May be a dumb question but since higher voltages generally equate to better headroom and clarity, why does the DCX Bass - which seems highly regarded overall - only run at 9v...?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Origin Effects DCX voltage?
- Thread starter bassolodic
- Start date
18v vs 9v is not a simple "more is better" change. The main advantage of running at 9V is that it's by far the most common power source for pedals. Not all circuits gain increased headroom with 18V, and other than issues with headroom I don't think 18V brings any other benefit to clarity. It's also possible that if the DCX gains an objective improvement with 18V that it might have a voltage doubler already integrated just like the Origin Effects BassRig pedals.
Origin_Effects
Commercial User
- Feb 12, 2018
- 76
- 1,030
- Disclosures
- British Boutique Effects Pedal Builders
Like most of the pedals in our line up at this point; whilst the DCX BASS is 9V on input, It is stepping the voltage up internally for that additional headroom. The same is true in our BASSRIG, RevivalDRIVE, M-EQ DRIVER, DELUXE61, MAGMA57 & Halcyon pedals. 9v inputs being stepped up internally for better circuit performance.
Connecting an 18V DC cable to the DCX BASS won't improve it's performance. It's unlikely to immediately damage the pedal (we've designed the circuits to withstand such inputs and test every pedal against an 18V input), but with prolonged use doing so risks lowering the lifespan of components as they'll operate at warmer temperatures.
We specify using a 9V input for the pedal, we don't recommend people use 18V. If you have questions regarding the operation of your pedals, never hestiate to give us a shout at [email protected]
- Jacob
Connecting an 18V DC cable to the DCX BASS won't improve it's performance. It's unlikely to immediately damage the pedal (we've designed the circuits to withstand such inputs and test every pedal against an 18V input), but with prolonged use doing so risks lowering the lifespan of components as they'll operate at warmer temperatures.
We specify using a 9V input for the pedal, we don't recommend people use 18V. If you have questions regarding the operation of your pedals, never hestiate to give us a shout at [email protected]
- Jacob
Last edited:
Hey @Origin_Effects
Can the DCX handle line lever like the new cali76?
I want to use my little studio board for synth? that ok?
Origin_Effects
Commercial User
- Feb 12, 2018
- 76
- 1,030
- Disclosures
- British Boutique Effects Pedal Builders
You can run line level signals into the DCX BASS, and doing so can be quite fun. Internally it steps up to 18v so providing you're not running anything silly into it, you're unlikely to clip the input/output buffer. Standard gain staging stuff.
The difference is that the DCX BASS is designed to clip as part of its design. So you'll likely want to lower the DRIVE control more with hotter signals.
- Jacob
