The DigiTech Lyra is a limited edition multi-effects pedal from DigiTech, unveiled at NAMM 2011 and expected to ship in March 2011. It is a tie-in to the Eternal Descent comic series and its albums: the pedal carries seven preset tones, from clean to moderate overdrive to crushing distortion, that match seven songs from the Eternal Descent records, with the signature tones shaped by producer and engineer Eddie Kramer and his team12.
The Eternal Descent tie-in and Eddie Kramer tones
The Lyra exists because of Eternal Descent, a cross-genre comic series created by writer Llexi Leon that blends fantasy, action, music, superhero, gothic and science fiction elements. The comics revolve around the exploits of Lyra, the series' heroine, a rock singer, and her band Constellation Nine, with bands including Static X, Atreyu, Firewind and Shadows Fall making guest appearances. Albums were released alongside the comics with music created for the series1.
DigiTech says the pedal delivers the signature tones, sounds and effects that legendary producer and engineer Eddie Kramer, known for his work with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss and others, and his team used to record the Eternal Descent albums1. The pedal's controls are set up so a player can dial in those recorded sounds directly: when the Gain and FX Mix knobs are in the 12 o'clock position, the sound matches the sound of the actual song12.
"When the knobs are in the 12 o'clock position, the sound matches the sound of the actual song."
Controls and outputs
The pedal keeps its control layout simple, built around its seven presets:
- Seven preset tones, from clean to moderate overdrive to crushing distortion, matching seven songs from the albums1
- Gain knob: turning it left or right increases or decreases the amount of amp and distortion gain for each of the seven presets1
- FX Mix knob: blends the effect level, with the 12 o'clock position matching the recorded song2
- Outputs: mono and stereo outputs, so the pedal can feed a single amp or a stereo setup1
Power and enclosure
The Lyra can be powered by a 9V battery or by the included AC power supply, the PS200R, which comes in the box1. The pedal sits in a rugged cast-metal chassis1.
The Lyra is a limited edition pedal announced at NAMM 20112. Its finish is part of the tie-in: the Eternal Descent logo, a distinctive Lyra graphic and a dark metallic purple finish1.
Price
MusicRadar reported an estimated UK price of £159 RRP inc VAT at announcement, noting the price may be subject to change2.
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Questions
Can the DigiTech Lyra run on a battery?
Yes. According to the press release reported by Premier Guitar, the Lyra can be powered by a 9V battery or by the included AC power supply, which is the PS200R. That makes it usable without an external supply, though the included adapter is in the box for players who prefer mains power.
Does the DigiTech Lyra have stereo outputs?
Yes. Premier Guitar's report on the pedal states that it has mono and stereo outputs, so a player can run it into a single amp or pedal input or into a stereo rig or two channels. The choice is made at the pedal's outputs.
Is the DigiTech Lyra a limited edition?
Yes. MusicRadar described the Eternal Descent Lyra as a limited edition multi-effects pedal when DigiTech unveiled it at NAMM 2011. It is a tie-in to the Eternal Descent comic series, with custom artwork and a dark metallic purple finish.
Does the Lyra come with a power supply?
Yes. Premier Guitar's report on the pedal notes that it includes a PS200R power supply. The pedal can alternatively run on a 9V battery, so it works out of the box either way.
Sources (2)
- DigiTech Launches Eternal Descent Lyra Limited Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2011-01-14
- NAMM 2011: DigiTech unveils limited edition Eternal Descent Lyra pedal, MusicRadar, 2011-01-13
