Zoom GFX-8 User Manual

Name: Zoom GFX8
Brand: Zoom
SKU: 2573794
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)

4.5 (4)

Operation Manual

CONTENTS

Safety and Usage Precautions• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2


Introduction • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				3
Naming of Parts • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
Top Panel • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
Rear Panel • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
Terms Used in This Manual • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				5
Getting Connected• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6
Connection Example (1)		• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •		6
Connection Example (2)		• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •		6
Connection Example (3)		• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •		6
Preparations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7
Power Up • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7
Setting up the Amp Simulator • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				7
Quick Guide (Trying Out the Unit) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				8
Listening to Patches (Play Mode Operation) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			10
Panel Indication in Play Mode • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				10
Selecting a Patch • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				10
Using the Easy Edit Function • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				11
Using the Bypass (Mute)/Tuner Function • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				12
Adjusting the Reference Pitch of the Tuner • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				13
Switching Modules On and Off During Play (Manual Mode) • • • • • • • • • • •				13
Changing the Sound of a Patch (Edit Mode) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			14
Basic Edit Mode Steps • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				14
Edit Mode Shortcut (1)	• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			16
Edit Mode Shortcut (2)	• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			16
Creating Custom Distortion • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				17
Storing Custom Module Settings • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				18
Storing and Copying Patches (Store Mode Operation) • • • • • • • • • • • •			18
Effects and Parameters • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 19
DRIVE Module • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				19
ZNR/EQ (Zoom Noise Reduction/Equalizer) Module • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				20
MOD (Modulation) Module • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				21
DLY/REV (Delay/Reverb) module • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				25
SFX Effects • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				27
TOTAL Module • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				29
Using RTM • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			30
Using the CONTROL Switch • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			31
Using the Jam Play Feature • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			32
Using the Sampler • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			34
MIDI Usage Examples • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			35
Basic MIDI Send/Receive Settings • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				35
Switching GFX-8 Patches From an External Unit • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				35
Controlling External Devices in Conjunction With GFX-8
Patch Switching • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				37
Remote Control Using GFX-8 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				38
Bulk Dump • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				39
Bulk Load • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				40
Supplied Software • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				40
Other Functions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			41
All Initialize/Factory Recall • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				41
Trying Out the Factory Default Patches
(Self Introduction Function) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				41
Adjusting the Expression Pedal • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 41
Disabling the Bypass/Mute Function • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •				41
Troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			42
GFX-8 Specifications • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •			42

MIDI Implimentation Chart• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 43

Safety and Usage Precautions

	USAGE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Safety
Safety	In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and
and	cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented. The

Usage	meanings of these symbols are as follows:
Usage
Precautions		This symbol indicates explanations about
		This symbol indicates explanations about
		extremely dangerous matters. If users
		ignore this symbol and handle the device
	Warning the wrong way, serious injury or death
		could result.
		This symbol indicates explanations about
		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-8.

•Power requirements

•The GFX-8 is powered by the supplied AC adapter .

Warning • To prevent malfunction and safety hazards, Do not use any other kind of AC adapter.

•When using the GFX-8 in an area with a different line voltage, please consult your local ZOOM distributor about acquiring a proper AC adapter.

•Environment

Avoid using your GFX-8 in environments where it will be Caution exposed to:

•Extreme temperature

•High humidity or moisture

•Excessive dust or sand

•Excessive vibration or shock

•Handling

Since the GFX-8 is a precision electronic device, avoid Caution 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-8 or attempt to modify the Caution product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

• Connecting cables and input and output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the GFX-8 and all Caution other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC

adapter before moving the GFX-8.

Usage Precautions

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the GFX-8 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-8, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the GFX-8 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-8. 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 GFX-8

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM GFX-8 (hereafter simply called the "GFX-8 "). The GFX-8 is a sophisticated

digital effect processor with the following features and functions:

•Versatile array of effects

The Variable Architecture Modeling System (VAMS) adapts the internal configuration of the unit to achieve exactly the desired pattern. The GFX-8 provides 69 effects ranging from the sound of famous guitar amplifiers and other vintage devices to ultra-modern processing functions. Up to nine effects can be freely combined for simultaneous use. Modulation effects and delay/reverb effects allow up to two types of custom settings to be stored in memory. Any desired setting can be called up quickly and easily.

•Sophisticated distortion technology

Using new technology developed by Zoom, the GFX-8 can faithfully duplicate the characteristics of famous guitar amplifiers and preamplifiers. The available choices range from conventional overdrive to exciting high-gain fuzz sound. In combination with the built-in amp simulator and cabinet simulator, this lets you create realistic distortion tailored to your music. Two types of custom distortion are also included, letting you build your own sound from scratch.

•"Easy Edit" feature

During a stage performance, quick editing is possible using handy selectors and knobs on the top panel of the unit. You can switch effects, adjust the 4-band equalizer, control distortion gain, or fine-tune major parameters of the delay/reverb effects. Operation is quick and intuitive, just like using a compact effect device.

•MIDI capability

MIDI IN and OUT connectors are provided, allowing you to hook up a MIDI sequencer or keyboard for remote control, or to control a MIDI compatible guitar amplifier or other device from the GFX-8. Memory data can also be sent and received via the MIDI link.

•Supplied editing software

The GFX-8 is supplied with a CD-ROM containing software that lets you manage and edit patch libraries on a computer (Windows 95/98 or Macintosh). The software also provides access to a user custom area for detailed adjustments that are not possible on the main unit.

•Extensive patch library

A patch is a combination of effects and parameter settings stored in memory, with a name of up to 8 characters. The GFX-8 has room for 80 read/write patches (4 patches x 20 banks) that can be freely changed by the user, plus 160 preset patches (4 patches x 40 banks) that are read-only. In total, this gives access to as many as 240 patches.

•Built-in sampler and jam play feature

The integrated phrase sampler has a recording time of up to 25 seconds. In addition, there is a jam play feature that lets you record a 12-second phrase and play it back in normal, reverse, or scratch mode. Changing the playback speed is possible without altering the pitch. This feature comes in handy when copying phrases. The AUX input lets you connect a stereo source such as a CD or MD player, to combine with your session or to directly record with the sampler.

•Designed for use on stage

The tough metal chassis of the unit will withstand use in a demanding environment. The expression pedal and foot switches are designed to facilitate your work on stage. The easy-to-read 8-character display plus a 2-digit LED panel are great for checking patch names, numbers, and other settings at a glance. The output level can be set to +4 dB to match professional specifications.

Introduction

Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of your GFX-8 and to ensure optimum performance and reliability. Retain this manual, the warranty card and all other documentation for future reference.

*Windows 95 and Windows 98 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

*Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

ZOOM GFX-8

Parts of Naming

Naming of Parts

PARM (parameter)	ZNR/EQ EDIT key
knobs 1 - 4	TOTAL key
	TOTAL key
GROUP/CUSTOM SET key	MIDI key
	MIDI key
STORE key	EDIT/CANCEL key

Top Panel

GROUP/BANK indicator	expression pedal
Display
Foot switches 1 - 4

BANK UP/DOWN [MANUAL]	DRIVE selector	MOD (modulation) selector
foot switches	DRIVE selector	MOD (modulation) selector
		DLY/REV (delay/reverb)
		selector
	GAIN knob	PARM (parameter)
		PARM (parameter)
		VALUE/ADJUST knob
	DRIVE key
	PARM (parameter) SELECT	DLY/REV (delay/reverb) key
	PARM (parameter) SELECT	MOD (modulation) key
	/ADJUST knob

Rear Panel	EXTERNAL DIST
	(distortion) SEND jack
	EXTERNAL DIST (distortion)	POWER switch
	RETURN jack	POWER switch
	RETURN jack	POWER connector
		POWER connector



						MIDI OUT connector



INPUT jack		OUTPUT R jack		OUTPUT PHONES			MIDI IN connector
		OUTPUT R jack		jack
	AUX IN jack			jack
	AUX IN jack		OUTPUT L/MONO jack		OUTPUT LEVEL knob
			OUTPUT L/MONO jack		OUTPUT LEVEL knob

*The MIDI OUT connector can also be switched internally to serve as MIDI THRU connector (see page 35).

4 ZOOM GFX-8

Terms Used in This Manual

This section explains some important terms that are used throughout the GFX-8 documentation.

	Effect module	use the four effect modules DRIVE, EQUALIZER, MOD, and


An "effect module" in the GFX-8 works like a stand-alone compact		DLY/REV as well as the ZNR (Zoom Noise Reduction) + AMP
effect device such as a distortion or delay. In the GFX-8, you can		SIM (Amp Simulator) simultaneously.

RETURN					* When an SFX effect of the DLY/REV module is selected, the
	EXTERNAL DIST				* When an SFX effect of the DLY/REV module is selected, the
	EXTERNAL DIST				MOD module is automatically disabled.
SEND			VOLUME			SFX
						SFX
IN	DRIVE	ZNR	EQ	AMP SIM	MOD	DLY/REV	L/MONO
INPUT	DRIVE	ZNR	EQ	AMP SIM	MOD	DLY/REV	R
INPUT							R

Signal flow in the GFX-8

Effects and parameters

An effect is a specific processing function in a module. The effect modules DRIVE, MOD, and DLY/REV each have 22 effects, from which one can be selected. The various settings of an effect that can be freely modified by the user are called parameters. The GFX- 8 uses two kinds of parameters: effect parameters which are stored separately for each patch and global parameters which apply to all patches.

Patch/group/bank

Effect module combinations and effect parameter settings are stored in memory as "patches". The GFX-8 can store a total of 240 patches. These are divided into 80 read/write patches in the user groups (U and u) and 160 read-only patches in the preset groups (A, b, C, d). Each group has 10 banks numbered from 0 - 9, and each bank has 4 patches which can be selected with the foot switches 1 - 4 on the top panel of the unit.

User groups

Preset groups

BANK 9

BANK 8

BANK 7

BANKPATCH6 1

BANK 5

BANK 4

BANK 3

BANK 2

BANKPATCH1 1

PATCH 1

BANK PATCH0

PATCHPATCHPATCH1 2

PATCHPATCH1

PATCH 2

PATCHPATCH1 PATCH2

PATCHPATCHPATCH2 3

PATCHPATCH2

PATCH 3

PATCHPATCH2 PATCH3

PATCHPATCH3

PATCH 4

PATCHPATCH3

PATCH 4

Group U

Group u

Group A

Group b

Group C

Group d

Modes

The GFX-8 has five different operation modes, as listed below.

•Play mode

In this mode, patches can be selected and played. This is the default mode of the GFX-8 that is always active when power is turned on.

•Manual mode

In this mode, you play your instrument while manually switching modules on and off.

•Edit mode

In this mode, the effect parameters of the currently selected patch can be edited (changed).

•Jam play mode

In this mode, you can record a guitar phrase and play it back in normal, reverse, or scratch style.

•Sampler mode

In this mode, you can use the sampler function to record and play back a phrase from guitar or a source such as a CD player.

RTM (real-time modulation)

This refers to changing effect parameters in real time. For example, you can use the expression pedal to change the mix ratio of the reverb sound, or adjust the delay time during a song using a MIDI sequencer.

The type and range of the parameter to be changed, as well as the controller type (expression pedal or MIDI control change information) can be stored separately for each patch.

Parts of Naming

ZOOM GFX-8

Connected Getting

Getting Connected

Connection Example (1) Instrument/amplifier connection

Guitar amplifier

Use a mono cable to connect the guitar to the INPUT jack.

Guitar

Use a mono cable to connect the OUTPUT L/MONO jack only (for a monaural setup) or the OUTPUT L/MONO jack and OUTPUT R jack to the guitar amplifier or playback system.

INPUT		OUTPUT	AC adapter
INPUT	R	L/MONO

EXTERNAL DIST		EXTERNAL
	SEND	DIST
		RETURN
When using the GFX-8 together	IN	OUT
with a distortion device or other
effect, connect the device
between the EXT.DIST SEND
jack and EXT.DIST RETURN
jack.

Guitar effect

*The on/off condition and signal output level of a compact effect connected to the EXT.DIST SEND jack/EXT.DIST RETURN jack can be stored as part of a patch (see page 20).

PHONES	MIDI OUT		MIDI IN
Headphone	MIDI IN		MIDI
			OUT
To monitor the sound			Computer
		MIDI interface
with a pair of

headphones, connect the		When using the supplied software to edit the patches
cable to the OUTPUT		of the GFX-8 on a computer, connect the MIDI
PHONES jack.		interface of the computer to the MIDI IN/OUT jacks of
		the GFX-8, using MIDI cables.

Connection Example (2) Connection to power amp input jack of guitar amplifier

If your guitar amplifier is equipped with a power amplifier input	* When using the GFX-8 in this way, it is recommended to activate
jack, you can directly connect the OUTPUT L/MONO jack of the	the built-in amp simulator (see page 7).
GFX-8 to the power amp input jack, using the GFX-8 as a guitar

preamplifier.

POWER AMP.INPUT

Guitar amplifier

OUTPUT

L/MONO

Guitar INPUT

Connection Example (3) CD player/MD player connection

A component with stereo line level output such as a CD player or MD	* Using the sampler function of the GFX-8, it is also
player can be connected to the AUX IN jack, using a stereo Y	possible to record the signal supplied to the AUX IN jack
cable. The signal supplied to this jack is not processed by the	(see page 34).
effects of the GFX-8 and is sent directly to the OUTPUT jacks.	* When using hi-fi equipment (mixer, audio system or
This allows you for example to listen to a CD while practicing a guitar	similar) instead of a guitar amplifier, activating the built-in amp
phrase.	simulator (see page 7) is recommended.

CD player

Playback system

AUX	OUTPUT
IN R	L/MONO

Guitar INPUT

6 ZOOM GFX-8

Preparations

This section explains the steps you should take before playing sound through the GFX-8.

Power Up

1.Verify that the AC adapter, instrument, and amplifier/playback system are correctly connected to the GFX-8.

Before making any connections, be sure to turn power to all components off. Also, you should turn the volume on the amplifier or playback system to minimum, and set the

OUTPUT LEVEL knob on the rear panel of the GFX-8 to the 12

o'clock position.

2.Turn the system on in the order GFX-8 amplifier.

3.While playing your instrument, adjust the volume control on the amplifier, the level control of the instrument, and the OUTPUT LEVEL knob of the GFX-8 to a suitable position.

Setting up the Amp Simulator

The GFX-8 incorporates an amp simulator that can duplicate the electrical characteristics and cabinet sound of various guitar amplifiers. Before starting to use the GFX- 8, we recommend that you set up the amp simulator so that it matches the connection type of the playback system or guitar amplifier. This will assure that you get optimum results from the GFX-8.

1.Immediately after turning on the GFX-8, press the TOTAL key.

The GFX-8 switches to the edit mode which allows you to change various internal settings. The TOTAL key flashes red, and the display shows "PATCHLVL".

2.Press the TOTAL key twice, so that it flashes orange.

The display indication changes to "AMP SIM".

3.Use the PARM knobs 1 - 4 to select the amp simulator setting that matches the playback system.

While the TOTAL key is flashing orange, the PARM knobs 1 - 4 serve to set the amp simulator operation.

(1) PARM knob 1

(3) PARM knob 3

(2) PARM knob 2

(4) PARM knob 4

(1) PARM knob 1

AMP SIM

Switches amp simulator ON/OFF.

(2) PARM knob 2

AMP TYPE

Selects the amp simulator characteristics as follows (only if parameter 1 is set to "on".

Line connection

	•LC	General combo type amplifier
	•Lb	Bright combo type amplifier
	•LS	Stack type amplifier
	Power amplifier connection
	Power amplifier connection
	•AC	Combo type amplifier
	•AS	Stack type amplifier


(3) PARM knob 3		CABINET
Selects the speaker cabinet simulator type.
•oF	Cabinet simulator OFF
•C1	Combo amplifier cabinet with one 12" speaker
•C2	Combo amplifier cabinet with two 12" speakers
•ST	Stack amplifier with four 10" speakers
•WL	Stack amplifier tower with four 10" speakers
(4) PARM knob 4		CABI DPT

Adjusts the depth of the cabinet simulator effect, in the range from 0 - 10.

Recommended settings for various connection methods and playback systems are as follows.

Connected to guitar amplifier input jack

Connected to power amplifier input jack of guitar amplifier

Connected to hi-fi playback system such as mixer or audio system

4.When the settings are complete, press the STORE key twice.

T`he new amp simulator setting is stored. This setting is retained also when power to the unit is turned off.

ZOOM GFX-8

Preparations

* If you press the foot switch whose LED is lit, the GFX- 8 goes into the bypass condition.

Unit) the Out (Trying Guide Quick

Quick Guide (Trying Out the Unit)

The Quick Guide explains the basic steps for using the GFX-8 in play mode. This lets you use the unit right away, to check out

what it can do.

Selecting the patch/bank number/group

In play mode, the name of the currently selected patch is shown on the display.

The group and bank number of the patch can be checked on the GROUP/BANK indicator.

Patch name

Group Bank number

To switch the patch within the same bank, press one of the foot switches 1 - 4 whose LED is not lit.

To switch to a patch from another bank number or group, use the BANK UP/DOWN foot switches and the foot switches 1 - 4 to select the bank number and group.

• For details on patch/bank/group switching, refer to p. 10.

To alter the effect with

RTM

RTM (real-time modulation) refers to changing an effect with the expression pedal in real time.

Rock the expression pedal back and	Push the expression pedal fully down.
forth.

Move back and forth

Push fully down

The effect changes as the expression pedal is moved. The parameter that is controlled can be programmed for each patch. Try out this function to see which parameter changes for the stored patches.

The expression pedal incorporates a switch that operates when the pedal is pushed firmly down. The switch turns the module for which RTM control is possible on and off.

•For information on effects that allow RTM control, see p. 30.

•For more information on the use of the expression pedal, see p. 41.

8 ZOOM GFX-8

Quick Guide (Trying Out the Unit)

To select other effects or adjust the effect intensity, use 3 the easy edit function.

The steps listed below will result in a change of the patch sound quality and effect intensity.

To adjust the patch sound quality,		To change the effect, use the DRIVE,
operate PARM knobs 1 - 4.		MOD, DLY/REV selectors and keys.
		Turn the selector to choose the desired effect in the respective
		module (DRIVE, MOD, DLY/REV).
Adjusts the ultra-high	Adjusts the low
frequency range.	frequency range.
Adjusts the high	Adjusts the medium
frequency range.	frequency range.

Switches the respective module (DRIVE, MOD, DLY/REV)

ON and OFF and switches the group for selectable effects.

To change the effect intensity, operate the

GAIN, PARM SELECT, or PARM VALUE knob.

Adjusts a major parameter

of the DRIVE module.

of the DLY/REV module.

Adjusts a major parameter of the MOD module.

* During adjustment, the key for that module flashes.

* The parameter that can be adjusted differs for each patch.

• For more information on easy edit, see p. 11.

• For more information on full edit, see p. 14.

4 Topatchstore an adjusted

To store an edited patch, press the STORE key twice.

If required, change the store target with the BANK UP/DOWN foot switches and foot switches 1 - 4 before pressing the STORE key twice. Note that only patches in a user group can be selected as store targets.

If you press the CANCEL key before pressing the STORE key twice, the store procedure is aborted and the unit returns to the play mode.

• For more information on storing patches, see p. 18.

5 Other useful functions

•For information on using the amp simulator, see p. 7.

•For information on using the built-in tuner, see p. 12.

•For information on record/playback of phrases (sampler), see p. 34.

•For information on special playback of recorded phrases (jam play), see p. 32.

Unit) the Out (Trying Guide Quick

ZOOM GFX-8

Operation) Mode (Play Patches to Listening

Listening to Patches (Play Mode Operation)

Selecting and playing patches stored in the memory of the GFX-8 is called "play mode". The GFX-8 is always in this mode immediately after being turned on. This section describes how to use the functions available in this mode.

Panel Indication in Play Mode

In play mode, the following information is shown on the panel.

(2) Group (U, u, A, b, C, d)

U and u are user groups,

A - d are preset groups.

(3) Bank number (0 - 9)

(1) Patch name

(5)The foot switch LED

of the currently selected patch lights up.

(4)When a dot (.) is shown here, the user group/preset group patches can be selected continuously.

(6)Lights up in red if the EQ module in the patch is ON.

(7)When the LED is red, the effect is from group A, and when it is green, it is from group B.

When the LED is out, the effect is off.

Selecting a Patch

1.To switch patches in play mode, press a foot switch 1 - 4 whose LED is not lit.

In play mode, foot switches 1 - 4 serve to select a patch from the same group/bank. The LED of the currently selected foot switch is lit.

2To select a patch from a different group/bank, press the BANK UP or DOWN foot switch to switch the group/patch, and then use the foot switches 1 - 4 to select the new patch.

For example, when the BANK UP foot switch is pressed repeatedly, the group/bank number changes as follows.

User group

Preset group

The patch is not switched as long as you only switch the bank/group (changed section of GROUP/BANK indicator

10 ZOOM GFX-8

flashes). It is switched only after you press one of the foot

switches 1 - 4 (the flashing of the GROUP/BANK indicator

stops).

If desired, you can limit the action of the BANK UP/DOWN

HINT

foot switches to select only user group banks, or only preset group banks. To do this, press the GROUP key. With each push of this key, the selectable groups are cycled as follows.

Both	User group		Preset group		Both
groups		only		only	groups

Using the Easy Edit Function

To edit patches of the GFX-8, the user normally will activate the edit mode, select the desired parameter, and change the setting. However, it is also possible to switch effects in modules and change major effect parameters in play mode. This is called the easy edit function.

1.To switch the effect used in the DRIVE, MOD, or DLY/REV module, operate the selector and key for the respective module.

Select DRIVE module effect.

Select MOD module effect.

Select DLY/REV module effect.

Switches the respective module (DRIVE, MOD, DLY/REV) ON and OFF and switches the group for selectable effects. With each push of the key, the unit cycles through the following three states.

Key out or slowly flashing red

Respective module is OFF.

Key lit/flashing red

Module is ON and effect from group A (upper labels) is selected.

Key lit/flashing green

Module is ON and effect from group B (lower labels) is selected.

When the effect is switched, the name of the new effect is shown on the display for about 2 seconds. The EDITED mark (.) in the GROUP/BANK indicator lights up. This indicates that an effect parameter of this patch has been edited. The mark disappears when the setting is changed back to the original setting.

EDITED mark (.)

While only the effect group was switched, the previous

NOTE effect is still active. The change does not occur until the selector for the respective module is operated. Therefore the selector position and the actual effect may differ during this interval.

2.To adjust a major parameter of each module, operate the following knobs.

[EQ]

PRESENCE:

Adjusts boost/cut in the ultra-high frequency range.

TREBLE:

Adjusts boost/cut in the high frequency range.

MIDDLE:

Adjusts boost/cut in the medium frequency range.

BASS:

Adjusts boost/cut in the low frequency range.

[PARM knobs 1 - 4]

Adjust the following EQ module parameters.

[GAIN knob]

Adjusts a major parameter of the DRIVE module. In almost all patches, this is the GAIN parameter that determines the distortion intensity.

[PARM SELECT/ADJUST knob]

Adjusts a major parameter of the MOD module.

[PARM VALUE/ADJUST knob]

Adjusts a major parameter of the DLY/REV module.

When one of the above knobs is moved, the display shows the parameter name and the GROUP/BANK indicator shows the parameter value for about 2 seconds.

Parameter name

Setting value

Which parameter is assigned to the GAIN knob, PARM SELECT/ADJUST knob, and PARM VALUE/ADJUST knob depends on which effect is selected for that module (see page 19 - 29).

• Trying to change effects or parameters which are set to

NOTE

OFF in the current module has no effect. In this case, the indication "OFF" is shown on the display.

•All changes made with the easy edit function are temporary. Settings revert to the original condition when the patch is switched. When wishing to keep the changes, you must store the patch (see page 18).

Operation) Mode (Play Patches to Listening

ZOOM GFX-8 11

Operation) Mode (Play Patches to Listening

Using the Bypass (Mute)/Tuner Function

The GFX-8 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).

1.To set the GFX-8 to the bypass (mute) condition, press and immediately release the foot switch 1 - 4 that has selected the currently active patch (the foot switch whose LED is lit).

In play mode, when you quickly press the foot switch whose LED is lit, the GFX-8 switches to the bypass condition. The foot switch LED now flashes and the indication "BYPASS" is shown on the display.

Lit Flashes

Release immediately

If you press a foot switch with lit LED for longer than 1 second and then release it, the GFX-8 switches to the mute condition. The foot switch LED now flashes and the indication "MUTE" is shown on the display.

Lit Flashes

Release after more than 1 second

2.Play the open string you want to tune, and watch the GROUP/BANK indicator. The GFX-8 automatically detects the pitch and the GROUP/BANK indicator shows the note which is closest to the current pitch.

3.When the GROUP/BANK indicator shows the desired note, perform fine tuning while watching the display.

Pitch is low

Pitch is correct

Pitch is high

4.Tune the other strings in the same way.

5.When tuning is completed, press the foot switch whose LED is flashing once more.

The GFX-8 returns to the play mode.

If desired, you can change the setting of the unit so that NOTE pressing the foot switch whose LED is lit will not activate

the bypass/mute condition. For details, please refer to page 41.

For tuning, always play a single note. If you play a chord,

NOTE

the pitch will not be detected correctly.

12 ZOOM GFX-8

Adjusting the Reference Pitch of the Tuner

After the GFX-8 is turned on, the tuner reference pitch is always "center A = 440 Hz". If desired, you can change the reference pitch. This is useful for example to match your instrument to another instrument or sound source whose pitch cannot be changed easily, such as an acoustic piano or a CD. To do this, first change the reference pitch of the GFX-8 and then use to to perform tuning of your guitar.

1.In play mode, press the foot switch 1 - 4 whose LED is lit, to set the GFX-8 to the bypass/mute condition.

2.Rotate the DLY/REV (PARM VALUE) knob to adjust the reference pitch. When this knob is operated, the current reference pitch is shown on the display. The initial setting is "440" (center A = 440 Hz).

Reference pitch value

The available setting range is "435" (center A = 435 Hz) - "445"

(center A = 445 Hz) in 1-Hz steps.

3.When tuning is completed, once more press the foot switch whose LED is flashing.

The GFX-8 returns to the play mode.

When the GFX-8 is turned off and on again, the reference

NOTE	pitch will be reset to "440".

Switching Modules On and Off During Play (Manual Mode)

The condition where foot switches 1 - 4 can be used to switch the modules in a patch ON and OFF individually and where specific parameters can be adjusted is called "manual mode". In manual mode, the modules in a patch can be used like independent compact effects.

1. In play mode, select a patch.

2. Press the BANK DOWN foot switch and hold it down for at least 1 second.

The GFX-8 switches to the manual mode. The display shows

"MANUAL".

Hold down for

at least 1 second

3.Operate foot switches 1 - 4.

In manual mode, foot switches 1 - 4 have the following functions.

The parameter to be controlled by foot switch 4

NOTE	(CONTROL switch) is set using the TOTAL module (see

page 29).

4.To return to the play mode, press the BANK DOWN foot switch once more.

Operation) Mode (Play Patches to Listening

ZOOM GFX-8 13

Changing the Sound of a Patch (Edit Mode)

Mode) (Edit Patch a of Sound the Changing

The condition where you can change the parameters that make up a patch to create your own sound is called "edit mode". This section describes how to use edit mode.

Basic Edit Mode Steps

The basic steps that are normally taken in edit mode are explained here. Besides these, the edit mode also provides a short cut to quickly edit a specific parameter (see page 16).

1.In play mode, select the patch you want to edit.

The patch can be from a user group or preset group. However, because patches in the preset groups are read-only, after you have edited a patch, you can only select a user group patch as store target.

2.Press the EDIT key.

The EDIT key LED lights up, and the GFX-8 enters the edit mode.

In edit mode, the following information is shown on the panel.

Currently selected parameter value

Currently selected parameter name

The keys and foot switch LEDs of modules that are ON in the current patch are lit.

The key of the module selected for editing flashes.

When edit mode was activated immediately after switching

HINT patches, the TOTAL key flashes. When edit mode was activated after easy edit, the key of the edited module flashes.

3.Use the panel keys to select the module you want to edit.

In edit mode, the following keys serve to select the module for editing. The selected key flashes.

ZNR/EQ EDIT key

Selects the EQ module or ZNR.

With each push of the key, the color of the flashing LED changes, and the edit target changes as follows.

	Flashing red			EQ module page 1
	Flashing green			EQ module page 2
	Flashing orange			ZNR

	MIDI key	DRIVE, MOD, DLY/REV key
	Make MIDI settings	DRIVE, MOD, DLY/REV key
	Make MIDI settings	Select the DRIVE, MOD, or
	(see page 35).	DLY/REV module respectively.

TOTAL key

Serves to set the patch name and patch level (overall output level of the patch) and other parameters applying to the entire patch, as well as global parameters that apply to all patches. With each push of the key, the color of the flashing LED changes, and the edit target changes as follows.

Flashing red	Set patch name and patch level .
Flashing green	Set RTM and CONTROL switch
	functions (see page 30).
Flashing orange	Make amp simulator (global
	parameter) settings .

If a module is selected that is set to OFF in the current

NOTE patch, editing is not possible (display shows "OFF"). However, ZNR settings can be made also when the EQ module is OFF.

4.Use the PARM SELECT knob to select the parameter you want to edit.

When you turn the PARM SELECT knob, the effects of the

module selected in step 3 and the effect parameters are shown in turn on the display. (Which parameter is shown depends on the currently selected module and effect). The currently selected parameter setting can be checked using the GROUP/BANK indicator.

14 ZOOM GFX-8

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