Operation Manual Thank you for selecting the ZOOM 503 (hereafter simply called the "503"). Please take the time to read this manual carefully so you can get the most out of your 503 and ensure optimum performance and reliability. Retain this manual for future reference. ZOOM CORPORATION NOAH Bldg., 2-10-2, Miyanishi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0022, Japan PHONE: 0423-69-7116 FAX: 0423-69-7115 Printed in Japan 503-5000 1 Features · Compact multi-effect device convincingly recreates the sound of famous guitar or bass amplifiers. This is ideal for line recordings to a tape recorder or when playing your instrument via a hi-fi audio system. It also lets a fairly small guitar or bass amplifier sound more powerful and dynamic. · Integrated amp simulator gives a wide choice of guitar/bass amplifier characteristics. Sophisticated cabinet simulator allows control over cabinet size, ringing, and even simulated microphone position. This makes it easy to create exactly the sound you want. · Two input jacks with different sensitivity enable optimum matching to any guitar or bass, including instruments with single-coil magnetic pickups or active pickups. · Ten types of high-quality effects such as chorus, delay, and reverb produce realistic ambience. · You can switch between 24 patches to store diverse settings based on your preference. · Integrated auto-chromatic tuner for guitar. You can tune your instrument easily anywhere, any time. You can also leave the tuning function disabled all the time. · AUX input allows connecting the output of audio components such as a CD player, for mixing with the instrument signal. · Dual power supply design allows the unit to be powered from a 9V alkaline battery (6LR61) or an AC adapter. 2 Safety Precautions USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented. The meanings of these symbols are as follows: This symbol indicates explanations about extremely dangerous issues. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device incorrectly, serious injury or death could result. This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous issues. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to the equipment could result. Usage precautions Electrical interference For safety considerations, the 503 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and from external interference.However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the 503, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely. Whatever the type of digital control device, the 503 included, electromagnetic damage can cause malfunctioning and corrupt or destroy data. Since this is an ever-present danger, thorough care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage. Warning Caution Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the 503. About power Warning Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever possible. When powering the unit from a battery, use only an alkaline type. Cleaning Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the 503. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface. AC adapter operation · Be sure to use only an AC adapter which supplies 9 V DC, 300 mA and is equipped with a "center minus" plug (Zoom AD-0006). The use of an adapter other than the specified type may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard. · Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter. · When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and do not pull the cable. · If the unit is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet. Connecting cables and input and output jacks You should always turn off the power to the 503 and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before moving the 503. Battery operation · Use only a 9 V (alkaline) battery (6LR61). · The 503 cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make sure you choose the correct type. · If the 503 is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the unit. · If battery leakage has occurred, wipe the battery compartment and the battery terminals carefully to remove all remnants of battery fluid. · While using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be closed. Environment Caution · · · · Avoid using your 503 in environments where it will be exposed to: Extreme temperature High humidity or moisture Excessive dust or sand Excessive vibration or shock Handling Caution · The 503 is a precision instrument. Except for the foot switches, do not push other parts with your feet or subject them to strong force. · Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids enter the unit. · Be sure to turn the power to all equipment off before making connections. · Before moving the unit, turn the power off and disconnect all cables and the AC adapter. Alterations Caution Never open the case of the 503 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit. 7 Selecting Patches A1 Bank switching Banks A, b, C, d, E, F are available A1 PATCH DOWN PATCH UP BANK F PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 Patch switching 24 patches are available BANK E PATCH 1 PATCH 2 The 24 patches can be easily selected by pressing the patch pedals. The right patch pedal switches to the next patch and the left patch pedal switches to the previous patch. In the initial condition, the 503 is set up so that the patch pedals select patches continuously, but you can also set up the unit so that patches are switched only within a certain bank of four patches. [For details, see section 9 Patch Switching (Application: Bank Hold ON).] Banks are selected with the VALUE +/keys. Press the VALUE+ key to select the next bank, and the VALUE- key to select the previous bank. For example, to switch from Patch 2, Bank A to Patch 3, Bank C, the patch pedal would have to be pressed nine times. Instead, you can press the VALUE+ key twice to switch to Bank C, and then press the patch pedal (UP) just once to select Patch 3. PATCH 3 PATCH 4 BANK UP BANK d PATCH 1 PATCH 2 A1 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 BANK C PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 BANK DOWN BANK b PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 BANK A PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 Bank/patch switching when Bank Hold is off (initial setting) 8 Using the Bypass (Mute)/Tuner Mode In the Bypass mode, the effects of the 503 are temporarily turned off, so that the original sound of the instrument only is heard. In this mode, the auto-chromatic tuning function is also active. It is also possible to activate muting, to prevent the tuning sound from being sent to the output. A1 Calibration Select reference pitch for auto-chromatic guitar tuner (calibration). * The reference pitch (A) can be adjusted in the rangefrom 435 to 445 Hz. When the BANK key is pressed in Bypass (Mute)/Tuner mode, this is shown as "35" to "45" on the display for a second. Adjust to the suitable value. At poweron, the setting is 440 Hz (40). Bypass (Mute)/Tuner mode ON Press both pedals together Pressing both patch pedals simultaneously turns the Bypass (Mute)/Tuner mode on. To turn the mode off, simply press one of the two patch pedals. Bypass and mute condition Currently selected patch is indicated Pressing both patch pedals simultaneously activates the Bypass or Mute mode. · For bypass mode: Press and immediately release the patch pedals. Press Release immediately Tuner mode · For mute mode: Press patch pedals for at least 1 second. Currently selected patch is indicated Press for 1 s or more Release Mute mode To cancel the bypass or mute condition, simply press one of the patch pedals. The unit then reverts to the previously selected patch. Tuner mode The 503 is initially set so that the auto-chromatic tuning function for the guitar activates automatically when the Bypass(Mute) mode is invoked. In Bypass(Mute) mode, pick an open string to be tuned. The closest note will be shown on the display. Input signal standby condition Regular tuning & w Do = C Do# = C# Regular tuning & #w & 4th string & Re# = D# Regular tuning & #w 6th string 1st string & Fa# = F# Regular tuning & 3rd string & w #w w La = A La# = A# Regular tuning 5th string & #w & w w w Mi = E Fa = F w So = G So# = G# Re = D & #w & Si = B 2nd string When the tuning function is active, the parameter cursor LEDs serve as tuning meter, designed to enhance tuning precision during fine adjustments. Turning tuning function off If you do not want to activate the tuning function in Bypass(Mute) mode, press the STORE and EDIT keys simultaneously for more Pitch is too high Correctly tuned Pitch is too low than one second in Play mode. The tuning function will be turned off, and this setting will be stored even when the power is turned off. When you turn the function off, the display will show "tunEr oFF" (tuning function off). To turn the tuning function on, press the same keys simultaneously again. The display will show "tunEr on" (tuning function on). NOTE: · Please note that the tuning function may not operate properly if other effect modules between the guitar and the 503 are on. · To tune a bass, use 12th-fret harmonics. 3 What Are Banks and Patches? · PATCH A group of the settings for a certain effect type is called a PATCH. The 503 comes with 24 preset patches which can be changed (edited) by the user. 4 PATCH LIST PATCH NAME AMP TYPE DESCRIPTION The 503 has memory capacity for 24 patches. At the factory, these are programmed with recommended settings. The user can Edit and Store any patch, and also restore the factory settings. BANK A 1 2 3 4 for GUITAR Settings for use with a guitar amplifier Smooth distortion covers entire range from backing to lead play Hard F-AMP sound suitable for blues leads Liverpool sound at its best Solid BG AMP distortion enhanced by a rich chorus 900-DRIVE TWIN-LEAD BOX-BEAT MKIII-CHORUS MS DRIVE F DRIVE VX CRUNCH BG DRIVE BANK b for GUITAR Settings for use with a guitar amplifier Rock lead sound with a powerful amplifier drive Sweet sounding sound enhances any type of play Jet sound with effective flanger action Crunch sound ideally matched to single-coil pickups · BANK The 503 calls up patches in sets of four, called a "bank". 1 2 3 4 ROCK LEAD SWEET BOX JETS NUANCE CRUNCH PV DRIVE BG DRIVE MS DRIVE MS CRUNCH BANK C for GUITAR Settings for creating a guitar amplifier sound in a line playback system Wild and hard driving sound for heavy rock Imposing crunch sound for a variety of styles Rock lead sound tailored for line playback Vintage amplifier style clean sound with tremolo BANK F BANK E BANK d BANK C BANK b BANK A PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 * The patches of banks A and b can be used for line playback by setting the cabinet simulator to ON. * The ZNR (Zoom Noise Reduction) parameter in each patch should be adjusted for optimum matching with your guitar or bass. 1 2 3 4 WILD-DIST STRAIGHT BACK HARDIST TREMOLO CLEAN PV DRIVE MS CRUNCH MS DRIVE F CLEAN BANK d 1 2 3 4 for GUITAR Settings for matching line playback to CD or synthesizer sources Simulates the lead sound of L.A. recording studios Crunch sound varies with picking intensity Fusion type sound simulates box ringing Almighty clean sound with effective flavor STUDIO LEAD LIGHT CRUNCH FUSION 335 BACK&SOLO BG DRIVE VX CRUNCH BG DRIVE J CLEAN BANK E 1 2 3 4 for BASS Settings for use with a bass amplifier Bass amplifier drive sound simulation Realistic sound suitable for stepping and finger sound Lightly boosted refined sound Standard type sound with a distinctive edge ROCK BASS MAN SW "SLAP" R BASS BOOSTER TRACE STANDARD F DRIVE SW CLEAN F DRIVE TE CLEAN BANK F 1 2 3 4 LINE SLAP SOLO PLAY WALKING MELODY for BASS Settings for line playback Slap sound suitable for line recording Rich and savory sound for impressive solo playing Professional sound for running bass lines Mellow sound for melodious solos SW CLEAN AC DRIVE TE CLEAN TE CLEAN 5 Configuration of Effects The patches of the 503 are created using the four modules (effects) listed below. You can imagine such a module as a box containing various effect settings. Each module has several parameters which determine ...