Zoom A1 Four Service Manual

Multi-Effects Processor

Operation Manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.

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Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM Multi-Effects Processor.

This multi-effect processor has a variety of effects, including reverb, chorus and distortion, that can be used in combination to alter the sound. Effect combinations and parameter settings can be saved as patch memories to be recalled and used whenever you like. First, try switching through the preset patch memories to experience how they affect the sound.

Understanding the features of each effect is important for making them most of them and designing your own sounds. By turning off the effects in a preset patch memory one at time, you should be able to quickly learn their roles. If understanding how a sound is being changed is difcult, try turning off all but one of the effects and adjusting its parameters as you play. The order of the effects also impacts the sound. Experimenting with the effect order could bring you closer to your desired sound.

This Multi-Effects Processor allows you to easily enjoy a variety of sounds. We hope you will enjoy using it for many years.

Main features of the

Craft sounds intuitively with easy operations

Quick intuitive sound creation is possible with operation just like a compact effect/stomp box.

MAA-1 mic adapter

The effects can also be applied to an acoustic instrument by connecting a mic with an XLR connector using the MAA-1. Moreover, phantom power (+48V) can be supplied, allowing use with clip-on mics and other condenser microphones.

Effect sounds that are optimized for use with acoustic instruments

In addition to core effects from our most recent G Series, this processor includes well-regarded acoustic guitar effects from our AC Series as well as effects optimized for a variety of acoustic instruments. Performance using effects is possible free of worry about feedback by using the anti-feedback effect, Moreover, using the free Guitar Lab effect management application on a computer (Mac/Windows), you can add effects that are distributed online as well as edit and back up patch memories, for example.

Rhythm patterns with great versatility

Simple rhythm patterns that can be used with a variety of genres are built in.

30-second looper

Sound-on-sound performance is possible using the looper capable of recording up to 30 seconds. Moreover, this is convenient when using acoustic instruments that are loud unamplied because putting the looper at the beginning of the effect chain allows sound to be played once, then looped and manipulated without additional playing.

Equalization (EQ) can be quickly adjusted to suit performance conditions

In MEMORY and STOMP modes, 3 EQ (Lo/Mid/Hi) knobs and a volume (Vol) knob can be used to adjust the output. These enables quick adjustments even if the performance environment changes.

Long operation on batteries

Continuous operation for about 18 hours is possible using 4 AA batteries (when the LCD backlight is off).

2

Terms used in this manual

Patch memory

A “patch memory” stores effect ON/OFF states and parameter setting values. Effects are saved and recalled in units of patch memories. Five effects can be added to one patch memory, and the

can store up to 50 patch memories.

Bank

One group of 10 patch memories is a “bank”. Patch memories can be quickly recalled by switching banks. The has 5 banks.

Effect type

Effect types cover a variety of effects, including reverb, chorus and distortion. Effects can be selected from these types to be added to patch memories.

MEMORY mode

Use this mode to select patch memories with the footswitches.

STOMP mode

Use this mode to turn effects in a patch memory on and off with the footswitches.

EDIT mode

In this mode, edit the types and parameters and effects used in a patch memory.

PRESELECT

This function allows you to switch to a patch memory at any location while continuing to use the tone of the currently selected patch memory.

BANK HOLD

This function allows patch memory switching to be limited to the current bank.

AUTO SAVE

This function automatically saves changes to patch memories and effect settings.

ECO mode

This function will automatically turn the power off 10 hours after the last operation.

Anti-feedback

This function can detect and cut the frequency band that is feeding back to reduce it.

3

Names of parts

Front Panel

Display

This shows information, including the names of the selected patch memory and its effects and their parameter values

Mode switch

Press this to cycle through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes.

Parameter knobs

Use these to adjust effect parameters and to make various settings.

RHYTHM button

Press to activate the rhythm.

Effect/bank buttons

In MEMORY mode, these change banks. In STOMP mode, these turn effects ON/OFF. In EDIT mode, these select effects and turn them ON/OFF.

/ buttons

Use these to switch effects in EDIT mode. These have the same functions as the / footswitches.

/ footswitches

In MEMORY mode, use these to switch patch memories. In STOMP mode, use these to select effects and turn them ON/OFF, for example.

SETTING button

This opens the SETTING screen.

LOOPER button

Press to activate the looper.

7

Expression pedal ( only)

When an effect in the PEDAL category is selected, this adjusts the amount of that effect. ( “Setting

pedal effects” on page 56)

Rear Panel

Pedal switch ( only)

When an effect in the PEDAL category is in use, this turns that effect ON/OFF.

Input jack

Connect an instrument here.

AUX IN jack

Connect an audio device or other external sound source here.

HINT

Signals input through the AUX IN jack will be sent to the OUTPUT jack directly without passing through the built-in effects.

AC adapter connector

Connect the dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) here.

USB port

Connect a computer or other external device here. By using Guitar Lab, you can manage patch memories and edit and add effects, for example, from a computer. You can also connect a mobile battery, for example, to provide power.

OUTPUT jack

Connect a PA system or headphones here.

8

Loading batteries

Open the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the product and insert 4 AA batteries.

1.

Close the battery compartment cover.

2.

NOTE

Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately. (

HINT

• If a dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) is connected, it can run on AC power.

• Power for operation can also be supplied through the USB port.

ECO mode overview

• By default, ECO mode setting is ON, so the power will automatically turn off if no use occurs for 10 hours. ECO mode can also be set to “OFF” on the SETTING screen. (

•

“Setting the type of batteries used” on page 37)

“Setting the ECO mode” on page 38)

9

Connecting

MAA-1

6

4

1、7

25 3

Minimize the volume of the output device.

1.

To use AC power supply, connect the dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) to the AC adapter jack and

2.

an outlet.

This turns the

To use a computer, connect a USB cable (not included) to the USB port and the computer.

3.

power ON.

When using USB bus power to operate the

Guitar Lab

By using Guitar Lab, you can manage patch memories and edit and add effects, for example, from a computer. Download Guitar Lab from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp/).

Connect an instrument to the INPUT jack.

4.

When using battery power to operate the

Use the MAA-1 to connect a mic. (

To use external input, connect a portable audio player or other device to the AUX IN jack.

5.

HINT

Signals input through the AUX IN jack will be sent to the OUTPUT jack directly without passing through the built-in effects.

Connect a PA system or headphones to the OUTPUT jack.

6.

Raise the output device volume.

7.

“Connecting a mic using the MAA-1” on page 11)

, connecting this cable will turn it ON.

, connecting to this will turn it ON.

10

Connecting a mic using the MAA-1

Using the MAA-1 to connect a mic to the , it can be enjoyed with instruments that do not have pickups, including harmonicas, violins, trumpets, saxophones and other string and brass instruments.

Putting batteries into the MAA-1

Press and slide the battery compartment cover down to open it.

1.

Insert 2 AA batteries.

2.

Close the battery compartment cover.

3.

11

Turn the MAA-1 power on.

Set to the ON position.

1.

will light red.

When connecting a condenser mic or other device that requires phantom power, set it to the +48V position.

NOTE

When connecting devices that are not compatible with phantom power, do not set to +48V. Doing so could damage the device.

Adjusting the MAA-1 input level

Turn .

1.

Adjust so that

If the input level is too high,

lights green.

will light red.

12

Adjusting the overall audio character and output level

In MEMORY or STOMP mode, turn – .

1.

Function Operation

Adjust the level of low frequencies

Adjust the level of middle frequencies

Adjust the level of high frequencies

Adjust the overall level

HINT

These adjustments are retained even when the patch memory is changed.

Turn

13

Using patch memories (MEMORY mode)

The manages effects in patch memories. A patch memory can have up to ve effects and save their ON/OFF states and parameter settings.

Patch memory

IN OUT

Up to 50 patch memories can be created. Groups of 10 patch memories are organized into banks, so effects can be quickly recalled by switching banks. Select patch memories to use in MEMORY mode.

1 2 3 4 5

Effect

Switching to MEMORY mode.

HINT

MEMORY mode is shown when the starts up.

When using STOMP or EDIT mode, press .

1.

Pressing

repeatedly, cycles through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes in order.

14

Selecting patch memories and banks

Switching patch memories

Press or .

1.

This changes the patch memory.

Function Operation

Switch to lower-numbered patch memory

Switch to higher-numbered patch memory

HINT

• By continuing to press

• By using the PRESELECT function, you can switch to a patch memory at any location while continuing to use the tone of the currently selected patch memory. (

33)

When using the BANK HOLD function, switching is limited to patch memories in the same bank. (

•

“Setting the BANK HOLD function” on page 36)

or , you can continuously switch patch memories.

Press

“Setting the PRESELECT function” on page

Switching banks

Press – .

1.

This changes the bank. The LED for the selected bank lights.

Function Operation

Switch to patch memory numbers 10 – 19

Switch to patch memory numbers 20 – 29

Switch to patch memory numbers 30 – 39

Switch to patch memory numbers 40 – 49

Switch to patch memory numbers 50 – 59

Press

15

Changing individual patch memory settings

Select the patch memory with settings you want to change.

1.

Press .

2.

This opens the SETTING screen.

Press .

3.

This opens the patch memory setting screen.

The patch memory level and name can be changed. (

16, “Changing patch memory names” on page 17)

Changing patch memory levels

Turn .

1.

This changes the patch memory level.

HINT

“Changing patch memory levels” on page

• Press

• In addition to settings for individual patch memories, the overall volume and EQ of the

page 13)

to end patch memory setting and return to the original screen.

can also be changed. ( “Adjusting the overall audio character and output level” on

16

Changing patch memory names

Turn .

1.

This moves the cursor.

Turn .

2.

This changes the character at the cursor position.

HINT

• Press

• The characters and symbols that can be used are as follows. A–Z, a–z, 0–9, ! # $ % & ' () +, -. ; = @ [] ^ _ ` { } ~ (space)

• Turn

to end patch memory setting and return to the original screen.

to change the character type.

17

Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches (STOMP mode)

In STOMP mode, you can turn effects ON/OFF with footswitches.

Activating STOMP mode

When using MEMORY or EDIT mode, press .

1.

Pressing

repeatedly, cycles through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes in order.

18

Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches

Press .

1.

Select the effect to control.

The selected effect is shown with light and dark inverted.

Press repeatedly to move the selection to the right.

Press .

2.

This turns the effect ON/OFF.

ON

To turn an effect ON/OFF by hand, press the – button that corresponds to the effect position.

OFF

19

Editing effects (EDIT mode)

In EDIT mode, you can change the effects used in patch memories and adjust their parameters.

Patch memory

Effect

1 2 3 4 5

EDIT mode screen

Activating EDIT mode

Select a patch memory in MEMORY mode.

1.

Press .

2.

Pressing

repeatedly, cycles through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes in order.

20

Zoom A1 Four Service Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

Terms used in this manual

Contents

Names of parts

Loading batteries

Connecting

Connecting a mic using the MAA-1

Using patch memories (MEMORY mode)

Switching to MEMORY mode.

Selecting patch memories and banks

Changing individual patch memory settings

Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches (STOMP mode)

Activating STOMP mode

Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches

Editing effects (EDIT mode)

Activating EDIT mode