ZOOM GM-200 Operation Manual

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM GM-200 (hereafter simply called the "GM-200").
The GM-200 is a modeling type guitar amp simulator with the following features and
functions.

Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of
your GM-200 and to ensure optimum performance and reliability. Retain this
manual, the warranty card and all other documentation for future reference.

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

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Controls and Features

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Top Panel

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Rear Panel

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Getting Connected

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Battery Operation

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Power-On

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Trying Out the GM-200

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Output Character Settings

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Selecting the Amp Type

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Sample Settings

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Troubleshooting / Specifications

• Wide range of guitar amp sounds

Using the Variable Architecture Modeling System (VAMS) developed by Zoom,
the GM-200 models the sound characteristics of various famous guitar amplifiers.
Simply by operating the AMP SELECT knob, you can produce a wide range of
sound characteristics, from vintage fifties amps to the latest in modern technology.

• Compatible with virtually any playback system

Output characteristics and signal processing can be adapted to the requirements of
various systems with the OUTPUT CHARACTER knob. The GM-200 is a versatile
playing tool, whether you use it for stage rehearsals, practicing with a radio/
cassette/ CD player, or a direct line out to a multi-track recorder (MTR).

• 4 types of effects for guitar play

The GM-200 also incorporates four types of vintage effects that are essential for
great guitar sound, including vintage chorus, tremolo, tape echo, and spring reverb.
A single knob on the panel lets you select effects and adjust their intensity.

• Versatile input/output configuration

In addition to the phone jack for guitar input, the unit also provides a MIX IN jack
(stereo mini phone plug) which is handy for connecting a CD player, MD player or
other source for mixing with the guitar sound. On the output side, there is a stereo
phone jack as well as RCA type phono jacks, allowing easy connection to any kind
of equipment, such as guitar amps, an audio system, a portable stereo, etc. Stereo
headphones can also be plugged in, for those late-night practice sessions.

• Dual power supply

The dual power supply principle allows the unit to be powered from the AC adapter
or six IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. This lets you easily take the GM-200 on stage or
into a rehearsal studio, in the same way as a compact guitar effect.

OPERATION MANUAL

Introduction

Contents

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:

Please observe the following safety tips and precautions
to ensure hazard-free use of the GM-200.

• Power requirements

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly
high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter
whenever possible. When powering the unit from
a battery, use only an alkaline type.

[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 Powered Operation ]

• Use six IEC R6 (size AA) 1.5V batteries
(alkaline).

• The GM-200 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 GM-200 in environments where
it will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• Handling

Since the GM-200 is a precision electronic device,
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 GM-200 or attempt to
modify the 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 GM­200 and all other equipment before connecting or
disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to
disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before
moving the GM-200.

Usage Precautions

• Electrical interference

For safety considerations, the GM-200 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 GM-200, as the
possibility of interference cannot be ruled out
entirely.

With any type of digital control device, the GM-200
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 GM-200. 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.

ZOOM GM-200

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

2

Warning

This symbol indicates explanations
about extremely dangerous
matters. If users 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 symbol and handle the
device the wrong way, bodily injury
and damage to the equipment
could result.

Caution

Caution

Caution

Caution

Warning

Caution

ZOOM GM-200

Controls and Features

Controls and Functions

3

POWER indicator

This LED lights up while the GM-200 is powered.
When operating the unit on battery power, the
indicator starts to flash when the batteries are
running low.

GAIN control

Adjusts the
distortion
intensity.

ZNR control

Adjusts operation
of the ZNR (Zoom
Noise Reduction)
circuit.

MASTER LEVEL
control

Adjusts the
overall signal
output level.

EFFECTS knob

Allows you to choose between four
effects and adjust their intensity.

OUTPUT CHARACTER knob

Allows matching the output signal of the
GM-200 to the requirements of the
playback system. Signal characteristics
and processing are changed internally.

AMP SELECT knob

Gives a choice of 11 different
guitar amp characteristics.

TREBLE/MIDDLE/BASS controls

The three-band tone control for treble, midrange, and
bass allows tailoring the sound as in a guitar amplifier.

POWER switch

Serves to turn the
unit on and off.

OUTPUT jack

This stereo phone jack serves for connection
to a guitar amp. It is also possible to plug a
pair of stereo headphones into this jack, or
to use a Y cable for sending the output to
two amplifiers.

Turn off power to the amplifier before changing the setting of
the INPUT GAIN switch. If the switch is operated while the
amplifier is on, shock noise may damage the speakers.

INPUT jack

Connect the guitar to this jack.

MIX IN jack

This stereo mini jack accepts the signal from an external source. The
signal supplied to this jack is not processed by the effect circuitry of the
GM-200. It is simply mixed to the guitar signal and sent to the output.

OUTPUT L/R jacks

This stereo pair of RCA type phono
jacks serves for connection to a Hi­Fi system, portable stereo, multi­track recorder or other component
equipped with a line input.

DC IN (AC adapter) jack

To use the GM-200 on AC
power, plug the supplied
AC adapter into this jack.

INPUT GAIN switch

Adjusts the gain for the signal
input via the INPUT jack ( ).

For connection
of guitars with
low output
(passive type)

For connection
of guitars with
high output
(active type)

NOTE

Top Panel

Rear Panel

INPUT

DC9V

OUTPUT

R

L

INPUT

R

L

MTR

GM-200

Guitar

AC adapter

MTR/recording mixer etc.

MIX IN

GM-200

Guitar

Hi-Fi systemRadio/cassette

/CD player

CD player

AC adapter

RCA type phono cable

Stereo mini phone plug cable

INPUT

DC9V

OUTPUT

R

L

R

L

AUX INPUT

R

L

ZOOM GM-200

Getting Connected

Getting Connected

4

Audio System Connection (for line audio)

MTR/Recording Mixer Connection (for recording)

This example shows how to connect the GM-200 to a Hi-Fi system or a portable stereo such as a radio/ cassette/ CD
player or similar. Use two audio cables with RCA type plugs to connect the OUTPUT L/R jacks of the GM-200 to
the AUX inputs (line inputs) of the stereo system. By connecting the line output of a CD player or MD player to the
MIX IN jack of the GM-200 using a stereo mini phone plug cable, you can mix the sound from a CD or MD to your
session.

This example shows how to connect the GM-200 to a multi- track recorder or a recording mixer or similar. Use a
shielded mono cable with phone plug or two cables with RCA type phono plugs to connect the OUTPUT jack (or
OUTPUT L/R jacks) of the GM-200 to the line inputs of the recorder.