SR&D Rockman Distortion Generator 100

The Rockman Distortion Generator (DG) is an analogue guitar processor built around the classic signal structure used by Rockman amplifier simulations: compressor, distortion stage and cabinet simulation. Designed as a dedicated distortion unit, the DG provides extensive control over the character of its distortion through a series of pre-distortion controls.

Moreover, compared with the Rockman Sustainor, the Distortion Generator does not include the Smart Gate or a loop for an external pre-distortion EQ. Instead, it features an integrated three-band pre-distortion EQ, providing direct control over the signal before it reaches the distortion stage.

The result is a highly flexible distortion platform capable of covering everything from subtle blues-style overdrive to heavily saturated lead sounds.

Compressor, distortion and cabinet simulation

The Distortion Generator follows the fundamental architecture of classic Rockman amp simulations, with three main stages:

1. Compressor
2. Distortion stage
3. Cabinet simulation

This structure allows the incoming guitar signal to be shaped before distortion and subsequently processed through the cabinet simulation stage.

Unlike the Sustainor, whose distortion sounds are primarily determined by its presets, the DG provides multiple controls that allow the player to manually shape the distortion character.

Three-band pre-distortion EQ

One of the key features of the Distortion Generator is its three-band pre-distortion EQ. The EQ is positioned before the distortion stage, allowing the frequency balance of the guitar signal to directly influence the resulting distortion.

The three sliders provide different types of tonal control:

• Bass: Boost or cut
• Mid: Boost only
• Treble: Cut only

This configuration allows the player to adjust the signal entering the distortion circuit and create substantially different tonal responses.

Distortion Harmonics and compressor gain

The DG provides a dedicated compressor gain control, allowing the level entering the subsequent distortion circuitry to be adjusted.

In addition, a three-position gain switch called Distortion Harmonics provides further control over the character of the distortion.

Combined with the pre-distortion EQ, these controls offer numerous possible combinations, allowing the unit to move from relatively subtle overdrive to highly saturated distortion and lead sounds.

Autoclean and Phase Notcher

The Distortion Generator incorporates two circuits originally created for the Rockman Sustainor: Autoclean and Phase Notcher.

These circuits form part of the DG’s tonal architecture and provide additional ways to shape its characteristic Rockman-style sound.

The presence of these circuits, combined with the extensive pre-distortion controls, gives the Distortion Generator considerably more flexibility than a simple fixed distortion stage.

Treble control and output volume

In addition to the pre-distortion treble control, the DG features a further treble slider positioned after the main distortion processing.

This control is intended to help adapt the Distortion Generator to the type of amplification system being used, whether a PA system or guitar amplifier.

An output volume control provides control over the final signal level, while a dedicated footswitch can increase the output by several dB for applications such as boosting the sound during a guitar solo.

From bluesy overdrive to extreme lead distortion

The combination of compressor gain, Distortion Harmonics, pre-distortion EQ, Autoclean, Phase Notcher and output controls gives the Distortion Generator a remarkably broad range of sounds.

Small adjustments to the different controls can produce substantially different results, allowing the unit to cover relatively subtle blues-oriented overdrive as well as highly saturated distortion lead tones.

As a result, the DG is designed for players who want direct control over the distortion process rather than relying exclusively on fixed presets.

In short, the Rockman Distortion Generator combines a compressor, distortion stage and cabinet simulation with extensive pre-distortion control, three-band EQ, Distortion Harmonics, Autoclean, Phase Notcher, output treble control and a solo boost footswitch.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Rockman Distortion Generator
• Type: Guitar distortion / amp simulation processor
• Signal Structure: Compressor / Distortion / Cabinet Simulation
• Compressor Gain: Adjustable
• Distortion Harmonics: 3-position gain switch
• Pre-Distortion EQ: 3-band
• Bass: Boost / Cut
• Mid: Boost
• Treble: Cut
• Autoclean: Yes
• Phase Notcher: Yes
• Output Treble: Adjustable
• Output Volume: Adjustable
• Solo Boost: Footswitchable, several dB
• Cabinet Simulation: Yes
• Application: Guitar processing
• Reference Architecture: Rockman amp simulation
• Manufacturer: Rockman