What does the Digitech Mosaic actually do?

The pedal uses digital signal processing to transform a standard 6-string guitar signal into the sound of a 12-string guitar. It does this by adding octaves to the lower strings and unison doubling to the higher strings.

What are the two control knobs on the Mosaic?

The pedal features a Level knob and a Tone knob. The Level knob controls the intensity of the effect, while the Tone knob adjusts the brightness and chime of the signal.

Is the Digitech Mosaic a mono or polyphonic pedal?

It is a polyphonic pedal. This means it can track and process entire chords accurately rather than just single notes at a time.

Does this pedal feature true bypass?

Yes, the Digitech Mosaic includes true bypass circuitry. This ensures that your signal path remains pure and unaffected when the pedal is turned off.

How is the Digitech Mosaic powered?

The pedal is versatile in its power requirements, capable of being powered by either a 9V battery or a standard AC power adapter. This makes it convenient for various stage setups.

Can I use the Mosaic with an acoustic guitar?

Yes, while designed with electric guitars in mind, it can be used with acoustic-electric guitars to enhance their resonance and simulate a 12-string acoustic sound. The Tone control is particularly useful here for matching the acoustic's natural timbre.

What is the typical price for the Digitech Mosaic?

In the UK market, the pedal is typically priced at approximately £139. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

How does the 'Level' knob affect the sound?

The Level knob acts as a mix or blend control for the 12-string effect. Turning it up increases the volume of the generated octaves and unisons relative to your dry guitar signal.

Does the pedal require special strings to work?

No, it is designed to work with standard guitar strings, such as Ernie Ball Slinkys or D'Addario sets. The effect is generated electronically from your existing 6-string setup.

Is the chassis durable enough for touring?

Yes, the Digitech Mosaic is built with a sturdy metal construction. It is designed to withstand the rigours of live performance and frequent stomp use on a pedalboard.

How does the 'Tone' knob change the effect?

The Tone knob modifies the high-frequency response of the effect. Increasing the Tone adds more 'shimmer' and 'jangle,' while decreasing it results in a warmer, more subtle doubling effect.

Can this pedal be used for bass guitar?

While specifically optimized for the frequency range and string layout of a 6-string guitar, the polyphonic tracking may function with other instruments, though the results will differ from the intended 12-string emulation.

Gear article

Digitech Mosaic 12 String Guitar Pedal

The Digitech Mosaic is a specialized polyphonic pitch-shifting pedal designed to emulate the sound of a 12-string guitar from a standard 6-string electric or acoustic instrument. It utilizes advanced digital signal processing to generate the specific octave and unison doubling associated with 12-string resonance.

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Overview

The Digitech Mosaic is a compact effects pedal aimed at guitarists who require the lush, chiming textures of a 12-string guitar without switching instruments. Unlike traditional pitch shifters that provide fixed intervals, the Mosaic is tuned specifically to mimic the string pairings of a 12-string guitar, where the lower strings are doubled with octaves and the higher strings are doubled in unison.

Advanced Technology and Controls

The pedal relies on advanced polyphonic pitch-shifting algorithms to ensure that full chords and complex fingerpicking are tracked accurately without glitching. The interface is intentionally minimalist, featuring two primary controls:

Level: This adjusts the intensity and mix of the generated 12-string effect against the dry signal.
Tone: This modifies the overall brightness and high-frequency content of the effect, allowing users to dial in a crisp 'chime' or a warmer resonance.

Larsen Strings Larsen Cello D String 1/8 Size Medium

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the Mosaic is characterized by a rich, full resonance. By adding the necessary octave harmonics to the E, A, D, and G strings and unison doubling to the B and high E strings, it creates a complex soundstage. The result is a shimmering quality that adds depth and thickness to both clean and slightly overdriven tones.

Build and Versatility

Designed for professional use, the Mosaic features a sturdy metal chassis suitable for pedalboard integration. It incorporates True Bypass circuitry, which ensures the guitar's signal remains unaltered when the effect is disengaged. For power, the unit offers flexibility, capable of running on a standard AC power supply or a battery, making it adaptable for various performance environments.

Target Audience

This pedal is particularly suited for session musicians, live performers, and singer-songwriters who need to transition between 6-string and 12-string sounds mid-set. It eliminates the need to carry an additional bulky instrument, providing a portable solution for achieving folk, 60s pop, and progressive rock textures.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Digitech Mosaic actually do?: The pedal uses digital signal processing to transform a standard 6-string guitar signal into the sound of a 12-string guitar. It does this by adding octaves to the lower strings and unison doubling to the higher strings.
What are the two control knobs on the Mosaic?: The pedal features a Level knob and a Tone knob. The Level knob controls the intensity of the effect, while the Tone knob adjusts the brightness and chime of the signal.
Is the Digitech Mosaic a mono or polyphonic pedal?: It is a polyphonic pedal. This means it can track and process entire chords accurately rather than just single notes at a time.
Does this pedal feature true bypass?: Yes, the Digitech Mosaic includes true bypass circuitry. This ensures that your signal path remains pure and unaffected when the pedal is turned off.
How is the Digitech Mosaic powered?: The pedal is versatile in its power requirements, capable of being powered by either a 9V battery or a standard AC power adapter. This makes it convenient for various stage setups.
Can I use the Mosaic with an acoustic guitar?: Yes, while designed with electric guitars in mind, it can be used with acoustic-electric guitars to enhance their resonance and simulate a 12-string acoustic sound. The Tone control is particularly useful here for matching the acoustic's natural timbre.
What is the typical price for the Digitech Mosaic?: In the UK market, the pedal is typically priced at approximately £139. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
How does the 'Level' knob affect the sound?: The Level knob acts as a mix or blend control for the 12-string effect. Turning it up increases the volume of the generated octaves and unisons relative to your dry guitar signal.
Does the pedal require special strings to work?: No, it is designed to work with standard guitar strings, such as Ernie Ball Slinkys or D'Addario sets. The effect is generated electronically from your existing 6-string setup.
Is the chassis durable enough for touring?: Yes, the Digitech Mosaic is built with a sturdy metal construction. It is designed to withstand the rigours of live performance and frequent stomp use on a pedalboard.
How does the 'Tone' knob change the effect?: The Tone knob modifies the high-frequency response of the effect. Increasing the Tone adds more 'shimmer' and 'jangle,' while decreasing it results in a warmer, more subtle doubling effect.
Can this pedal be used for bass guitar?: While specifically optimized for the frequency range and string layout of a 6-string guitar, the polyphonic tracking may function with other instruments, though the results will differ from the intended 12-string emulation.