Zoom G6 Operation Manual

Multi-Effects Processor

Operation Manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.

© 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION

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Notes about this Operation Manual

You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily. The contents of this document and the specifications of the product could be changed without notice.

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Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies.

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2

Terms used in this manual

Patch memory

Combinations of amps and effects with their on/off settings and parameter values can be saved as "patch memories" for easy recall. Effects are saved and recalled in patch memory units. Up to 9 effects can be added to a

patch memory, and up to 240 patch memories can be stored.

Bank

One group of 4 patch memories is a “bank”. Patch memories can be quickly recalled by switching banks. Up to 60

banks can be saved.

Effect type

The available effect types include various guitar effects and amp/cabinet simulation models. Effects can be se-

lected from these types to be added to patch memories.

Category

Effects are grouped into categories by type.

AUTOSAVE

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

ECO mode

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

Looper

Stereo phrases that are up to 45 seconds long can be recorded and played back repeatedly.

By using an SD card, the recording time can be lengthened and phrases can be saved. You can also use your own audio files as loops.

3

Contents

Notes about this Operation Manual 2 Terms used in this manual 3

Contents 4

G6 overview 6

Using the touchscreen 8

Functions of parts 11

Connecting 16

Inserting SD cards 17

Turning the power on/off 18

Turning the power on 18

Turning the power off 18

Adjusting the master level 19 Adjusting the master EQ 20 Turning effects on and off while playing 21

Switching banks and patch memories

while playing 23

Switching patch memories in one bank

while playing 25

Using the looper while playing 27

Setting the looper 32

Using SD cards 37 Adjusting effects 40

Turning effects on and off 40 Replacing effects 41 Adjusting effects 44 Changing effect order 46 Adding effects 47 Deleting effects 49

Making all settings on one screen 50

Setting the patch memory level 53

Changing patch memory names 54 Adjusting the master tempo 55 Managing patch memories 56

Saving patch memories 56 Changing the order of patch memories 58 Deleting patch memories 59

Creating patch memories 60 Managing banks 63

Changing the bank order 63 Deleting banks 64

Creating banks 66

Using expression pedals 68

Using the built-in pedal 68 Adjusting the pedal 70

Using an external pedal 72 Using the tuner 74

Activating the tuner 74

Changing tuner settings 75 Using rhythms 77

Activating rhythms 77 Setting rhythms 78 Starting/stopping rhythm playback 82

Rhythm patterns 83

Using the send and return 84 Using impulse responses (IR) 86

Using impulse responses (IR) 86

Loading impulse response (IR) data 87

Using audio interface functions 89

Installing the driver 89 Connecting to a computer 90

Making audio interface settings 91

Connecting to iOS/iPadOS devices 93

4

Making unit settings 94

Setting the AUTOSAVE function 94 Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen 95

Setting the ECO mode 96

Managing the firmware 97

Checking the firmware versions 97 Updating 98

Restoring factory default settings 99 Managing SD cards 100

Checking SD card information 100 Formatting SD cards 101

Using as a card reader 103 Troubleshooting 105

Specifications 107

5

G6 overview

■ Signal flow

INPUT				SEND IN/OUT
	G6		Patch memory
		Looper		Send/	Amp	Speaker	Patch	Master
		PRE		return
			Effect	Effect		cabinet	level	EQ
	Tuner
			Looper	Rhythm		Master
			POST
						volume
				USB	USB
				OUTPUT	REC
				DATA	DATA
				USB Audio			AUX IN	OUTPUT

The input guitar sound passes through the effects, amp and speaker cabinet in order. ( → “Adjusting effects” on page 40)

The patch memory level is adjusted.

( → “Setting the patch memory level” on page 53)

Recorded phrases can be played back in loops. The looper can be placed in either the PRE or POST position. ( → “Using the looper while playing” on page 27)

Drum sounds can be played back using built-in rhythm patterns. ( → “Using rhythms” on page 77)

The overall sound is adjusted. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is changed. ( → “Adjusting the master EQ” on page 20)

The connected guitar can be tuned. ( → “Using the tuner” on page 74)

6

An external effect can be used.

( → “Using the send and return” on page 84)

The overall volume can be adjusted. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is changed. ( → “Adjusting the master level” on page 19)

Audio data can be exchanged with a computer using the audio interface function. ( → “Using audio interface functions” on page 89)

Audio can be played back from a smartphone, mobile audio player or other device.

■ Memory overview (patch memories/banks)

Patch memories

These store the effects used, their order, on/off states and parameter setting values. Effects can be saved and

recalled in patch memory units. 240 patch memories can be stored.

Banks

These are groups of 4 patch memories. 60 banks can be stored.

			Bank A					Patch memory 001
								Patch memory 002
								Patch memory 003
								Patch memory 004

■ PLAY MODE overview

The G6 has four play modes that can be selected with one touch using the PLAY MODE selection section ( → page 11). Use them for their different purposes while performing.

PLAY MODE		Explanation
The looper appears on the touchscreen and can be operated using the footswitches.
(	→	“Using the looper while playing” on page 27)

Banks and the patch memories in them are shown on the touchscreen, and patch memories can be selected using footswitches.

( → “Switching patch memories in one bank while playing” on page 25)

Patch memory names are shown with large characters on the touchscreen, and banks and patch memories can be selected using footswitches.

( → “Switching banks and patch memories while playing” on page 23)

The effects used in a patch memory are shown on the touchscreen, and each effect can be turned on/off using footswitches.

( → “Turning effects on and off while playing” on page 21)

7

Using the touchscreen

Operating and setting the G6 can be done using the touchscreen.

This section explains touchscreen operations.

Screens that appear on the touchscreen

■ PLAY MODE screens

These appear when the power is turned on, and when a play mode is selected in the PLAY MODE selection section ( → page 11).

READY

■ Menu Screen

All G6 functions are arranged as icons on the Menu Screen, so each one can easily be accessed by touch.

8

Opening the Menu Screen

When a PLAY MODE screen is open	When a setting screen is open
Swipe down from the toolbar.	Touch	repeatedly.

Toolbar

Using the Menu screen

Current bank

Current patch memory

Touch an icon to select a function to set or adjust.

The Menu Screen has four pages. This shows which page is currently open.

To open the page to the left, swipe right from the left edge.

HINT

To open the page to the right, swipe left from the right edge.

Swipe up from the bar at the bottom of the Menu Screen to return to the PLAY MODE screen.

•Even when the Menu Screen is open, the selected play mode is active and can be operated using footswitches.

•Icons can be reordered on the Menu Screen by dragging them (moving them left, right, up and down while touching them).

9

Using the function screens

Touch and drag to operate.

Touch an item to select it.

Drag an item to move or adjust it (slide finger left, right, up or down).

■ Returning to the previous screen

When	appears at the top left of the touchscreen, touch it to return to the previous screen.

■ Scrolling through lists

A scrollbar will appear at the right edge when a list has more items than can be shown on the screen. The items shown can be scrolled by dragging up and down on the touchscreen.

Scrollbar

10

Functions of parts

■ Top

PLAY MODE selection section

Parameter knobs

Touchscreen

Expression pedal

	Footswitches		TAP switch

PLAY MODE selection section

Use this to select the G6 play mode. (The selected mode lights.) For details about play modes, see “PLAY MODE overview” on page 7.

Parameter knobs

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

Touchscreen

Operate the touchscreen to select and set patch memories as well as to make G6 settings, for example. For details about operation procedures, see “Using the touchscreen” on page 8.

Expression pedal

Use the expression pedal to adjust the volume or a wah effect, for example. Press the front of the pedal to turn the pedal effect on/off. ( lights when on.)

Footswitches

Use these to select patch memories and banks, turn effects on and off, and operate the looper. The functions that can be controlled by the footswitches light.

TAP switch

Tap this to adjust the tempo. Press and hold to use the tuner.

11

■ Back

EXTERNAL LOOP jacks

Power switch

Pedal switch

OUTPUT jacks

SD card slot

DC 9V AC adapter connector

	INPUT jack					MASTER knob					USB DEVICE (Micro-B) port
		AUX IN jack				CONTROL IN jack				REMOTE connector

Pedal switch

This turns the expression pedal effect on/off.

EXTERNAL LOOP jacks

An external effect can be connected here.

• Connect the SEND jack to the input jack of the external effect.

• Connect the RETURN jack to the output jack of the external effect.

OUTPUT jacks

Connect a guitar amp, monitor speakers or headphones here.

• RIGHT jack: Connect this to the right channel input jack of another device when using stereo output.

• LEFT/MONO [PHONES] jack: Connect this to a guitar amp or headphones. Connect this to the left channel

input jack of another device when using stereo output.

SD card slot

Cards that conform to SD, SDHC or SDXC specifications are supported.

Use the G6 to format the SD card. ( → “Formatting SD cards” on page 101)

Power switch

This turns the power ON/OFF.

DC 9V AC adapter connector

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

INPUT jack

Connect a guitar here.

AUX IN jack

Connect a portable music player or similar device here.

MASTER knob

Use this to adjust the G6 volume.

CONTROL IN jack

Connect an expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M) here, and use it to adjust a pedal effect.

12

REMOTE connector

Connect a ZOOM BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter here.

This enables wireless control of the G6 from an iPhone/iPad using the iOS/iPadOS Handy Guitar Lab app.

USB (Micro-B) port

Connect a computer here.

The G6 can be used as an audio interface, and it can be controlled using Guitar Lab. The G6 can also be used as a card reader.

13

■ Menu Screen

This list introduces the functions of the icons shown on the Menu Screen.

Icon

Explanation

Icon

Explanation

Adjust effect parameters.

Change the order of effects in

(

→

page 44)

patch memories. (

→

page 46)

Add effects to patch memories.

Remove effects from patch

(

→

page 47)

memories. (

→

page 49)

Change the effects and amps in

Create patch memories.

patch memories.

(

→

page 60)

( → page 41)

Set patch memory names and

Edit all patch memory settings.

levels.

(

→

page 50)

( → page 53, page 54)

Use the rhythm function.

Make send/return settings.

(

→

page 77)

(

→

page 84)

Use impulse responses (IR).

Load impulse response (IR) data.

(

→

page 86)

(

→

page 87)

Create banks.

Change the order of banks.

(

→

page 66)

(

→

page 63)

Change the order of patch

Delete banks.

memories. (

→

page 58)

(

→

page 64)

Delete patch memories.

Save patch memories.

(

→

page 59)

(

→

page 56)

Change and check system settings.

Set the tempo used for the

Manage SD cards. (

→

page 94,

effects, rhythms and looper.

page 97, page 100)

(

→

page 55)

Make USB audio settings.

Turn the automatic saving function

(

→

page 91)

on/off. (

→

page 94)

Adjust the touchscreen brightness

Make specific pedal settings.

and turn ECO mode on/off.

(

→

page 70, page 72)

( → page 95, page 96)

Make specific tuner settings.

Use the tuner.

(

→

page 75)

(

→

page 74)

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Icon					Explanation	Icon			Explanation
	Adjust the tone of the output						Show patch memory names in
							large characters for selection on
	sound. (			→	page 20)
							the touchscreen. ( → page 23)
	Show the effects used in the patch						Use the footswitches to select the
	memory on the touchscreen.						four patch memories in the bank.
	(	→	page 21)				(	→	page 25)
	Use the looper.
	(	→	page 27)

HINT

Icons can be reordered on the Menu Screen by dragging them (moving them left, right, up and down while touching them).

15

Connecting

	Portable music player, etc.			ZOOM BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter
Guitar	Adjust the volume on the			This enables wireless control of the G6 using the
	connected device.			iOS/iPadOS Handy Guitar Lab app.

	SD card	AC adapter
	Use an SD card to save loops and
		(ZOOM AD-16)
	increase loop recording time.
	Use it also to import IR data and
	update the firmware.

External effect unit

Connect the SEND jack to the input jack on the effect and connect the RETURN jack to the output jack on the effect.

USB port (Micro-B)

Expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M)

A pedal can be used to control effects.

Computer (Mac/Windows)

Connect with a micro USB cable. The G6 can be used as an audio interface and with Guitar Lab.

Monitor speakers

Amp

Headphones

HINT

•The Guitar Lab computer app can be used to manage patch memories and to edit and add effects. Guitar Lab can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com).

•The G6 can be controlled remotely using the Handy Guitar Lab iOS/iPadOS app. Handy Guitar Lab can be downloaded from the App Store.

16

Inserting SD cards

Inserting an SD card in the G6 makes the following possible.

•Loops can be saved and loop recording time increased.

•Impulse response data, including data you already have and from third parties, can be loaded and used.

•The G6 can be used as a card reader.

•The firmware can be updated.

1. When the power is off, open the SD card slot cover, and insert an SD card all the way into the slot. To remove an SD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.

SD card slot

NOTE

•Cards that conform to SD, SDHC or SDXC specifications are supported.

•Disable write-protection on the SD card before inserting it.

•Inserting or removing an SD card while the power is on could result in data loss.

•When inserting an SD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up as shown.

•Before using SD cards that have just been purchased or that have been formatted on a computer, they must be formatted by the G6 ( → “Formatting SD cards” on page 101).

17

Turning the power on/off

Turning the power on

2

1. Minimize the volume of the amp/monitor speakers.

2. Set to ON.

This turns the G6 power on and opens the PLAY MODE screen ( → page 7) on the touchscreen.

HINT

When the power is turned on, the play mode active when the power was last turned off will be reactivated.

3. Raise the volume of the amp/monitor speakers.

ECO mode overview

•By default, ECO mode is set to ON, so the power will automatically turn off if no use occurs for 10 hours.

•ECO mode can also be turned OFF. ( → “Setting the ECO mode” on page 96)

Turning the power off

1. Minimize the volume of the amp/monitor speakers.

2. Set to OFF.

The touchscreen will become blank.

18

Adjusting the master level

The volume output from the G6 can be adjusted.

Lower Raise

NOTE

•The setting range is −∞ to +6 dB.

•When the knob is centered the setting is 0 dB.

19

Adjusting the master EQ

The tone of the sound output from the G6 can be adjusted.

Touchscreen				1, 2

1. Turn in MEMORY, BANK/PATCH or EFFECT BOARD mode. This opens the OUTPUT EQ screen on the touchscreen.

2. Turn to adjust output sound EQ parameters.

Touch to return to the previous screen.

Touch this to lock/ unlock settings.

• Locked:

• Unlocked:

Low	Low mid	High mid	High
frequencies	frequencies	frequencies	frequencies

When adjustment is completed, the previous screen will reopen after a moment

HINT

Touching on the Menu Screen will also open the OUTPUT EQ screen.

20

Turning effects on and off while playing

In EFFECT BOARD mode, the effects and amp used in the patch memory are shown on the touchscreen and can be turned on and off using the footswitches.

Touchscreen

3 1

1. Press repeatedly to select.

This activates the G6 EFFECT BOARD mode where all the effects and the amp used in the patch memory can be seen at a glance.

Current patch memory

HINT
Touching	on the Menu Screen will also activate EFFECT BOARD mode.

2. Touch an effect to enable turning it on/off with a footswitch.

The touched effect is assigned to a footswitch.

Touch again to remove the assignment.

When effects are assigned, the color at the base of the footswitch changes color according to the category.

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3. Press footswitches to turn effects on/off.

The indicators light when effects	The footswitch display colors
are on.	depend on the effect category.

NOTE

•Regardless of the order that the effects are touched, they are assigned to the footswitches from the left.

•After effects have been assigned to all footswitches, touching other effects will not assign them.

•Some effects assign special functions to footswitches. (This includes effects that turn on only while the

footswitch is being pressed, for example.) Special functions can be selected on the EDIT EFFECTS screen. ( → “Footswitch special functions” on page 45)

HINT

The following operations are also possible on the touchscreen.

Select the previous patch memory.

Touch this to show

on

the effects. This icon can be touched to open the EDIT EFFECTS screen.

( → “Adjusting effects” on page 44)

Select the next patch memory.

22

Switching banks and patch memories while playing

Bank and patch memory names can be shown with large characters and selected on the touchscreen.

Touchscreen

2 1

1. Press repeatedly to select.

This activates the G6 BANK/PATCH mode, and the name of the selected bank and patch memory are shown in large letters for easy confirmation.

Current bank

Current patch memory

HINT
Touching	on the Menu Screen will also activate BANK/PATCH mode.

2. Swipe up or down on the touchscreen to select patch memories.

• Select the next patch memory.

23

• Select the previous patch memory.

The footswitches can also be used to select banks and patch memories.

Select the previous/	Select the previous/
next bank.	next patch memory.

24

Switching patch memories in one bank while playing

A bank can be shown on the touchscreen, and the four patch memories in it can be selected with one touch.

Touchscreen

3 1

1. Press repeatedly to select.

This activates the G6 MEMORY mode in which the name of the selected bank and the four patch memories can be checked.

Current bank

Patch memories in the bank

		HINT
		Touching		on the Menu Screen will also activate MEMORY mode.
2. Touch			or	at either end of the bank name to select the desired bank.
			Select lower bank					Select higher bank

25

3. Touch the desired patch memory.

The selected patch memory will be highlighted.

The footswitches can also be used to select patch memories directly.

The indicator for the selected patch memory lights.

HINT

Patch memories can be dragged to reorder them.

26

Using the looper while playing

Played phrases can be recorded to create stereo loops up to 45 seconds long.

Touchscreen

2 1

1. Press repeatedly to select.

This activates the G6 LOOPER mode, and opens the Looper Control Screen on the touchscreen.

Touch this to lock/unlock settings.

This shows the looper status.			READY	• Locked:
				• Unlocked:

HINT
Touching	on the Menu Screen will also activate LOOPER mode.

2. Use the looper.

■Recording loops

When no loop has been recorded (“READY” shown), press

or touch

.

READY READY

REC

Press	when recording to cancel recording.
	27

■Stopping recording and starting loop playback

When recording, press

or touch

.

REC REC

PLAY

NOTE

•When the maximum recording time is reached, recording will stop and loop playback will start.

•If the recording time is set to “ × 1–64”, recording will stop and loop playback will start after the set recording time has elapsed. ( → “Setting the recording time” on page 32)

■Stopping playback

When playing, press

or touch

.

PLAY PLAYREC

STOP

28

■Starting loop playback of the recorded phrase

When stopped, press

or touch

.

STOP STOP

PLAY

■Adding performances to recorded loops (overdubbing)

When playing, press

or touch

.

PLAY PLAYREC

OVERDUB

When the end of the loop is reached, loop playback will continue from the beginning, and overdubbing can be repeated.

When overdubbing, press to stop overdubbing, but continue loop playback.

29

■Erasing the last overdubbed phrase (UNDO function)

Press

or touch

.

UNDOREC

■Restoring an undone overdub (REDO function)

Press

or touch

.

REDOREC

■Clearing loops

Press

or touch

.

CLREARC

This clears the recorded loop.

30