ZOOM A2 Operation Manual
Operation Manual
© ZOOM Corporation
Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part,
by any means, is prohibited.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Usage Precautions
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:
This symbol indicates explanations about extremely
dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and
handle the device the wrong way, serious injury or
arning
death could result.
This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous
matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the
device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to
Caution
the equipment could result.
Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to
ensure hazard-free use of the A2.
Power requirements
Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we
arning
recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever
possible. When powering the unit from batteries, use
only alkaline types.
[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 at the cable.
• During lightning or when not using the unit for an
extended period, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC
outlet.
[Battery operation]
• Use four conventional IEC R6 (size AA) batteries
(alkaline).
• The A2 cannot be used for recharging.
•Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make
sure you choose the correct type.
• When not using the unit for an extended period, remove
the batteries 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.
Environment
To prevent the risk of fire, electric shock or
arning
malfunction, avoid using your A2 in environments
where it will be exposed to:
• Extreme temperatures
• Heat sources such as radiators or stoves
• High humidity or moisture
• Excessive dust or sand
• Excessive vibration or shock
Handling
•Never place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
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the A2 since this can cause electric shock.
• Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,
on the A2 since this can cause fire.
• The A2 is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue
pressure on the keys and other controls. Also take care not
to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock or excessive
pressure.
•Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or
liquids can enter the unit.
Connecting cables and input and output
jacks
Caution
You should always turn off the power to the A2 and all
other equipment before connecting or disconnecting
any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all connection
cables and the power cord before moving the A2.
Alterations
Never open the case of the A2 or attempt to modify the
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product in any way since this can result in damage to
the unit.
Volume
Do not use the A2 at a loud volume for a long time
Caution
since this can cause hearing impairment.
Usage Precautions
Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the A2 has been designed to provide
maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic
radiation from inside the device, and protection from external
interference. However, equipment that is very susceptible to
interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves
should not be placed near the A2, as the possibility of
interference cannot be ruled out entirely.
With any type of digital control device, the A2 included,
electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can
corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the
risk of damage.
Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the A2. 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.
Please keep this manual in a convenient place for
future reference.
2
ZOOM A2
Contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Usage Precautions .............................. 2
Features......................................................................................... 4
Terms Used in This Manual ......................................................... 5
Controls and Functions / Connections ....................................... 6
Selecting a Patch .......................................................................... 8
Using the Tuner ........................................................................... 10
Using the Rhythm Function ....................................................... 12
Editing a Patch ............................................................................ 14
Storing/Copying Patches ........................................................... 16
Using the Feedback Control ...................................................... 18
Manual operation of feedback control .......................................18
Automatic detection of feedback frequency .............................19
Using Manual Mode .................................................................... 20
Using an Optional Foot Switch or Pedal ................................... 21
Using the foot switch (FS01) .......................................................21
Using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02)................................... 22
Restoring Factory Defaults ........................................................ 24
Linking Effects ............................................................................ 25
CONTROL module and GLOBAL module ..................................25
Effect Types and Parameters ..................................................... 26
How to read the parameter table ...............................................26
MODEL ........................................................................................... 27
MIC .................................................................................................28
COMP/LIMIT ...................................................................................28
LO EQ .............................................................................................28
HI EQ ...............................................................................................29
ZNR .................................................................................................29
MOD/EFX.........................................................................................29
DELAY/REVERB ............................................................................. 31
CONTROL .......................................................................................33
Specifications .............................................................................. 35
Troubleshooting .......................................................................... 35
GLOBAL ..........................................................................................34
A2 Preset Pattern ............................................................
Back cover
The FCC regulation warning (for U.S.A.)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
ZOOM A2
3
Features
Thank you for selecting the
effect processor for acoustic guitar with the following features.
Latest technology for top performance
●
Excellent sound quality is assured by signal processing circuitry featuring 96 kHz/24 bit sampling and
internal 32-bit processing. Frequency response remains flat to 40 kHz, and signal-to-noise ratio is an
amazing 100 dB.
Full array of effects optimized for acoustic guitar
●
Out of a versatile palette of 47 effects, up to eight (including ZNR) can be used simultaneously. In
addition to standard effects such as compressor and delay/reverb, the A2 offers effects which simulate
the sound of famous acoustic guitars, a mic simulator, and other specialized acoustic guitar effects.
Select optimum characteristics for pickups and amps
●
The A2 allows you to select the best frequency response for your pickup and amp. This is great for
eliminating sonic problems that can occur when playing an acoustic guitar through a guitar amplifier.
Automatic suppression of acoustic feedback
●
The feedback control feature pinpoints the frequency where acoustic feedback (howling) occurs and
provides an efficient cure. The function can be activated by foot switch during a performance.
●
Advanced interface
Rotary selectors and three parameter knobs make operation extremely quick and intuitive. The muting
interval when switching patches has been reduced to less than 8 milliseconds, allowing virtually
seamless patch changes.
ZOOM A2
(simply called the "A2" in this manual). The A2 is a sophisticated
●
Rhythm function and auto-chromatic tuner
Rhythm patterns created from highly realistic PCM sources are convenient for use instead of a
metronome during practice or for quick session work. The auto-chromatic tuner designed for guitar
makes tuning a snap.
●
Support for foot switch and expression pedal
By connecting an optional foot switch (FS01) to the CONTROL IN jack, you can switch banks, specify
the rhythm tempo, and switch feedback control on and off with your foot. Or use an expression pedal
(FP01/FP02) to vary the volume or tone in real time.
●
Dual power supply principle allows use anywhere
The A2 can be powered from four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries or an AC adapter. Continuous operating
time on batteries is approximately 7.5 hours with alkaline batteries.
Please take the time to read this manual carefully, in order to get the most out of your A2 and to ensure
optimum performance and reliability.
4
ZOOM A2
Terms Used in This Manual
This section explains some important terms that are used throughout the A2 documentation.
IN MODEL MIC
■
Effect module
As shown in the illustration above, the A2 can be
thought of as a combination of several single effects.
Each of these is referred to as an effect module.
Among others, there is a module for ZNR (ZOOM
Noise Reduction), as well as a modeling (sound
simulation) module (MODEL), compressor/limiter
module (COMP/LIMIT), modulation/special effects
module (MOD/EFX). Parameters such as effect
intensity can be adjusted for each module individually,
and modules can be switched on and off.
■
Effect type
Most effect modules comprise several different effects
which are referred to as effect types. For example, the
MOD/EFX module comprises chorus, flanger, delay,
phaser, and other effect types. Only one of these can
be selected at any time.
■
Effect parameter
All effect modules have various parameters that can
be adjusted. These are called effect parameters.
In the A2, effect parameters are adjusted with the
parameter knobs 1 - 3. Similar to the knobs on a
compact effect, these change aspects such as tonal
character and effect intensity. Which parameter is
assigned to each knob depends on the currently
selected effect module and effect type.
■
Patch
In the A2, effect module combinations are stored and
called up in units referred to as patches. A patch
COMP/LIMIT
LO EQ HI EQ ZNR
MOD/EFX
comprises information about the on/off status of each
effect module, about the effect type used in each
module, and about effect parameter settings. The
internal memory of the A2 holds 80 patches (40 of
these can be rewritten by the user).
●
Bank and area
A group of ten patches is called a bank. The memory
of the A2 comprises a total of eight banks, labelled A
to d and 0 to 3. Banks A - d form the user area which
allows read/write patches. Banks 0 to 3 are the preset
area of read-only.
The patches within each bank are numbered 0
through 9. To specify a patch, you use the format
"A1" (patch number 1 from bank A), "06" (patch
number 6 from bank 0), etc.
■
Modes
The A2 has the following operation modes.
●
Play mode
In this mode, patches can be selected and played.
●
Manual mode
In this mode, you play your instrument while
using the foot switches to turn the MOD/EFX
module or the feedback control function on and
off. The mode also is used for automatic
detection of acoustic feedback frequency.
●
Edit mode
In this mode, the effect parameters of a patch can
be edited (changed).
DELAY/REVERB
OUT
Operating the A2 on batteries
Turn the A2 over and open the cover
1.
of the battery compartment on the bottom.
A2
bottom view
Latch
Cover
Latch
Press the latch to release
it and then raise the cover.
ZOOM A2
Insert four fresh IEC R6
2.
(size AA) batteries.
Four IEC R6
(size AA) batteries
Insert batteries facing
in alternate directions.
Use four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries.
When the batteries are getting low, the
indication "bt" appears on the display.
Close the cover of
3.
the battery compartment.
Push the cover in until the
latch audibly snaps into
place.
5
Controls and Functions / Connections
Module selector
Switches between play / manual mode and edit mode.
In edit mode, the knob selects the module for operation.
BANK [-]/[+] keys
In play
switching to the next lower or higher bank.
In edit mode, the keys switch the effect type for the
currently selected module.
/ manual
mode, the keys serve for directly
[STORE] key
Serves for storing edited patches in memory.
[INPUT] jack
Serves for connecting of an acoustic guitar with a pickup,
an electroacoustic guitar, or an electric guitar.
■ About HI-GAIN mode
When using a magnetic pickup, a single-coil electric
guitar, or any other pickup with low output level, the
input gain of the A2 can be increased by selecting the
HI-GAIN mode.
To start the A2 in HI-GAIN mode
Turn power on while holding down the [W] foot switch.
The indication "Hi-GAin" scrolls on the display, and
input gain will be set to a higher value.
Top Panel
NOTE
The input gain setting is not stored in memory and will be
canceled when the unit is turned off. Perform the above
procedure every time at power-on, as needed.
[OUTPUT/PHONES] jack
This stereo phone jack can be used for
connection to a guitar amplifier or hi-fi
system. It is also possible to use a Y cable for
sending the output to two amplifiers, or to
plug a pair of stereo headphones into this jack.
6
Acoustic guitar
Headphones
PA system
ZOOM A2
Controls and Functions / Connections
Parameter knobs 1 - 3
These knobs allow changing the value of effect parameters or
the level of the overall patch. During rhythm playback, the
knobs let you select a pattern, set the tempo, and adjust the
rhythm volume.
RHYTHM [R/P] key
Serves to start/stop rhythm playback.
[MANUAL] key
Switches between play mode and manual mode. The key is lit
when the A2 is in manual mode.
Display
Shows patch numbers, setting values, and other information
about operating the A2.
[W]/[Q] foot switches
These switches serve for selecting patches, turning effect
modules on and off, controlling the tuner, and other
functions.
ZOOM A2
Rear Panel
AC adapter
[DC 9V] jack
An AC adapter (ZOOM AD-0006)
with a rated output of 9 volts DC,
300 mA (center minus plug) can be
plugged into this jack.
[POWER] switch
Turns the unit on and off.
[CONTROL IN] jack
Serves for connection of the optional foot switch
(FS01) or expression pedal (FP01/FP02).
FP01/FP02
FS01
7
Selecting a Patch
While playing your instrument, try out various patches to see what the A2 can do.
Turn power on
Use a shielded cable with mono phone plug
to connect your guitar to the [INPUT] jack
of the A2.
To power the A2 from the AC adapter,
plug the adapter into a wall outlet and
plug the cable from the adapter into the
[DC IN] jack on the A2.
Set the [POWER] switch on the rear
panel of the A2 to ON.
Turn the playback system on and adjust
the volume to a suitable position.
Set the A2 to play mode
If the Module selector is set to a position
other than "PLAY", set it to "PLAY".
The bank and patch
that were selected
when the power was
last turned off will
appear on the display.
HINT
Immediately after turning the A2 on, the
unit will be in play mode, even if the
Module selector is set to a position other
than "PLAY".
Bank name Patch number
A1
Select a patch
To switch the patch, press one of the [W]/[Q] foot switches.
Pressing the [W] foot switch calls up the next lower patch, and pressing the [Q] foot
switch calls up the next higher patch.
Repeatedly pressing one foot switch cycles through patches in the order A0 – A9 ... d0 – d9
→ 00 – 09 ... 30 – 39 → A0, or the reverse order.
8
ZOOM A2
Selecting a Patch
Adjust tone and volume
To adjust the effect sound and volume
levels in play mode, the Parameter
knobs 1 – 3 can be used. Each knob
controls a specific parameter.
Parameter knob 1
Mainly adjusts the MIX
parameter of the MOD/EFX
module (the level of the
effect sound mixed to the
orignal sound).
Parameter knob 2
Adjusts the MIX parameter of the
DELAY/REVERB module (the level of the
effect sound mixed to the orignal sound).
When you turn a Parameter knob, the corresponding
LED lights up and the display briefly shows the
current value of the respective parameter.
Parameter knob 3
Adjusts the PATCH
LEVEL parameter
(output level of the
entire patch).
To select the banks A – d, 0 – 3 directly, use the BANK [-]/[+] keys.
Pressing the BANK [-] key calls up the next lower bank, and pressing the BANK
[+] key calls up the next higher bank.
ZOOM A2
NOTE
• If the MOD/EFX module or DELAY/REVERB
module is set to off for the currently selected
patch (display shows "oF"), the respective
parameter knobs (1 or 2) have no effect.
• Changes made here are temporary and will be lost
when you select another patch. To retain the
changes, store the patch (→ p. 16).
• Besides the individual patch levels, the A2 also
allows adjusting the master level. This setting
affects all patches (→ p. 33).
Directly selecting a bank
9
Using the Tuner
The A2 incorporates an auto-chromatic tuner. To use the tuner function, the built-in effects must be
bypassed (temporarily turned off) or muted (original sound and effect sound turned off).
Switch to bypass or mute
Setting the A2 to the bypass condition
In play mode (or manual mode), press
both [W]/[Q] foot switches together
briefly and release.
Setting the A2 to the mute condition
In play mode (or manual mode), press
both [W]/[Q] foot switches together
and hold for at least 1 second.
Patch change at bypass/mute
When you press both [W]/[Q] foot switches together while
playing your instrument, the bypass/mute condition is
activated. However, the sound may change momentarily
just before the condition is activated. This is because the
A2 switches to the next higher or lower patch when one of
the foot switches is pressed slightly earlier. (When you
cancel the bypass/mute condition, the original patch
number will be active again.)
This kind of behavior is not a defect. It is due to the very
high speed at which the A2 responds to patch switching.
To prevent the sound change caused by the above
condition, do not produce sound with your instrument until
the bypass/mute condition is fully established.
B P
MT
Play the string to tune
Play the open string to tune,
and adjust the pitch.
The left side of the display shows the
note which is closest to the current pitch.
10
A8
ZOOM A2
Using the Tuner
Adjusting the reference pitch of the tuner
If required, you can fine-adjust the reference pitch of the A2 tuner. The default
setting after power-on is center A = 440 Hz.
Turn parameter knob 1.
4 0
The current reference pitch is shown.
The adjustment range is 35 – 45 (center A = 435
to 445 Hz).
While the reference pitch value is shown,
turn parameter knob 1 to adjust it.
42
When you release the parameter knob, the display
indication will return to the previous condition
after a while.
NOTE
When you turn the A2 off and on again,
the reference pitch setting will be reset
to 40 (center A = 440 Hz).
The right side of the display
shows a symbol that indicates
by how much the tuning is off.
A8
Tune other strings in the
same way.
ZOOM A2
Return to play mode
Press one of the [W]/[Q] foot switches.
Pitch is high Pitch is correct
Indication turns faster the more
the pitch is off.
Pitch is low
11
Using the Rhythm Function
The A2 has a built-in rhythm function that plays realistic drum sounds in various patterns. The rhythm
function is available in play mode or in the bypass/mute condition.
Set the A2 to play mode
(or manual mode)
If the Module selector is set to a position
other than "PLAY", set it to "PLAY".
HINT
The rhythm function can be used both in
play mode and manual mode.
Start the rhythm function
To start the rhythm function, press the
RHYTHM [R/P] key.
NOTE
While the rhythm is playing, the
DELAY/REVERB module is set to off.
Select a rhythm pattern
The A2 has 40 built-in rhythm patterns. For more
information on the pattern contents, see the back
cover of this manual.
To continuously switch rhythm patterns,
turn parameter knob 1.
To select the next higher or next lower
rhythm pattern, press one of the BANK
[-]/[+] keys.
When the above steps are carried out, the current
rhythm pattern number (01 – 40) is briefly shown
on the display.
12
ZOOM A2
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