Darkglass Element Cabinet Simulation/ Headphone Amp

WARNING

The Element has a current draw of 250mA. Only use a regulated 9V DC adapter with a center-negative plug. Due to ecological reasons, it does not accept batteries. Unregulated power supplies and/or higher voltages may result in suboptimal noise performance and even damage your unit, voiding the warranty.

Highlights

Darkglass Suite App (macOS, Windows, iOS & Android)

An application for desktop and mobile platforms that unlocks extra features on the Element, such as two different types of graphic EQs, tube power amp simulations, and access to a growing library of high-quality IR cabinet simulations. The desktop version also enables firmware updates and loading your own 3rd party cabinet simulations.

USB-C audio interface

Record your ideas wherever you are by connecting the Element to your PC or Mac (on macOS no drivers needed).
The instrument input records on two tracks, one with cabinet simulation and one without any effects.
Recording of stereo sources is also possible via the aux in. Independent mixes can be sent to the two headphone outputs from your favorite DAW.

USB

One USB-C port for enabling the audio interface feature, transferring impulse responses, and firmware updates.

XLR output

For connecting directly into an external audio interface, PA system, etc.

Connection diagrams

Element w/ pedalboard

Connect your instrument to your pedalboard as you normally would and add the Element at the end of the signal chain. Use the input labelled “INSTRUMENT IN” on the Element. You can now choose the impulse responses in slots 1-5 or the bypass signal. From here, the signal is passed through to the XLR output and via the blend and volume controls to the headphone outputs.

Element w/ amp & speaker cabinet

Note: The Element does NOT act as a loadbox! Always make sure your amplifier is connected to a suitable load!!!

The Element is built to work with amplifiers with a maximum output of 900 W. For the safest operation, it is advised to connect the Element after your speaker cabinet from your speaker cabinet’s parallel output connector. Use the input labelled “AMP IN” on the Element. You can now choose the impulse responses in slots 1-5 or the bypass signal. From here, the signal is passed through to the XLR output and via the blend and volume controls to the headphone outputs.

If the amplifier’s maximum output is 100 W, the Element can be connected between the amplifier and the speaker cabinet. Use the input labelled “AMP IN” for the amplifier and the output labelled “SPEAKER OUT” to connect the speaker cabinet to the Element. You can now choose the impulse responses in slots 1-5 or the bypass signal. From here, the signal is passed through to the XLR output and via the blend and volume controls to the headphone outputs.

If you are using a Darkglass amplifier with a class D poweramp, you have the option to connect the amplifier straight to the Element without using a speaker cabinet or an external load. Use the input labelled “AMP IN” on the Element. You can now choose the impulse responses in slots 1-5 or the bypass signal. From here, the signal is passed through to the XLR output and via the blend and volume controls to the headphone outputs.

WARNING

NEVER CONNECT AN AMPLIFIER TO “AMP IN” SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH AN INSTRUMENT TO “INSTRUMENT IN”!!! THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ELECTRIC SHOCK AND ALSO BREAK YOUR PRECIOUS EQUIPMENT!!!