The DigiTech FreqOut Natural Feedback Creator does exactly what it says on the tin: The pedal generates natural-sounding feedback that gives guitarists that sought-after long sustain whenever they need it. Getting this effect, which has provided the climax to so many legendary guitar solos, in the traditional way involves turning the amp up loud and holding the guitar close to it - not exactly easy to do when using in-ear monitors, recording in the studio, playing at home, or making silent recordings. Help is at hand, however, as the DigiTech FreqOut delivers authentic feedback irrespective of the volume level, using advanced DSP processing to emulate the feel of amp-driven sustain.
The DigiTech FreqOut can be used on its own with an amp or placed at the start of the pedal chain. Whatever its position in the signal chain, it generates harmonic overtones from the incoming guitar signal, which are then superimposed without any colouration of the original sound. Players have seven overtone settings to choose from Sub, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, Natural Low, and Natural High, selectable via the dedicated rotary control. Further adjustment options are also provided: The GAIN control adjusts feedback intensity, while the ONSET knob sets the rise time before the effect engages. A row of LEDs shows the swell in real time, making the FreqOut a powerful and versatile tool that can generate anything from conventional feedback through to overtone-rich sustain that is ideal for ambient sounds. A DRY switch mutes the direct guitar signal, isolating the pure feedback on demand.
The DigiTech FreqOut pedal is very intuitive to use and can be combined with any kind of guitar amplifier (including modelling amps), so it is the perfect solution for players who want to enhance their sound with authentic feedback effects without having to crank the volume. The selection of overtone types on offer means players can get exactly the kind of feedback they want, when they want it - making the FreqOut ideal for use in recording applications. The pedal's footswitch in turn features a "momentary" mode (selectable via toggle switch) that, when selected, keeps the feedback sustaining for as long as the footswitch is pressed, while latching operation allows sustained overtones to be triggered at will – perfect for dramatic solos, atmospheric layering, or experimental textures.
The US manufacturer from Sandy, in the state of Utah, has been developing effects devices since 1984 and made an international name for itself in 1989 with the presentation of the Whammy pedal. In addition to this pedal, which is still available, there is now a complete range of single and multi-effects, mainly for electric guitar but also for bass, keyboard and microphone. The American outfit has made a speciality of weird and wonderful effects. Guitarists and bassists like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, David Gilmour or TM Stevens use DigiTech products for their trademark sound.
Despite the wealth of options it provides, the DigiTech FreqOut remains easy to operate and allows guitarists to quickly dial in the feedback settings they are looking for. Housed in a robust metal chassis measuring just 121×73×45mm and weighing 370g, it is built for durability and portability. The pedal features a 6.35mm mono input and output and runs on a standard 9V DC power supply (not included). Gigging guitarists can use it to tame wild feedback on stage, and in situations where the volume has to be kept within reasonable limits, the pedal will readily provide either reproducible sustain with adjustable overtones or simulate the natural feedback with changing overtones that happens when the player's amp is cranked loud. Its small footprint integrates easily into any pedalboard, making it a practical and distinctive addition to both stage and studio setups.
The "Type" control
This control allows the user to set the desired overtone type for the feedback generated by the pedal, offering settings for the first, second, third, and fifth harmonic. A harmonic is an integer multiple of the basic note's frequency, so in the case of an A note at 440Hz, for instance, the second harmonic is exactly an octave higher, i.e. an A at 880Hz. The third harmonic is then 1320Hz, which corresponds to a note between E and F of the next octave up. In the "Nat Low" setting, the DigiTech FreqOut's feedback will resonate towards the lower note, and towards the higher note in the "Nat High" setting. The "Sub" setting in turn generates feedback an octave below the note that is being played.