Rocktron B300 User Manual

MANUAL

May be covered by one or more of the following: U.S. Patents

#4538297, 4647876, 4696044, 4745309, 4881047, 4893099, 5124657, 5263091,

5268527, 5319713, 5333201, 5402498 and 5493617.

Other patents pending. Foreign patents pending.

Your UTOPIA B300 has been designed to comply with the following Standards and Directives as set forth by the European Union:

Council Directive(s): 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC, 76/769/EC, 1994/62/EC, 2000/

53/EC, 2002/95/EC

Standard(s): EN55022, EN50082-1, EN60065

This means that this product has been designed to meet stringent guidelines on how much RF energy it can emit, and that it should be immune from other sources of interference when properly used. Improper use of this equipment could result in increased RF emissions, which may or may not interfere with other electronic products.

To insure against this possibility, always use good shielded cables for all audio input and output connections. This will help insure compliance with the Directive(s).

CONTENTS

1. Introduction 4

2. Quick Reference 6

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels 8

4. Connections 14

5. Operating Format 23

6. UTOPIA B300 Functions and Parameter Description 24 � GLOBAL Function 25 � MIXER Function 26 � PREAMP Function 26 � HUSH® Function 28 � SPEAKER Exciter Function 29 � COMPRESSOR Function 30 � EFFECTS LOOP Function 31 � WAH-WAH Function 32 � PHASER Function 33 � MODULATION EFX Function 34 � CHORUS Function 35 � FLANGER Function 37 � TREMOLO Function 38 � PITCH SHIFT Function 39 � PITCH SHIFT INTERVALS 40 � DELAY Function 41 � TAP QUANTIZING Function 43 � REVERB Function 44

7. UTOPIA B300 Block Diagrams 45 � Chorus, Flanger and Pitch Shift 45 � Tremolo 46 � Function and Parameter range list 47

8. Operating the UTOPIA B300 50 � Display Description 50 � Selecting a preset 51 � Preset Banks 52 � Changing preset parameters: 53 � Storing changed preset parameters: 54 � Operation Mode 56 � Selecting a Modulation Effect 57 � MUTE/TUNER Function 58 � USB Connection 60 � MIDI IN 60 � MIDI OUT/THRU 60 � MIDI Channels - MIDI Receive 61 � MIDI Channels - MIDI Transmit 62 � Program Changes 63 � MIDI DUMP/LOAD Functions 64 � Pedal Controllers 66 � Pedal Status 70 � Footswitch Mapping 73 � Factory Restore 75 � Title Edit 77 � Selecting a Power on Preset 79

9. Speciﬁcations 80

10. UTOPIA B300 Preset Listing 81

1. Introduction

UTOPIA B300 PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL SOUND FOR BASS

Rocktron’s Utopia B300 Professional Bass System provides an arsenal of tone and effects processing. The B300 is packed with plenty of great sounds ready to transform any Bass ampliﬁer into a Powerhouse of Rock. Simply put the B300 between you and your amp and let your inspiration ﬂow! Rocktron stands alone with amazing tone generation and effects in the B300 - everything you need to create your own signature sound and deﬁne a new generation of playing. Play in Utopia where the future is amazing.

� Great Tone! � 128 Fully programmable presets � Chorus, Reverb, Delay, Pitch Shift, Flanger, Phaser and Tremolo � Easy to program user controls � Up/Down preset Bank by 10 with instant recall buttons. � 2nd mode with 10 instant access controller switches. � Tap delay note quantization 1/16 , 1/8, triplet, ¼, ½ and whole. � Illuminated noiseless footswitches � Glow in the dark markings on pedal board � Rocktron’s state-of-the-art HUSH noise reduction � On board pro-grade expression pedal with integrated footswitch and LED. � Upgradable core processing hardware design [ DSP CARD and CODEC CARD ] � Motorola [Freescale] DSP engine with AKM converters � Programmable Pre-processing analog effects loop � Extra External Expression controller pedal port � Easy to read 2 line cool blue LCD display � USB audio recording and playback connectivity � Rocktron’s state of the art Speaker Exciter for recording and live sound. � MIDI in and MIDI out/thru � Auxiliary CD/Mp3/iPOD in 1/8 jack � Stereo headphone out � Built-in tuner � Full Bandwidth effects � Rugged professional grade chassis and expression pedal made from metal � Assignable Effect On/Off � Power supply included

Motorola is a trademark of Motorola Corporation. HUSH is a registered trademark of GHS Corporation. iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc.

PRECAUTIONS

NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS SECTION TO PROVIDE YEARS OF TROUBLE FREE USE. THIS UNIT REQUIRES CAREFUL HANDLING.

• All warnings on this equipment and in the operating instructions should be adhered to and all operating instructions should be followed.

• Do not use this equipment near water. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through any openings.

• The power cord/adapter should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

• Do not block any ventilation openings (if applicable). Install in accor

dance 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 used attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

• Do not use this product with any case, stand, tripod, bracket or table that is not speciﬁed by the manufacturer. Insure that the case, stand, tripod, bracket etc. is properly adjusted and setup (follow all instructions). Extra care and caution should be taken to avoid tip over and injury.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused during long periods of time.

Refer all service to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus or if the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been dropped.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS EQUIPMENT. THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE SERVICED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. DO NOT MAKE ANY INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS OR ADDITIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT AT ANY TIME. DO NOT TAMPER WITH INTERNAL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AT ANY TIME. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY OF THIS EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS CAUSING SHOCK HAZARD.

OPERATING TEMPERATURE

Do not expose this unit to excessive heat. This unit is designed to operate between 32° F and 104° F (0° C and 40° C). This unit may not function properly under extreme temperatures.

2. Quick Reference

2. Quick Reference....continued...

STEP 1 Turn ON the UTOPIA B300.

STEP 2 Select your desired preset by pressing any button 0-9 to select presets. You

may also do this by following STEP 6. NOTE - the B300 starts with preset

number 1, preset 0 does not exist.

STEP 3 Scroll through the different preset banks by pressing the UP button (Bank by

10). You may also reach your desired preset by following STEP 6.

STEP 4 Scroll through the different preset banks by pressing the DOWN button (Bank

by 10). You may also reach your desired preset by following STEP 6.

STEP 5 Use the built-in expression pedal to change the parameter(s) in real time that

are assigned to the pedal controllers function.

STEP 6 You may also select a preset by turning the PRESET SELECT knob.

STEP 7 Turn the FUNCTION SELECT knob to the desired effect or utility function.

STEP 8 Turn the PARAMETER SELECT knob to the parameter you wish to alter under

the selected effect or utility function.

STEP 9 Use the PARAMETER ADJUST knob to modify a parameter value.

STEP 10

After editing any function parameter press the STORE button to start the

storing procedure. The display will toggle and ﬂash "STORE AT PRESET."

If you wish to save the altered preset in the current preset location, press the

STORE button a second time. If you wish to store the altered preset in a differ-

ent preset location, turn the PRESET control to the desired preset number, then

press STORE a second time. Anytime you wish to cancel the store process just

turn the PARAMETER ADJUST one click.

STEP 11 To

enter the "2ND Function" mode, press the selected preset switch a second time, this will turn the multi-colored LED(s) Yellow and turn on a RED LED on button "9" (2nd Cancel). Any Function that has been assigned to that preset will turn on the LED in Yellow. You can now turn On/Off functions within that preset. Use the switched marked 2nd Cancel button "9" with the Red LED to exit the 2nd Function mode.

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels....continued.....

1 PRESET SELECT control

Turning this knob scrolls through the successive presets.

2 DISPLAY panel

The DISPLAY shows the preset names, functions and parameters that are selected.

3 PARAMETER ADJUST control

4 PARAMETER SELECT control

When adjusting parameter values, turning this knob will scroll through the available parameters

5 STORE button and STORE LED

This button is used to store values into the B300's memory when altered. See "Storing

This knob is used to adjust a displayed parameter value. Note that this knob is also used as a controller knob and is set to MASTER VOLUME from the factory. So you can use this knob to adjust the overall volume of the B300. However, this knob also can be assigned to other controller parameters (see Pedal Controllers section in this manual for more details).

under the current function heading. In the "Title Edit" function, this knob will scroll through the character locations to be edited.

Changed Preset Parameters" for more information on this procedure.

6 FUNCTION SELECT control

This knob allows access to each function of the UTOPIA B300 depending on which conﬁgura

tion is currently recalled.

7 PEDAL ACTIVE LED

This LED will light when the built-in expression pedal is active or on.

8 EXPRESSION PEDAL

The built-in expression pedal will change parameter(s) that have been assigned to the pedal in the

Pedal Controllers function. Use the pedal to increase or decrease volume levels, or for a pitch shifting wammy effect, or to bring in reverbs and delays. There are many uses for this pedal. Please see the Pedal Controllers section of this manual for information how to program the expression pedal for many cool effects.

9 UP button

This button allows you to scroll UP through the preset banks. Each B300 preset bank has 10

presets in it (note there is no Zero (0) preset or Preset 129)

Bank 00 - Presets 1-9 Bank 01 - Presets 10-19 Bank 02 - Presets 20-29 Bank 03- Presets 30-39 Bank 04 - Presets 40-49 Bank 05 - Presets 50-59

Bank 07- Presets 70-79 Bank 08 - Presets 80-89 Bank 09 - Presets 90-99 Bank 10 - Presets 100-109 Bank 11 - Presets 110-119 Bank 12 - Presets 120-128

Bank 06 - Presets 60-69

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels....continued.....

Press the UP button once to move one preset bank up or press and hold down the button to auto-

scroll UP. Note that once you have reached your desired preset, the preset name on the screen will be ﬂashing but NOT recalled. The original preset will still be active. Now select any preset 0-9 to recall or activate the desired preset.

10 DOWN button

11 PRESET button 0

This button allows you to select presets 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120.

12 PRESET button 1

This button allows you to select presets 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111 and 121.

This button allows you to scroll DOWN through the preset banks and functions in the same manner as the UP button (point 9).

When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 10. When you are in Bank 02 this button allows you to select preset 20 and so on. Note that there is no 0 (zero) preset. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the REVERB on the preset selected.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 1. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 11 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the DELAY on the preset selected.

13 PRESET button 2

This button allows you to select presets 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 122.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 2. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 12 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the MOD (MODULATION EFFECT) on the preset selected.

14 PRESET button 3

This button allows you to select presets 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113 and 123.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 3. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 13 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the MUTE on the preset selected. Pressing this button a third time allows you to enter into TUNER mode and you can tune your bass with the built-in tuner. To exit the TUNER mode you must press button 3 again.

15 PRESET button 4

This button allows you to select presets 4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94, 104, 114 and 124.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 4. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 14 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to activate the TAP function and set the DELAY Rate by tapping the button at the desired rate.

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels....continued.....

16 PRESET button 5

This button allows you to select presets 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115 and 125.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 5. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 15 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the EFFECT BYPASS on the preset selected.

17 PRESET button 6

This button allows you to select presets 6, 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, 116 and 126.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 6. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 16 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the CHANNEL TOGGLE on the preset selected.

18 PRESET button 7

This button allows you to select presets 7, 17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117 and 127.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 7. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 17 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to turn On/Off the a pre-assigned EFFECT on the preset selected.

19 PRESET button 8

This button allows you to select presets 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88, 98, 108, 118 and 128.

When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 8. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 18 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then use this button to activate the EFFECTS LOOP I/O (In/Out)

20 PRESET button 9

This button allows you to select presets 9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99, 109, and 119 (note

there is no preset 129). When you are in Bank 00 this button allows you to select preset 9. When you are in Bank 01 this button allows you to select preset 19 and so on. Pressing this button a second time allows you to enter into the 2nd Function mode for this preset. You can then must use this button to exit the 2nd Function mode.

21 EXPRESSION PEDAL switch

To activate the Expression pedal, apply pressure to the toe of the expression pedal until this

switch is activated. You will know the pedal is active as you should be able to feel the switch activate, but if not, the PEDAL ACTIVE LED will light when the switch is turned ON.

22 EXPRESSION PEDAL Jack You can add an additional expression pedal or footswitch to the B300 using this jack and a RTS

¼ jack [stereo] cable. You can assign any parameter in the B300 to be adjusted by this pedal. We recommend the following (sold separately) Rocktron Utopia Expression pedal, Rocktron HEX Pedal or Rocktron VSF1 Footswitch.

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels....continued.....

23 PRE-EFFECTS (mono) LOOP SEND jack

Use this jack to send the signal from the B300 to the input of an outboard effect such as a

Rocktron Xpression or your favorite stomp box.

24 PRE-EFFECTS (mono) LOOP RETURN jack

Use this jack to receive the signal back from the output of the outboard effect or stomp box.

25 INPUT jack

26 OUTPUT RIGHT jack

This 1/4" jack provides the right output of the UTOPIA B300 for use in stereo situations, such as

27 OUTPUT LEFT/MONO jack

This 1/4" jack provides the left output of the UTOPIA B300. This output is a MONO output and

This standard, mono 1/4" jack is used to provide input to the unit.

direct recording, plugging into a PA system, two Bass ampliﬁers, etc.

should be used in mono situations, such as plugging into the front of an ampliﬁer. For stereo situations you must also use the OUTPUT RIGHT Jack.

28 AUX INPUT Jack

This 1/8" stereo jack provides an auxiliary input allowing you to plug a MP3 Player, CD Player,

etc. so that you can jam along with your favorite tunes.

29 PHONES jack

This 1/8” stereo jack provides a stereo output allowing you to practice in private. Note that you

need to activate the “STEREO” parameter in the GLOBAL Function in order to have a stereo sound. Additionally, it is recommended that you set the Speaker Exciter in the GLOBAL Function to “LOCK BOTH” as well. Note, this setting will be used until you turn OFF the UTOPIA B300. The SPEAKER Exciter setting used in each preset may be modiﬁed per preset while in this mode. See page 25 for more information on the GLOBAL Function. Note: Make sure if you edit a preset and plan to store it to turn the SPEAKER EXCITER off if you do not desire to store its current status. All global parameters will be stored during the preset storing process.

30 USB

jack

This standard USB jack allows you to connect to a computer for direct recording and

playback.

31 MIDI IN

jack

This *7-pin DIN connector receives MIDI information from the device which is transmit-

ting the MIDI commands for the B300 to execute.

32 M

IDI OUT/THRU jack

This *7-pin DIN connector passes on the MIDI information that is received at the MIDI IN

jack to other MlDI-compatible devices via a MIDI cable. It also outputs MIDI data when performing a memory dump.

*Note a standard 5-pin MIDI cable may be used.

3. UTOPIA B300 Top and Back Panels....continued.....

33 POWER jack

This 4-pin DIN connector accepts power from the 9V/AC adaptor supplied with the B300.

34 POWER Switch

Use this switch to turn the UTOPIA B300 On and Off.