Zoom GFX1 Operation Manual

Operation Manual

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the simply called the "GFX-1").

Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of the unit and to ensure optimum performance and reliability.

Retain this manual, the warranty card and all other documentation for future reference.

Contents

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Basic Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Operating the Unit on Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Controls and Functions / Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Selecting Patches for Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Using the Tuner Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Making/Changing DRIVE Module Settings . . . . . . . . 14

Editing a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Storing/Copying Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Using a Separately Available Expression Pedal . . . 20

Restoring the Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Effect Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Effect Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Specifications / Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Usage Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Patch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

ZOOM Corporation

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

ZOOM GFX-1

(hereafter

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

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and 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 GFX-1.

Power requirements

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the use of an

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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 GFX-1 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

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or malfunction, avoid using your GFX-1 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,

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such as vases, on the GFX-1 since this can cause electric shock.

• Do not place naked ﬂame sources, such as lighted candles, on the GFX-1 since this can cause ﬁre.

• The GFX-1 is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue pressure on the keys

Caution

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 GFX-1 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 GFX-1.

Alterations

Never open the case of the GFX-1 or

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attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

Volume

Do not use the GFX-1 at a loud volume

Caution

for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment.

ZOOM GFX-1

Features

The GFX-1 is a sophisticated multi-effect processor for guitar with the following great features.

●

Superior performance

The GFX-1 provides a palette of 34 built-in high-quality effects, including a wide variation of distortion settings and flexible modulation effects. Up to nine effects can be used simultaneously. In performance and features, the GFX-1 far surpasses anything in its class.

●

Sturdy case and smooth operation feel

The metal body and large foot switches of the GFX-1 are designed to withstand the rigors of use on stage. The intuitive operation of the unit is derived from the highly popular ZOOM 606. Dedicated selectors for the most important distortion effects make the unit a snap to use. Controlling distortion type and intensity during a performance is smooth and easy.

●

Built-in auto-chromatic tuner

The integrated auto-chromatic tuning function is tailored for the needs of the guitarist and can be used on stage.

●

Compatible with expression pedal

Connecting an optional expression pedal makes it easy to adjust effect depth or volume with your foot during play. Whether you choose pedal wah or gutsy pitch bend, the range of available sounds is on a par with top-range units.

●

Dual power supply principle allows use anywhere

Besides the AC adapter, the unit can also be powered from four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Continuous operating time on batteries is approximately 7 hours with manganese batteries and 24 hours with alkaline batteries.

ZOOM GFX-1

Basic Terms

This section explains some important terms that you will find in this manual.

●

Effect module

As shown in the illustration below, the effect sound of the GFX-1 is created by routing the signal through a series of different effects. Each of these effects is called an effect module.

IN OUT

COMP WAH AMPZNREQDRIVE

In addition to effect modules such as DRIVE (distortion), MOD/ PITCH (modulation), or DLY/REV (delay and reverb), you can also use the ZNR (Zoom Noise Reduction) and amp simulator simultaneously. Parameters such as effect intensity can be adjusted for each module, and modules can be switched on and off as needed.

●

Effect type

Each effect module of the GFX-1 contains a variety of effects in the same general family. These are called effect types, and you can select one of these at a time. For example, the MOD/PITCH module comprises the effect types chorus, flanger, pitch shifter, etc.

●

Effect parameter

Each effect module has various parameters that control how the effect operates. By adjusting the parameters for each module, you have a considerable amount of control over the final sound.

●

Patch

In the GFX-1, effects are stored and called up in patches. A patch contains information about module on/off settings, selected effect types, and effect parameter settings. The GFX-1 can store 40 patches in its internal memory.

●

Bank

A combination of 4 patches is called a bank. The GFX-1 has a total of 10 banks which are labelled A through J. The patches in each bank are numbered 1 through 4. To select a patch, you specify the bank and the patch number. A1 selects patch 1 in bank A, and F4 selects patch 4 in bank F.

ZOOM GFX-1

MOD/PITCH DLY/REV

BANK J

BANK i

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

PATCH 4

BANK C

BANK b

BANK A

PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4

●

Play mode/edit mode

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

PATCH 4

BANK E

BANK d

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

PATCH 4

BANK G

BANK F

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

PATCH 4

BANK H

PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4

These terms refer to the operation state of the GFX-1. The mode is selected with the PLAY/EDIT selector. In play mode, you select the effects for playing, and in edit mode, you can change the effect settings.

Operating the Unit on Battery

Turn the unit over, push the latch of the battery compartment cover, and lift the cover up.

Battery compartment cover

OPEN

Latch

Close the battery compartment cover.

Make sure that the latch snaps shut.

GFX-1 bottom

Battery compartment cover

Insert four fresh IEC R6 (size AA) batteries into the battery compartment.

Four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries

Battery polarity alternates for each slot.

NOTE

When a dot (.) flashes on the display, the batteries are almost exhausted. Replace them as soon as possible.

ZOOM GFX-1

Controls and Functions / Connections

Top Panel

DRIVE selector

Selects the distortion (effect type) used in the DRIVE module.

Display

Shows various information necessary for operation of the GFX-1, such as patch number, parameter settings, etc.

STORE key

Serves for storing an edited patch or copying an existing patch to another location.

GAIN [+] / [-] keys

Adjust the DRIVE module distortion intensity and gain.

DRIVE LED

Indicates the on/off status of the DRIVE module.

Foot switches [1] – [4]

Serve for effect patch switching and for operation of the tuner function.

ZOOM GFX-1

Controls and Functions / Connections

PLAY/EDIT selector

Switches between play mode and edit mode and also serves to select the module for editing.

VALUE [+] / [-] keys

Serve for adjusting setting values for various items.

BANK [W] / [Q] keys

Serve for switching effect patch banks.

ZOOM GFX-1

Controls and Functions / Connections

Rear Panel

[OUTPUT / PHONES] jack

This jack is used for conection to a guitar amplifier or a pair of stereo headphones. A Y-splitter cable can also be used in this jack to conect the GFX-1 to two amplifiers.

[INPUT] jack

Connect the guitar to this jack.

Connections

To use the GFX-1 in a mono configuration, connect the [OUTPUT/PHONES] jack to the amplifier using a cable with mono phone plugs. By using a Y cable and connecting the output to two amplifiers, you can get a wider sound spread from the effects. It is also possible to connect a pair of headphones to this jack.

ZOOM GFX-1

Controls and Functions / Connections

[CONTROL IN] jack

An optional expression pedal (FP01/FP02) can be connected here.

[DC IN] (AC adapter) jack

The dedicated AC adapter AD-0006 (9 V DC, 300 mA, center minus) can be connected here.

[POWER ON/OFF] switch

Serves to turn the GFX-1 on and off.

To guard against inadvertently disconnecting the AC adapter cable, wind the cable around the hook, as shown in the illustration.

[CONTROL IN] By connecting an optional expression pedal (FP01/FP02) here, you can adjust the effect intensity.

ZOOM GFX-1

Selecting Patches for Play

To try out the GFX-1, we recommend that you simply play your instrument while switching patches.

Power-on

Connect your instrument and guitar amp to the GFX-1, and then set the [POWER ON/OFF] switch on the rear panel to ON.

Turn on the guitar amplifier and adjust the volume to a suitable position.

Set GFX-1 to play mode

When the [PLAY/EDIT] selector is set to a different position, set it to "PLAY".

The currently selected bank and patch number are shown on the display

Patch number

Bank

HINT

Immediately after turning on power to the GFX-1, the unit will be in play mode even if the [PLAY/EDIT] selector is set to a different position.

ZOOM GFX-1

Switch patches

To switch patches in play mode, use the foot switches [1] - [4].

Selecting Patches for Play

To adjust the master volume

Press one of the VALUE [+]/[-] keys to change the value.

The setting range is 0 - 50. When the unit is turned off and on again, the setting will be reset to 40.

HINT

When using headphones, the master volume setting can be used to adjust the listening volume.

Switch banks

To select among the banks A - J, use the BANK [W]/[Q] keys.

HINT

By pressing foot switches [1] and [2] together, you can switch to the previous bank, and by pressing foot switches [3] and [4] together, you can switch to the next bank.

ZOOM GFX-1

Using the Tuner Function

The GFX-1 incorporates an auto-chromatic tuner for guitars. To use the tuner function, the built-in effects must be bypassed (temporarily turned off) or muted (original sound and effect sound turned off).

NOTE

The tuner function is not available if the PLAY/EDIT selector is set to a position other than PLAY.

Switch to bypass or mute

Press the foot switch [1] - [4] that corresponds to the currently selected patch.

Pressing and immediately releasing the switches sets the unit to the bypass condition. Pressing and holding the switches for at least 1 second sets the unit to the mute condition.

Bypass Mute

Tune the guitar

Play the open string you want to tune, and watch the display.

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

ZOOM GFX-1

+ 28 hidden pages

Zoom GFX1 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual