The DigiTech 5th-Generation Whammy is a pitch-shifting pedal from DigiTech that carries over the Whammy, harmony and detune effects of the original Whammy while adding new settings of its own. Guitar World's review counted 10 Whammy, nine harmony and two detune effects, and noted that the new version adds effects for 4th Up and Down, 5th Up and Down, and Dive Bomb1.
What it does
The headline change over earlier Whammys is polyphony. Guitar World's reviewer found that the new Whammy is polyphonic, "allowing you to pitch bend and harmonize full chords with no glitching"1. A Classic/Chords switch lets you select monophonic or polyphonic modes, so the pedal can behave like the original single-note Whammy or track full chords1.
On sound, the reviewer's verdict was that "its sound quality rivals that of the original Whammy"1.
Controls and connectivity
- Classic/Chords switch: selects monophonic or polyphonic pitch-shifting modes1
- MIDI input: for selecting and controlling the different Whammy effects with an external controller1
- True-bypass switching: listed by Guitar World among the pedal's upgrades1
Power
The Whammy runs on nine-volt DC power, which Guitar World noted makes the new Whammy more pedalboard-friendly than earlier versions1. It is not a low-current pedal, though: the review states "the Whammy needs at least 265mA"1. That rules out a battery and most shared daisy-chain outputs, so give it a dedicated supply output rated for the draw.
Size and related models
DigiTech lists the fifth-generation Whammy at a list price of $249.95 USD1.
For where a pitch shifter like this sits on a board, see the octave and pitch pedals type page.
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Questions
Is the DigiTech 5th-Generation Whammy polyphonic?
Yes. Guitar World's review describes the new Whammy as polyphonic, allowing you to pitch bend and harmonize full chords with no glitching. A Classic/Chords switch on the pedal lets you select between monophonic and polyphonic modes, so you can choose the behavior that suits the part you are playing.
Does the Whammy 5 have MIDI?
Yes. The pedal has a MIDI input for selecting and controlling the different Whammy effects with an external controller, according to Guitar World's review of the fifth-generation Whammy.
Is the Whammy 5 true bypass?
Yes. Guitar World lists true-bypass switching among the upgrades the fifth-generation Whammy adds over earlier versions of the pedal.
Can the Whammy 5 run on a battery?
The pedal runs on nine-volt DC power, and Guitar World notes it needs at least 265mA. That current draw is well beyond what a 9V battery or a typical daisy-chain supply output can deliver, so plan on a dedicated higher-current power supply output.
How many effects does the Whammy 5 have?
The fifth-generation Whammy offers 10 Whammy, nine harmony and two detune effects, for 21 settings in total. It carries over the Whammy, harmony and detune effects found on the original version and adds effects for 4th Up and Down, 5th Up and Down, and Dive Bomb.
How much current does the Whammy 5 draw?
Guitar World's review states the Whammy needs at least 265mA from its nine-volt DC supply. That is a higher draw than most compact pedals, so it matters when you are planning a pedalboard power supply.
Sources (1)
- Review: DigiTech 5th-Generation Whammy Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-01-03
