Zoom Corporation RFX-2000 Operation Manual

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM RFX-2000 (hereafter simply called the "RFX-2000"). The
RFX-2000 is a sophisticated digital reverb and multi-effect processor with the following features
and functions.

Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of your RFX-2000 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.

• Versatile effects and high-quality reverb

The RFX-2000 comes with a full complement of 48 preset effects (8 effects x 6 banks). The
reverb effects alone allow 121 different settings. The convincing sound stage created by the
RFX-2000 far surpasses anything else available in this class.

• 100 patch memory for immediate use

Up to 100 patches (effect settings) can be stored in the internal memory. Calling up any patch is
quick and easy.

• Supplied editing software

The RFX-2000 is supplied with nifty software that lets you manage and edit patches on a
computer. (Versions for Windows 95/98 and Macintosh are included.) Besides patch editing and
management, the software also provides access to eight additional effects including a 31-band
graphic equalizer and a 20-tap delay effect.

• Digital output

The S/PDIF output (with optical and coaxial connectors) allows connection to consumer
equipment with digital input (digital multitrack recorder, MD recorder, DAT recorder or
similar), keeping the signal in the digital domain.

• MIC IN jack

The dedicated microphone jack on the front panel comes in handy for creating vocal effects
without having to make cumbersome connections in the rear. Controlling the VOCODER effect
is a snap thanks to this feature.

• Built-in tap input

Time-based parameters such as delay time can be entered directly, using the tap input feature.
This makes it easy for example to match the delay time to the tempo of a song.

• MIDI based control

Functions such as patch switching, real-time parameter control, and storing of patch data on
external equipment can be performed via a MIDI link.

OPERATION MANUAL

Controls and Functions

••••••••••••••••• 2

Front Panel ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2

Rear Panel •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 2
Rack Mounting •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4
Getting Connected •••••••••••••••••••••• 4
Trying Out the Effects ••••••••••••••••••• 6
Editing a Patch ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

7

Useful Functions

••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8

Using the MIDI Control Function

••••• 10

Returning the RFX-2000
to the Factory Default Settings

••••••••• 13

RFX-2000 Effects •••••••••••••••••••••• 14
Supplied Software •••••••••••••••••••••• 24
Troubleshooting •••••••••••••••••••••••• 24
Specifications •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25
MIDI Implimentation Chart •••••••••••••

26

Safety Precautions/Usage Precautions

••••• 27

Introduction

Contents

Controls and Functions

(1) POWER switch

Serves to turn the unit on and off.

(2) MIC IN jack

A dynamic microphone with an output impedance of
about 600 ohms can be connected here. Normally the
input signal from this jack is mixed with the signal from
the rear-panel INPUT jacks and sent to the internal effect
circuitry. When the VOCODER effect is selected, the
mike input signal serves for controlling the sound
character and the envelope (volume change curve) of the
effect.

(3) INPUT control

Serves to adjust the signal from the INPUT jacks and the
MIC IN jack.

(4) OUTPUT control

Serves to adjust the level of the signal supplied at the
OUTPUT jacks.

(5) MIX control and LED

Serves to adjust the balance between original sound
(DRY) and effect sound (WET). When the control is

turned fully counterclockwise, only the original sound is
output. When the control is turned fully clockwise, only
the effect sound is output. If the mixing balance setting
was changed since the last store operation, the LED lights
up.

(6) CANCEL key

Serves to cancel a store operation.

(7) COMPARE key

When a patch (group of stored effect settings) is being
edited, this key can be used to compare the sound before
and after the edit.

(8) MIDI key

This key is used to make various MIDI settings.

(9) PARM CHECK key

Serves for checking effect parameter settings.

(10) STORE key

Used for storing patches in memory and other functions.

(11) Level meter

These indicators show the signal input level.

Front Panel

Rear Panel

(1) POWER switch

(2) MIC IN jack

(3) INPUT control

(4) OUTPUT control

(5) MIX control and LED

(6) CANCEL key

(7) COMPARE key

(8) MIDI key

(9) PARM CHECK key

(10) STORE key

(11) Level meter

(12) VALUE UP/DOWN keys

(13) BANK key

(14) Display

(15) TAP key and LED

(16) BYPASS key and LED

(1) MIDI connectors

(2) BYPASS jack

(1) MIDI connectors

Serves for connection to the MIDI interface of a
computer or to a MIDI keyboard or similar. This allows
patch switching from external equipment or control of the
entire operation of the RFX-2000 from a computer, using
the supplied editor/librarian software.

(2) BYPASS jack

Serves for connection of the foot switch FS01 (option) for
switching effects on and off.

(3) DIGITAL OUT connectors

The same signal as available at the OUTPUT jacks is
carried by these connectors in S/PDIF digital format. This
can be used to supply the signal to consumer equipment
with a digital input, such as a digital multitrack recorder,

Controls and Functions

2

ZOOM RFX-2000

Front Panel

Rear Panel

(17) BANK LEDs

(18) EFFECT TYPE selector and LED

(19) REV CHARACTER (EDIT 1) control and LED

(20) REV TIME (EDIT 2) control and LED

(21) REV EQ LOW (EDIT 3) control and LED

(22) REV EQ HIGH (EDIT 4) control and LED

(3) DIGITAL OUT connectors

(4) OUTPUT jacks (5) INPUT jacks

(6) POWER (AC adapter) connector

(12) VALUE UP/DOWN keys

Serve for switching patches and changing parameter
values. Holding down one key while pressing the other
results in a fast change.

(13) BANK key

Serves to select the effect bank (group of effects arranged
by general type).

(14) Display

Shows various information such as patch numbers and
parameter values.

(15) TAP key and LED

This key serves for tap input of time-based parameters
such as delay time and rate. When an effect where tap
input can be used is selected, the LED flashes with a
frequency that indicates the current setting. When an
effect where tap input cannot be used is selected, the LED
is out.

(16) BYPASS key and LED

Serves to set the unit to the bypass condition where only
the original sound is output. In this condition, the LED is
lit.

(17) BANK LEDs

These indicators show which bank is currently selected.
When the EXTRA bank (only selectable with the
supplied software) is selected, all six LEDs are lit.

(18) EFFECT TYPE selector and LED

Serves to choose an effect from the currently selected
bank. If the setting was changed since the last store
operation, the LED lights up.

(19) REV CHARACTER (EDIT 1) control and LED
(20) REV TIME (EDIT 2) control and LED
(21) REV EQ LOW (EDIT 3) control and LED
(22) REV EQ HIGH (EDIT 4) control and LED

These controls allow the user to adjust effect parameters
to a desired value. Which parameters can be adjusted
depends on the currently selected effect. If a setting was
changed since the last store operation, the respective LED
lights up.

MD recorder, or DAT recorder. The optical and coaxial
output connectors can be used at the same time. The
OUTPUT control is not active in this case.

(4) OUTPUT jacks

Connect these jacks to the recorder or playback system.

(5) INPUT jacks

Connect a line-level source, such as an instrument or CD

player to these jacks. If a plug is inserted only in the
L/MONO jack, the signal from this plug will be supplied
to both channels.

(6) POWER (AC adapter) connector

The supplied AC adapter is to be connected here for
powering the unit.

Controls and Functions

Controls and Functions

ZOOM RFX-2000

3

Rack Mounting/Getting Connected

p

This is an example for inserting the RFX-2000 between the
sound source such as a microphone or instrument and a
playback system or multi-track recorder (MTR). A stereo
source should be connected to the INPUT L/MONO and R
jacks. A mono source should be connected to the L/MONO
jack only.

In this example, the balance between original sound and effect
sound is adjusted with the MIX control of the RFX- 2000.
When a component with an S/PDIF digital input (such as a
digital multitrack recorder, MD recorder, or DAT recorder) is
used, the connection can be made in the digital domain.

This section shows how to connect the RFX-2000 to the sound source and to the playback system.

This is an example for connecting the RFX-2000 to the
send/return jacks of a mixer or multi-track recorder. Connect
the send jack of the mixer or MTR to the INPUT L/MONO
jack of the RFX-2000, and connect the OUTPUT L/R jacks of
the RFX-2000 to the return jacks (or the stereo line input
jacks) of the mixer or MTR.
When a component with an S/PDIF digital input (such as a
digital multitrack recorder, MD recorder, or DAT recorder) is

used, the connection can be made in the digital domain.
In this configuration, the MIX control of the RFX-2000 should
be set so that it outputs only the effect sound, and the balance
between original sound and effect sound should be adjusted at
the mixer or multi-track recorder. If the mixer or multi-track
recorder has a stereo send output, supplying the send signal to
the RFX-2000 in stereo is also possible.

Insert Connection

Send/Return Connection

The RFX-2000 is compatible with international 19-inch rack
standards (EIA, DIN). Because the unit has been designed for
rack installation, it is preferable to operate the unit in this

way, rather than simply placing it on a table or similar. Align
the four screw holes with the rack screw holes and securely
fasten the unit to the rack with screws.

• The RFX-2000 uses a metal frame, making
the unit heavier than it might seem at first
glance. While installing the unit in a rack,
carefully support the weight of the unit
until all screws are securely tightened.
Otherwise the unit may drop, possibly
causing injury to persons or damage to
itself or to other equipment.

• Do not directly stack the unit on top of
other equipment. Otherwise heat may

lead to a fire risk or cause performance
degradation.

• Before installation, always unplug any connecting
cables and the AC adapter cable. Otherwise the
equipment or the cables may be damaged.

• Make sure that the rack in which the unit is
installed is placed on a firm, solid surface, so that
it cannot shake or topple over. Otherwise there is
a risk of injury to persons or damage to the unit
or to other equipment.

Caution

Rack Mounting

Getting Connected

4

ZOOM RFX-2000

Rhythm machine, synthesizer, or similar

R

INPUT

L/MONO

L

FS01

FS01

OUTPUT BYPASS

R

L

R

FS01

Guitar effect

INPUT

Microphone

Guitar

MIC IN

INPUT

L/MONO

OUTPUT
R

L

BYPASS
FS01

RFX-2000

Mixer or
am

FS01

RETURN

FS01

RFX-2000

SEND

R

L

lifier/speaker

Mixer or MTR

Using the VOCODER Effect

Controlling the RFX-2000 Effects from a Computer

* Rack mount screws are not

supplied with the unit.

MIDI IN MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

OUTPUT
R

L

L

INPUT

R

MIDI
OUT

MIDI IN

RFX-2000

Sound source
module

Computer

MIDI interface

Playback system

The supplied software can be used to edit the patches of the
RFX-2000, switch the patches in conjunction with other
sequencer software, and to control patch switching and make
parameter changes. To enable these functions, make
connections as shown above.

Note: For information on software installation, please

refer to the separate sheet. For information on
how to use the software, please refer to the
documentation included on the CD-ROM.

OUTPUT
RR

L/MONO

L

INPUT

MIC IN

Keyboard amplifiers

Microphone

Synthesizer

MD player or sampler or similar

with recorded voice

RFX-2000

This is a connection example for using the VOCODER effect
from the SFX bank. Connect a dynamic microphone to the
front-panel MIC IN jack on the RFX-2000. Connect a
synthesizer or other instrument to the rear-panel INPUT
L/MONO jack. You can then use the mike to vary the

envelope (volume change curve) and the sound character of
the VOCODER effect.
If nothing is connected to the MIC IN jack, the signal supplied
to the INPUT L/MONO jack is controlled by the signal
supplied to the INPUT R jack.

Rack Mounting

Getting Connected

Rack Mounting/Getting Connected

ZOOM RFX-2000

5

6

ZOOM RFX-2000

1. To set the RFX-2000 to the bypass mode,

press the BYPASS key while the unit is in play
mode.

The BYPASS indicator lights up.

The RFX-2000 has two different bypass states, depending
on the effect in the currently selected patch. (For
information on which effects use which bypass type,
please refer to pages 14 - 23.)

• WET MUTE

In this condition, only the effect sound is muted and the
original sound is output. The level of the original sound
output depends on the MIX control position. Therefore
there may be a drop in volume or the sound may be
entirely cut off.

• DRY THRU

The original sound is output without any processing.
The setting of the MIX control has no effect on the
volume level.

2. To cancel the bypass mode and return the

RFX-2000 to the normal state, press the
BYPASS key once more.

Trying Out the Effects

Trying Out the Effects

Power UP

Selecting a Patch

Bypassing the Effects

This section is intended to familiarize you with the basic operation steps of the RFX-2000.

1. Verify that the AC adapter, sound source, and

playback system are correctly connected to
the RFX-2000.

The INPUT control and OUTPUT control of the RFX­2000 as well as the volume control of the playback
system should be set to minimum.

2. Turn on the system in the following order:

sound source RFX-2000 playback system.

3. While playing the sound source, turn up the

INPUT control of the RFX-2000 to adjust the
input level.

To minimize noise and distortion, the INPUT control
should be set as high as possible without causing the
CLIP LED to light.

4. Adjust the OUTPUT control and the volume

control of the playback equipment to obtain a
suitable playback volume.

1. Use the VALUE UP/DOWN keys to select the

number of the desired patch.

The VALUE UP key switches to higher patch numbers
and the VALUE DOWN key to lower patch numbers.

2. While playing the instrument or producing

sound from the sound source, switch patches
to check out the resulting sound.

The memory of the RFX-2000 contains 100 stored patches. The display shows the number of the currently selected patch (01,
02,...99, 00). This condition is called the play mode.
To switch patches, proceed as described below. We suggest that you simply try out various patches to see what kind of sound the
unit can produce.

You can temporarily turn effect processing off, so that only the original sound is output. This is useful to quickly check the
change brought about by an effect.

CLIP

-6dB

-12dB

-24dB

-36dB

-48dB

PARM CHECK

Number of the currently
selected patch
(01, 02,...99, 00)

EDITED

BYPASS BYPASS

ZOOM RFX-2000

7

BANK key

The BANK key serves to select the effect bank (group of
effects arranged by general type). Which banks are available
depends on the current BANK position.

• Left side BANK selected

Pressing the BANK key cycles through the following banks:
REVERB DELAY EFFECTS REVERB etc.

• Right side BANK selected

Pressing the BANK key cycles through the following banks:
SFX RE-MIX MIXDOWN SFX etc.

• When a changed bank is returned to the original setting,
the respective BANK LED flashes for 1 second.

Note:
For patches where the EXTRA bank is selected, all six
BANK LEDs light up.

EFFECT TYPE selector

This selector serves to choose the effect. As shown below,
effects can be chosen from two banks, depending on the
setting currently selected with the BANK key.

• When the EFFECT TYPE selector is moved, the display
shows the effect number (1 - 8 in the normal banks) for
about 2 seconds.

• When the effect number is changed from the last stored
condition, the LED of the EFFECT TYPE selector lights
up. When the setting is returned to the original effect, the
LED goes out.

• When calling up a patch, the LED of the bank where the
patch is stored lights up.

Editing a Patch

Editing a Patch

Selecting an Effect

If any parameter is changed from the stored condition, the new
parameter value is shown on the display for about 2 seconds,
and the EDITED mark (.) at the right edge of the display

appears. This indicates that the current patch has been edited.
Because the LED of the control knob that was used to adjust
the value also lights, it is easy to see which parameter has been
edited.

Note:
When the effect is changed, the LEDs of all control knobs
except the MIX control light up.

A patch called up from memory can be edited using the front-panel controls. You can for example select different effects and
adjust effect intensity and other parameters.

The effect determines the type of sound processing that is performed. To select an effect, use the BANK key and EFFECT TYPE
selector.

Parameter

LED lights

EDITED mark (.) shown

EDITED

changed

Bank switching

BANK

BANK key

DELAY EFFECTSREVERB

Bank switching

RE-MIX MIXDOWNSFX

REVERB or SFX bank selected

DELAY or RE-MIX bank selected

EFFECTS or MIXDOWN bank selected

BANK key

8

ZOOM RFX-2000

MIX control

The MIX control serves to adjust the balance between original
sound (DRY) and effect sound (WET). When the control is
turned fully counterclockwise, only the original sound is
output. When the control is turned fully clockwise, only the
effect sound is output.

• When the MIX control is moved, the mixing balance
setting (0 - 99) is shown on the display for about 2
seconds.

• When the mixing balance setting is changed from the
last stored condition, the LED of the MIX control lights
up. When the setting is returned to the original value, the
LED goes out.

REV CHARACTER (EDIT 1) control
REV TIME (EDIT 2) control
REV EQ LOW (EDIT 3) control
REV EQ HIGH (EDIT 4) control

These controls serve to edit parameters of the currently
selected effect. (For information on which parameters can be
edited for which effect, please refer to pages 14 - 23.)

• When any of the above controls is moved, the
corresponding parameter value is shown for 2 seconds
on the display.

•

When a parameter setting is changed from the last stored
condition, the LED of the respective control lights up.
When the setting is returned to the original value, the LED
goes out. When the effect is switched, the LEDs of all
controls except the MIX control light up.

Useful Functions

Editing a Patch /Useful Functions

Changing the Value of an Effect Parameter

Checking the parameter value (parameter check)

1. Select the patch and edit it.

2. Press the STORE key.

The patch number on the display flashes.

3. Use the VALUE UP/DOWN keys to select the

patch number in which you want to store

the patch.

When wishing to use the same patch number, this step is
not necessary.

4. Press the STORE key once more to execute

the store operation.

The patch is stored in memory and the flashing of the
display stops.
If you press the CANCEL key instead of the STORE key,
the operation is aborted and the unit reverts to the
condition of step 1.

1. Press the PARM CHECK key.

The PARM CHECK mark (.) in the center of the display
appears and the EFFECT TYPE selector LED flashes for
about 2 seconds.

This indicates that the effect setting is being checked. The
number of the currently selected effect (1 - 8) is shown
for about 2 seconds on the display. The display then
reverts to the original condition.

2. To check another parameter, press the PARM

CHECK key again before the display
indication reverts to the previous condition.

Storing an Edited Patch

The RFX-2000 offers various handy functions for editing patches.

You can also check a parameter value without moving its associated front-panel control.

Each effect of the RFX-2000 consists of certain effect parameters which determine the intensity and tone character of the effect.
Effect parameters can be adjusted with the following edit controls.

If an edited patch is not stored in memory, the edited contents will be lost when another patch is selected. When wishing to keep
the edited patch, store it in memory as follows.

Lights up when mixing

balance was changed

Original sound only

Effect sound only

Lights up when parameter was edited

STORE

STORE key

PARM CHECK key

Effect number

PARM CHECK

PARM CHECK mark (.)

LED flashes

ZOOM RFX-2000

9

With each push of the PARM CHECK key, the parameter
to be checked is advanced successively.

REV CHARACTER

Parameter adjusted with REV CHARACTER (EDIT 1)
control

REV TIME

Parameter adjusted with REV TIME (EDIT 2) control

REV EQ LOW

Parameter adjusted with REV EQ LOW (EDIT 3) control

REV EQ HIGH

Parameter adjusted with REV EQ HIGH (EDIT 4) control

MIX

Mixing balance of original sound and effect sound

TAP BEAT

Length of reference beat for tap input

• The TAP BEAT parameter can only be checked when an
effect is selected for which the tap input function (see
below) can be used. However, when RHYTHMIC DELAY
is selected, there is no tap beat setting.

• When checking the rate parameter set with the tap
function, the indication "tP" is shown on the display.

Useful Functions

Comparing the Sound Before and After Edit (Compare Function)

1. Press the COMPARE key.

The currently edited patch is temporarily returned to the
condition before editing. The indication "CP" and the
patch number flash alternately on the display, and the
"EDITED" mark is out.

2. To return to editing, press the COMPARE key

once more (or press the CANCEL key).

• If desired, you can check the original value of each
parameter by pressing the PARM CHECK key while the
unit is in the compare mode.

• Moving any of the controls in compare mode has no
effect.

Setting Parameters With the Tap Key (Tap Input)

1. Select a patch for which tap input is possible.

Whether tap input is possible or not depends on the effect
selected for that patch (see pages 14 - 23). When a patch
for which tap input is possible is selected, the TAP LED
flashes.

2. Hit the TAP key several times in the desired

interval.

The delay time or rate is set according to the tap interval
and the tap beat parameter set for the respective patch
(see page 12).

3. If desired, store the patch.

The parameter changed by tap input will revert to the
original setting when the patch is switched. If wishing to
retain the change, you should therefore store the patch.

• The parameter which can be set by tap input is preset
(see pages 14 - 23).

• The maximum interval that can be measured by the tap
input function is 2 seconds.

• If the tap input interval is outside the setting range for
that parameter, it will be corrected to an acceptable
value.

• If a parameter was set by tap input and is then changed
by moving the control knob for that parameter, the
control knob setting will override the tap input.

This function allows you to compare the currently edited sound to the sound before editing.

The RFX-2000 allows input of time-based parameters by tapping the TAP key at the desired intervals. For example, the flanger
modulation speed or delay time can be easily matched to the tempo of a song in this way.

PARM CHECK

PARM CHECK

PARM CHECK

PARM CHECK

PARM CHECK

PARM CHECK

COMPARE key

COMPARE

Shown

alternately

TAP