DigiTech VX400 User Manual

User’s Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols
that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The
lightning flash with arrow point in an equilateral triangle means
that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The
exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is
necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.

These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts
inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to
service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified
personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the
manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is
spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer
for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent

.

damage

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER
CORD.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.

The cores in the mains lead are colored in accordance with the following code:

GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live

As colors of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with
the colored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

• The core which is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal
in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or colored green,
or green and yellow.

• The core which is colored blue must be connected to the terminal marked N
or colored black.

• The core which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal marked L
or colored red.

This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or
both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the attachment
plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who
should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected directly
to the units chassis.

CONDUCTOR

L

LIVE

N

NEUTRAL

E

EARTH GND

WARNING:If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the
system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis and
earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth
ground are touched simultaneously.

WIRE COLOR

Normal Alt

BROWN

BLUE

GREEN/YEL

BLACK

WHITE

GREEN

LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING

CAUTION!

This product may contain a lithium battery. There is
danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with an Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent.
Make sure the battery is installed with the correct
polarity. Discard used batteries according to
manufacturer’s instructions.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosjonsfare.Ved utskifting benyttes
kun batteri som anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukt
batteri returneres apparatleverandøren.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering.
Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri av samme fabrikat og
type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.

VAROITUS!

Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu.
Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan
tyyppin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden
mukaisesti.

VARNING!

Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte.Använd samma
batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av
apparattillverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt
fabrikantens instruktion.

ELECTROMAGNETIC

COMPATIBILITY

This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted
on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:

• this device may not cause harmful interference,
and

• this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesirable
operation.

Operation of this unit within significant ectromagnetic
fields should be avoided.

• use only shielded interconnecting cables.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

HEED ALLWARNINGS

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR WATER

CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.

DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.
INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONS.

DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS
RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS
(INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS)THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE
MANUFACTURER.

UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR
WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

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 third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.

Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table specified by the
manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from
the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a
suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A
DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13
AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the mains
plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement
fuse covers can be obtained from your local retail­er. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be
ASTA approved to BS1362.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name: DigiTech
Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

Declares that the product:

Product name: Vx400
Product option: all (requires Class II power adapter that conforms to

the requirements of EN60065, EN60742, or
equivalent.)

Conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety: IEC 60065 (1998)

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as 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.

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: For products provided with a power
switch, the power switch DOES NOT break the connection from the
mains.

MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For
rack-mount or installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole
mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole
shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or
building.

FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE
RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE:This equipment may require the use of
a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the
available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to
the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel.To reduce
the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service
personnel or equivalent.

EMC: EN 55013 (1990)

EN 55020 (1991)

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by
Directive 93/68/EEC.

Vice-President of Engineering
8760 S. Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah 84070, USA
Date: May 23, 2003

European Contact: Your local DigiTech Sales and Service Office or

Harman Music Group
8760 South Sandy Parkway
Sandy, Utah
84070 USA
Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Warranty

We at DigiTech are very proud of our products and back-up each one we sell with the following warranty:

1.The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate this
warranty.

2. DigiTech warrants this product, when used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use and service.

3. DigiTech liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials that show
evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to DigiTech WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION,
where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of one year. A Return Authorization number may
be obtained from DigiTech by telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as
a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.

4. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.

5. DigiTech reserves the right to make changes in design, or make additions to, or improvements upon this
product without incurring any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.

6.The consumer forfeits the benefits of this warranty if the product's main assembly is opened and
tampered with by anyone other than a certified DigiTech technician or, if the product is used with AC
voltages outside of the range suggested by the manufacturer.

7.The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and DigiTech neither assumes nor
authorizes any person to assume any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In
no event shall DigiTech or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in
the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

NOTE:The information contained in this manual is subject to change at any time without notification. Some
information contained in this manual may also be inaccurate due to undocumented changes in the product or
operating system since this version of the manual was completed.The information contained in this version of
the owner's manual supersedes all previous versions.

Ta b le Of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Included Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

PA Rig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Recording Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Applying Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

The Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Bypass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

CD/Monitor In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Drum Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Mic Input and Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Creating Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Editing/Creating Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

The Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Storing/Copying/Naming a Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

About the Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Mic Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Compressor/Noise Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Mic Pre/ Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Mod Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Flanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Phaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Tr emolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Vibrato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Strobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Doubler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Envelope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Pixelator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Detune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Whammy™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Reverb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Expression Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

V-Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

The Vx400 and Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Recording Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Connecting the Vx400 to the Computer . . . . . . .21

Vx400 Recording Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

USB 1-2 Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

USB 3-4 Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Mic Signal Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Mic USB Source Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Instrument Signal Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Instrument USB Source Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Line Signal Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Line USB Source Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Using Pro Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Installing Pro Tracks Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Setting Up the DigiTech USB Control . . . . . . . . .25

Setting up the Vx400 for Hands-Free Recording .25

Setting up Pro Tracks for Vx400 Audio . . . . . . . . .26

Using the Vx400’s Footswitches for Recording . . . .27

Recording a Track or Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Playing Back a Recorded Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Recording Multiple Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Using the UNDO Footswitch to Erase a Track . . .28

Re-Micing a Vocal Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Vx400 Drums and MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Recording the Vx400 Drums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Playback Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

USB 1-2 Level /USB 3-4 Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Using the RPxFC for Recorder Functions . . . . . . . .31

Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Factory Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Expression Pedal Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

V-Switch Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Tr ouble Shooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

CC Parameter List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Factory Preset List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Specifications: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Vx400 Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Setups Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Instrument/Line Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Output Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Vx400. The Vx400 is truly a breakthrough in vocal processing
technology, providing the tools you need for live performance and the professional features you need in the
recording studio. We recommend that you take the time to become better acquainted with what the Vx400
has to offer by going through this User’s Guide with your Vx400 in front of you.

Included Items

Before you get started, please make sure that the following items have been included:

• Vx400 Vocal Effects Processor and USB Computer Recording Interface

• X-Edit Software CD

• Pro Tracks™ Recording Software

• USB Cable

• PS0913B Power Supply

• Warranty Card

The utmost care was taken while your Vx400 was being manufactured. Everything should be included and
in perfect working order. If anything is missing, contact the factory at once. Please help us become
acquainted with you and your needs by completing your warranty card. It is your safeguard should a
problem arise with your Vx400.

The Front Panel

1. Down/Up Footswitches - These two footswitches are used to select presets, or access the Tuner of the
Vx400. The footswitch on the left decreases, and the middle footswitch increases the preset
number. Press and hold both Footswitches to access the Tuner.

2. Bypass Footswitch - This footswitch bypasses the selected preset. It is also used in conjunction with the

Up Footswitch to access the recorder functions when the Vx400 is connected to your computer
via USB.

1

Introduction

3. Knobs - These knobs perform various functions depending on which mode is selected or whether the

Vx400 is connected to your computer via USB. During performance, the knobs control the Bass
EQ, Mid EQ, Mid Frequency,Treble EQ, and Master Level. If the Vx400 is connected to the
computer via USB, the performance functions of knobs 2, 3, and 4 are Playback Mix, USB 1-2 Send
Level, and USB 3-4 Send Level. When editing or accessing the Setup functions, the knobs adjust
the parameter values listed directly above each knob for the selected effect. When the Drum
Machine is on, the knobs control the Pattern,Tempo, and Level. In Tuner mode, the knobs are
used to select the tuning reference.

4. Select Button - This button enters the Edit mode and selects individual effects to be edited. Successive

presses of this button advances through all available effects. You can also use the select
button to perform two shortcuts. First, you can exit from anywhere within Edit mode by
pressing and holding the Select button. Second, you can move directly to the setup row of
the Matrix while in Performance mode by pressing and holding the Select button.

5. Drums - The Drums button turns the built-in drum machine on and off. When the drum machine is

active, the Drums LED lights and the selected drum pattern plays continuously.

6. Matrix - The matrix provides information regarding the current preset, and parameter edit functions. In

performance mode, the LED’s running down the left side of the Matrix identify which effects are
in use for the selected preset. In Edit mode, the LED's indicate the effect selected for editing.

7. Display - The display provides information for different functions depending on the mode that is active. In

Performance mode, the display shows the selected preset name and numeric location. In Edit
mode, the display shows the name and value of the selected parameter. In Tuner mode, the
display shows the note being played and whether the note is sharp, flat, or in tune.

8. Store - The Store button saves your changes to a User Preset.

9. Expression Pedal - The Expression Pedal controls up to three of the Vx400’s simultaneously assigned Effect

Parameters in real time. Almost every Parameter is available for Expression Pedal
control.

Rear Panel

1. Instrument In - Connect your instrument to this jack.

2. Mic Level - Controls the gain of the Mic Input.

2

Introduction

3. Mic Input - Connect a mic here for recording or live performance mixing of acoustic sources into the

Vx400. Mic signals can remain dry or be processed through the Vx400 effects for both live
and recording applications. The Mic Input accepts either dynamic or phantom powered
condenser microphones.

4. Left/Right Line Inputs - Connect line level sources to these jacks for recording or live performance mixing

into the Vx400. Line signals can remain dry or be processed through the Vx400
effects for live and recording applications.

5. CD/Monitor In - Connect the output of a CD or MP3 player headphone out for listening to music. The

CD/Monitor In can also be used as a monitor input for mixing the output of your
computer’s sound card back into the Vx400 for playback monitoring.

Note: Using the CD/Monitor input for any type of real-time recording monitoring may
result in a time delay depending on your computer’s speed.

6. Headphones - Connect a pair of stereo headphones to this 1/8” jack.

7. 1/4” Line Outputs - Connect these outputs to your amplifier or to a mixing console that accepts 1/4”

unbalanced connections.

8. Balanced Line Outputs- Connect these outputs to your power amplifier/speaker system or to a mixing

console that accepts balanced XLR connections.

9. USB Jack - Connect this jack to your computer’s USB port for recording purposes (see page 25 for more

on using the Vx400’s USB functions).

ATTENTION: The Vx400 can be connected to your computer before installing the USB
drivers if you are using Windows XP™. However, if you are using any software other than
Windows XP, you must install the USB drivers provided on the X-Edit Software CD before
connecting the Vx400 to your computer with the USB cable.

10. Footswitch jack - Connect the RPxFC 3-button footswitch to this jack.The RPxFC provides remote

control of the recording functions of the Vx400 (see page 31 for more on using the
RPxFC functions).

11. Power Input - Connect only the DigiTech PS0913B power supply to this jack.

3

Introduction

Making Connections

There are several different connection options available with the Vx400. Before connecting the Vx400, make
sure that the power to your amplifier and the Vx400 is turned off. The Vx400 does not have a power switch.
To turn the Vx400 off, disconnect the included PS0913B power supply from the power jack to an AC outlet.

PA Rig

Connect your microphone to the Input of the Vx400. Connect the balanced XLR Left and Right outputs
to the inputs on your PA mixer and pan each of these channels hard left and hard right. Select FULL as
your Output Mode (see Output Modes on pg 19 on how the XLR and 1/4” outputs can be
implemented for various recording and live applications).

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

46

2

2

8

0

0

10

Aux 1

Aux 1

2468

2468

0

0

10

Aux 2

Aux 2

-10+1

-10+1

-2

+2

-2

-3

+3

-3

-4

-4

+4

-5

-5

+5

Pan

Pan

Mute

Mute

L / R

L / R

+10

+10

+5

+5

0

0

-5

-5

-10

-10

-20

-20

-30

-30

-∞

-∞

1234

2

2

2

2

2

2

8

0

10

2468

0

10

+2

-2

+3

-3

-4

+4

-5

+5

Mute

L / R

+10

+5

0

-5

-10

-20

-30

-∞

8

8

8

8

8

8

0

0

0

0

0

10

10

10

10

10

10

Aux 1

Aux 1

Aux 1

Aux 1

Aux 1

Aux 1

2468

2468

2468

2468

2468

0

10

0

10

0

10

0

10

0

10

10

Aux 2

Aux 2

Aux 2

Aux 2

Aux 2

Aux 2

-10+1

-10+1

-10+1

-10+1

-10+1

-10+1

+2

-2

+2

-2

+2

-2

+2

-2

+2

-2

+2

+3

-3

+3

-3

+3

-3

+3

-3

+3

-3

+3

-4

-4

-4

-4

-4

+4

+4

+4

+4

+4

+4

-5

-5

-5

-5

-5

+5

+5

+5

+5

+5

+5

Pan

Pan

Pan

Pan

Pan

Pan

Mute

Mute

Mute

Mute

Mute

L / R

L / R

L / R

L / R

L / R

+10

+10

+10

+10

+10

+5

+5

+5

+5

+5

0

0

0

0

0

-5

-5

-5

-5

-5

-10

-10

-10

-10

-10

-20

-20

-20

-20

-20

-30

-30

-30

-30

-30

-∞

-∞

-∞

-∞

-∞

5

6

7

8

Recording Setup

This is the classic recording setup utilizing the Vx400’s mic, instrument and line inputs with a pair of
powered reference monitors connected the Vx400’s XLR outputs. This setup can also be used for live
applications where you would be performing along with playback from the Pro Tracks recording software
running on your computer (see the Output Modes section on page 19 on how the XLR and 1/4”
outputs can be implemented for various recording and live applications).

USB Ports

4

Introduction

Applying Power

Before applying power to anything, set your mixer to a flat EQ response (on most mixers, this would be

0). Then do the following:

1. Pull the Mixer’s Master Faders down completely.

2. Connect the plug of the PS0913B power supply to the Power Jack.

3. Connect the other end of the PS0913B power supply to an AC outlet.

4. Turn the Vx400 Master Volume up to 70 (70).

5. Push the Mixer’s Master Faders up to your desired level.

5

Introduction

The Presets

Presets are named and numbered locations of programmed sounds which reside in the Vx400. Presets are
recalled with the footswitches. The active effects in each preset are indicated by the lighted LED's in the
Effect Matrix. The Vx400 comes with 40 User Presets (Presets 1-40), and 40 DigiTech factory presets (41-

80). The User Presets are locations where you can store your edits. You may not store changes to the

Factory Presets. From the factory, the 40 User Presets are exact duplicates of the 40 Factory Presets.

Performance

When you first apply power to the Vx400, it powers up in Performance mode. Performance mode provides
access to all of the presets within the Vx400 via the Up and Down Footswitches. The Number 1 Knob (left)
adjusts the Bass, the Number 2 Knob (second from the left) adjusts the amount of Midrange enhancement,
the Number 3 Knob (middle) adjusts the Mid Frequency, the Number 4 Knob (second from the right) adjusts
the amount of Treble (high frequency) enhancement, and the Number 5 Knob (right) adjusts the Master Level
(volume).

Bypass

The Vx400 Presets can be bypassed for clean, unprocessed vocals and instrument signals. To bypass the
Vx400, press the BYPASS Footswitch. The display will read Bypass indicating the preset is bypassed.
Pressing the Up or Down Footswitches advances to the next available preset. Pressing the Bypass
Footswitch again exits you from Bypass and loads that preset.

Tuner

The Tuner lets you quickly tune or check the tuning of any instrument plugged into the Vx400. Enter Tuner
mode by pressing and holding the Up and Down Footswitches simultaneously. The display briefly shows

tuner indicating that you are in Tuner mode. To begin tuning, play a note on your instrument (a harmonic at

the 12th fret usually works best for guitars). The right 2 characters in the display shows the note being
played. The left characters in the display indicate whether you are sharp or flat. Arrows pointing to the left
(<<<) indicate the note is sharp and should be tuned down. Arrows pointing to the right (>>>) indicate the
note is flat and should be tuned up. When the note is in tune, the display shows --><--.

>>><<< A

In Tuner mode, you can change your tuning reference. The default factory setting is A=440 Hz. (displayed as
A=440). Rotate the Number 1 Knob to select alternate dropped tunings. Alternate tunings are A = Ab ,A =
G , and A = Gb. The display window briefly flashes the selected tuning preference.

The output is muted in Tuner mode. The Expression Pedal returns sound to the output allowing signal to be
heard while tuning. Exit tuner mode by pressing any of the 3 Footswitches.

6

Introduction

CD/Monitor In

The CD In feature lets you connect a CD, MP3, or tape player to the Vx400, and play along with your favorite
artists. To use the CD In feature, do the following:

1. Connect the headphone output of your MP3/CD/tape player to the CD/Monitor input using an 1/8”
stereo cable.

2. Press play on your MP3/CD/tape player. The signal from your MP3/CD/tape player is routed to the left,
right, and headphone outputs of the Vx400.

The Monitor In feature can also be used as a monitor input for mixing the output of your computer’s sound
card back into the Vx400 for playback monitoring.

Drum Machine

The Vx400 features a Drum machine that includes several sampled drum patterns which are useful for
developing a good sense of timing. Pressing the Drums button turns on the built-in drum machine (except
when in Store or Bypass mode). When the drum machine is active:

The Number 1 Knob is used to select the drum Pattern. Choices include:

ROCK 1
ROCK 2
ROCK 3
HROCK1
HROCK2
HROCK3

The Number 2 Knob adjusts the drum Tempo and ranges from BPM 40 (40 beats per minute) to BPM240
(240 beats per minute).
The Number 3 Knob adjusts the volume Level of the drum loop and ranges from 1 to 99.
Press the Drums button again to stop playback of the drum loop.

HROCK4
POP1
POP2
POP3
POP4
POP5

DANCE1
DANCE2
DANCE3
cntry1
cntry2
blues1

blues2
jazz
funk 1
funk 2
swing1
swing2

urban1
urban2
reggae
cha 1
cha 2
BOSSA
mtrnom

Mic Input and Level

The Vx400 features a mic input that can be used for mixing or recording vocals and acoustic instruments.
The mic input is equipped with phantom power that can power professional condenser microphones. The
mic preamp is controlled via the Mic Level knob for controlling the gain of the mic signal. To set the mic level
control, follow these steps:

1. Connect a set of headphones to the headphone jack.

2. Sing or play at the loudest volume you will be performing at and adjust the mic Level control until you see
the Clip LED at the top of the Matrix light. Then gradually decrease the control until the light goes out.
This is the optimum setting for the Mic Level.

For application uses of the mic input, see both the Making Connections and Vx400 Setups sections of
this user’s guide.

7

Creating Presets

Editing/Creating Presets

Creating your own signature sound with the Vx400 is easy and intuitive. The Vx400 lets you create your own
presets, or fine tune existing presets to suit your needs. When creating or editing a sound, you must start
with one of the User or Factory Presets. It is not possible to start with an empty preset. The preset number
does not need to be the location that you intend to save it to, because you can save it to any User Preset
location during the store process.

To edit or create a Preset:

1. Use the Up or Down Footswitches to select a preset.

2. Once you have found a preset that you want to edit, press the Select button once to enter Edit mode.

3. Use the Select button in conjunction with the Matrix LED's to choose the effect you want to edit.
Successive presses of the Select button advance to the next Effect in the Matrix.

4. Use Knobs 1-4 to change parameter values.

5. Store your preset (See this page for more on storing a preset).

W

LO-FI 17

The Matrix

The Matrix identifies the effects and parameters selected for editing. In Edit mode, successive presses of the
Select button advances to the next row of effects. The LED lights indicating which effect group is selected.
Each effect group has up to 4 parameters that can be modified. The knob directly below each column is used
to change the parameter value of the selected effect. As a knob is rotated, the corresponding parameter’s
name and value or status are displayed.

When the stored value of a parameter is changed, the Store LED lights indicating you need to store the
changes. Changing presets, or turning the power off before storing erases all changes made and the Vx400
reverts to the stored values for the preset.

Storing/Copying/Naming a Preset

Once the preset is modified, you may store your settings to any of the 40 User Preset locations (Presets 1-

40). The following steps outline the procedure for storing changes to a preset or copying a preset to a
different location:

1. Press the Store button once. The Store button LED blinks and the first character in the display flashes
indicating you can name your new preset.

2. Use Knob 1 or Up/Down Footswitches to select the alpha-numeric character.

8