Description
The Darkglass Alpha·Omega Ultra might be one of the most versatile bass preamps ever. At its core are two discrete distortion circuits that allow you to explore exciting tonal frontiers while reveling in boundless dynamic range. Sculpt fresh sonic textures with a 6-band active graphic EQ. Then pipe everything through a single-user digital impulse-response cabinet emulation. You’re in complete command with Bypass and Distortion footswitches that allow separate use of the Alpha·Omega Ultra’s distortion and EQ. And thanks to its 1/8-inch Aux input, this is the perfect solution for practicing along with guide tracks from your mobile device or computer. The Alpha·Omega Ultra also includes a headphone output, switchable ground lift, and a Micro-USB B port for loading new virtual cabinets from your Mac or PC.
Darkglass Suite
Utilizing the desktop version of the Darkglass Suite allows you to load one of the available impulses responses of our library or add you custom / third party impulses to use with your pedal. In addition you can control the headphones level output.
Front Features
Mod
Selects or mixes between the two distinct distortion circuits: Alpha is punchy, tight with a lot of definition, whereas Omega is simply brutal and raw. On the Darkglass Suite you can assign footswitch control of the Mod to toggle between Alpha and Omega.
Blend
Mixes the clean and processed signals. The clean signal remains at unity gain while the volume of the overdriven signal is set by the Level knob, allowing for fine mix tuning.
Level
Sets the volume of the overdriven signal.
Drive
Sets the amount of gain in the overdriven signal.
Growl
Shelving Bass Boost for a fatter tone and increased low end saturation.
Bite
Boosts High Mids (2.8kHz) for additional presence and definition.
Master
Whereas the Level knob control the output of the overdrive section the Master volume adjusts the overall volume of the unit. Ideal for fine tuning the output on clean mode. It also serves as a DI and headphone volume control. Please note that volume is not affected by this control when the pedal is on bypass.
Bass
Low shelf +-12dB @ 80 Hz
Mid bands
+-10dB @ 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz
Treble
High shelf +-12dB @ 5 kHz
Dimensions
Width: 125 mm / 5″
Length: 96 mm/ 3¾″
Height: 57 mm / 2¼″
Weight: 430 g / 0.95 lb
Input & Outputs
Input
Connect your instrument or output from your pedal board to the ¼” mono jack.
Aux In
This 3.5mm stereo input allows you to practice with backing tracks from e.g. your smartphone or laptop. Auxiliary input can only be used with the headphone output.
The pedal does not control the level, it must be set from your audio source. Remember to always first set the level low before connecting anything to the aux in!.
Headphone Output
Alpha·Omega Ultra has an internal stereo headphone amplifier capable of driving a minimum load of 16 ohms from the 3.5mm stereo jack. Use the Master volume control to adjust the level.
9V DC
Only use a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug
Output
Connect from the ¼” Output jack to the input of your amplifier or another effects pedal.
Direct Output
Balanced XLR output for connecting the pedal to a microphone preamp, PA system etc.
Ground lift
Disconnects the signal ground on the Direct Output to break any ground loops. Set this switch to either position that has less noise. The switch does not affect the ¼” output.
Cab Sim
Toggle the cabinet simulation on/off on the Direct Output. This switch completely bypasses all digital circuits and allows you to get a zero latency signal when needed.
USB
A Micro USB B connector allows you to connect the pedal to PC/Mac to load cabinet simulation impulse responses to the pedal and control various other settings.
Warning
When the pedal is on bypass the master volume does not affect the headphone volume. In this case the total volume is adjustable in Darkglass Suite. With sensitive headphones, the bypass volume can be very loud if not adjusted.
The Alpha·Omega Ultra has a current draw of 130mA. Only use a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug.
Unregulated power supplies and/or higher voltages may result in suboptimal noise performance and even damage your unit, voiding the warranty.