DigiTech Hardwire TR-7

The DigiTech Hardwire TR-7 is a stereo tremolo, rotary and vibrato pedal from DigiTech's HardWire extreme performance series, released in August 2010 with an MSRP of $189.95¹. It packs seven effects into one box: Tremolo, Opto Tremolo, Bias Tremolo, Duo Tremolo, Rotary, Vibrato and VibroPan². It is a digital pedal³ with true stereo inputs and outputs, so it can drive two amps, take a second guitar, or produce swirling stereo panning effects from a single box.

The four tremolo types cover a wide range, from what RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as warm amp-like pulses to helicopter chop, or two tremolos running at once³. The Rotary mode is a Leslie-style speaker simulation with a treble and bass rotor that move at different speeds, which RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as producing the sound organ players have enjoyed, complete with extra lushness³. The Ultravibe mode offers what RockBoard's PedalPedia calls slow phasey goodness and a liquid-like vibrato³, and Vibropan gives what RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as a cold shot of swirling stereo sounds³.

The modes and controls

The TR-7's seven effects are selected with a Type Selector knob, alongside four basic knobs: Speed, Depth, Modify and the Type Selector⁵. Premier Guitar's reviewer described the control set as straightforward, with Speed controlling the speed of the effect, Depth controlling the intensity, and Modify controlling various settings depending on which effect is in play². MusicRadar's review noted that each mode is controlled by the usual Speed and Depth knobs⁶.

All of the modes can be controlled via tap tempo³, and Premier Guitar's review confirmed that Tap Tempo can also be engaged². One thing the pedal does not have is a knob to control the level of the effect, which Premier Guitar's reviewer noted might be a concern to some players².

The seven modes break down like this:

• Tremolo: a basic tremolo effect²
• Opto Tremolo and Bias Tremolo: models of vintage Fender and Vox tremolo circuits⁷
• Duo Tremolo: two tremolos at once²⁷⁸
• Rotary: a Leslie-style rotary speaker simulation with treble and bass rotors moving at different speeds³
• Vibrato: pitch-modulated vibrato²
• Vibropan: swirling stereo panning sounds³

Power and connections

The TR-7 powers up with a 9-volt battery or adapter². On the adapter side it takes 9V DC, center negative, drawing 70mA³, and DigiTech offered the PS200R as an optional power supply⁵. On battery power it runs on a single 9V battery with a reported life of about 5.25 hours⁵, with a power consumption of 630mW⁵.

It is a true stereo effect³ with separate left and right 1/4 inch unbalanced tip-sleeve inputs and outputs⁵. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that the two inputs and two outputs let you add a second guitar or amp, and that the true stereo I/O allows for complex connections, creative flexibility, and trippy sounds². Input impedance is 1 MOhm in stereo and 500 kOhm in mono, with output impedance of 1 kOhm⁵.

Like other HardWire pedals, it carries the series' standard extreme performance features, including true bypass and high-voltage rails⁴. Each HardWire pedal also shipped with tour-worthy accessories, including green gaffer tape common to pro pedalboards, Stomplock knob guards and a hook and loop pad¹.

Where it came from

The TR-7 was introduced at Summer NAMM 2010 as the newest addition to the HardWire extreme performance series²⁷, and Vintage Guitar reported it as HardWire's new Tremolo/Rotary pedal that June⁷. It reached stores in August 2010 with an MSRP of $189.95¹. Guitar World's Paul Riario reviewed it in April 2011 as the latest in the Hardwire series, noting its wide range of tremolo options including opto tremolo, bias tremolo and duo-trem, plus a rotary speaker effect, vibropan and more⁸.

What reviewers said

Reviews were mixed but generally positive on versatility. Guitar World's Paul Riario called it a gorgeous-sounding pedal⁸. Pedal of the Day's reviewer felt it can take the place of two or three pedals with all it does, and that it does it all well⁵. MusicRadar's verdict was that if you're after a versatile trem pedal, give this a look⁶.

Premier Guitar's reviewer was less enthusiastic about the vibe and rotary modes. Of the Uni-Vibe-style sounds, the reviewer wrote²:

The same review found the Rotary setting lacked the lush warmth of other pedals that do a better job of emulating that sonic territory, and made the reviewer wish for the real thing². The reviewer also flagged the lack of a level knob as a possible concern². For players weighing it against a dedicated tremolo or a standalone rotary simulation, the TR-7's appeal rests on covering both territories, plus vibrato and stereo panning, in one true-stereo box with tap tempo.

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