Operation Manual Contents USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Getting Ready to Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3 4 6 Inserting the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Getting connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Quick Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Selecting and Playing Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Panel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Selecting a patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Using the internal tuner (bypass/mute) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Changing the Sound of a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Patch configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Basic editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Storing a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Resetting the GFX-3 to the factory default condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Other Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Using the expression pedal to vary an effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Adjusting the expression pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Effect Types and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ZNR/[TOTAL] module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMP/ISO (Compressor/Isolator) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DRIVE module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EQ (Equalizer) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MOD (Modulation) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REV/DLY (Reverb/Delay) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 17 18 19 20 21 GFX-3 Patch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 © ZOOM Corporation Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited. USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 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: · · · · · Extreme temperatures Heat sources such as radiators or stoves High humidity or moisture Excessive dust or sand Excessive vibration or shock This symbol indicates explanations about extremely dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device Warning the wrong way, serious injury or death could result. This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to the equipment could result. Handling Warning · Never place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the GFX-3 since this can cause electric shock. · Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the GFX-3 since this can cause fire. · The GFX-3 is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue pressure on the keys and other controls. Also take Caution care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock or excessive pressure. · Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids can enter the unit. Caution Caution Connecting cables and input and output jacks You should always turn off the power to the GFX-3 and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all connection cables and the power cord before moving the GFX-3. Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the GFX-3. Power requirements Warning Alterations 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 batteries, use only alkaline types. Never open the case of the GFX-3 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit. [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 at the cable. · During lightning or when not using the unit for an extended period, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet. Volume Caution Do not use the GFX-3 at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment. Usage Precautions · Electrical interference For safety considerations, the GFX-3 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from external interference. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the GFX-3, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the GFX-3 included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage. [Battery operation] · Use four conventional IEC R6 (size AA) batteries (alkaline). · The GFX-3 cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make sure you choose the correct type. · When not using the unit for an extended period, remove the batteries 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. · Cleaning Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the GFX-3. 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. Environment Warning Please keep this manual in a convenient place for future reference. To prevent the risk of fire, electric shock or malfunction, avoid using your GFX-3 in environments where it will be exposed to: 2 ZOOM GFX-3 Introduction Thank you for selecting the ZOOM GFX-3. This product is a sophisticated Guitar Effects Processor with the following features. Versatile array of effects The Variable Architecture Modeling System (VAMS) developed by ZOOM adapts the internal configuration of the unit to achieve exactly the desired sound. The GFX-3 provides 50 choices, ranging from distortion and modulation effects to spatial sound processing. Full complement of distortion effects 20 distortion type effects not only recreate the characteristics of famous vintage amps but also duplicate the sound and operation of renowned compact effects and pedals. The built-in acoustic simulator makes an electric guitar sound like an acoustic instrument. 120 ready-to-use patches Effect module setting combinations can be stored as patches. The GFX-3 offers 60 user patches which can be freely modified, plus 60 preset patches. Together, these 120 settings let you make great music straight away. Mode-free editing for creative flexibility The selectors and keys arranged on the panel let you directly access any effect. Because there is no need for mode switching, editing can be performed quickly even during a performance. The built-in pedal makes things even simpler by letting you vary effect parameters in real time. The GFX-3 is a powerful tool for enhancing any live performance. Energizer produces powerful sound The Energizer lets you match the output of the GFX-3 to the playback system. Enjoy powerful, dynamic sound even with a small guitar amp or an audio system with flat response. Designed for use on stage The metal chassis of the GFX-3 can withstand the rigors of use on stage. Stability is excellent, and the dual power supply allows the unit to be powered either from an AC adapter or from batteries. With one set of alkaline batteries, the unit will operate continuously for up to 11 hours. ZOOM GFX-3 3 Controls and Functions Top Panel Control section ( p.5) Expression pedal Foot switches [1] - [3] BANK [Q]/[W] keys Rear Panel [INPUT] jack [OUTPUT/PHONES] jack [POWER] switch [DC IN] jack 4 ZOOM GFX-3 Controls and Functions Control section [GROUP/EXIT] key [STORE] key Display [VALUE] dial [DRIVE] selector [MOD] selector [REV/DLY] selector [PEDAL] key Module keys Parameter keys The FCC regulation warning (for U.S.A.) 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. ZOOM GFX-3 5 Getting Ready to Play Inserting the batteries To use the GFX-3 on battery power, insert batteries as shown below. NOTE · When not using the unit for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent the possibility of damage by leaking battery fluid. · If the indication "bt" alternates on the display with the regular indication, the batteries are almost exhausted. Replace the batteries as soon as possible with fresh ones. 1. Turn the unit over and open the battery compartment cover. (Push the tab to unlock and then raise the cover.) GFX-3 bottom Bb T Getting connected Tab Battery compartment cover OPEN 1. Make sure that the amplifier and the GFX-3 are switched off. 2. Insert the batteries with correct (+) (-) polarity into the battery compartment. Turn the volume at the amplifier to minimum. 2. Four IEC R6 (size AA) Battery compartment cover batteries To power the unit from the AC adapter, insert the small plug of the adapter cable into the [DC IN] jack on the GFX-3. Then plug the adapter into an AC outlet. Connect the guitar to the [INPUT] jack of the GFX-3, using a mono cable. Connect the [OUTPUT/PHONES] jack of the GFX-3 to the guitar amp, using the cable. 3. Battery polarity alternates for each slot. 4. To monitor the sound with headphones, plug the phones into the [OUTPUT/PHONES] jack. 3. Close the battery compartment cover. (Make sure that the tab is properly engaged.) 5. Turn power on in the following order: GFX-3 amplifier. 6 ZOOM GFX-3 Getting Ready to Play NOTE If you turn the GFX-3 on while the amplifier is already powered up, damage to the speaker may result. Always turn power to the amplifier on last. When turning off the system, proceed in the opposite order. 7. While playing your instrument, turn the [VALUE] dial until the sound quality is as desired. 6. ...