User manual ALESIS GUITARFX

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 appareils et leur support. 13. Débranchez l'appareil lors d'un orage ou lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé pendant longtemps. 14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque l'appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont introduits dans l'appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à l'humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé. 15. Puisque son fonctionement normale génère de la chaleur, placez cet appareil au moins 15cm. des équipments péripheriques et assurez que l'emplacement permet la circulation de l'air. 16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes, est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une perte permanente de l'ouïe. Ne l'utilisez pas pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l'ouïe ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste. 17. N'exposez pas l'appareil à l'égoutture ou à l'éclaboussement. Ne placez pas les objets remplis de liquides (vases à fleur, boîtes de boisson non alcoolique, tasses de café) sur l'appareil. 18. AVERTISSEMENT: Pour réduire le risque du feu ou de décharge électrique, n'exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité. 10 Important Safety Instructions Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische Schläge verursachen kann. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer, dem Ausgabestecker Spannungen enthalten, die gefährlichen elektrischen Schlag verursachen können. 2 Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses Produkt verwendet wird: 1. Lesen Sie die Hinweise. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Verwenden Sie keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel. Dies kann gefährliche Folgen haben. 7. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers. 8. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich Verstärkern) auf. 9. Verfehlen Sie nicht den Zweck des grounging Terminals auf dem Netzstecker. Dieses Terminal wird für Ihre Sicherheit zur Verfügung gestellt. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 11 2 Important Safety Instructions 10. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird. 11. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen. 13. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose. 14. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen. Die Wartung wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät beschädigt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker, Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das Gerät dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist. 15. Dieses Gerät produziert auch im normalen Betrieb Wärme. Achten Sie deshalb auf ausreichende Lüftung mit mindestens 15 cm Abstand von anderen Geräten. 16. Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und Kopfhörern oder Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die anhaltende Gehörschäden verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen. 17. Setzen Sie den Apparat nicht Bratenfett oder dem Spritzen aus. Plazieren Sie die Nachrichten, die mit Flüssigkeiten (gefüllt werden Blumevases, Getränkdosen, Kaffeetassen) nicht auf den Apparat. 18. WARNING: um die Gefahr des Feuers oder des elektrischen Schlages zu verringern, setzen Sie diesen Apparat nicht Regen oder Feuchtigkeit aus. 12 Important Safety Instructions CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at http://www.alesis.com 2 FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 13 3 Hookup Diagram The first thing we'll show you is how to get your GuitarFX up and running. The following diagram shows you the most common method of hooking up your GuitarFX, but there are other ways of doing it. For example, you may decide to run the GuitarFX straight into your mixer or recording device instead of an amplifier (that's what we had in mind when we created those great cabinet simulator effects). You may even want to go so far as to use the GuitarFX to add effects to keyboards or other electronic instruments. Although you can experiment with different types of instruments, the GuitarFX performs best with a guitar, as it was made specifically to handle that instrument's frequency range. When you plug an adapter into the GuitarFX while batteries are in the unit, it will be powered by the adapter and not the batteries. 14 4 A Tour of the GuitarFX Top Panel Display This LED display is made up of two digits and two decimal points. In PLAY mode the digits indicate the current bank letter and program number. When you turn the EFFECT knob to a module or parameter, the two digits display the setting of the selection. Descriptions of settings for each mode and parameter are in chapter 10. The Display also contains two decimal points, each to the right of one of the digits. The # decimal point is used by the When either of the decimal points on the display is flashing, battery power is low and about to run out. 15 4 A Tour of the GuitarFX GuitarFX's tuner to help indicate the pitch of a note you're playing, and the EDITED decimal point lights up when you have changed the settings of the current program. You can read more about these in chapter 6 "Editing Programs" and chapter 7, "Using the Tuner." EFFECT knob The EFFECT knob is used for selecting effect modules, parameters and other settings to edit. Around the knob, you'll see the names of sixteen different settings, including nine effect modules, four effect parameters (DRIVE and the three PARAMs) and two program-level settings (LEVEL and ROUTE). The PLAY setting is what you'll want to be in while playing your guitar through the GuitarFX. Refer to chapter 10 for descriptions of the possible values for the EFFECT knob's settings. VALUE knob In PLAY mode, this knob lets you select a program. When you make a selection other than PLAY with the EFFECT knob, you are in edit mode, and the VALUE knob allows you to change the setting of the mode, parameter or global setting you have selected. Also, you can press this knob to store changes you have made to a program. Foot Pedals While in PLAY mode, the left foot pedal decrements the program number, and the right foot pedal increments the program number. When you press both pedals together, the GuitarFX goes into bypass mode, in which the audio signal from your guitar simply passes through the GuitarFX without being affected. When you hold both foot pedals down for longer then half a second, the GuitarFX goes into mute mode, in which no signal at all leaves the GuitarFX. When you are in bypass or mute mode, the tuner is activated. While in PLAY mode, if you press and hold the VALUE knob for longer than half a second, the display will change to the current master volume setting (1 to 30). Default volume is 21 (unity gain) and each number indicates a 2dB change from the number above or below it. Unlike LEVEL, which indicates the level of an individual program, the master volume is a global setting that is remembered each time the unit is turned off. 16 A Tour of the GuitarFX Rear Panel The rear panel is where you'll connect the power source, your guitar and amplifier and an optional control pedal. It's important that you use the right types of plugs in these jacks. Be sure to follow these guidelines. 4 17 5 Selecting Programs After you've plugged everything in, you'll probably want to check out the factory presets we programmed into the GuitarFX. This chapter shows you how to do that. To Select Programs 1. Make sure the GuitarFX is hooked up properly and turned on, as outlined in chapter 3. Make sure you're in PLAY mode (turn the EFFECT knob to PLAY). You can switch programs in two different ways: Foot pedals This is the easiest way to switch programs, especially while playing your guitar. Just step on the left foot pedal to decrement the program number and the right to increment it. You can hold down a pedal to increment or decrement programs continuously. VALUE knob You also can turn this knob to switch programs. 4. Play your guitar to see how the program affects the sound. 1 2. 3 2 3. 3 18 6 Editing Programs To Edit a Selected Program 1. 2. Select a program to edit using the foot pedals or VALUE knob. Turn the EFFECT knob to the effect module or parameter you wish to modify. Turn the VALUE knob to select an effect type or value for the module. As soon as you change the value, the EDITED decimal point on the display lights up to show you a change has been made to the current program. If the module has a parameter such as DRIVE or PARAM, turn the EFFECT knob to select the parameter. Using the VALUE knob, select a value for the parameter. Continue in this way until you have completed assignments for all modules and parameters. To toggle an effect module on and off, press both pedals while the effect module is selected. 3. 2 4 1 3 5 4. 1 5. 6. To Restore Factory Presets Once you have saved changes to a preset program, you can still recall the original settings. To enter the RESTORE FACTORY PRESETS mode, simply hold down the VALUE knob as you turn the unit on and then select the program to be restored (or AL for all programs). Press the VALUE knob to confirm your selection. Any program changes you have made will be lost, so you might want to copy the program to another location first. Just turn the EFFECT knob to exit the RESTORE FACTORY PRESETS mode, or turn the unit off and then on again. 19 7 Using the Tuner To Tune Your Guitar 1. In PLAY mode, enter BYPASS or MUTE mode by pressing both foot pedals at the same time once (for BYPASS) or by holding them both down for more than half a second (for MUTE). The display will now show tuning information. 2. Make sure your guitar is connected to the GuitarFX, and play the open string you wish to tune. The left digit of the display indicates the pitch nearest that of the open string. If the # decimal point is lit, the note is a sharp. If it is not lit, the note is a natural. Look at the right digit of the display to determine if the pitch is correct. If the top four segments of the digit are rotating clockwise, then the pitch is higher than the pitch shown in the first digit. If the bottom four segments are rotating counterclockwise, the pitch is low. The more the pitch is off, the faster the rotation. If no pitch is detected, you'll see a dash in the left digit. Tune the string until an 8 appears in the second digit, indicating that the string is in tune with the pitch displayed in the left digit. The visual guide on the next page shows you what you'll see on the display while tuning your guitar. 2 3 1 3. 4. 20