M-Audio Black Box User Guide

English

Version 2 Firmware

Addendum to User Guide

Table of Contents

English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

What’s New in Version 2? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amp Models Increased from 12 to 40

Effects Increased from 43 to 121

Special Bonus Features

New Shift Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amp Models Increased to 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PAN1 - PAN4

ROTOR1 and ROTOR2

VIBRA1 and VIBRA2

SWELL (Volume Swell)

FIXFLT (fixed filter)

FIXFLA (fixed flanger)

Effects Increased to 121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TLKPDL (talk pedal)

SCIFI1 – SCIFI5 (science fiction sounds)

Reverb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REVERB TIME

REVERB HIGH FREQUENCY

REVERB VOLUME

REVERB ON/OFF

REVERB/DELAY COMPROMISES

Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COMPRESSION

Amp Mid Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Link Drumbeat, Tempo Source, Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LINK DRUMBEAT

TEMPO SOURCE

GATE

And a Few Other Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DELAY TIME

DRUMS > DELAY

EXPRESSION PEDAL

INTRO/ENDING

Amp Model Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1. BASMAN (based on Fender Bassman)

2. DLXREV (based on Fender Deluxe Reverb)

3. TWNREV (based on Fender Twin Reverb)

4. DELUXE (based on Fender Deluxe)

5. CHAMP (based on Fender Champ)

6. MAR 45 (based on Marshall JTM45)

7. PLEXI (based on Marshall 100 watt Super Lead “Plexi”)

8. MAR800 (based on Marshall JCM800)

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9. MAR 2K (based on Marshall JCM2000 TSL100)

2

2
2

3

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5

5

10. VOKS30 (based on VoxAC30 Top Boost)

11. VOKS15 (based on VoxAC15)

12. JAZZ (based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120)

13. HIWHAT (based on Hiwatt DR103)

14. STU70S (“Studio 1970s”, based on Mesa Boogie Mark 2)

15. BIG90S (“Big 1990s”, based on Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo head)

16. SOLDON (based on Soldano SLO 100 Super Lead Overdrive)

17. UBER (based on Bogner Uberschall)

18. Deisel (based on channel 4 of a Diezel VH4)

19. ANGLE (based on ENGL Powerball)

20. EDDIEV (based on Peavey 5150 MkII)

21. XTASY (based on Bogner Ecstasy)

22. BUDDHA (based on Budda Twinmaster)

23. CHIEF (based on Matchless Chieftain)

24. INTENS (same as Black Box version 1’s “LAMOD”)

25. BIGMID (same as Black Box version 1’s “UBER”)

26. SIZZLE (same as Black Box version 1’s “MAVRIK”)

27. PLEXIS (same as Black Box version 1’s “PLEXI”)

28. SCOOP (a custom high gain model with scooped mid)

29. CRISP (a custom model with a 60s twangy tone)

30. HOLLOW (a custom model with a cool, “hollow” sound)

31. BITE (a custom model with biting high notes)

32. NECKPU (a custom model great for a Strat neck pickup)

33. SOLID (a custom model with a very solid crunch and lead tone)

34. ACO360 (based on Acoustic 360 bass amp)

35. AMPSVT (based on Ampeg SVT bass amp)

36. GK 800 (based on Gallien-Krueger 800RB bass amp)

37 SWR500 (based on SWR SM500 bass amp)

38. FUZZ (fuzz tone)

39. OCTAVE (based on Octave fuzz)

40. MICPRE (a clean mic preamp)

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6

© Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Avid Technology, Inc. Product features,
specifications, system requirements and availability are subject to change without notice. Avid, M-Audio, and Black Box are trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in
the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

What’s New in Version 2?

Amp Models Increased to 40

Version 2 of the Black Box firmware delivers a wide variety of new features
and improvements. You’ll find a summary of the major enhancements in the
following sections.

Amp Models Increased from 12 to 40

The new amp models sound great both in recording and on stage—classic
amps, big stacks, boutique amps, modern high gain amps, a few famous bass
amps and even some new ones of our own design. We’ve also thrown in a
classic fuzz, octave splitter and clean preamp. See the “Amp Model Details”
section for specifics.

Effects Increased from 43 to 121

We’ve expanded our collection of effects to give you a ton of creative, inspiring
and fun new choices. There are more modulation effects, beat-synced effects,
note-triggered effects, plus 60 idea-generating filter, tremolo and arpeggio
sequences. See “The Effects” section for details.

Special Bonus Features

In order to add more features beyond the existing 16 front-panel menus,
we created a new Shift mode to access bonus features including Reverb,
Compression and an Amp Mid control, plus a couple of useful features called
Link Drumbeat and Tempo Source.

New Shift Mode

A new Shift mode permits access to new bonus features including reverb,
compression, mid control and others.

The parameters for these new features are implemented as Shift menus. Similar
to how the SHIFT key on your computer keyboard permits a single key to have
2 functions, the new Shift mode permits a single row and column in the 4 x 4
menu matrix to have both a normal and shifted menu function.

For example, the new AMP MID control is the Shift function of AMP BASS. To view
or change AMP MID:

1) Select AMP BASS by pressing AMP and then turning the 3rd menu knob
one “click” to select its column. You’ll now see the current value of AMP
BASS.

2) Double-tap the AMP button to view the Shift parameter, AMP MID. Even
though the menu still blinks AMP BASS, the screen text shows “MID 50”
and the PARAMETER screen icon blinks to indicate that Shift mode is
active.

3) To change the value of AMP MID, turn the third menu knob up or down.

To exit Shift mode, press any key or turn another menu knob.

Here’s an overview of the new Shift functions and where they are located in the
4 x 4 menu matrix:

Since the release of the Black Box, we have created lots of new amp models and
enhanced many of the existing ones. Here is a list of the models and the real
amps upon which they were based. You can read more details in the section
“Amp Model Details” further below in this manual.

1. BASMAN Fender Bassman

2. DLXREV Fender Deluxe Reverb

3. TWNREV Fender Twin Reverb

4. DELUXE Fender Deluxe

5. CHAMP Fender Champ

6. MAR 45 Marshall JTM45

7. PLEXI Marshall Super Lead Plexi

8. MAR800 Marshall JCM800

9. MAR2K Marshall JCM2000

10. VOKS30 VoxAC30

11. VOKS15 VoxAC15

12. JAZZ Roland Jazz Chorus

13. HIWHAT Hiwatt DR103

14. STU70S (Studio 1970s) Mesa Boogie Mark IIc

15. BIG90S (Big 1990s) Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier

16. SOLDON Soldano SLO 100

17. UBER Bogner Uberschall

18. DEISEL Diezel VH4

19. ANGLE ENGL Powerball

20. EDDIEV Peavey 5150 MkII

21. XTACY Bogner Ecstasy

22. BUDDHA Budda Twinmaster

23. CHIEF Matchless Chieftain

24. INTENS Custom model with an intense high-gain solo tone

25. BIGMID Custom model with strong high-gain mid tone

26. SIZZLE Custom model with a present high-end sizzle

27. PLEXIS Custom model based onMarshall Super Lead Plexi with EQ

28. SCOOP Custom high gain model with scooped mid

29. CRISP Custom model with a ‘60s twangy tone

30. HOLLOW Custom model with a hollow tone

31. BITE Custom model with biting high notes

32. NECKPU Custom model, great with a Strat neck pickup

33. SOLID Custom model with a solid tone

34. ACO360 Bass amp: Acoustic 360

35. AMPSVT Bass amp: Ampeg SVT

36. GK 800 Bass amp: Gallien-Krueger 800RB

37. SWR500 Bass amp: SWR SM500

38. FUZZ Fuzz tone

39. OCTAVE Octave fuzz

40. MICPRE Clean mic preamp

For an explanation of these functions, see the relevant section of this manual.

NOTE: Because of the MENU buttons’ new double-tap mode, it is no longer
possible to step through the four menu columns by repeatedly pressing a
MENU key.

NOTE: M-Audio and Black Box are trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. All other
product names used are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in
no way associated or affiliated with Avid Technology, Inc. These trademarks
of the other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those
manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during M-Audio’s sound
model development. No claim is made that the Black Box duplicates these
sounds exactly, but rather that it produces tones inspired by these classic
amps. Reference to artists and bands is for informational purposes only and
does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of the Black Box by such artists
or bands.

2

Effects Increased to 121

There are never enough effects, particularly when it comes to the cool, inspiring beat-synced effects that Black Box does so well—and now we’ve upped the ante
from 43 to 121! Here they are, with the new ones emphasized in bold:

TREM1 Normal tremolo RNFI8T Random filter 1/8 note triplets,

TREM2 Hard-switched tremolo RNFI16 Random filter 1/16 notes, band-pass

TREM3 Sawtooth wave tremolo RNFI24 Random filter 1/16 note triplets,

PAN1 Normal stereo panning RNFL 4 Random flanger 1⁄4 notes TLKPDL Pedal-controlled talk box

PAN2 Hard-switched stereo panning

PAN3 Left-to-right only stereo panning

PAN4 Hard-switched random panning

FTREM1 Filter tremolo 1, up and down

FTREM2 Filter tremolo 2, sawtooth down mod

FTREM3 Filter tremolo 3, slow up and down

FTREM4 Filter tremolo 4, sawtooth up mod

FTREM5 Filter tremolo 5, switches between

FLANG1 Slow flanger, positive phase (full

FLANG2 1-bar flanger, inverted phase (less

FLANG3 1⁄4-note flanger, inverted phase ATOWA7 Auto-wah 7 (louder notes = higher

CHORS1 Chorus 1, triangle wave, low depth

CHORS2 Chorus 2, sine wave, higher depth WAHPDL Wah pedal MNT2FI MIDI note modulates filter freq

ROTOR1 Rotary speaker 1, slow

ROTOR2 Rotary speaker 2, fast

VIBRA1 Vibrato 1, slow speed TKBOX3 Talk Box 3 (slow attack and decay

VIBRA2 Vibrato 2, medium speed TKBOX4 Talk Box 4 (fast attack, slow delay

RNFI 4 Random filter 1/4 notes, band-

RNFI 8 Random filter 1/8 notes, band-pass

sweeping low-pass filter

of low-pass filter

band-pass filter

of band-pass filter

low-pass frequencies

bass at top of cycle)

bass at top of cycle)

pass filter

filter

RNFL8 Random flanger 1/8 notes

RNFL8T Random flanger 1/8 note triplets

RNFL16 Random flanger 1/16 notes

RNFL24 Random flanger 1/16 note triplets SCIFI4 Science fiction sound FX 4

ATOWA1 Auto-wah 1 (filter frequency follows

ATOWA2 Auto-wah 2 (fixed attack-decay

ATOWA3 Auto-wah 3 (louder notes produce

ATOWA4 Auto-wah 4 (same as 1 but soft

ATOWA5

ATOWA6 Auto-wah 6 (sharp attack, fixed

ATOWA8

TKBOX1 Talk Box 1 (voice box simulator) MMD2FI MIDI controllers 1 (mod wheel), 11, 16, 70 or

TKBOX2 Talk Box 2 (same as 1 but louder

TKBOX5 Talk Box 5 (note-triggered chorus

TKBOX6 Talk Box 6 (louder notes result in

band-pass filter

filter

band-pass filter

guitar level)

speed)

lower filter freq)

filter tone)

Auto-wah 5 (same as 2 but soft
filter tone)

decay)

fixed filter)

Auto-wah 8 (louder notes = lower
fixed filter)

notes result in lower tone)

speeds)

speed)

sound)

higher fixed freq)

SWELL Volume swell

FIXFLT Fixed band-pass filter (use FX FREQ to

FIXFLA Fixed flanger (use FX FREQ to change

SCIFI1 Science fiction sound FX 1

SCIFI2 Science fiction sound FX 2

SCIFI3 Science fiction sound FX 3

SCIFI5 Science fiction sound FX 5

TRSQ01 – TRSQ06 First 6 tremolo sequences

TRSQ 7 – TRSQ20 14 more tremolo sequences

FLSQ 1 – FLSQ 6 First 6 filter sequences

FLSQ 7 - FLSQ20 14 more filter sequences

ARPG 1 – ARPG 6 First 6 arpeggio sequences

ARPG 1 - ARPG20 14 more arpeggio sequences

MVE2FI MIDI velocity modulates filter freq

MVE2FL MIDI velocity modulates flanger freq

MNT2FL MIDI note modulates flanger freq

MMD2FL MIDI controllers 1 (mod wheel), 11, 16, 70 or

change frequency)

frequency)

74 modulate filter freq

74 modulate flanger freq

English

As you can see, some of the new effects (TREM3, FTREM3-5) are variations

on existing effect types while others (PAN, ROTOR, VIBRA) are completely new
effect types. Here’s a little information about the new effect types:

PAN1 - PAN4

This effect automatically moves the pan position of your instrument within the
stereo field. As in other modulation effects, the speed may be either one of a
number of fixed or beat-synced values. Use PAN1 for normal back-and-forth
panning; a speed of 1⁄4 notes is a good place to start. PAN2 hard-switches
between the left right sides; set the speed to 8 bars to “trade fours” with
yourself.

ROTOR1 and ROTOR2

This is a simulation of the classic rotary speaker effect, primarily used with organ
but also appearing on countless guitar recordings, including Cream’s classic hit
“Badge.” Use ROTOR1 for the slow rotary effect and ROTOR2 for the fast effect.

VIBRA1 and VIBRA2

Vibrato, a periodic variation of pitch, is an effect that can add a movement to
your sound that is more subtle than chorus or flanging—kind of like continuously
moving the whammy bar on a Strat. Jazz guitarist Bill Frisell commonly plays
with vibrato on the whole time and this adds a very nice quality to his tone,
particularly when the vibrato interacts with the delay and reverb in his sound to
produce chorus-like textures.

SWELL (Volume Swell)

For best results, try to silence each note before playing the next one. Otherwise,
you'll hear a little bit of the subsequent note as the volume is very quickly being
turned down from the full level of the last note's sustain.

FIXFLT (fixed filter)

This is like having a single parametric EQ before the amp models. Use the FX FREQ
control to set the frequency and the FX WET/DRY control to set the amount.

FIXFLA (fixed flanger)

A flanger is actually a very short delay (0 to 10 ms) with feedback that moves up
and down periodically, so a fixed flanger is merely a short delay with feedback.
This can be used to achieve a sound similar to that of your amp in a small brick
room—you can even use the FX FREQ control to set the size of the room.

3

TLKPDL (talk pedal)

This is the same sound as our TLKBOX effect, but in this case the frequency
is controlled by the optional expression pedal, like a wah-wah pedal but with
voice sounds.

SCIFI1 – SCIFI5 (science fiction sounds)

These sounds are just plain wacky. Use them to add an unexpected element to
your performance or recording.

Note: Reference to artists and bands is for informational purposes only and
does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of the Black Box by such
artists or bands.

Reverb

Black Box now has a stereo reverb to add depth to your sound. There are four
settings that control the reverb:

REVERB TIME

This permits the selection of one of five reverb times:

< RVTM 1 (tiny)

< RVTM 2 (small)

< RVTM 3 (medium)

< RVTM 4 (large)

< RVTM 5 (huge)

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the DELAY button and select column 1.

2) Double-tap the DELAY button to enter Shift mode.

3) The screen will show the current Reverb Time value. To change it, turn
rotary control 1.

REVERB HIGH FREQUENCY

This permits the level of high frequencies in the reverb signal to be controlled.
The range is from 0 to 99:

< RHF 0 (least high frequencies)

< RHF 99 (most high frequencies)

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the DELAY button and selct column 2.

2) Double-tap the DELAY button to enter Shift mode.

3) The screen will show the current Reverb High Frequency value. To change
it, turn rotary control 2.

REVERB VOLUME

This permits the level volume of the reverb signal to be adjusted. The range is
from 0 to 99:

< RVL 0 (no reverb)

< RVL 99 (high reverb volume)

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the DELAY button and select column 3.

2) Double-tap the DELAY button to enter Shift mode.

3) The screen will show the current Reverb Volume value. To change it, turn
rotary control 3.

REVERB ON/OFF

To turn reverb on or off, hold the UTILITY switch for more than 1⁄4 second (just like
holding AMP, FX and DELAY turns on or off the amp, effects and delay).

REVERB/DELAY COMPROMISES

If reverb is on, delay is limited to a maximum of 625 milliseconds. Specifically:

1) If reverb is on and Delay Time is increased past a fixed value of 625
ms, then reverb is turned off. If reverb is on and Delay Time is set to any
tempo-based value that requires more than 625 ms at the current tempo,
the delay time is internally changed to 1⁄2 or 1⁄4 of that value to fit within
625 ms.

2) If Delay Time is set to a fixed value higher than 625 ms and reverb is
turned on, then delay is turned off (the “DLY OFF” icon will appear). If Delay
Time is set to any tempo-based value that requires more than 625 ms
at the current tempo and reverb is turned on, the delay time is internally
changed to 1⁄2 or 1⁄4 of that value to fit within 625 ms.

Compression

The new compressor is useful either as a note sustainer or as a limiter, reducing
the level of loud notes and increasing the level of soft notes. It is placed in the
signal chain before the amp modeling. There is one control:

COMPRESSION

This controls the level of drive to the compressor, adjustable from 0 to 99:

< CMP 0 (no compression)

< CMP 99 (maximum compression)

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the AMP button and select column 2.

2) Double-tap the AMP button to enter Shift mode.

3) The screen will show the current Compression value. To change it, turn
rotary control 2.

Use lower values to gently limit peaks. Use higher values to sustain your guitar
notes, similar to increasing AMP DRIVE but without the distortion.

Amp Mid Control

The new AMP MID control permits you to adjust those all-important midrange
frequencies, giving you more control over your tone. Like BASS and TREBLE, the
range is from 0 to 99.

< MID 0 (minimum midrange frequencies)

< MID 99 (maximum midrange frequencies)

This is a shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the AMP button and select column 3.

2) Double-tap the AMP button to enter Shift mode.

3) The screen will show the current MID value. To change it, turn rotary
control 3.

4

Link Drumbeat, Tempo Source, Gate

And a Few Other Updates

There are three new settings that you’ll find handy: Link Drumbeat and Tempo
Source. Plus, we’ve enhanced the Noise Gate and made it easier to adjust.

LINK DRUMBEAT

This setting permits each preset to have an assigned drumbeat. When the
preset is selected, its assigned drumbeat is also automatically selected. Certain
presets and drumbeats go together well and with this setting on, selecting a
preset will automatically select a drumbeat that goes well with it. This parameter
has 2 options:

< LKDB N: When you select a new preset, the drumbeat won’t change (as

in version 1 firmware).

< LKDB Y: When you select a new preset, its assigned drumbeat is

automatically selected.

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the UTILITY button and select column 2.

2) Double-tap the UTILITY button to enter Shift mode.

3) The screen will show the current Link Drumbeat value. To change it, turn
rotary control 2.

Note: To assign a specific drumbeat to a user preset, simply select the
drumbeat and save the preset. The assigned drumbeat of the factory presets
cannot be changed.

TEMPO SOURCE

This permits the choice of one of three sources for the playing tempo:

< TPO PR (Preset tempo): Whenever a new preset is selected, its assigned

tempo automatically becomes active.

Note: Whenever a preset is saved, the current tempo at that time is saved

with the preset as its assigned tempo.

< TPO DB (Drumbeat tempo): Whenever a new drumbeat is selected, its

assigned tempo becomes active.

Note: The assigned tempo of the drumbeat is set at the factory and

cannot be changed.

< TPO GL (Global tempo): The tempo never changes unless manually

changed.

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the UTILITY button and select column 4.

2) Double-tap the UTILITY button to enter Shift mode

3) The screen will show the current Tempo Source value. To change it, turn
rotary control 4.

GATE

The noise gate has been enhanced to be more transparent, fading out on
sustained notes more naturally than before. However, it is no longer adjusted
by simultaneously pressing TAP TEMPO and the DRUMBEAT UP/DOWN buttons.
Instead, it is now a shift parameter. As before, there are 9 gate thresholds:

< GATE 0: Noise gate is disabled.

< GATE 1: Noise gate is on at lowest threshold. Very sensitive to soft picking,

OK when very little background noise and hum exists.

< GATE 9: Noise gate is on at highest threshold. Least sensitive to soft

picking, but best rejection of high background noise and hum.

This is a Shift parameter. To view or adjust it:

1) Press the UTILITY button and select column 1.

2) Double-tap the UTILITY button to enter Shift mode

3) The screen will show the current Gate value. To change it, turn rotary
control 1.

Here are a few other updates that we’ve made in version 2:

DELAY TIME

The 100 fixed delay times are now shown in milliseconds instead of the former
arbitrary values of 0 to 99. As before, after these 100 fixed delay times are the 19
tempo-synced delay times.

DRUMS > DELAY

The DRUMS > DELAY (drums send to delay) parameter has been enhanced as
shown below:

< DLY 00 – DLY 99: Amount of drums signal sent to audio delay (same as

version 1)

< INP 00 – INP 99: Amount of drums signal sent to instrument input (same

as version 1)

< REV 00 – REV 49: Amount of drums signal sent to reverb (new in version 2)

EXPRESSION PEDAL

The list of possible expression pedal assignments has changed to the
following:

VOLUME Same as former AMPDRV, a volume pedal inserted before amp

FXSPED FX speed

RVBVOL Reverb volume (NEW)

FXDPTH FX depth

FXKEY FX key

WETDRY FX wet/dry

DLYVOL

DLYRPT

DM2DLY

DM2INP Drums send to input of entire signal chain, same as guitar

DM2RVB Drums send to reverb (NEW)

models

Delay volume

Delay repeats

Drums send to delay

INTRO/ENDING

The ability to play a single drumbeat intro or ending was possible in version 1
firmware, but wasn’t documented in the manual.

< INTRO: If the drumbeat is not playing, pressing TAP TEMPO before pressing

START/STOP will play an intro of four 1⁄4-note hi hats before the drumbeat
starts.

< ENDING: If the drumbeat is playing, pressing TAP TEMPO before pressing

START/STOP will stop the drumbeat at the beginning of the next measure.

5

English

Amp Model Details

Here are detailed descriptions of each of the 40 amps modeled in the Black Box
v2 firmware.

1. BASMAN (based on Fender Bassman)

The Bassman is a marvelous and very early Fender amp that was embraced by
many blues, rock and country guitarists in the ‘60s. With four 10” speakers and
very sweet 50-watt power amp distortion, this one is worthy of the high prices
the originals fetch. Excellent clean as well as overdriven, our hats are off to Leo
and the guys. Incidentally, this was the amp that Marshall virtually copied in
designing their early amps.

2. DLXREV (based on Fender Deluxe Reverb)

The Deluxe Reverb is another stellar Fender design. With a single 12”, a very high
and intense treble and sweet power amp distortion, this amp was and still is a
popular mid-volume blues/rock amp. The bass folds over a little because of the
open back, single 12” design, but that’s part of the sound. Oddly, they chose to
call the tremolo on this early amp “vibrato.” The real amp had only bass and
treble controls, so in adding our Mid control, we tried to stick to the spirit of the
Fender design principal by looking at what they did in subsequent models.

3. TWNREV (based on Fender Twin Reverb)

It seemed that in the ‘70s, just about everybody had a Twin or a friend that had
one. With 100 watts in two 12” speakers as well as intense treble boost, this amp
is probably responsible for more tinnitus than any other. It might not achieve
that much distortion by today’s standards, but it gets a sound that’s pure classic
Fender.

4. DELUXE (based on Fender Deluxe)

This early Fender delivered great distortion—regardless of whether it was
intended or not—by virtue of its low power and relatively flat EQ before the
distortion. I’m not sure if Leo bought into Minimalism with this design, but this
little screamer had but one “tone” control, effectively a treble control. In adding
our bass and mid controls, we tried to predict what Leo would have done had
he been less austere.

5. CHAMP (based on Fender Champ)

Intended as a low-cost beginner’s amp, the small ‘60s-vintage tweed unit was
embraced by a number of studio players who valued it for its solid tone and
kindness to their backs when carrying it around. The little speaker didn’t deliver
much low end, but the uniquely crisp high end more than makes up for it.

6. MAR 45 (based on Marshall JTM45)

Released in 1962, this amazing amp head has a full, warm and remarkable
tone. Thought its circuitry is largely copied from the original Fender Bassman,
subtle differences gave it its own distinct and very attractive personality.

7. PLEXI (based on Marshall 100 watt Super Lead “Plexi”)

This wasn’t just an amp but almost an instrument in itself, redefining how guitar
is played—it’s that significant. Released in 1959, this 100-watt head is the heart of
the famous Marshall stack used by countless bands in the ’60’s and ‘70’s. Along
with the JTM45, this amp was usually played with all controls set to full because
compared to later high-gain amps, it doesn’t provide that much gain.

8. MAR800 (based on Marshall JCM800)

A very popular evolution of the Plexi, this was one of the first amps to include
higher gain, a master volume and an overdrive stage before the tone controls.
Although preamp distortion isn’t quite the same as power amp distortion, it
introduced a distinctive tone similar to putting a distortion stomp box before your
amp. The full and intense high gain sound further redefined the lead guitar.

9. MAR 2K (based on Marshall JCM2000 TSL100)

This modern amp stretched the Marshall sound to include more versatile tone
controls and three channels—clean, crunch and lead. You could easily switch
between clean, full mid, scooped mid and super high gain tones just by switching
channels. We modeled the lead channel here and love the full bass and warm
treble it serves up.

10. VOKS30 (based on VoxAC30 Top Boost)

A unique and truly inspired design, the VoxAC30 is one of the most famous
and coveted amps ever created. It was used by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and
lots of other British Invasion bands on tons of early recordings, as well as later
recordings by Brian May of Queen and countless others. Originally launched in
the late ‘50’s, this gem produced a warm and singing power amp distortion by
virtue of its 30 watts into two 12” speakers. Both the intense but warm treble and
the full bass are characteristically different than other amps, making it a highly
addictive amp to play through.

11. VOKS15 (based on VoxAC15)

This smaller precursor to the AC30 produced an understatedly elegant 15 watts
of power into a single 12” speaker. It wasn’t exactly a stadium filler but like the
bigger 30, it delivered a warm and unique tone that is cherished to this day.

12. JAZZ (based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120)

A classic transistor amp? You bet. This was a very popular unit for its shimmering
highs, full range and loud, clear tones. It departed from the designs of the day
with its inclusion of chorus effect instead of the standard tremolo. This will give
you a lovely soft jazz tone, an intense treble twang and even a bit of overdrive.

13. HIWHAT (based on Hiwatt DR103)

Most famous for Pete Townshend’s sound on old The Who recordings, this
classic was also popularized by David Gilmour and many others. With a brilliant
and responsive tone unlike any others of the day, it’s easy to see why those who
have played them won’t turn back.

14. STU70S (“Studio 1970s”, based on Mesa Boogie Mark 2)

This innovative design put high quality and high gain together into a small,
portable package, making it the choice of studio pros in the ‘70’s. It’s the perfect
gig amp—it produces a very solid mid-range tone with great sustain and
articulation, plus unusually high volume for its small size.

15. BIG90S (“Big 1990s”, based on Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo head)

Clear guitar tone? Who needs it?! This exceptional amp turns your guitar signal
into a solo or crunch tone that is powerful, thick, well-defined and just plain fun
to play. Our model of this monster will give you all that low-end power, high­end sizzle, scooped or full mids, and make you sound huge. Revel in your tonal
grandeur.

16. SOLDON (based on Soldano SLO 100 Super Lead Overdrive)

We’re sold on this amp. Originally released in 1987, this stellar design was a
major force in defining the high gain sound in scores of famous players. Solid
both in tone and construction, we’re proud to pay homage to this fine creation
with our Black Box model.

17. UBER (based on Bogner Uberschall)

Designed primarily for heavy playing and aggressive styles of music, this amp
blows all others out of the water. It delivers extreme gain and volume while
staying focused—no mushy sounds here. This model is guaranteed to split
eardrums and shatter rib cages.

18. Deisel (based on channel 4 of a Diezel VH4)

This is an intense, very high gain lead amp with big bass and great high end for
the most shredding of shredders. German engineering at its best.

19. ANGLE (based on ENGL Powerball)

Another great work of German engineering, ENGL’s high gain amps are played by
the likes of Richie Blackmore and Steve Morse. The Powerball is the culmination
of years of research and creation by the ENGL team. Extreme flexibility, tone
and gain structure converge in this unit, resulting in the ultimate amp. Close the
windows and doors and crank this model up.

20. EDDIEV (based on Peavey 5150 MkII)

This amp is the result of a collaboration between guitar god Eddie Van Halen and
the all-American Peavey musical instrument company. We think they achieved
something great here and we’re certainly not alone in our opinion. Check out
our model of this fine creation and savor its exceptional lead tone and rhythm
crunch, which goes well beyond the classic Van Halen “brown sound.”

21. XTASY (based on Bogner Ecstasy)

This great Bogner amp was designed to deliver more of the classic tones like
the Marshall amps Mr. Bogner used to personally modify for the likes of Eddie
Van Halen. A versatile amp delivering clean to bark to growl and beyond, we’re
proud to model this fine design.

6

22. BUDDHA (based on Budda Twinmaster)

A well-loved boutique amp, this gem is similar in tone to an old “black-face”
Fender Deluxe but with more mid-range fullness. With relatively low power, the
distortion here is all in the power amp and that’s a big part of its sound. Great
note articulation with mild or higher gain.

23. CHIEF (based on Matchless Chieftain)

Another superb boutique amp, this one has a unique and addictive sound (not
to mention a very cool backlit “Matchless” logo on the front panel). With a Class
A power amp, a unique tone circuit and two 12” speakers, there is a quality to
the mids and highs in this amp that is, well, Matchless. We’ve done our best to
model its special character.

24. INTENS (same as Black Box version 1’s “LAMOD”)

This is the same model as the Black Box’ version 1 firmware “LAMOD” (L.A.
modern high gain amp). It delivers a very intense, screaming lead tone. Not for
the faint of heart—it may make you faint of hearing.

25. BIGMID (same as Black Box version 1’s “UBER”)

This is the same model as the Black Box’ version 1 firmware’s “UBER” (Bogner
Uberschall). Since our new and improved UBER model better represents that
fine amp, we kept this one but changed its name to better reflect its true nature.
This model delivers a very solid and powerful midrange lead tone to cut through
a mix.

26. SIZZLE (same as Black Box version 1’s “MAVRIK”)

This is the same model as the Black Box’ version 1 firmware’s “MAVRIK” (Mesa
Boogie Maverick), but we’ve renamed it ‘Sizzle’ to emphasize its own special
personality. This model delivers tremendous presence.

27. PLEXIS (same as Black Box version 1’s “PLEXI”)

This is the same model as version 1 firmware’s “PLEXI” (Marshall Super Lead
“Plexi” 100 watt). Though we’ve created a new Plexi model for the Black Box’
version 2 firmware, we kept this one because it captures a particular character
of Marshall recordings of the 70’s. (Think of Free’s “All Right Now”.)

28. SCOOP (a custom high gain model with scooped mid)

This custom model gives a big scooped-mid high-gain tone for solid crunch or
lead work. Scoop away...

29. CRISP (a custom model with a 60s twangy tone)

This fun model gives a very crisp, twangy exaggerated tone for those early
Beatles chord or solo clear sounds, often originally achieved with a Vox AC15
and console EQ. Sounds great overdriven, too.

30. HOLLOW (a custom model with a cool, “hollow” sound)

This custom model gives an exaggerated “hollow” sound that will make people
turn their heads and say “huh?” Try it for something completely different.

31. BITE (a custom model with biting high notes)

This custom model gives a great treble bite on the high notes coupled with a
nice, overall warmth. Sort of like an AC30 off-mic’d through warm console EQ.

32. NECKPU (a custom model great for a Strat neck pickup)

This completely exaggerated “amp + console EQ” model gives an intensely
boosted upper-mid treble and high bass with almost no mids, intended to
be used when playing a Strat on the neck pickup. Think of the Rolling Stones’
“Midnight Rambler” or Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary.”

33. SOLID (a custom model with a very solid crunch and lead tone)

This custom amp model delivers a vintage tone with hints of Tweed Fender
Deluxe but with tight upper bass, strong mids and pronounced high-end
presence. Its solid rhythm crunch and vintage lead tones will take you places
where other amps fear to tread.

34. ACO360 (based on Acoustic 360 bass amp)

The Acoustic 360 was another amp that just about everybody in the ‘70’s used,
including John Paul Jones. Its deep, loud bass partly derives from its unique 18”
folded horn design. We pay homage to this fine instrument in our model.

36. GK 800 (based on Gallien-Krueger 800RB bass amp)

Gallien-Krueger amps are very well-engineered, very loud and very heavy! (We
dare you to try lifting the 800RB head, from which this model was created.) The
Gallien-Krueger team understands that you need massive amounts of power
to reproduce low bass without distortion. Beyond that, they also understand
bass tone. This amp, very popular in the ‘80’s, was a testament to an intimate
knowledge of all the fundamentals that bassists require. We honor the Gallien­Krueger team with our model of their fine amp.

37 SWR500 (based on SWR SM500 bass amp)

The SWR500, upon which our model is based, is the successor to the world­famous SWR400, chosen by professionals for its well-defined tone and graphic
EQ. SWR amps have great, versatile sound and high, consistent quality and we’re
proud to include it in the Black Box’s arsenal.

38. FUZZ (fuzz tone)

This amp and stomp box hybrid gives you the sound of vintage fuzz tones like
Fuzz Face with bass, mid and treble controls. Think “American Woman” and
create your own classic.

39. OCTAVE (based on Octave fuzz)

Here you’ll find the classic Octave Fuzz sound, heard on hits like “Purple Haze.”
Excellent results are achieved on the high E string above the 7th fret using the
neck pickup.

40. MICPRE (a clean mic preamp)

Select this one to get the clean, warm sound of plugging directly into the
console. Thought we don’t recommend drive settings above zero, overdriving
it will produce a sound similar to the opening of the Beatles’ “Revolution.” Don’t
worry—this won’t damage the circuitry.

NOTE: M-Audio and Black Box are trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. All other
product names used are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in
no way associated or affiliated with Avid Technology, Inc. These trademarks
of the other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those
manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during M-Audio’s sound
model development. No claim is made that the Black Box duplicates these
sounds exactly, but rather that it produces tones inspired by these classic amps.
Reference to artists and bands is for informational purposes only and does not
imply an endorsement or sponsorship of the Black Box by such artists or bands.

English

35. AMPSVT (based on Ampeg SVT bass amp)

The 300-watt SVT—a classic and virtually ubiquitous rock bass amp of the ’60’s
and ‘70’s—was heavy both in tone and weight, particularly with the 8” x 10” SVT
cabinet we used for our model.

060407_BBox_ADD_EN01

7

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060521_BlkBx_Adden_EN01

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Technical Support

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