OWNER’S MANUAL
Version 1.1
Origin Eects DCX BASS
2
www.origineects.com
ORIGIN EFFECTS
®
is a registered trademark of Origin Eects Limited.
All other product names and trademarks are the property
of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether
mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Origin Eects Limited.
Origin Eects Limited reserves the right to change the features and specifications described
herein without notice or obligation. Origin Eects Limited cannot be held responsible for any
loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY WARNINGS.
© Origin Eects Limited 2023
IMPORTANT:
This product is designed to be powered from a 9VDC, >90mA
power supply with 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
Origin Eects DCX BASS
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Contents
Introducing the DCX BASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connecting the DCX BASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sample Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Appendix A: Physical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Appendix B: Performance Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Appendix C: Connector Pin Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Appendix D: Safety Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Appendix E: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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Origin Eects DCX BASS
Introducing the DCX BASS
The DCX Bass is a tone-shaper and drive pedal, inspired by the iconic UA 610 recording preamp. Like the
greatest pieces of analogue hardware, the 610 is famous for adding vintage, analogue colour to a signal. It
enhances anything that passes through the circuit and gives precise control of level and EQ.
The DCX Bass reimagines this circuit for bass guitar with specially chosen frequencies, wide-ranging gain
controls and our Adaptive Circuitry, which adjusts the pedal’s voicing in response to playing dynamics and
volume knob changes. As well as adding plenty of character, this pedal is designed to give a completely flat
frequency response when desired – just like a great piece of studio gear – and its powerful EQ controls have
the rare ability to boost bass and treble frequencies without the usual negative eects on overdriven tones.
The DCX Bass can be used as clean boost or a subtle tone shaper, oering direct-to-console tones or
pushing the front end of an amp. Overdriven tones extend all the way to rich saturation, reminiscent of a retro
recording console with its input gain cranked. Thanks to meticulously developed circuitry, all these tones are
delivered with studio-grade clarity and precision.
Key Features:
• Inspired by the iconic UA 610 preamp
• EQ and OD modes provide a versatile gain range
• EQ controls designed for maximum clarity
• Adaptive Circuitry responds to playing dynamics
• Voice control fine-tunes treble response
• Ultra-high input impedance
• High-quality buered bypass
• Premium components throughout
• Designed and built in England
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Origin Eects DCX BASS
Controls
MODE SWITCH – This switch selects between two dierent gain levels, with subtle voicing tweaks designed
to get the best out of each mode.
EQ MODE – The lower gain setting. This ranges from clean boost and direct-to-console tones to
subtle overdrive, with a very flat and neutral frequency response. In EQ mode, the DCX Bass’s
Adaptive Circuitry progressively applies a gentle treble roll-o which becomes more pronounced as
the pedal begins to overdrive. Clean settings will have a completely neutral treble response, with
overdriven sounds benefitting from a subtle reduction in top end. This allows a smooth transition from
bright cleans to warmer overdrive tones when playing dynamically or cleaning up from the volume
knob.
OD MODE – The higher gain setting. This mode has a tighter low end and a permanently engaged
treble roll-o, ensuring that more overdriven sounds stay warm and controlled. This setting ranges
from classic overdrive to fuzz-like, cranked vintage console tones.
Connecting the DCX BASS
9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 90mA).
INSTR: Connect to your bass.
AMP OUT: Connect to your amp or modeller.
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Origin Eects DCX BASS
DRIVE – Turn clockwise to increase the amount of overdrive. For clean boosts and direct-to-console tones
in EQ mode, keep this control set low. Higher settings will result in vintage sounding saturation, all the way to
fuzz-like tones in OD mode.
LEVEL – Sets the output level from the pedal. Turn clockwise to push the input of your amp. Keep this con-
trol set lower if you want to get all your overdrive from the pedal.
EQ CONTROLS – The DCX Bass’s EQ controls give precise control over bass and treble at frequencies spe-
cifically chosen for bass guitar. These controls have been specially designed to deliver powerful EQ shaping,
without sacrificing low-end clarity or overemphasising upper harmonics.
L.F – Reduces low frequencies when turned counterclockwise, boosts low frequencies when turned
clockwise. The low frequency response is completely flat when this control is in the noon position.
Due to the design of this circuitry, high levels of boost can be used in conjunction with overdriven
settings, without the tone becoming mushy or indistinct.
H.F – Reduces high frequencies when turned counterclockwise, boosts high frequencies when turned
clockwise. The low frequency response is completely flat when this control is in the noon position.
Due to the design of this circuitry, high levels of boost can be used without overemphasising the up
per harmonics of overdriven sounds, which might usually result in a harsh tone.
VOICE SWITCH – This switch corresponds to the DCX Bass’s built-in treble roll-o (see: MODE SWITCH),
selecting between three dierent amounts of high-end reduction. When the pedal is in EQ mode, the amount
of treble roll-o increases as the tone becomes more overdriven. In OD mode, the treble roll-o is always
active.
FLAT – The brightest setting. In this position, no treble roll-o is applied.
MED – In this setting, there is a subtle treble roll-o.
DRK – The darkest setting. In this position, the steepest treble roll-o is applied.
Controls (continued)
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Origin Eects DCX BASS
Sample Settings
DIRECT TO CONSOLE
Clean and full of character. This studio-in-
spired tone captures the essence of a vintage,
direct-to-console bass sound. This setting adds
depth, warmth and definition to breathe life into
DI bass signals.
DIRTY DIRECT
Direct bass can sound great when overdriv-
en too! With punch and presence, this edgy
tone pairs particularly well with old-school slap
lines on passive basses. Ear-catching but never
overpowering.
MASSIVE DRIVE
This huge tone shows o the responsive, slightly
compressed feel of the DCX BASS’s overdrive.
The powerful EQ lets you boost bass and treble,
never losing clarity even with this much gain.
JAZZ BASS SOLO
Sometimes you need to stand out. This setting
cuts bass and treble frequencies, transforming
your core tone into a mid-rich, attention-grab-
bing solo sound. Dig in hard for just a hint of
controlled breakup.
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Origin Eects DCX BASS
TIGHT AND GRITTY
Instant vintage grit. This percussive, growling
tone packs plenty of bite and a fantastic dynam-
ic response. This setting is the perfect alter ego
for players who sometimes need a very dierent
sound from a clean, modern bass amp.
Sample Settings (continued)
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Origin Eects DCX BASS
Measurement Unboxed Boxed
Weight 500g (18oz) 570g (20oz)
Length 124mm (4.8”) 135mm (5.3”)
Depth 64mm (2.5”) 90mm (3.5”)
Height 58mm (2.3”) 85mm (3.3”)
Measurement Value
Input impedance 1M Ω
Output impedance 1k Ω
Current draw 90mA
Power supply requirements 9VDC 2.1mm centre negative connector
Pin Description
Tip Signal
Sleeve Ground
Appendix A: Physical Specification
Appendix B: Performance Specification
Instrument & Amplifier 1/4” TS Sockets:
Appendix C: Connector Pin Out
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Origin E ects DCX BASS
Appendix D: Safety Notices
General Safety
Keep these instructions and heed all warnings. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with
a dry cloth. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifi ers) that produce heat. Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel.
When using an external power supply, use only attachments/accessories specifi ed by Origin Effects.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
CAUTION! No user-servicable parts inside. In the event of damage to the unit service or
repair must be done by qualifi ed service personnel only.
This Product is CE compliant.
This product is UKCA compliant.
FCC Certifi cation
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This product is UKCA compliant.
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Origin E ects DCX BASS
Appendix D: Safety Notices (continued)
The crossed out wheely bin symbol indicates this product is classifi ed as Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union and should not be discarded
with household waste. Other territories may vary. Contact your local authority or Origin
Effects for more information.
This product conforms to the European Union’s directive 2011/EU on Restrictions of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to
the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be some
potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude exceeding 2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on temperate climate conditions only. There may be some
potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical climate conditions.
Appendix E: Warranty
This product is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the date of purchase. This applies only to
original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorised Origin Effects dealer or directly from
Origin Effects.
All returns or servicing should be arranged through the original dealer. Proof of original ownership may be
required in the form of a purchase receipt.
For full warranty details visit
www.origineffects.com/warranty.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to
the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to
<2000m
RoHS