Includes a Compact Flash card with storage for over 24 minutes of record time and 99 loops, USB connectivity, an XLR microphone input, power supply, 44.1 kHz CD-quality audio plus a full six-year warranty

July 24, 2005 - Almost two decades ago DigiTech developed the PDS 8000 pedal for loop-based audio performance. Now DigiTech takes looping from the original 8-second volatile recording memory of the PDS 8000 straight into the 21st century with the innovative JamMan pedal, which is capable of saving up to 6.5 hours of loops and sample phrases. The JamMan Looper/Phrase Sampler is an effects processor dedicated to loop creation, manipulation, playback and overdubbing, based on the classic Lexicon JamMan rackmount effect. The new JamMan offers tremendous loop capabilities at resolutions up to CD-quality 44.1 kHz in a compact, easy-to-use stompbox format specially tailored to the needs of guitarists and performing musicians.

The DigiTech JamMan is equipped with a full complement of input and output connections. Inputs include a low-impedance XLR jack, along with a 1/4" instrument-level jack, each with a dedicated level control. A 1/8" Aux Input jack can accept signals from external sources such as CD or MP3 players. A 1/4" output (compatible with amps, mixers or headphones) is provided, as is a USB port for connecting the JamMan to a computer -- this allows the JamMan to serve as a Compact Flash card reader, as well as enabling loop WAV data to be transferred to and from a computer for unlimited archiving of material. An optional FSX3 footswitch can be connected to the footswitch jack for controlling loop select up and down, as well as the loop auto-recording arming function for complete Hands-Free use.

Loops can be recorded using any of the inputs, and unlimited overdubs can be added to any loop; overdubs can be erased, and there is one level of undo/redo available. Auto Record allows the JamMan to begin recording as soon as it detects signal at its input.

When recording from the Aux Input, three additional record modes are available for creating backing tracks and loops: Center Cancel removes any material that is common to the left and right channels -- material panned to the center (usually this would be lead vocal or solo instruments). In Full Range Simulation mode, an EQ curve is applied to the incoming Aux Input audio; the curve allows full-range audio to be played back through a guitar amp/speaker with sound more like a hi-fi recording. In Center Cancel and Full Range Sim mode, both center cancellation and equalization are applied to the Aux Input signal.

A Rhythm (metronome) function is built-in, with user-adjustable tempo and time signature. Tap tempo is supported, and loops will automatically slow down or speed up to match the tempo. There are nine different combinations of upbeat and downbeat Rhythm sounds. A separate level control sets the volume for the Rhythm part. Tempo and time signature can be saved with each loop. Loops can be set for single-play or infinite loop playback.

Two different Stop modes are provided, which determine how the current loop ends playback. In Stop Mode, the loop stops playing as soon as the Stop button is pressed. In Finish Mode, the current loop will play to its end, then stop. With room for 99 onboard loops, and an included removable Compact Flash card with over 24 minutes of storage (optional cards support up to 6.5 hours of record time), there is no need to ever throw away a loop, allowing users to build up a large loop library, or to archive loops for songs or for later use. Stored Loops are "protected" to prevent them from being inadvertently modified, but users can still add overdubs to them.

The JamMan features two footswitches for complete on-the-fly foot control over loop creation and playback. The two footswitches control record, playback, overdubbing, loop stop, undo/redo, loop clear and tempo. The JamMan comes ready for action, with an included Compact Flash card and power supply. DigiTech provides a full six-year warranty on the JamMan pedal.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digitech.com.