ZOOM GFX-5 Operation Manual

Operation Manual

USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Getting Ready to Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Inserting the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Getting connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Quick Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Playing Patches (Play Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Panel display in play mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Selecting a patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the internal tuner (bypass/mute function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Adjusting the sound of a patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Using the Rhythm Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Turning Effects On and Off With Your Feet (Manual Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Changing the Sound of a Patch (Edit Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Patch configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Basic edit mode steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Changing a patch name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Storing and Swapping Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Other Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Changing effects in real time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Using the hold delay function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Using the sampler function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Calibrating the expression pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Resetting the GFX-5 to the factory default condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Effect Types and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

◆

BOOST module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

◆

ISO/COMP (Isolator/Compressor) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

◆

DRIVE module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

◆

EQ (Equalizer) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

◆

ZNR (ZOOM Noise Reduction) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

◆

CABINET module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

◆

MOD (Modulation) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

◆

REV (Delay/Reverb) module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

◆

TOTAL module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

GFX-5 Patch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

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

USAGE AND SAFETY 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

arning

ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, serious injury or death could result.

This symbol indicates explanations about dangerous matters. If users ignore this

Caution

symbol and handle the 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-5.

Power requirements

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high,

arning

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.

•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-5 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

Avoid using your GFX-5 in environments where it

Caution

will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

Handling

Since the GFX-5 is a precision electronic device,

Caution

avoid applying excessive force to the switches and buttons. Also take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock or excessive pressure.

Alterations

Never open the case of the GFX-5 or attempt to

Caution

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

Connecting cables and input and output jacks

Caution

You should always turn off the power to the GFX-5 and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before moving the GFX-5.

Usage Precautions

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the GFX-5 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 GFX-5, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the GFX-5 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 GFX-5. 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.

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM GFX-5. This product is a sophisticated Guitar Effects Processor with the following features.

●

Versatile array of effects

The Variable Architecture Modeling System (VAMS) developed by ZOOM adapts the internal conﬁguration of the unit to achieve exactly the desired sound. The GFX-5 provides 74 choices, ranging from distortion and modulation effects to booster functions and a cabinet simulator that duplicates the sound of various guitar amps.

●

Full complement of distortion effects

33 distortion type effects not only recreate the characteristics of famous vintage amps but also duplicate the sound and operation of renowned compact effects and pedals. The [TURBO] key lets you boost the sound pressure in an instant, and the [EDGE] key creates a bright treble edge. A wide variety of drive sounds are only a keypress away.

●

120 ready-to-use patches

Effect module setting combinations can be stored as patches. The GFX-5 offers 60 user patches which can be freely modiﬁed, plus 60 preset patches. Together, these 120 settings let you make great music straight away.

Intuitive operation and key layout

●

The knobs and keys on the panel of the unit are designed for maximum usability. Choose distortion types or adjust equalizer settings in a ﬂash. The expression pedal is great for controlling effect parameters in real time. The GFX-5 practically comes alive during a performance.

Newly developed ARRM feature

●

ARRM (Auto-Repeat Real-time Modulation) is a fascinating concept. Using built-in control waveforms, it lets you rhythmically shape the signal in many ways. Create totally novel sounds that will captivate listeners. You can even use the expression

pedal to adjust the modulation depth of the ARRM feature.

●

Integrated drum machine

60 built-in rhythm patterns using natural-sounding PCM sources are available, which is great for practice or a quick jam session. ARRM cycles can be synchronized to the rhythm tempo, letting you alter effects in sync with the ﬂow of the music. The creative possibilities are limitless.

●

6-second sampling feature

A guitar phrase or the signal from an input source such as a CD player can be sampled for up to 6 seconds and stored in the internal memory. The recorded sample can be played back at a slower speed without altering the pitch. This is a great tool for enhancing a live performance or for copying a lick or fast-playing phrase.

●

Energize creates dynamic sound

The Energize is another innovation with immense appeal. Simply by turning a knob, you can optimize the sound characteristics to match the playback system. Enjoy powerful, dynamic sound even with a small guitar amp or an audio system with ﬂat response.

Designed for use on stage

●

The GFX-5 can be powered either from an AC adapter or from batteries. With one set of alkaline batteries, the unit will operate continuously for up to 10 hours. A special mode lets you switch major effects on or off with your foot or specify the rhythm tempo during a performance. Operate the unit like compact effects, while accessing a vast array of functions.

ZOOM GFX-5

Controls and Functions

Drive section

Top Panel

Drive section Equalizer section

AMPDRV

BANK [Q]/[W] foot switches

Rear Panel

Foot switches [1] – [3]

Energize section

[ENERGIZE] knob

Expression pedal

[TURBO] key

[EDGE] key

[VARIATION] LED

Equalizer section

[BASS] knob

Display

[VARIATION] key

[DRIVE] knob

[MIDDLE] knob

PARAMETER [Q]/[W] keys

[GROUP/BANK] indicator

[GAIN] knob

[PRESENCE] knob

[TREBLE] knob

[VALUE] dial

[CONTROL] key

[CONTROL] LEDs

[ASSIGN] key

AMPDRV

[AUX IN] jack

[INPUT] jack

[OUTPUT L/MONO]/[OUTPUT R] jacks

[LEVEL] knob

[PHONES] jacks

[POWER] switch

[DC IN] jack

ZOOM GFX-5

[BOOST] key

[ISO/COMP] key

[DRIVE] key

[EQUALIZER] key

ZOOM GFX-5

[MOD] key

[CABINET] key

[ZNR] key

Effect Module keys

[TOTAL] key

[REV] key

[ASSIGN] LEDs

[TEMPO/TAP] key

[RHYTHM] key

[SAMPLER] key

[STORE] key

[EDIT/EXIT] key

Getting Ready to Play

Inserting the batteries

To use the GFX-5 on battery power, insert batteries as shown below.

Turn the unit over and open the battery compartment cover. (Push the tab to unlock and then raise the cover.)

Battery compartment cover

OPEN

GFX-5 bottom

Insert the batteries with correct (+) (-) polarity into the battery compartment.

Battery compartment cover

Close the battery compartment cover. (Make sure that the tab is properly engaged.)

Four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries

Tab

Battery polarity alternates for each slot.

OTE

• When not using the unit for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent the possibility of damage by leaking battery ﬂuid.

• When the indication “BATT” appears on the display, the batteries are almost exhausted. Replace the batteries as soon as possible with fresh ones.

BATT

Getting connected

Make sure that the ampliﬁer and the GFX-5 are switched off.

Turn the volume at the ampliﬁer to minimum.

To power the unit from the AC adapter, insert the small plug of the adapter cable into the [DC IN] jack on the GFX-5. Then plug the adapter into an AC outlet.

Connect the guitar to the [INPUT] jack of the GFX-5, using a mono cable.

Connect the [OUTPUT] jack of the GFX-5 to the guitar amp, using a mono cable.

To monitor the sound with headphones, plug the phones into the [PHONES] jack.

Turn power on in the following order: GFX-5

→

ampliﬁer.

Connect the guitar output jack to the [INPUT] jack on the GFX-5.

Guitar

CD player or other source

To sample a signal from a CD or MD player or similar, connect the player output to the [AUX IN] jack.

OTE

If you turn the GFX-5 on while the ampliﬁer is already powered up, damage to the speaker may result. Always turn power to the ampliﬁer on last. When turning off the system, proceed in the opposite order.

Raise the volume setting of the instrument and ampliﬁer, and adjust the [LEVEL] knob on the rear panel of the GFX-5.

While playing your instrument, turn the [ENERGIZER] knob until the sound quality is as desired.

When using only one guitar amp, connect it to the [OUTPUT L/MONO] jack. By connecting another guitar amp to the [OUTPUT R] jack, you can achieve reverb and chorus sound with a wide stereo spread.

Loop the cable of the AC adapter around the hook before connecting it to the [DC IN] jack. This will prevent

Guitar amps

Connect the separately available AC adapter (ZOOM AD-0006) here.

Headphones

The [ENERGIZE] knob serves to match the unit to the playback environment. As you turn the knob, the display changes as follows.

ENERGY

Turning the knob clockwise emphasizes the low range, and turning it counterclockwise emphasizes the high range. The “oF” setting means that the Energize function is turned off.

INT

the plug from being disconnected if the cable is accidentally pulled.

AC adapter

Energize setting (oF, 1 - 30)

The Energize setting applies to the output sound of all signals except those from the [AUX IN] jack.

To turn the system off, proceed in the opposite order than when turning it on.

ZOOM GFX-5

Quick Guide

When you turn on the GFX-5, it is in play mode. This section explains the basic steps in this mode, allowing you to use the unit right away.

Selecting a patch

To select a patch, press one of the foot switches [1] - [3] whose LED is not lit.

The single effects (effect modules) in the GFX-5 can be combined, and parameter settings for each effect can be changed to achieve a desired sound. Such a combination of effects with certain parameter settings is called a patch. Patches are always called onto the panel in banks of three, and the foot switches [1] - [3] are used to select the patch.

[Display in play mode]

AMPDRV

Patch name

To switch to a patch in another group or bank, use the BANK [Q]/[W] foot switches and then the foot switches [1] - [3].

Patches are organized in user groups (U, u) which can be modified and preset groups (A, b) which are read-only. Each group comprises ten banks numbered from 0 to 9, and each bank has three patches. The BANK [Q]/[W] foot switches select groups and banks in the order A0 – A9, b0 – b9, U0 – U9, u0 – u9.

* You can also use the PARAMETER [Q]/[W] keys to directly switch groups.

◆ For a detailed explanation of patch switching, see

page 10.

User groups Preset groups

BANK 9

BANK 2

BANK 1

BANK 0

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

Group U Group u Group A Group b

BANK 2

BANK 1

BANK 0

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

BANK 9

BANK 2

Group

BANK 2

BANK 1

BANK 0

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

Bank number

BANK 9

BANK 2

BANK 1

BANK 0

PATCH 1

PATCH 2

PATCH 3

BANK 9

BANK 2

Altering an effect with the pedal

Move the expression pedal up or down

while playing your instrument.

The effect depth or volume or another parameter of the effect will change in real time as you move the expression pedal. (Which parameter changes depends on the patch.)

* For some patches, the pedal has no effect.

◆ For an explanation of effect control with

Move back

and forth

AMPDRV

the pedal, see page 20.

Changing the sound of a patch in play mode

While playing your instrument, operate the following knobs and keys.

[Drive section]

Setting this key to ON will increase

To switch the effect module

on or off, push the expression pedal fully down.

The expression pedal also incorporates a push-down switch that allows on/off control of a specific effect module.

◆ For an explanation of how to

select the module to be operated with the pedal, see page 20.

Push down

all the way

[TURBO] key

the sound pressure of the patch.

[Equalizer section ]

The knobs adjust boost/cut for each frequency range.

◆ For a detailed explanation of how to edit effects, see page 17.

Storing effects

Press the [STORE] key.

The GFX-5 goes into store standby mode.

If necessary, use the BANK [Q]/[W] foot switches and the foot switches [1] - [3] to select the bank and patch number in which to store the current effect settings.

* If a patch from a preset group was selected, the patch number 1 of "U0" (user group) will be selected as the default store target.

To carry out the store process, press the [STORE] key once

more.

To cancel the operation, press the [EDIT/EXIT] key.

◆ For a detailed explanation of the store procedure, see page 19.

◆ For information on how to return the user group patches to the

factory default condition, see page 27

[VARIATION] key/[DRIVE] knob

Serve to select the distortion type.

[EDGE] key

Setting this key to ON will emphasize the high

frequency content of the patch.

[BASS] knob

[MIDDLE] knob

STORE?

[GAIN] knob

Adjusts the distortion depth.

[TREBLE] knob

[PRESENCE] knob

Quick Guide

ZOOM GFX-5

Playing Patches (Play Mode)

The condition where you call up patches stored in the memory of the GFX-5 and use them for playing your instrument is called play mode. When you turn the GFX-5 on, it is initially always in this mode. The various operations possible in play mode are described in this section.

In play mode, the panel shows the following

Panel display in play mode

Patch name

Group (A/b/U/u)

AMPDRV

Keys for effect modules that are ON in the currently selected patch are lit.

Selecting a patch

To select a patch in play mode, press one of the foot switches [1] - [3] whose LED is not lit.

The LED of the foot switch for the patch that is currently selected is lit.

OTE

If you press the foot switch whose LED is lit, the unit goes into bypass/mute mode ( → p. 11).

To select a patch in another group or bank, use the BANK [ then the foot switches [1] - [3] to select the group and bank.

For example, if you repeatedly press the BANK [Q ] foot switch, the group/bank is switched as follows.

User groups

Preset groups

A0 A1 A9 B0 B9

]/[

] foot switches and

U0 U9

information.

Bank number (0 - 9)

When a dot (.) is shown here, an effect parameter has been changed.

When a dot (.) is shown here, patches can be selected from a user group or preset group.

To directly switch groups, use the PARAMETER [

Pressing the PARAMETER [Q ] key moves to the next higher group and pressing the PARAMETER [W ] key moves to the next lower group.

]/[

] keys.

U0 A0 B0

If you want to select only patches from a user group or preset group, press both PARAMETER[

Each time you press both PARAMETER [Q ]/[W] keys together, the group type changes.

Both group

] /[W] keys together.

User groups only

Preset groups only

Dot is lit

Using the internal tuner (bypass/mute function)

The GFX-5 has a built-in auto-chromatic tuner for guitars. To use the tuner function, the built-in effects must be bypassed (temporarily turned off) or the unit must be muted (original sound and effect sound turned off).

To set the GFX-5 to the bypass (mute) condition, press the foot switch of the currently selected patch (the switch whose LED is lit) in play mode.

Pressing and immediately releasing the foot switch sets the GFX-5 to the bypass condition. The expression pedal is automatically switched to function as a volume pedal.

Bypass

Release immediately

BYPASS

Pressing and holding the foot switch for more than one second sets the GFX-5 to the mute condition.

Mute

Press and release after more than 1 second

MUTE

Play the open string you want to tune.

The [GROUP/BANK] indicator shows the note which is closest to the current pitch. Adjust the pitch so that the indicator shows the desired note.

Playing Patches (Play Mode)

The note is shown on the left part of the indicator.

A A

B C

D D

F G G

Pitch is sharp Correct pitch Pitch is flat

The more the pitch is off, the faster the rotation of the indicator.

To change the reference pitch of the tuner, use the [VALUE] dial.

The current reference pitch is brieﬂy shown on the display. The default setting after power-on is center A = 440 Hz.

440HZ

Reference pitch value

While the reference pitch is shown, you can change the pitch by turning the [VALUE] dial. The setting range is 435 - 445 Hz in 1-Hz steps. When the GFX-5 is turned off and on again, it will be reset to 440 Hz.

To return to the play mode, press one of the foot switches [1] - [3].

The patch of that foot switch becomes active again.

NOTE

If you switch the bank/group while using the tuner, the tuner function will be temporarily disabled. When you return to the original bank/ group, the tuner function becomes active again.

ZOOM GFX-5

+ 13 hidden pages

ZOOM GFX-5 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual