The Ibanez DCF10 Digital Chorus/Flanger is a compact pedal from Ibanez's Power Series 10 that operates either as a chorus or as a flanger. It is a digital design, built around a digital delay with an L.F.O. (low-frequency oscillator, the circuit that sweeps the delay time to create the chorus or flange movement), and because it is digital it offers a 7kHz bandwidth1. It was made in Japan and produced from 1987 to 19931.
Controls
The DCF10's delay times are set with a four-position Mode selector and the D-Time knob, which TONEHOME describes as allowing the times to be "easily and precisely controlled"1. The remaining knobs shape the sweep:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mode selector | Four-position selector that, with the D-Time knob, sets the delay times1 |
| D-Time | Sets the delay times1 |
| Regen | Controls delay time repeats and adds "Swell" to the flanging effect1 |
| Speed | Changes the rate of the sweep cycle1 |
| Width | Allows narrow or broad sweeps of the "comb"; at width=zero the sweep stops, giving non-sweeping settings1 |
The Width control is worth noting for players: with width set to zero, the sweep is removed entirely, and TONEHOME notes these non-sweeping settings "can be used to add unique presen[ce]" to a sound1.
Stereo outputs
The DCF10 has stereo outputs that provide normal and inverted effect signals, which TONEHOME describes as enabling true stereo chorusing1. Running both outputs to a stereo rig gives the widened, two-sided chorus image the pedal was designed for.
Relationship to the DML20
The DCF10 shares its circuit approach with the Ibanez DML20 Digital Modulation Delay III. TONEHOME puts it plainly1:
"Like the DML20, the DCF10 is a digital delay with an L.F.O. However, the range of delay times is lower with a minimum of .25ms"
"Chorus and flange settings are essentially the same as the DML20 (Regeneration corresponds to Repeat on delay models)."
In practice, that means a player familiar with the DML20 will find the same chorus and flange voicings on the DCF10, with the Regeneration knob doing the work of the Repeat control found on Ibanez's delay models1.
Availability and collectibility
TONEHOME records the DCF10 as no longer in production, never re-issued, with rare availability and high collectibility1. The pedal's 1988 list price was 332 DM, and its 1989 list price was 325 DM, as given in West German marks on the TONEHOME page1. Players looking at Ibanez's chorus line today will find current and re-issued options elsewhere in the range, such as the Ibanez Chorus Mini or the CS9 Stereo Chorus, and other vintage Power Series 10 units such as the DSC10 Digital Chorus and SS10 Session-Man. For more on the effect type, see the site's pages on chorus pedals and flanger pedals.
The DCF10 owner's manual is available as a PDF download from TONEHOME's product page for the pedal1.
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Questions
Is the Ibanez DCF10 analog or digital?
The DCF10 is a digital pedal. TONEHOME describes it as a digital delay with an L.F.O., and notes that because it is digital it offers a 7kHz bandwidth. Its delay time range is lower than the related DML20, with a minimum of .25ms.
Where was the Ibanez DCF10 made?
The DCF10 was made in Japan. TONEHOME lists the pedal as an Ibanez DCF10 Digital Chorus/Flanger, Japan, dating it to 1989 in that listing.
How is the DCF10 related to the Ibanez DML20?
TONEHOME states that the DCF10's chorus and flange settings are essentially the same as the DML20's, with the DCF10's Regeneration knob corresponding to the Repeat control on the delay models. Like the DML20, it is a digital delay with an L.F.O., but with a lower delay time range.
Does the Ibanez DCF10 have stereo outputs?
Yes. The DCF10 has stereo outputs that provide normal and inverted effect signals, which TONEHOME describes as allowing true stereo chorusing.
Was the Ibanez DCF10 ever re-issued?
No. TONEHOME records the DCF10 as not re-issued, with rare availability and high collectibility.
Where can I find the Ibanez DCF10 manual?
TONEHOME hosts a copy of the Ibanez DCF10 Digital Chorus/Flanger owner's manual as a PDF download on the pedal's product page.
Sources (1)
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME (tonehome.de), 1989
