Sounds like it's got a noise gate on and set way too high.

Personally, I wouldn't take anything made by DOD even it it were given to me. If you just want effects, take a look at the Boss ME-50. If you want more, take a look at a PODxt Live. I've got the regular PODxt and love it to bits. It can be used in many different ways. It can be used strictly as an effects unit, before or after the amp (in the loop), or it can be used as an amp modeler and/or recording unit.