Owner's Manual for Origin Effects DCX BOOST Tone Shaper and Drive Pedal
Quick guide for the Origin Effects DCX BOOST pedal. Learn about controls, connection, power requirements, and sample settings for this tone shaper and drive unit.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Origin Effects DCX BOOST is a tone-shaper and drive pedal inspired by the UA 610 recording preamp. It features Adaptive Circuitry that responds to playing dynamics. Important: This product requires a 9VDC, >90mA power supply with a 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
Connecting the DCX BOOST
To set up the pedal, follow these connections:
- 9VDC: Connect a 9VDC 2.1mm centre-negative mains power adaptor (minimum 90mA).
- INSTR: Connect your guitar cable here.
- AMP OUT: Connect this to your amplifier or modeller.
Controls
The pedal features several controls to shape your sound:

- MODE SWITCH: Selects between EQ (lower gain, flat frequency response) and OD (higher gain, tighter low end, permanent treble roll-off) modes.
- DRIVE: Turn clockwise to increase the amount of overdrive.
- LEVEL: Sets the output level from the pedal.
- EQ CONTROLS (L.F. and H.F.): L.F. adjusts low frequencies; H.F. adjusts high frequencies. Both are flat at the noon position.
- VOICE SWITCH: Selects between three amounts of high-end reduction: FLAT (brightest), MED (subtle roll-off), and DRK (steepest roll-off).
Sample Settings
The manual provides several starting points for your sound:
- BRIGHT CRUNCH: A low-gain setting that cleans up with playing dynamics.
- CLEAN AND TIGHT: A clean boost setting with subtle EQ tweaks for clarity.
- FUSION LEAD: Uses the DRK voice setting and H.F. boost for a warm, thick overdrive.
- ASSISTANT ENGINEER: A fully-saturated tone recreating a cranked vintage console.
Safety and Specifications
The device is designed for temperate climate conditions and altitudes not exceeding 2000m. It is CE and UKCA compliant. The input impedance is 1M Ohm, and the output impedance is 1k Ohm. Please refer to the full manual for detailed safety notices regarding power supply usage and chemical warnings.
Practical help
Common problems
Verify the power supply is 9VDC, >90mA, and centre-negative. Ensure all cables are securely connected.
Ensure the power supply is isolated and the pedal is not placed near heat sources or other equipment causing interference.
Before use
- Ensure power supply is 9VDC, >90mA, 2.1mm centre-negative.
- Connect guitar to the INSTR input.
- Connect amplifier to the AMP OUT output.
- Check that all cables are 1/4 inch TS instrument cables.
- Set the MODE switch to the desired gain level (EQ or OD).
Specs in practice
- Input Impedance
- 1M Ohm, optimized for electric guitar pickups.
- Output Impedance
- 1k Ohm, suitable for driving amplifiers.
- Power Requirements
- 9VDC, >90mA, 2.1mm centre-negative barrel connector.
Images and diagrams
- The pedal features a MODE switch to toggle between EQ and OD gain structures.
- The VOICE switch (DRK, FLAT, MED) controls the built-in treble roll-off.
- L.F. and H.F. knobs provide active EQ control for bass and treble frequencies.
Model compatibility
- Designed for electric guitar.
- Requires 9VDC power supply (minimum 90mA).
- Not for use in tropical climate conditions.
- Not for use at altitudes exceeding 2000m.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.