Zoom 504 Operation Manual

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM 504 (hereafter simply called the "504"). Please take the time to read this manual carefully so you can get the most out of

your 504 and ensure optimum performance and reliability. Retain this manual for future reference.

ZOOM CORPORATION

NOAH Bldg., 2-10-2, Miyanishi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0022, Japan PHONE: 0423-69-7116 FAX: 0423-69-7115

Printed in Japan 504-5000

• New type of compact multi-effect device designed for creating great acoustic guitar sound.

• Suitable for use with an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar. Use the dedicated effects for acoustic guitar, or make an electric guitar sound like an acoustic guitar with the built-in simulator.

• Unique AIR effect imitates the sound as picked up by a microphone. Reverb and chorus effects help to create a spacious feeling. Enjoy life-like, dynamic sound even during line recording.

• Feedback suppressor automatically detects and attenuates problem frequencies. This makes the 504 useful not only for line recording but also on stage.

• Two input jacks with different sensitivity allow optimum matching to any type of guitar, from acoustic guitars with magnetic pickups to electric guitars with humbucking type pickups.

• You can switch between 24 patches to store diverse settings based on your preference.

• Integrated auto-chromatic tuner for guitar. You can tune your instrument easily anywhere, any time. You can also leave the tuning function disabled all the time.

• Dual power supply design allows the unit to be powered from a 9V alkaline battery (6LR61) or an AC adapter.

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented. The meanings of these symbols are as follows:

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the 504.

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever possible. When powering the unit from a battery, use only an alkaline type.

AC adapter operation

• Be sure to use only an AC adapter which supplies 9 V DC, 300 mA and is equipped with a "center minus" plug (Zoom AD-0006). The use of an adapter other than the specified type may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard.

• Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter.

• When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and do not pull the cable.

• If the unit is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet.

Battery operation

• Use only a 9 V (alkaline) battery (6LR61).

• The 504 cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make sure you choose the correct type.

• If the 504 is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the unit.

• If battery leakage has occurred, wipe the battery compartment and the battery terminals carefully to remove all remnants of battery fluid.

• While using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be closed.

Avoid using your 504 in environments where it will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• The 504 is a precision instrument. Except for the foot switches, do not push other parts with your feet or subject them to strong force.

• Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids enter the unit.

• Be sure to turn the power to all equipment off before making connections.

• Before moving the unit, turn the power off and disconnect all cables and the AC adapter.

Never open the case of the 504 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

Usage precautions

For safety considerations, the 504 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and from external interference.However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the 504, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely.

Whatever the type of digital control device, the 504 included, electromagnetic damage can cause malfunctioning and corrupt or destroy data. Since this is an ever-present danger, thorough care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the 504. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface.

Connecting cables and input and output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the 504 and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before moving the 504.

Major Features

Safety Precautions

Warning

This symbol indicates explanations about extremely dangerous issues. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device incorrectly, serious injury or death could result.

Caution

This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous issues. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to the equipment could result.

Warning

About power

Caution

Environment

Caution

Handling

Caution

Alterations

Electrical interference

Cleaning

Operation Manual

The 24 patches can be easily selected by pressing the patch pedals. The right patch pedal switches to the next patch and the left patch pedal switches to the previous patch.

In the initial condition, the 504 is set up so that the patch pedals select patches continuously, but you can also set up the unit so that patches are switched only within a certain bank of four patches. [For details, see section 9 Patch Switching (Application: Bank Hold ON).]

Banks are selected with the VALUE +/keys. Press the VALUE+ key to select the next bank, and the VALUE- key to select the previous bank.

For example, to switch from Patch 2, Bank A to Patch 3, Bank C, the patch pedal would have to be pressed nine times. Instead, you can press the VALUE+ key twice to switch to Bank C, and then press the patch pedal (UP) just once to select Patch 3.

In the Bypass mode, the effects of the 504 are temporarily turned off, so that the original sound of the instrument only is heard. In this mode, the auto-chromatic tuning function is also active. It is also possible to activate muting, to prevent the tuning sound from being sent to the output.

Bypass and mute condition

Pressing both patch pedals simultaneously activates the Bypass or Mute mode.

• For bypass mode: Press and immediately release the patch pedals.

• For mute mode: Press patch pedals for at least 1 second.

To cancel the bypass or mute condition, simply press one of the patch pedals. The unit then reverts to the previously selected patch.

Tuner mode

The 504 is initially set so that the auto-chromatic tuning function for the guitar activates automatically when the Bypass(Mute) mode is invoked. In Bypass(Mute) mode, pick an open

string to be tuned. The closest note will be shown on the display. When the tuning function is active, the parameter cursor LEDs serve as tuning meter, designed to enhance tuning precision during fine adjustments.

Turning tuning function off

If you do not want to activate the tuning function in Bypass(Mute) mode, press the STORE and EDIT keys simultaneously for more than one second in Play mode. The tuning function will be turned off, and this setting will be stored even when the power is turned off. When you turn the function off, the display will show "tunEr oFF" (tuning function off).

To turn the tuning function on, press the same keys simultaneously again. The display will show "tunEr on" (tuning function on).

Selecting Patches

Using the Bypass (Mute)/Tuner Mode

PATCH

DOWN

PATCH

Patch switching

24 patches are available

Bank switching

Banks A, b, C, d, E, F are available

BANK UP

BANK DOWN

BANK F