Zoom 508 User Manual

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM 508 (hereafter simply called the "508").
Please take the time to read this manual carefully so you can get the most out of

your 508 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, Japan
PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Printed in Japan 508-5000

• Compact, dedicated delay unit with up to 4000 ms delay time and eight delay
types (Four types x two variations).

• On-board "Zfx-2" DSP (Digital Signal Processor) developed by Zoom, and
an innovative design used solely for its delay effects. Achieves superior
quality delay sound on a par with high-end devices.

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

• Seamless function that enables smooth patch transitions without cutting the
delay sound when the patch is switched.

• Ample functions to support powerful live performances, including a hold
function for continuing the delay sound until the foot switch is pressed, and a
tap function for setting the delay time in the interval between when the foot
switch is pressed.

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

• The optional FP01 expression pedal enables foot control of the mix level for
the delay sound.

• Dual power supply design allows the unit to be powered from an 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 508.

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

• If the 508 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 508 in environments where it will be
exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• The 508 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 508 or attempt to modify the
product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

Usage precautions

For safety considerations, the 508 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 508, as the possibility of
interference cannot be ruled out entirely.

Whatever the type of digital control device, the 508 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 508. 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 508 and all other
equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also
make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before
moving the 508.

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

1

2

Operation Manual

• PATCH

A group of the settings for a certain effect type is called a PATCH. The 508 comes with 24 preset
patches which can be changed (edited) by the user.

• BANK

The 508 calls up patches in sets of four, called a "bank".

The 508 has memory capacity for 24 patches. At the factory, these are programmed with
recommended settings. The user can freely change the contents of any patch, and it is also
possible to restore the factory settings.

What Are Banks and Patches? PATCH LIST

Seamless Function

Controls, Functions and Connections

With conventional delay and multi-effect units, the sound cuts off unnaturally when patches are
switched.

For example, when switching from a solo performance using a long delay to a patch with a short
delay for backing, the delay of the previous patch stops abruptly the instant before the next patch
starts, causing the reverberation to sound unnatural.
This type of problem experienced by guitarists is solved by the 508's revolutionary seamless
function. This function holds the delay sound of the previous patch after it has been switched, so
that the transition from one patch to the next is performed smoothly.

The seamless function can be used in two ways. One method is to leave the time for the delay
sound as it is set in the patch. The other method is to force the delay sound to decrease at the
timing decided by the seamless function.
It is not necessarily preferable to leave the seamless function on normally. Rather, it should be
switched on and off to suit the musical circumstances under which patches are switched. (The
on/off status of the seamless function can be stored for each patch.)

By combining the seamless and hold functions, you can perform solo by using new patches while
holding the riff and rhythm pattern (repeat playback). For details, see [12. Effect Parameters] .

Conventional patch switching

Patch is switched

PATCH 1 PATCH 2

Sound is cut

Seamless function

Patch is switched

PATCH 1 PATCH 2

PATCH 1 delay

The delay sound of PATCH 1

overlaps the sound of PATCH 2

STORE

EDIT

TUNER CAL.

EDIT VAL.

BANK

+

–

ZOOM CORPORATION

MADE IN JAPAN

INPUT DC 9V CONTROL IN OUTPUT

300mA

[PHONES]

UPDOWN

BYPASS

SEAMLESS MODE
HOLD/TAP

EFFECT MIX

TONE

FEEDBACK

BANK HOLD

(x100mS)
(x1mS)

DLY TIME

•DELAY•T

WIN DELAY

•ECHO •

TMULTI TAP

DELAY TYPE

OUTPUT INPUT

Front Panel

Rear Panel

TUNER indicator

In the 508, this indicator shows that the tuner is active, and it serves as a
gauge for fine tuning your instrument.

• BATTERY EMPTY WARNING display

When the unit is powered from the battery, this indicator begins flashing
to warn that the battery is running low.

STORE key

When the contents of patches are to be stored, this key is used for putting
the unit in store standby status and to execute the store function.

• Setting of direct load function

When the STORE key is pressed for at least 1 second during Play mode
(during performance), the direct load function can be switched on or off.
[For details, see 10. Patch Switching (Application: Direct Load OFF).]

EDIT key (for creating your own patches)

This key serves to toggle between the Play mode and Edit mode (mode
for creating patches to suit your taste).
In Edit mode, this key can be used to select the effect parameters you
wish to change. Also, when the effect parameter HOLD/TAP is selected,
press this EDIT key to return from the Edit mode to the Play mode.

• Setting of bank hold function

When the EDIT key is held down for at least 1 second in Play mode, the
bank hold function is turned on or off. [For details, see 9. Patch
Switching (Application: Bank Hold ON).]

INPUT jack

Serves for connecting the guitar.
When the unit is powered by the battery, this jack also functions as the
power on/off switch. The 508 is powered on by plugging a shielded cable
into this jack. When the unit is not in use, the cable should be
disconnected to prevent battery drain.

DC IN (AC adapter) jack

Serves for connecting an AC adapter (Zoom AD-0006) which delivers 9
VDC, 300 mA with a "center minus" plug configuration. The 508 is
powered on by plugging an AC adapter into this jack.

CONTROL IN jack

When the optional FP01 expression pedal and FS01 foot switch are
connected to this jack it can serve as the external control jack.
When the optional expression pedal FP01 is connected, it can serve for
controlling the mix level of the effect.
When the optional foot switch FS01 is connected, chorus can be switched
on or off externally.

DISPLAY

Displays information required to operate the 508.

• Play mode

Displays the selected bank (A-F) and patch (1-4).

• Edit mode

Displays the value of the selected effect parameter.

• Bypass/Tuner mode

Shows the pitch of the input signal.

PARAMETER CURSOR indicator

• Play mode

The status of the DELAY indicator and the SEAMLESS indicator
(illuminated, flashing, or off) shows whether the effect module and the
Seamless function are on or off respectively.

• Edit mode

The status of the DELAY indicator and the SEAMLESS indicator
(illuminated or off) shows whether the effect module and the Seamless
function are on or off respectively. Also, the effect parameter selected for
editing flashes.

• Bypass/Tuner mode

Indicators function as tuning meter.

VALUE +/- keys

• Play mode

The keys serve for bank switching.

• Edit mode

The keys serve for changing the effect parameter.

• Bypass/Tuner mode

The keys serve for setting the tuner reference pitch (calibration).

PATCH UP (right)/DOWN (left) pedals

• Play mode

The pedals serve for patch switching. Pressing both pedals
simultaneously activates the Bypass/Tuner mode.

• Edit mode

The pedals serve for selecting effect parameters. Also, when a parameter
other than Hold/Tap is currently selected, pressing both pedals
simultaneously activates the hold function (for extending the delay
sound) and tap function (for setting the delay time in the intervals
between pressing the foot switch).

• Bypass/Tuner mode

Pressing either pedal cancels the Bypass/Tuner mode to return to Play
mode.

OUTPUT jack

This jack is for the output signal from the 508. You can connect either a
single guitar amplifier, using a monaural shielded cable, or two guitar
amplifiers, using a Y-type stereo shielded cable, or a pair of stereo
headphones. If the volume level is low when using headphones, use
headphones with low impedance (32 ohms or less).

5

3 4

6

BANK A

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK b

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK C

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK d

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK E

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK F

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

PATCH PATCH NAME COMMENT

LEAD DELAY
SPACY ARPEGGIO
SOUND ON SOUND
JAZZ CLUB
MUTE CUTTING
DEEP OLD DELAY
ODD METER
WARM WRAP
DOTTED EIGHT
SWEET TONE TRIPLET
EDGE DELAY
HOLLOW BODY
BRIGHT DELAY
RHYTHM BOUNCE
ETHNIC
MY ROOM
150 BPM
SHADOW
SHORT REVERB
HQ DUBBLING
4 SEC DELAY
SOFT ECHO
COMB FILTER
SHORT ECHO

1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4

BANK

A

b

C

d

E

F

Long delay for lead play
Fantastic effect by twin delay
Play Brian's harmony
Room ambience for jazz guitar
Good for muted cutting play
Old fashioned echo sound
Progressive rock?
Warm echo sound
Makes dotted eighth note
Makes triplet rhythm
Enhanced effect
Makes acoustic feel sound using comb filter
Long delay effect with bright tone
Play sixteenth single
Imagine Arabian desert
Room ambience using stereo echo
Playing quarter note makes eighth note
70's echo sound
Small reverberation effect
Fat doubling effect, good for distortion sound
Ultra long delay with much feedback
Analog feeling echo sound
Intense comb filter effect
Short echo sound for global use

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 508 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.

The effects of the 508 can
be turned off (bypassed)
temporarily, so that only the
original sound of the
instrument is heard. In this
mode, the auto-chromatic
tuning function via the LED
display is also active.

Bypass mode

Pressing both patch pedals
simultaneously activates the
Bypass mode.

To cancel the Bypass mode,
simply press one of the patch pedals. The unit then reverts to the previously selected patch.

Tuner mode

The 508 is initially set so that the auto-chromatic tuning function for the guitar activates
automatically when the Bypass mode is invoked. In Bypass 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
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).

NOTE: Please note that the tuning function may not operate properly if other effect modules between the

guitar and the 508 are on.

Selecting Patches

Using the Bypass/Tuner Mode

PATCH

DOWN

PATCH

UP

Patch switching

24 patches are available

Bank switching

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

BANK UP

BANK DOWN

BANK F

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK E

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK d

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK C

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK b

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK A

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

Bypass ON/OFF

The bypass function is invoked by pressing the left and right
patch pedals simultaneously.
To cancel the Bypass/Tuner mode, just press one of the
patch pedals.

Calibration

Select reference pitch for auto-chromatic
guitar tuner (calibration).

Press both
pedals together

* The reference pitch (A) can be adjusted in the range
from 435 to 445 Hz. When the BANK key is pressed
in Bypass/Tuner mode, this is shown as "35" to "45"
on the display for a second. Adjust to the suitable
value. At power-on, the setting is 440 Hz (40).

Tuner ON/OFF

Pressing the EDIT key and the STORE key simultaneously for more than one second in
Play mode will allow you to select whether or not to activate the tuning function in Bypass
mode. When you change the setting, the display will show"tunEr oFF" (tuning function off)
or "tunEr on" (tuning function on) according to the setting.

Pitch is too high Correctly tuned Pitch is too low

7

8

Bank/patch switching

when Bank Hold is off

(initial setting)

Currently selected

patch is displayed

Press Release immediately Tuning function (only when the tuning function is ON)

Input signal

standby condition

Do = C

Do# = C#

Regular tuning

Re = D

4th string

Re# = D#

Regular tuning

Mi = E

Fa = F

6th string
1st string

Fa# = F#

Regular tuning

So = G

So# = G#

3rd string

Regular tuning

La = A

La# = A#

Regular tuning

Si = B

5th string

2nd string

In the initial setting, the patch
pedal switches all patches in
order, regardless of the bank
divisions.

The bank hold function limits
switching to the four patches
within a bank. When this
function is activated, the patch
pedals switch in order between
the patches in the current bank
only.

To activate this function, hold
the EDIT key down for at least
1 second in Play mode. The
BANK HOLD indicator will
light. To turn the function off,
again hold the EDIT key down
for at least 1 second. The
BANK HOLD indicator will go
off.

Banks can be switched using
the VALUE +/- keys.

In the default condition, the 508 is
set up in such a way that pressing a
patch pedal immediately switches
the patch and alters the output
sound. This is called Direct Load
ON. This switching principle is
most convenient when the desired
patches are adjacent or close to
each other. However, when
wanting to switch to a patch that is
further away, it may be desirable
not to activate the sound of the
other patches in between.

When this is desired, turn the
Direct Load function off as
follows. When Direct Load has
been turned off, switching banks
and patches has no effect until the
user confirms the selection.

For example, when going from
patch 1 to patch 4 with Direct Load active, patches 2
and 3 will briefly be heard when the patch UP pedal
is pressed three times. When Direct Load is off,
pressing the patch UP pedal will change the number
on the display (the number flashes), but until the
user confirms the choice, the sound remains that of
patch 1.

To turn Direct Load on or off, keep the STORE key
depressed for at least 1 second.
To confirm a choice after selecting a patch with
Direct Load off, press both patch pedals
simultaneously.

Patch Switching (Application: Bank Hold ON)

Patch Switching (Application: Direct Load OFF)

9

10

Bank/patch switching

when Bank Hold is on

Confirm

Example: Switching from patch 1 to patch 4

Patch switching completed

Bank Hold ON

Keeping the EDIT key depressed for at least 1 second activates Bank
Hold. To cancel Bank Hold, press the EDIT key again for 1 second.

Bank switching

Banks A, b, C, d, E, F
can be switched.

PATCH

DOWN

PATCH

UP

Patch switching

4 patches within bank can be switched.

BANK F

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK HOLD ON

BANK UP

BANK HOLD OFF

BANK A

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK b

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK C

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK DOWN

BANK d

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

BANK E

PATCH 1
PATCH 2
PATCH 3
PATCH 4

DIRECT LOAD OFF

Keeping STORE key depressed for 1 second
turns Direct Load off.
The same procedure serves to turn it on.

PATCH

DOWN

Bank switching

Banks A, b, C, d, E, F
can be switched.

PATCH

UP

Patch switching

Patches can be switched.

Confirming a patch

When display indication flashes, pressing
both patch pedals together confirms the
patch and switches the output sound.

Press both pedals together

The 508 comes with 24 predefined patches. However, the 508 offers many more possibilities for
combining effects in innovative ways. To discover these possibilities, we recommend that you try
changing the parameters (elements that make up patches) to create your own patches. This
operation is called editing, and is done in the Edit mode.

To switch from normal Play mode to Edit mode, press the EDIT key briefly (for less than 1
second).

* Note that if the EDIT key is held down for 1 second or longer, the Bank Hold mode will be activated.

Immediately after switching from Play
mode to Edit mode, the parameter cursor
flashes at the highest position (Delay
type parameter), and the setting for that
parameter is displayed. This means that
the Delay type parameter has been
selected for editing.

In Edit mode, the EDIT key is used for selecting the parameter for editing. Each time the EDIT
key is pressed the parameter cursor moves one position down. The flashing position shows which
parameter is selected for editing.

The correlations between parameter cursor LEDs and parameters are shown below.

• 1st parameter cursor LED: Delay type selection

• 2nd parameter cursor LED:Delay time/delay time setting (in units of 100 ms)

• 3rd parameter cursor LED: Delay time/delay time setting (in units of 1 ms)

• 4th parameter cursor LED: Feedback setting

• 5th parameter cursor LED: Delay tone setting.

• 6th parameter cursor LED: Delay mix level setting

• 7th parameter cursor LED: Seamless function setting

• 8th parameter cursor LED: Hold/tap function switching

Use the VALUE +/- keys to change parameters. By pressing one of the keys briefly, the value will
increment or decrement by 1. By holding one of the keys down, the value will increment or decrement
continuously. By holding down one key and then pressing the other key, the values will change rapidly
in the direction of the first key pressed. Also, pressing the VALUE +/- keys simultaneously will skip the
value of some parameters.

For an explanation of the various parameters, see 12 Effect Parameters.
When the EDIT key is pressed while the eighth parameter (Hold/Tap) cursor LED flashes, Edit mode is

canceled and the unit returns to Play mode.

Editing Patches

(1) Use the EDIT key or patch pedal to select
the parameter you wish to change.

(2) Use the VALUE +/- keys
to adjust the parameter.

(3) While the eighth parameter cursor LED is flashing,
press the EDIT key to return to Play mode.

Hd

tp

tp

A1

11

Patches in the 508 are called effect parameters, made up of elements that decide the tone. Some effect parameters
decide the delay type (delay functions and characteristics), and others decide the delay time and feedback.

In compact effectors, the delay type is equivalent to the individual effectors, and the other parameters are equivalent
to the control knobs on the effector. This section describes all the effect parameters constituting the patches of the

508.

Effect Parameters

12

Selects the delay type.
Two variations can be selected for each of DELAY, TWIN DELAY, ECHO, and MULTI TAP DELAY, for a total of eight types.

Monaural delay
enabling
extremely long
delay of 4000 ms
maximum.

nd

NORMAL DELAY

Twin delay enabling two types of delay
having different delay times, Tap 1
(delay time of 4000 ms max.) and Tap
2 (half the delay time of Tap 1). When
feedback is set to zero, triple overlay
can be achieved (creates the
impression that three players are
performing).

nt

NORMAL TWIN DELAY (MON)

Stereo version of
NORMAL TWIN
DELAY. Tap 1 is
output to the left
channel and Tap 2 to
the right channel.

St

STEREO TWIN DELAY

Stereo version of
NORMAL DELAY.
The delay sound is
output alternately
from the left and
right channels.

pd

PINGPONG DELAY

The setting ranges are , , , , , , ,

nd pd nt St nE SE M4 M6

Delay time is set in units of 100 ms. In combination with PARAMETER 3, you can set from 1 ms up
to 4000 ms. When you press the +/- keys simultaneously, the value changes in tens -- 10, 20...90, 99.

Delay

type

Selection of parameters to
change

As described in 11. Editing Patches, parameters to be edited are
selected by repeatedly pressing the EDIT key, but you can also use
the patch pedals for this purpose.
Press the PATCH UP pedal (right patch pedal) to move the
parameter cursor from the bottom up.

Press the PATCH DOWN pedal (left patch pedal) to move the
parameter cursor from the top down.

Switching effects on and off

Normally, the bypass function is used for turning the delay
function off during performance. However, a patch should be
prepared with the effect turned off if you do not want to use a
delay sound with the next patch when using the seamless function
to hold the delay sound of the previous patch.

To turn the effect off, enter Edit mode and select a parameter
other than Hold/Tap, and press the left and right patch pedals
simultaneously. This operation turns the effect off, and the
parameter cursor LEDs for DELAY TYPE will go off. Further, the
display will change as below.

Display for effect off when the Delay Type parameter
has been selected.

Display for effect off when another parameter (except
Hold/Tap) has been selected.

To turn the effect on again, enter Edit mode (regardless of the
parameter currently selected) and press both patch pedals
simultaneously. The parameter setting will return to the original
value (the parameter value immediately before being turned off).
Also, the effect can be turned off by pressing either of the VALUE
+/- keys in Edit mode.

Master level adjustment

With the 508 you are also able to set the master effect level that
governs the overall effect output level.
The master effect level is adjusted in Play mode. Hold the VALUE
+/- keys down simultaneously for at least 1 second. The current
master level will be displayed for 1 second.
While the level is being displayed, use the VALUE +/- keys to
change it. The setting range is 0-50. (Default value = 40)
The unit does not store the setting for the master effect level. Each
time the power is turned on it has to be set again.

Hold function

The Hold function allows you to press the optional FS01 foot
switch to start sampling (recording) the performance, and play
back the recording repeatedly until you press the foot switch
again.
The Hold function has two modes; Manual mode that allows you
to specify the end point of sampling using the foot switch, and
Auto mode in which the sampling operation is performed for a
period of delay time set in the patch.

Preparation for using the Hold function

To use the Hold function, connect the FS01 foot switch to the
CONTROL IN jack. Also, select the patch that has a setting of
Hd for the Hold/Tap parameter.

Manual mode operation

Press the FS01 to start sampling while playing the guitar, and
press the FS01 again before the delay time set in the patch
expires. The performance made from when you press the FS01
first until when you press it the second time will be sampled and
held (played back repeatedly). (The HOLD/TAP indicator will
light up.)
When you press the FS01 for the third time, the sampled

performance will be played back to the end, then the Hold
function will be canceled. (The HOLD/TAP indicators will go
off.)

Auto mode operation

Press the FS01 while playing the guitar, and sampling starts.
Sampling ends when the duration of the delay time set for that
patch, expires, and playback will begin automatically. (The
HOLD/TAP indicator will light up.)
When you press the FS01 again, the recording will be played
back just one more time to the end and the Hold function will be
canceled. (The HOLD/TAP indicator will go off.)

* In Manual mode you may want to set the delay time longer, and

in Auto mode set it so that it will match the tempo of the song.

*The hold function can be used by pressing the left and right patch

pedals simultaneously instead of pressing the FS01. However,
for this case, it can be used only in the status selected for the
Hold/Tap parameter in Edit mode.

* When connecting the FS01, be sure to switch the power off

beforehand. Also, if the FS01 is not working as you had
expected, switch off the unit and then switch it on again.

TAP

The tap function sets the delay time to match the time between
when the FS01 is pressed once and then again. This is a handy
function for setting the delay time to match the tempo of the music.

To use the tap function, the FS01 foot switch must be connected
via the CONTROL IN jack. Also, the patch must be selected in
advance with the setting tP for the Hold/Tap parameter.
Once preparations are complete, press the FS01 and then press it
once again within 4 seconds. This operation will set the interval
for the delay time of the patch currently selected.

*If the pedal is not pressed twice within 4 seconds, the setting for

the tap function is not valid, and the delay time for the patch
will not change.

*The tap function can be used by pressing the left and right patch

pedals simultaneously instead of pressing the FS01. However,
for this case, it can be used only in the status selected for the
Hold/Tap parameter in Edit mode.

* When connecting the FS01, be sure to switch the power off

beforehand. Also, if the FS01 is not working as you had
expected, switch off the unit and then switch it on again.

PARAMETER 1

DELAY TIME

(X100 ms)

PARAMETER 2

DELAY type

Using a short delay time
will create an echo effect
similar to reverb, and
using a long delay time
will create a spacious
echo effect you might
experience on top of a
mountain.

nE

NORMAL ECHO (MONO)

Stereo version
of ECHO.

SE

STEREO ECHO

ECHO type

Rhythmical multi-tap
delay enabling four
types of tap
(independent delay).

M4

MULTI TAP DELAY

(4 TAPS)

Multi-tap delay
enabling four types
of tap.

M6

MULTI TAP DELAY

(6 TAPS)

MULTI TAP DELAY typeTWIN DELAY type

Adjusts the feedback of the delay time.

FEEDBACK

PARAMETER 4

Range of setting

↔

0 99

Adjusts the mix of the delay for the original sound.

EFFECT MIX

PARAMETER 6

Range of setting

↔

0 50

This parameter is used when the optional FS01 foot switch is connected to the CONTROL IN jack, or
when the left and right patch pedals are used to invoke the hold function (for holding the delay sound)
or the TAP function (sets the delay time for when the foot switch is pressed). The function used is set
for each patch.

HOLD/TAP

PARAMETER 8

Range of setting

,

Hd tP

Sets the length of the overlap of delay sound by the seamless function when the current patch is
switched to a different patch.

SEAMLESS

MODE

PARAMETER 7

Range of setting

,,••• ,,

oF

0.5

1.0

9.5

10 oo

The function of this parameter varies depending on the setting range and the selected delay type.

TONE

PARAMETER 5

Range of setting

↔

0 40

Delay time is set in units of 1 ms. This parameter is used for fine adjustment of the delay time roughly
set with PARAMETER 2.

DELAY TIME

(X1 ms)

PARAMETER 3

Range of setting

↔

0 99

*When types are switched the other parameter settings do not change.

Range of setting

↔

41 50

The larger the value, the longer the delay time.

The larger the value, the longer the delay time.
When PARAMETER 2 is set to "0", the setting range becomes 1 - 99.
When you press the +/- keys simultaneously, the value changes in tens -- 10,

20...90, 99.

The larger the value, the longer the delay time. When you press the +/- keys
simultaneously, the value changes in tens -- 10, 20...90, 99.

In this range, the parameter determines the delay sound Hi Boost (degree to
which the high-range delay is boosted) for any delay type. Larger values
result in brighter, harder tone.

Larger values result in a higher mix level for the delay sound. When you press
the +/- keys simultaneously, the value changes in tens -- 10, 20...50.

When the display indicates Hd, the hold function can be used. When the display
indicates tP, the tap function can be used.

When the display indicates oF, the seamless
function is off. In the range from 0.5 to 10,
the time set by this parameter will overlap,
regardless of the delay time set in the patch.
When the display indicates oo, the delay
sound is held for a period of time set in the
patch.

In this range, the function of the parameter varies depending on the delay
type selected in PARAMETER 1.

• When a delay type has been selected

Sets the delay sound Hi Damp (effect where the high range is suppressed
as the delay repeats).
Smaller values result in faster suppression of the high-range delay.

• When a type other than delay type has been selected

Sets the delay sound Hi Cut (smaller values result in the high-range delay
is cut).

Range of setting

↔

0

40

!

HINT

@

HINT

#

HINT

$

oF

--

%

(1) While still in Play mode, select
the patch you wish to edit.

(2) Press the EDIT key to
activate the Edit mode.

HINT

Original

dry sound

Effect

sound

Sampling

Press foot switch
(first time)

Sampling

starts

Original

dry sound

Effect

sound

HINT

Sampling
Delay time

Press foot switch
(first time)

Sampling

starts

Measuring delay time
(valid up to 4 seconds)

Press foot switch
(first time)

Press foot switch
(second time)

Sampling

Sampling

stops

plays back

Sampling

Sampling

stops

plays back

Press foot switch
(second time)

Press foot switch
(third time)

Hold function

canceled

Press foot switch
(second time)

Hold function

canceled

Time

Time

Time

If you have edited (altered) a patch and turn the 508 off without storing the patch, the patch will
revert to its old setting. To store an edited patch, use the following simple procedure.

Storing can be carried out in both Play mode and Edit mode. After you have edited the patch,

press the STORE key. If the unit is currently in Play mode, release the key before 1 second
has elapsed, otherwise the Direct Load function will be activated.

The display starts to flash. This condition is called the store standby condition. If you wish,

you can abandon the store procedure at this point by pressing the EDIT key. If you press the
STORE key once more, the contents of the patch are updated.

You can also change the patch number before storing, so that the edited patch will be stored in

a different number.

In this case, the original patch that was used as a starting point for editing will not be changed.

If the tuning indicator flashes while the unit is being powered from the battery, the battery is
exhausted and should be replaced as described below.
Since the 508 has fairly high rated power consumption, use only a 6LR61 9 V (alkaline) battery.
Using another kind of battery will result in shorter operation.

The 508 comes with 24 predefined patches that have been programmed at the factory. Also after
you have edited and stored your own patches, you can return to the factory default settings at any
time. This process is called "recalling". Returning all 24 patches to the original contents and
resetting the Bank Hold and Direct Load functions is called "all initialize".

The Recall mode is separate from the Play mode and Edit mode. You cannot switch directly to
Recall mode from these modes. The Recall mode can only be activated by turning the unit on in
a special way, as described below.

1. Turn the unit off by disconnecting the AC adapter or the guitar input cable.

2. Keep the STORE key depressed and turn the unit on.

3. The indication "AL" flashes on the display.

4. To perform "all initialize", press the STORE key once more in this condition. The
flashing rate increases and the initialization procedure is carried out. When it is
completed, the unit automatically enters the Play mode.

5. When wishing to recall only a particular patch, select the patch number in step 3,
using the same procedure as for normal patch selection.

6. When the desired patch has been selected, press the STORE key. The flashing rate
increases and the contents of the selected patch are recalled.

7. Recalling of individual patches can be carried out continuously. When you wish to
terminate the process, press the EDIT key. The unit then returns to the Play
mode. Turning the unit off also terminates the recall condition.

Effects: 8 (4 types x 2 variations)

Monaural Delay, Pingpong Delay, Monaural Twin Delay, Stereo
Twin Delay, Monaural Echo, Stereo Echo, Multi 4 Tap Delay, Multi
6 Tap Delay

Special Functions: Seamless patch change, delay time, tap set, hold delay
Banks and Patches: 6 banks x 4 patches = 24 patches (edit + store possible)
Analog/Digital Conversion: 18 bit, 128 times oversampling
Digital/Analog Conversion: 16 bit, linear
Sampling Frequency: 31.25 kHz
Input: Guitar input (standard monaural phone jack)
Rated input level: -20 dBm
Input impedance: 470 kilohms
Output: Combined line/headphone output (standard stereo phone jack)

Max. output level: +6 dBm
Output load impedance: 10 kilohms or more

Control Input: For optional FP01 or FS01
Display: 2-digit, 7-segment LED, tuning indicator, parameter cursor indicator
Power Requirements: Optional AC adapter 9 VDC, 300 mA (Zoom AD-0006)

Battery: 6LR61 9 V (alkaline) battery x 1
Battery life: Approx. 4 h continuous operation

Dimensions: 147 (W) x 157 (D) x 48 (H) mm
Weight: 480 g (without batteries)

* 0 dBm = 0.775 Vrms
* Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Storing Patches

Replacing the Battery

Returning Patches to Factory Settings

Specifications

13

14

15

16

1. Turn the 508 upside down and
open the cover of the battery
compartment. (Push the catch to
unlock the cover, then lift it up.)

2. Remove the battery from the
compartment and disconnect the
battery cable. (Grasp the
terminal strip and do not pull at
the cable.)

3. Connect the battery cable to the
new battery, taking care to
observe correct polarity (+/-).
Then insert the battery into the
battery compartment.

4. Close the battery compartment
cover, taking care not to pinch
the cable. (Make sure that the
cover is properly locked.)

(2) Press the STORE key.
(Unit enters store standby mode.)

A1

(1) Edit the patch as desired.

A1

(3) Select the patch for storing.

Cover

6LR61 9 V (alkaline) battery

b4

Cable

(4) Press the STORE key once more.
(Store process is completed.)

b4

b4