User Manual Table Of Contents Introduction................................................................................3 About the GuitarFX ............................................................................ 4 GuitarFX Basics.................................................................................. 4 How to Use This Manual .................................................................... 6 Important Safety Instructions...................................................7 Important Safety Instructions (English) .............................................. 7 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) .................................... 9 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) ............. 11 CE Declaration Of Conformity ......................................................... 13 FCC Compliance Statement.............................................................. 13 Hookup Diagram......................................................................14 A Tour of the GuitarFX...........................................................15 Selecting Programs ..................................................................18 Editing Programs .....................................................................19 Using the Tuner ........................................................................20 Storing/Copying Programs......................................................22 Deferred Program Change ......................................................23 EFFECT Knob Settings...........................................................24 Troubleshooting........................................................................36 Specifications ............................................................................37 Warranty/Contact Alesis .........................................................38 2 1 Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis GuitarFX a part of your setup. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality music equipment available to everyone, and this user manual is an important part of that. After all, there's no point in making equipment with all kinds of capabilities if no one explains how to use them. So, we try to write our manuals as carefully as we build our products. The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as quickly as possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we've achieved that. If not, please drop us an email and give us your suggestions on how we could improve future editions of this manual. We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and help you achieve your musical goals. Sincerely, The people of Alesis 3 1 Introduction About the GuitarFX The first thing you'll probably notice about the GuitarFX is its size--it's not that much larger or smaller than most other guitar effects pedals. But don't let that fool you. The GuitarFX does much more than most pedals you'll find on the market today (and for an unbeatable price too). We've packed a lot of effects (more than 40!) and features into this unit. Here's a glimpse: GuitarFX Key Features · · · · · · 80 preset patches that you can fully edit, store and restore to the factory default settings 9 effect modules that provide multiple selectable effects Over 40 different effects with adjustable parameters and innumerable effect combinations Built-in auto-chromatic tuner Battery-powered operation and an external power option (9VDC) Simple interface that gives you quick and easy access to the GuitarFX's features GuitarFX Basics Benefits of a Multi-Effects Pedal If you've ever used guitar pedals, you know they come in an infinite array of effects, colors and sizes. If you use multiple pedals, you probably do so by linking them all together into a chain. The GuitarFX eliminates the need for so many pedals because it combines just about all the effects you need into one unit. Instead of turning knobs and pushing buttons on pedal after pedal, with the GuitarFX you have full control over dozens of effects with one foot pedal! It's that easy. 4 Introduction Effect Modules If you were to think of the GuitarFX as a series of individual pedals linked together, then each pedal in that series would be considered an effect module. The GuitarFX has nine separate effect modules, as shown below: 1 You can assign one effect to each of these modules and adjust its parameters accordingly. On the face of the unit, you'll see a list of possible effect types for some of these modules. For more on effect modules, see chapter 10. Effect Types When we use the word "effect" in this manual, we're usually referring to an effect type. Each module provides you with a selection of effect types, only one of which may be chosen for each module. For example, the DIST module allows you to select which type of distortion you want (ACOUSTIC, FDR CLEAN, RHYTHM and others). The behavior of each of these effect types may be adjusted in one or more ways to produce variations of the effect. Parameters A parameter is a control that changes the characteristics of an effect. When we use the word "parameter," we are referring to the "direct control" parameter available to the DIST, FX1, FX2 and FX3 modules. DIST's parameter is called DRIVE, and the parameters for FX1, FX2 and FX3 are labeled PARAM. The characteristic controlled by a parameter varies from effect to effect. Programs A program is a combination of effects modules and their respective settings. In PLAY mode, you have quick access to the GuitarFX's 80 programs via the foot pedals and the VALUE knob. The programs are divided up into banks A ­ H and are identified by a bank letter and a program number on the display. 5 1 Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the GuitarFX. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, if you already have general knowledge about guitar effects, you should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Chapter 3: Getting Started shows you how to get the unit connected and turned on. We've included a hookup diagram and some tips on using the GuitarFX. Chapter 4: A Tour of the GuitarFX describes all the controls and features of the unit. This chapter features diagrams of the top and rear panels that are labeled with the name and a brief overview of each function. The paragraphs that follow the diagrams provide more in-depth discussion of these features. Chapters 5 through 9 include step-by-step instructions for using the GuitarFX, including how to select and edit programs, use the tuner function, store and copy programs, and defer program changes. Chapter 10: Effects Knob Settings explains the unit's effect modules and types, as well as other settings controlled by the EFFECT and VALUE knobs. Chapter 11: Troubleshooting can give you a hand if you're experiencing problems with the GuitarFX. You'll find that most issues can be resolved simply and quickly. Chapter 12: Specifications is full of information for the more technical users. Chapter 13: Warranty/Contact Alesis explains the warranty we supply with the GuitarFX and lets you know the best way to reach us if you have any questions or comments. Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this When something important appears in the manual, an exclamation mark (like the one shown at left) will appear with some explanatory text. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the GuitarFX. 6 2 Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks. This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock. Please follow these precautions when using this product: 1. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a dangerous condition. 7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 2 Important Safety Instructions 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tipover. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a wellventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from peripheral equipment. 16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. 17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans, coffee cups) on the apparatus. 18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 8 Important Safety Instructions Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l'utilisateur qu'il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l'utilisateur de la présence d'une tension non isolée à l'intérieur de l'appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques. Ce symbole prévient l'utilisateur de la présence de tensions sur les raccordements de sorties, représentant un risque d'électrocution. 2 Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l'utilisation de l'appareil: 1. Lisez ces instructions. Gardez ces instructions. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements. Suivez toutes les instructions. N'utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l'eau. Ne nettoyez qu'avec un chiffon humide. Il est potentiellement dangereux d'utiliser des pulvérisateurs ou nettoyants liquides sur cet appareil. 7. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur. 8. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs, cuisinière ou autre appareils (don't les amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur. 9. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise murale avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la terre. Cette dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant, demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9 2 Important Safety Instructions 10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l'appareil. 11. N'utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. 12. N'utilisez qu'avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l'utilisation d'audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des ap ...