CICOGNANI ENGINEERING SPECIALE DD 1959 User manual

SPECIALE
ANALOG TUBE OVERDRIVE
DD
1959
|
User’s manual

Introduction:
!
Cicognani engineering like to congratulate you on your purchase of your new SPECIALE DD 1959. It is an
Overdrive evolution of the famous Double Decker. Our goal is to offer the best sounds in a compact format and
size.The great experience and knowledge of Guglielmo (The Guru) was made available to create not a simple "re-
edition" of that fantastic "Overdrive" but an improved and more complete evolution.#
Some guidelines to design this unit:!
* Two channels + solo in "Amply" mode; Three channels + solo in “Rec. out” mode.!
* Extreme Audio Quality: Great linearity of the signal designed with a a new valve preamplifier combined with a
professional IC. The sound has excellent benefits.!
* Redesigned a new effects loop. Now there is an additional analog mixer that allows you to choose from all
"series" to "parallel" and in the parallel mode you can adjust the level from "dry" to "wet". When the fx loop is
not connected, the "serial / parallel" control becomes a "Master Volume”.!
* SPECIAL DD has increased the gain stages on Channel 2 in order to offer distortion typical of the best tube
amplifiers with surprising dynamics.The choice to use a higher number of stages was chosen not to have greater
gain but to get a greater wall of sound and better headroom.!
When I designed the 1959 DD, I always kept in mind the sound I wanted to produce with rich details, harmonics
and an organic sound with tons of dynamics: an “in-your-face” tone. Today "SPECIALE" maintains the same
principles while offering even greater performance.!

Design:
!
SPECIALE DD 1959 was born to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Cicognani engineering. It is not built in a
limited edition as our production is "always limited". We have decided to offer a true "boutique" product, where
from the project to the smallest detail guarantees an obsessive care.
The front panel is made of PMMA (plexi) and designed by “Guru
Junior” Andrea. Cutting and engravings are done using a Co2
CNC laser. All the commands are there; everything at your
fingertips. The texts on the panel are engraved in negative so that
they can be illuminated by the LEDs hidden on the lower part of
the chassis.The internal production of the panels allows to
improve production and to offer any customizations.
The metal chassis is completely new and made in just two pieces. This time the well-known engineer and dear
friend Marcello Zama has really surpassed himself. Its principles are compact, durable and easy to assemble.The
parts bent to the foot switch side, have been specially created with two features: the first panel protection and
the second to better diffuse the back lighting of the panel.

Italian Red paint was made by artisans like they used to be. The painting
is not performed with an industrial process, but as in the past, with
catalyzed paints. The particular "Italian Red" color wants to attract
attention exactly like the best products of the Italian motor valley.#
My PCB design:!
My work experiences began in those years of "point to point" built electronics, now known as "hand wired". I
have drawn by hand a series of circuits that I don't even remember anymore. Then comes the computer with
ever better technologies and software able to do so many beautiful things automatically. One of my secrets is
that I continue to draw the circuits by hand because I have a better view of the passage of audio signals. This
allows me to pay more attention to the sound quality, the buzz and the positioning of the components which also
simplifies the process of any technical assistance
Of course, it is thought to be a “Boutique”, no compromises product and I
know that everything will not be built in many thousands of pieces.!
The components are of the highest quality and chosen to last over time. #
The circuits are tested after assembly and then undergo the final PDC !
(pre delivery check). The tests we perform are not just about functionality
but include a complete view: Functionality; Check on the valve triode
balancer and microphonicity; Tolerance of digit-head delay times and
sound. Only in this way Pompeii can enter to the sale. !
The Guru#

The Guru’s advice
1) Connect the main power to 12Vdc (min 350mA). Make sure the power supply is negative tip.#
2) Connect the “Output” to the amplifier “Input”.#
3) Connect the “Input” to the instrument.#
4) Set the “SERIAL/PARALLEL” (Master Vol. without fx loop connected) to max level.#
5) As soon as you turn on the pedal you will find the green bypass LED active.#
6) The foot buttons are of the momentary type and select: Bypass, Ch1, Ch2, Boost. The latter can also be
activated on the Bypass and switches offautomatically when a new function passes#
7) The effects loop mixer in the parallel case increases the output level. It is advisable to set the external device
to -4db.#
8) The Rec. Out output integrates a line buffer to guarantee a purity of the signal also in combination with
connection cables longer than 10Mt (32Ft).#
9) One of the main features of SPECIALE is the "live" use without amply. You can connect the Rec.out and
miraculously the pedal turns into three channels + boost where the bypass becomes the clean channel with
factory preset tone adjustment.#
10) The pedal functions can be controlled from external devices. To do this correctly consult the guide

Controls:

1) Bypass On/on switch#
2) Channel 1 On/on switch #
3) Channel 2 On/on switch#
4) Boost On/on switch#
5) Standard 1/4” TS jack input#
6) Standard 1/4” TS jack output#
7) Tube 12AU7/ECC82#
8) Gain control Ch1#
9) Volume control Ch1#
10) Gain control Ch2#
11) Volume Control Ch2#
12) Treble tone control Ch1#
13) Middle tone control Ch1#
14) Bass tone control Ch1#
15) Serial - Parallel fx control#
16) Boost volume#
17) Dry - Wet fx control
18) Treble tone control Ch2#
19) Middle tone control Ch2#
20) Bass tone control Ch2#
21) Main power: 9-12Vcc 300mA (negative tip)#
22) Rec.Out speaker simulator equipped#
23) Send out (Preamp-out)#
24) Return in#
25) Remote all 4 function buttons by a looper switcher
The connection cable must be constructed
following the instructions below. The external
control unit must be with momentary outs.
Remote Connection Schematic:

POWER IN
9/12VDC (NEGATIVE TIP)
CONSUMPTION
FROM 300 TO MAX 500mA
S/N RATIO
58db
MAX GAIN
99db
BOOST
0 to +6db
INPUT IMPEDANCE
< 1M OHM
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
< 100K OHM
SEND IMPEDANCE
< 47K OHM
RETURN IMPEDANCE
< 47K OHM
REC OUT IMPEDANCE
< 47K OHM
SERIAL LOOP FX
0db
PARALLEL LOOP FX
+4db
MAX RETURN SIGNAL
1Vpp
MAX REC OUT SIGNAL
0.5Vpp
DIMENSIONS
220x125x50
CONNECTION:
MAIN POWER
DC 2.1mm.
INPUT (GUITAR)
JACK MONO 6.3mm.
OUTPUT (TO AMP)
JACK MONO 6.3mm.
SEND-RETURN-REC OUT
JACK MONO 6.3mm.
BYPASS FUNCTION:
1) FULL RANGE
2) EQUALIZED (REC OUT)
CONTROLS CH1:
MAX GAIN
70db
VOLUME
+10db
TONE STACK CH1:
TREBLE
6500 Hz +/- 10db
MIDDLE
820 Hz +/- 8db
BASS
110 Hz +/- 8db
CONTROLS CH2:
1/2 12AU7B
MAX GAIN CH2
100db
VOLUME
+10db
TONE STACK CH2:
TREBLE
6500 Hz +/- 10db
MIDDLE
820 Hz +/- 8db
BASS
110 Hz +/- 8db
CONTROLS BOOST:
LEVEL
0/+6db
LINEARITY
FULL RANGE
REC OUT EMULATOR
SM57 - 2X12” V30 SPK
Technical details:

The block diagram is the complete operating system. As you can see, the valve is used separately in both
Channel 1 and 2. In this way the signal filters are optimized to the maximum required.#
High quality integrated operational circuits (LF series) were chosen to read higher impedances and offer better
sound performance.#
The switching system is analog and interfaced via DPDT relay so as not to contaminate the sound.
Block Diagram:

Inside SPECIALE:

About SPECIALE:
SPECIALE DD 1959 FEATURES so many functions as 8 single pedals to obtain same flexibility. The Speciale is equipped with
HI-END buffers and its Solo may be used also on the Bypass mode, just like a third pedal.#
The BYPASS when used in Rec-out mode automatically activates the “clean channel preamplifier”. SPECIALE if used in Rec-
out mode, becomes a three channel + boost preamplifier.

Settings:

Tube linearity:
The factory equipped valve is a 12AU7. It is
however possible to replace it with double triodes
of the type: 12AX7 / ECC83, 7025, 12AT7 /
ECC82, 12AU7 / ECC82, 5814.#
In our tests we chose 12AU7 for some reasons: #
1) It offers better signal linearity. #
2) Color the sound slightly allowing better work
on the filters.#
3) Easy availability in the world.#
The 12AX7 better satisfies the sound but puts it in
a very Rock direction, reducing the possibility of
getting those sounds with ”Little-Gain” (Edge)
typical of Rolling .., AC .., ..May.#
It is difficult to establish a true duration of the
valve but as per technical characteristics it is
around 3000 hours.#
When is the valve to be replaced?
The exhausted valve has problems with: #
1) Excessive preheating time. #
2) The signal dynamics is decreased. #
3) Increased microphonic and more hum noise.

Terms of Warranty:
Cicognani Engineering product warranty covers 2 years from date of purchase with the exception of moving
mechanical parts such as foot switches, speakers and handles which have a 1 year warranty. The valves, lights
and cables are guaranteed for 3 months from the date of purchase.The warranty does not cover damage caused
by accident, misuse and / or neglect, failure to comply with the instruction manual, repair and attempted repair
by personnel not authorized by Cicognani Engineering, any damage caused during transport and delivery,
(claims must be presented to the carrier); damage to any product that has been altered or on which it has been
removed, defaced or altered serial number; damage caused by faulty connections or connections to equipment
failures and/or defective power cables. Responsibility of Cicognani Engineering for any defective product is
limited to repair or replacement of the product at our discretion.The Cicognani Engineering not be liable for
damages resulting from loss of use of the product, lost time operation interrupted by non-use of the product,
loss of business or any other damages or incidental, consequential or otherwise; damage in transit or damage
caused by inadequate packaging or of poor quality. #
Assistance: Please contact us for information on how, where and when to ship the product after the return has
been Authorized by Cicognani Engineering . The repaired goods should be packed carefully and we recommend
not include any accessories such as cables, effects, manuals, etc. ..!
Please attach a copy of the original receipt of purchase (invoice or receipt) together with a problem description
and your personal data.!
THE WARRANTY IS NOT VALID 'WITHOUT A COPY OF YOUR RECEIPT OF SALE CERTIFYING THAT THE
DATE OF PURCHASE.!
The costs of labor and material guarantee shall be borne by Gurus Amps.#
PACKING AND SHIPPING COSTS ARE ALWAYS WITH YOU

Notes:
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………

Cicognani Engineering!
Via Faentina, 44 - 48013 Brisighella (RA) Italy!
Internet: www.cicognani.eu Mail: [email protected]!
P.iva 01277580393
Cicognani Engineering reserves the right to change technical features or look of his products in any moment
without notice. This product is pursuant to European Directives 89/366EEC