The Fishman ToneDEQ is an acoustic multi-effects, preamp, equalizer and DI pedal: a single box for an acoustic guitar player that combines a high-quality preamp, a dual effects section, tone controls, a compressor, a level booster and a balanced DI. It sits in the acoustic and preamp territory of the pedalboard rather than the electric-guitar world of overdrive and distortion, and it is aimed at players who want to go straight to a PA or mixing desk with their acoustic sound.1
What it does for an acoustic player
The ToneDEQ is built around the needs of a plugged-in acoustic guitar. Its input is a 10M Ohm, discrete class-A JFET design, the kind of high-impedance input that lets a piezo pickup see a friendly load. On the tone side there is a 4-band EQ with Bass, Middle, Treble and a selectable Low Cut, plus a compressor and a level booster for solos. For the stage, the outputs are flexible: a 1/4-inch amplifier output and an XLR D.I. output, which Fishman describes as being for the lowest noise possible.1
The effects sections
The pedal carries two separate effects sections that can run in parallel, since the signal path is all-analog with parallel digital effects.1
- Reverb/delay section: 2 reverbs and 2 delays, with time and level controls1
- Modulation section: 2 chorus settings, one flanger and one tremolo1
That layout means a player can pair a reverb or delay with a chorus, flanger or tremolo at the same time, and the individual effect types map to the usual pedalboard categories: reverb, delay, chorus, flanger and tremolo. The compressor and booster cover the ground of a compressor and boost pedal, which is part of what makes the ToneDEQ a multi-effects unit rather than a single-purpose stompbox1.
Power and running on battery
The ToneDEQ is powered by a 9-volt battery, which is not included, or by the optional Fishman 910-R power adapter. Fishman lists battery life at 12 hours.1
The 9-volt battery is not included with the pedal, and the Fishman 910-R adapter is an optional extra, so plan for one or the other before a first gig.
Videos
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Questions
Does the Fishman ToneDEQ run on a battery?
Yes. Fishman specifies a 9-volt battery, which is not included, or the optional Fishman 910-R power adapter. The company lists battery life at 12 hours, so a battery is a practical option for a gig where power is awkward, though an adapter suits regular use.
How long does a battery last in the ToneDEQ?
Fishman lists battery life at 12 hours on the ToneDEQ product page. The 9-volt battery is not included with the pedal, and the optional Fishman 910-R adapter is available for players who prefer mains power.
Is the Fishman ToneDEQ analog?
Fishman describes the ToneDEQ as having an all-analog signal path with parallel digital effects. In other words, the preamp, EQ and DI side of the pedal stays analog, while the effects section runs digitally alongside it.
Does the ToneDEQ have an XLR DI output?
Yes. The ToneDEQ's outputs include a 1/4-inch amplifier output and an XLR D.I. output, which Fishman describes as being for the lowest noise possible. The XLR output lets you feed a mixing desk or PA directly from the pedal.
What effects does the Fishman ToneDEQ have?
The ToneDEQ has two separate effects sections. The reverb/delay section offers 2 reverbs and 2 delays with time and level controls. The second section offers 2 chorus settings, one flanger and one tremolo, so you can run a reverb or delay together with a modulation effect.
Does the ToneDEQ have a compressor?
Yes. Fishman lists a compressor among the ToneDEQ's features, alongside the preamp, dual effects section, tone controls, level booster and balanced DI.
Sources (1)
- ToneDEQ Acoustic Multi-effects, Fishman