Review and Tutorial of the DOD FX64 Icebox Guitar Pedal

The DOD Icebox Chorus pedal for guitar transforms the typical guitar sound to what can only be described as a shimmering, crystalline effect. For an example of what a chorus effect sounds like one can go to classics like Nirvana's "Come As You Are", "Pull Me Under" by Dream Theater, and the opening chords of "Paradise City" by Guns n' Roses. A chorus effect adds depth and interest to just about any guitar part especially clean tone. The DOD Icebox is can give you just about any chorus sound you are looking for. This monster has four knobs that control every aspect of the sound so that it is possible to achieve every chorus sound from slightly shimmering to wavering and weird.

The Icebox is an extremely well-made pedal. Except for the battery compartment cover, the knobs, and the foot pedal, the entire unit is made completely of metal. It is extremely rugged and can last for gig after gig after gig. I have not been particularly tender toward my Icebox and it is still holding up very, very well. Also the rubber feet located on the underside prevents slipping and moving when on stage so you can stomp to your heart's content.

How to Use It

Functionally the Icebox works just like any other effects pedal. The input jack is located on the right side of the unit. Simply plug your guitar (or the preceding effects device) into this jack. Next plug your amp or the succeeding effects device in your chain into the output jack located on the left side of the Icebox (do not be concerned with the Stereo output at this point; this is discussed more later in this article). Insert a battery into the battery compartment located on the top end of the pedal or plug in an AC adapter or daisy chain adapter. Engage the pedal by stepping on the pedal mechanism.

The Knobs and What They Do

The four control knobs each control and manipulate a different aspect of the sound delivered by the Icebox. They are cleverly labeled as (from left to right) Ice, Cold, Deep, and Freeze.

Ice

The Ice control knob manipulates the amount of the chorus effect that is put into the signal. If you turn this knob down low the effect will be subtle (practically unnoticeable when turned all the way down). This is best for picking clean parts where you want a slight shimmer and depth added. Max out the Ice knob and you will get the full brunt of what this pedal has to offer. Now granted the settings of the other three knobs play greatly into what it will sound like at this max level. So let's move on to the Cold knob.

Cold

Cold controls the Speed of the chorus effect. Part of the dynamic of a chorus effect is this sense of the sound wave "moving." The speed of this modulation is what the Cold control handles. Set it low for a mellow waving effect or crank it for an over-the-top warbling that will impress any shoe gazer.

Deep

The best way to describe the Deep control is to say it controls how "far and wide" the pedal sounds. In other words, it controls the depth. Like the moving sound controlled by the Cold knob, the Deep knob controls the extent to which the effect seems to move in and out or "here and there." I know these words are not sufficient to describe the effect but once you have test driven an Icebox, my terminology will make more sense. The Deep control really shines when running this pedal in stereo (see below).

Freeze

Freeze EQ's the high frequencies in the chorus effect. It can take your sound from mellow and warm to icy, crystalline highs. If you turn it down low your tone is going to be much more smooth and round. As you turn up the Freeze control more and more high frequencies are added in giving a more icy sound.

My favorite setting for the Icebox is to put the Ice and Deep knobs at the 12:00 level with the Cold control at 9:00 and the Freeze setting at about 11:00. This gives me enough chorus effect to fill out my guitar's sound and add some interesting tone without being too funky (that is just not my cup of tea).

DOD suggests that the best way to find your desired sound is to set all the controls to 12:00. Then begin adjusting the how fast and how "deep" you want the effect (using Cold and Deep, respectively). Next set the amount of the effect that you want in your signal (Ice) and finally set the EQ (Freeze). In this way you should be able to call up just the right setting.

Stereo Outputs

The Stereo output jack of the Icebox adds a great dynamic to this great pedal. The setting of the Deep control really comes into play in a major way when running in stereo. The way that you use a stereo set up is that you must have a stereo capable device (like the Icebox) which will phase across the two outputs. For the outputs you will need to amplifiers (or similar output source).

To set up the Icebox for stereo start by plugging into the input jack on the right side of the pedal as usual. Then from the output jack plug into your next effect in the chain or into your main amplifier. Then, using another ¼" instrument cable, plug into the Icebox's stereo output and then from there into a second amplifier. The signal of the effect will now modulate and "move" between the two amplifiers giving a wall-to-wall, three dimensional sound to the effect. Placing the amplifiers all opposite sides of the stage area greatly enhances the effect. Or you are running your amps to a sound system, pan each of the amplifiers to different sides of the house mix (one to the right and the other to the left).

Power Options

As with most effects pedal, the Icebox can be powered via an AC adapter or a 9-volt battery. The AC adapter jack is the standard female jack and will also work with a number of standard daisy chain adapters as well (such as the Visual Sound 1-Spot). The battery compartment is located on the top end of the pedal behind a flip-down door.

I have used this pedal for innumerable gigs and it has never failed me and it gives me just about any sound I could possibly need. It is easy and intuitive when it comes to dialing in just the right sound thanks to the four controls and the stereo capability adds a whole new level of uniqueness to the sound the Icebox delivers. If it were lost or stolen, I would most definitely by another one. If anyone is on the fence about what chorus effects pedal to buy, I would encourage any guitarist to pick up the DOD Icebox.

Good luck!