFF and the effect
is bypassed, the REPEATS knob is lowered to disable
the Repeat Hold feature, or the DELAY TYPE SELECTOR
knob is changed.
• To cause a delay signal to fade out automatically,
lower the REPEATS knob into the delay repeats
range. This will cause the Repeat Hold feature to be
disabled and the delays will then repeat as long as
dictated by the REPEATS knob setting (the further
counter-clockwise you turn the REPEATS knob, the
faster the fade out will be).
REPEATS/
TAILS/
FOOTSWITCH
Automatic
Fade Out
• Another option is to set the TAILS switch ON, enable
bypass with the FOOTSWITCH, lower the REPEATS
knob to disable Repeat Hold, then play over top the
repeating delays as they fade out.
• To abruptly stop and clear the delay repeats, bypass
the effect (LED off) and set the TAILS switch to OFF
or change the DELAY TYPE SELECTOR knob
TAILS/
Stop Abruptly and
Clear Delay Repeats
FOOTSWITCH/
DELAY TYPE
SELECTOR
NOTE: Performing the above actions will cause the
delay repeats to be lost.
Using the Obscura’s controls as previously described will yield a dizzying array of otherwise obscure
altered delays that can be modified in real-time to create an extremely dynamic and interesting
performance.
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PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES
The performance accessories make integrating the Obscura pedal into any pedalboard a snap. The
following accessories are included:
• Hook-and-loop Pedalboard Pad
(designed to attach to the surfaces found on most commercial pedalboards)
• StompLock™
(keeps your settings where you want them)
Hook-and-loop Pedalboard Pad
To attach the Pedalboard Pad, do the following:
1. Peel off the existing rubber skid pad from the bottom of the pedal.
2. Peel the adhesive protector from the back of the Pedalboard Pad.
3. Apply the Pedalboard Pad to the bottom of the pedal.
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Stomplock™
The included StompLock lets you lock your settings in place, while the open-top design lets you see
your settings.
To place the StompLock over the pedal knobs:
1. Set the knobs to your preferred settings.
2. Orient the StompLock so that it lines up with the knobs and gently push it over the top of the
knobs.
3. To remove the StompLock, grip it from the sides and gently lift it up and off the knobs.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Interface
Controls:
Level, Delay Type, Time, Repeats, Tone, Degrade, Tails On/Off, Effect On/
Off
Jacks:
Input 1 (Mono), Input 2, Output 1 (Mono), Output 2
Inputs
Input Impedance:
Effect on: >1 MΩ (stereo), >500 kΩ (mono)
Effect off: >1 MΩ (stereo), >500 kΩ (mono) with Tails switch on
Effect off: True hardwire bypass with Tails switch off
Outputs
Output Impedance:
Effect on: 1 kΩ
Effect off: 1 kΩ with Tails switch on
Effect off: True hardwire bypass with Tails switch off
Physical
Dimensions:
4.40”(L) x 2.65”(W) x 2.0”(H)
1.0 lb.
Weight:
Power
Power Requirements:
9 VDC external power supply
675 mW (< 75 mA @ 9 VDC)
75 mA (typical at 9 VDC)
PS0913DC-01 (US, JA, EU)
PS0913DC-02 (AU, UK)
Power Consumption:
Current Draw:
Power Supply Model:
Power Supply Polarity:
Power Supply Output:
9 VDC 1.3 A
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PHONE: (801) 566-8800
WEB: digitech.com
SUPPORT: digitech.com/en-US/support
Obscura Owner's Manual Rev A
© 2015 Harman. All rights reserved.
DigiTech is a registered trademark of Harman.
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