ZOOM A2 Operation Manual

Operation Manual

© ZOOM Corporation

Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited.

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
Warning	handle the device the wrong way, serious injury or
	death could result.
	This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous
	matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the
Caution	device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to
	the equipment could result.

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the A2.

		Power requirements
	Warning	Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we
		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
	Warning	To prevent the risk of fire, electric shock or
		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
	Warning	• Never place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
		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

Caution jacks

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
	Warning	Never open the case of the A2 or attempt to modify the
		product in any way since this can result in damage to
		the unit.
		Volume
	Caution	Do not use the A2 at a loud volume for a long time
		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.

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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
GLOBAL ..........................................................................................	34
Specifications ..............................................................................	35
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................	35
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.

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Features

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM A2 (simply called the "A2" in this manual). The A2 is a sophisticated 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.

●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.

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Terms Used in This Manual

This section explains some important terms that are used throughout the A2 documentation.

IN MODEL MIC COMP/LIMIT LO EQ HI EQ ZNR MOD/EFX DELAY/REVERB OUT

	■ Effect module	comprises information about the on/off status of each
	As shown in the illustration above, the A2 can be	effect module, about the effect type used in each
	thought of as a combination of several single effects.	module, and about effect parameter settings. The
	Each of these is referred to as an effect module.	internal memory of the A2 holds 80 patches (40 of
	Among others, there is a module for ZNR (ZOOM	these can be rewritten by the user).
	Noise Reduction), as well as a modeling (sound	● Bank and area
	simulation) module (MODEL), compressor/limiter	A group of ten patches is called a bank. The memory
	module (COMP/LIMIT), modulation/special effects
		of the A2 comprises a total of eight banks, labelled A
	module (MOD/EFX). Parameters such as effect
		to d and 0 to 3. Banks A - d form the user area which
	intensity can be adjusted for each module individually,
		allows read/write patches. Banks 0 to 3 are the preset
	and modules can be switched on and off.
		area of read-only.
	■ Effect type	The patches within each bank are numbered 0
	Most effect modules comprise several different effects	through 9. To specify a patch, you use the format
	which are referred to as effect types. For example, the	"A1" (patch number 1 from bank A), "06" (patch
	MOD/EFX module comprises chorus, flanger, delay,	number 6 from bank 0), etc.
	phaser, and other effect types. Only one of these can	■ Modes
	be selected at any time.
		The A2 has the following operation modes.
	■ Effect parameter
		● Play mode
	All effect modules have various parameters that can
		In this mode, patches can be selected and played.
	be adjusted. These are called effect parameters.
		● Manual mode
	In the A2, effect parameters are adjusted with the
		In this mode, you play your instrument while
	parameter knobs 1 - 3. Similar to the knobs on a
		using the foot switches to turn the MOD/EFX
	compact effect, these change aspects such as tonal
		module or the feedback control function on and
	character and effect intensity. Which parameter is
		off. The mode also is used for automatic
	assigned to each knob depends on the currently
		detection of acoustic feedback frequency.
	selected effect module and effect type.
		● Edit mode
	■ Patch
		In this mode, the effect parameters of a patch can
	In the A2, effect module combinations are stored and
		be edited (changed).
	called up in units referred to as patches. A patch

Operating the A2 on batteries

1. Turn the A2 over and open the cover	2. Insert four fresh IEC R6
of the battery compartment on the bottom. (size AA) batteries.
A2	Four IEC R6
bottom view	(size AA) batteries

Latch

3.Close the cover of

the battery compartment.

Push the cover in until the latch audibly snaps into place.

Insert batteries facing in alternate directions.

	Latch
Cover	Press the latch to release
	it and then raise the cover.

Use four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries.

When the batteries are getting low, the indication "bt" appears on the display.

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Controls and Functions / Connections

Module selector

Top Panel

Switches between play / manual mode and edit mode.

In edit mode, the knob selects the module for operation.

BANK [-]/[+] keys

In play / manual mode, the keys serve for directly switching to the next lower or higher bank.

In edit mode, the keys switch the effect type for the currently selected module.

[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.

NOTE

The input gain setting is not stored in memory and will be

canceled when the unit is turned off. Perform the above Acoustic guitar 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	Headphones
	plug a pair of stereo headphones into this jack.
		PA system

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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.

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

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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.

A1

Bank name Patch number

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".

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.

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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 3

Adjusts the PATCH LEVEL parameter (output level of the entire patch).

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.

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

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.

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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 BP briefly and release.

Setting the A2 to the mute condition

In play mode (or manual mode), press	MT
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.

Play the string to tune

Play the open string to tune,

and adjust the pitch.

A8

The left side of the display shows the note which is closest to the current pitch.

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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.

The right side of the display shows a symbol that indicates by how much the tuning is off.

A8

Turn parameter knob 1.

40

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).

Return to play mode

Press one of the [W]/[Q] foot switches.

Pitch is high

Pitch is correct Pitch is low

Tune other strings in the same way.

Indication turns faster the more the pitch is off.

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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.

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