Art FX-1 User Manual

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Despite the FX-1’s sophistication, it’s easy to interface the unit with
other equipment. All connections are made at the back of the
FX-1. Standard 1/4” inputs and outputs make patching simple.
Note: For best audio quality, always use high quality cables.

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The input is single-ended (unbalanced) with an impedance of 470k
ohms.

NOTE: Because the FX-1 is designed for line-level or instrument
operation, we don’t recommended plugging microphones directly
into it. This is because most microphones have a very low output
and need to run into a mic preamp before anything. Use either a
mic preamp (like the A R T Tube MP), a mixer, or an amp’s preamp
section to boost the level first (use the effects loop output, reverb
send or channel insert from a mixer or amp). A higher signal level
from a preamp or effects loop assures an optimum signal-to-noise
ratio in the FX-1, keeping hiss and distortion to a minimum.

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The output is single-ended (unbalanced) with a source impedance
of 1k ohm.

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Insert the supplied 9 Volt AC adapter’s plug into the input labeled
POWER on the FX-1’s back panel. The FX-1 is powered by an exter­nal 9 Volt AC adapter. Always make sure that its output plug is
securely plugged into the rear of the FX-1, and that the adapter is
held firmly in an electrical outlet. Never operate the FX-1 or AC
adapter in the rain or in wet locations. If the AC adapter’s cord is
ever cut or damaged, discontinue using it and replace the adapter
with a new one. To prolong its life, unplug the adapter when the
FX-1 is not in use. Refer to the label on the adapter or the specifica­tions later in this manual for the appropriate operating voltages.

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Thank you for purchasing the FX-1—and congratulations: You now own one
of the coolest and most sophisticated pieces of audio signal-processing avail­able. Offering a superb level of processing and sound quality, the FX-1’s spe­cially designed integrated circuits and straightforward user interface quickly
and easily gives you access to all of its features.

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Two banks of 15 studio crafted presets.
30 effects algorithms including: reverb, delay, chorus, phase shifting, pitch

shifting, tremolo, panning, multi-effect combinations, and true

stereo effects.
Multi-effects processing offering up to three effects at once.
Dual Processing effects for processing each channel individually.
“More” options for each preset for more of the processing you need!
Adjustable input and output levels.
1/4” stereo inputs and outputs.
Portable design - Put it anywhere, take it anywhere.
Very low noise and wide dynamic range.
Designed & Manufactured in the USA.

Fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase: _________________________________
Purchased from: _________________________________
Serial number: 121-______________________________

This is a great time to fill out the User Registration Card included with your
FX-1 to become a completely informed A R T Artist. Completing and return­ing the card to us ensures you of becoming the first to know about exciting
new A R T products as well as any further developments from
A R T.

121-5004-101

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There are two banks of 15 presets in the FX-1. Bank A is selected
when the bank select switch is in its Out position. Bank B is select­ed when the bank select switch is pressed In.

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Pressing the More switch in any preset gives you an enhanced ver­sion of the preset. For example, if you’ve currently selected a hall
reverb, pressing the More switch will increase the decay time, alter
the predelay and alter the EQ characteristics of that reverb. The
result is a completely new sound for you to work with. Use the
More function for those times when the preset you’ve selected is
“almost” what you need.

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Each bank of presets has one Bypass setting. To bypass the FX-1,
simply select the BY option with the preset encoder.

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If using the FX-1 with a single (mono) input, connect the cable to
the left input. The FX-1 will automatically send this signal to both
processors and will produce a stereo image at the output.

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Connect a cable between your mixer’s send and the FX-1’s left
input. If using a stereo send, or two sends, connect the second
send to the FX-1’s right input. Connect the FX-1’s left and right
outputs to your mixer’s returns. Set the FX-1’s Mix control to Wet.

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Some mixers are designed to accommodate effects on each input
channel via “channel inserts,” or “patch points.” These often con­sist of a single 1/4” phone jack acting as both send and return,
requiring a dual-mono-to-TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) plug configuration.
Check your mixer’s owner’s manual to determine which plug of
the dual-mono-to-TRS cable acts as a send, and which acts as a
return. Connect the insert send to the FX-1’s left input and the FX­1’s left output to the insert’s return. Adjust the mix control for the

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You can vary the mix of dry (unprocessed) and wet (processed) sig­nals with this knob. When the Mix knob is set fully counterclock­wise, no effect is present at the output. Turning the Mix control
fully clockwise produces effected signal only. Use this control to set
the desired effect level to your sound.

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When power is applied to the FX-1, the On LED lights green. The
Clip (Clp) LED serves as the signal clip indicator. If to much signal
is applied to the FX-1, this LED lights red. If the LED is constantly
lit, reduce the input level to the FX-1 or set the In Level switch to
the normal (Out) position.

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Input and Output level switches are provided for you to optimize
the operating level of the FX-1 to your system. On initial set up,
start with these switches in their Out position. As the panel reads,
if you need more level either into or out of the FX-1 press the
appropriate switch to its In position.

To optimize your levels, set the switches so your Effect signal level
is the same as your Bypass level.

NOTE: When using the FX-1 in an effects loop of an amplifier,
depending on the amplifier, you may have to set the input and out­put level switches in different positions to optimize your amplifier
(i.e. your input switch may be set to the “more” (in) position and
the output switch may be set to the normal (out) position or vice
versa).

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Select which preset you want by turning the Preset Selector knob
to the preset number. The number corresponds to the preset chart
printed on the top panel of the FX-1.

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