Zoom Corporation 504 Operation Manual

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM 504 (hereafter simply called the "504"). Please take the time to read this manual carefully so you can get the most out of

your 504 and ensure optimum performance and reliability. Retain this manual for future reference.

ZOOM CORPORATION

NOAH Bldg., 2-10-2, Miyanishi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0022, Japan PHONE: 0423-69-7116 FAX: 0423-69-7115

Printed in Japan 504-5000

• New type of compact multi-effect device designed for creating great acoustic guitar sound.

• Suitable for use with an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar. Use the dedicated effects for acoustic guitar, or make an electric guitar sound like an acoustic guitar with the built-in simulator.

• Unique AIR effect imitates the sound as picked up by a microphone. Reverb and chorus effects help to create a spacious feeling. Enjoy life-like, dynamic sound even during line recording.

• Feedback suppressor automatically detects and attenuates problem frequencies. This makes the 504 useful not only for line recording but also on stage.

• Two input jacks with different sensitivity allow optimum matching to any type of guitar, from acoustic guitars with magnetic pickups to electric guitars with humbucking type pickups.

• You can switch between 24 patches to store diverse settings based on your preference.

• Integrated auto-chromatic tuner for guitar. You can tune your instrument easily anywhere, any time. You can also leave the tuning function disabled all the time.

• Dual power supply design allows the unit to be powered from a 9V alkaline battery (6LR61) or an AC adapter.

USAGE AND 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 504.

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 the cable.

• If the unit is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet.

Battery operation

• Use only a 9 V (alkaline) battery (6LR61).

• The 504 cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make sure you choose the correct type.

• If the 504 is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the battery 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.

Avoid using your 504 in environments where it will be exposed to:

• Extreme temperature

• High humidity or moisture

• Excessive dust or sand

• Excessive vibration or shock

• The 504 is a precision instrument. Except for the foot switches, do not push other parts with your feet or subject them to strong force.

• Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids enter the unit.

• Be sure to turn the power to all equipment off before making connections.

• Before moving the unit, turn the power off and disconnect all cables and the AC adapter.

Never open the case of the 504 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

Usage precautions

For safety considerations, the 504 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and from external interference.However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the 504, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely.

Whatever the type of digital control device, the 504 included, electromagnetic damage can cause malfunctioning and corrupt or destroy data. Since this is an ever-present danger, thorough care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the 504. 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.

Connecting cables and input and output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the 504 and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Also make sure to disconnect all cables and the AC adapter before moving the 504.

Major Features

Safety Precautions

Warning

This symbol indicates explanations about extremely dangerous issues. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device incorrectly, serious injury or death could result.

Caution

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

Warning

About power

Caution

Environment

Caution

Handling

Caution

Alterations

Electrical interference

Cleaning

Operation Manual

• PATCH

A group of the settings for a certain effect type is called a PATCH. The 504 comes with 24 preset patches which can be changed (edited) by the user.

• BANK

The 504 calls up patches in sets of four, called a "bank".

The 504 has memory capacity for 24 patches. At the factory, these are programmed with recommended settings.

The user can Edit and Store any patch, and also restore the factory settings.

The patches of banks A through d for acoustic guitar are designed for line output to a mixer or similar. When using a guitar amplifier, it is recommended to adjust the De-Amp parameter.

What Are Banks and Patches? PATCH LIST

Configuration of Patches

Controls, Functions and Connections

The patches of the 504 are created using the nine parameters listed below. A parameter is an element that determines a certain aspect, such as the sound character or the effect intensity. Parameters can be altered by the user as desired, and a set of changed parameters can be stored as a patch for later recall.

Global parameters are common to all patches.

For an explanation of the function of each parameter, please refer to section "11. Editing Patches".

INPUT

HIGH LOW

DC 9V

CONTROL IN

OUTPUT

300mA

(PHONES)

ZOOM CORPORATION

MADE IN JAPAN

STORE

TUNER CAL.

EDIT VAL.

BANK

OUTPUT

INPUT

EDIT

DOWN

BYPASS

BANK HOLD

REVERB&DELAY

MODULATION

LEVEL

–

COMPACT MULTI EFFECTS PROCESSOR

NATURAL MILD RHYTHM BRIGHT

PRE AMP for ACOUSTIC Guitar

NORMAL JUMBO PIEZO GUT

SIMULATOR for ELECTRIC Guitar

AIR

De-AMP

F.B. SUPPRESSOR

LIMITER/EDGE BODY&TOP

TYPE

Front Panel

Rear Panel

TUNER indicator

• Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode

Indicator shows that tuning function is active and also serves to show the correct fine tuning position.

• Edit mode

Indicator flashes when LEVEL parameter (overall patch level) is selected.

• BATTERY EMPTY WARNING display

When the unit is powered from the battery and the battery is running low, this indicator begins flashing at a faster rate than in Edit mode. In such a case, replace the battery as soon as possible.

STORE key

When the contents of patches are to be stored, this key is used for putting the unit in store standby status and to execute the store function.

• Setting of direct load function

When the STORE key is pressed for at least 1 second during Play mode (during performance), the direct load function can be switched on or off. [For details, see 10 Patch Switching (Application: Direct Load OFF).]

EDIT key (for creating your own patches)

This key serves to toggle between the Play mode and Edit mode (mode for creating patches to suit your taste). In Edit mode, this key can be used to select the effect parameters you wish to change. Also, when the effect parameter LEVEL is selected, press this EDIT key to return from the Edit mode to the Play mode.

• Setting of bank hold function

When the EDIT key is held down for at least 1 second in Play mode, the bank hold function is turned on or off. [For details, see 9 Patch Switching (Application: Bank Hold ON).]

INPUT jack

Serves for connection of an acoustic or electric guitar. Choose the HIGH or LOW input, according to the output level of the pickup.

• HIGH:

For electric guitars with single-coil pickups or acoustic guitars with magnetic pickups.

• LOW:

For electric guitars with humbucking or active type pickups, or for electroacoustic guitars.

When the unit operates on batteries, the INPUT jack doubles as a power switch. Plugging in a shielded cable turns the 504 on. To prevent draining the battery, unplug the cable when the unit is not in use.

DC IN (AC adapter) jack

Serves for connecting an AC adapter (Zoom AD-0006) which delivers 9 VDC, 300 mA with a "center minus" plug configuration. The 504 is powered on by plugging an AC adapter into this jack.

CONTROL IN jack

The optional FP01 expression pedal or FS01 foot switch can be connected here, for external control of the 504. When the expression pedal FP01 is connected, the pedal controls the output level. When the foot switch FS01 is connected, the switch turns the F.B.SUPPRESSOR function on and off. For a detailed explanation, please refer to section "12. Effect Parameters".

NOTE: Before connecting or disconnecting the FP01 or FS01, make sure that the 504 is switched off. Otherwise malfunction can occur.

DISPLAY

Displays information required to operate the 504.

• Play mode

Displays the selected bank (A-F) and patch (1-4).

• Edit mode

Displays the value of the selected effect parameter.

• Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode

Shows the pitch of the input signal.

PARAMETER CURSOR indicator

• Play mode

The currently used effect module lights.

• Edit mode

The indicator lights up for the currently used effect module, and the indicator flashes for the effect module that is turned off. Also, the indicator for the effect module selected for editing flashes.

• Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode

Indicators function as tuning meter.

VALUE +/- keys

• Play mode

The keys serve for bank switching.

• Edit mode

The keys serve for changing the effect parameter.

• Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode

The keys serve for setting the tuner reference pitch (calibration).

PATCH UP (right)/DOWN (left) pedals

• Play mode

The pedals serve for patch switching. Pressing both pedals simultaneously activates the Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode.

• Edit mode

The pedals serve for selecting effect parameters. Pressing both pedals simultaneously turns the currently selected effect module on or off.

• Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode

Pressing either pedal cancels the Bypass(Mute)/Tuner mode to return to Play mode.

OUTPUT jack

This jack is for the output signal from the 504. You can connect either a single guitar amplifier, using a monaural shielded cable, or two guitar amplifiers, using a Y-type stereo shielded cable, or a pair of stereo headphones. If the volume level is low when using headphones, use headphones with low impedance (32 ohms or less).

3 4

BANK A