User’s Guide
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING CAUTION! The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrow point in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual. These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR WATER CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH. DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
Warranty We at DigiTech are very proud of our products and back-up each one we sell with the following warranty: 1.The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate this warranty. 2. DigiTech warrants this product, when used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. 3.
Table Of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Included Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 PA Rig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Recording Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Vx400. The Vx400 is truly a breakthrough in vocal processing technology, providing the tools you need for live performance and the professional features you need in the recording studio. We recommend that you take the time to become better acquainted with what the Vx400 has to offer by going through this User’s Guide with your Vx400 in front of you.
Introduction 3. Knobs - These knobs perform various functions depending on which mode is selected or whether the Vx400 is connected to your computer via USB. During performance, the knobs control the Bass EQ, Mid EQ, Mid Frequency,Treble EQ, and Master Level. If the Vx400 is connected to the computer via USB, the performance functions of knobs 2, 3, and 4 are Playback Mix, USB 1-2 Send Level, and USB 3-4 Send Level.
Introduction 3. Mic Input - Connect a mic here for recording or live performance mixing of acoustic sources into the Vx400. Mic signals can remain dry or be processed through the Vx400 effects for both live and recording applications. The Mic Input accepts either dynamic or phantom powered condenser microphones. 4. Left/Right Line Inputs - Connect line level sources to these jacks for recording or live performance mixing into the Vx400.
Introduction Making Connections There are several different connection options available with the Vx400. Before connecting the Vx400, make sure that the power to your amplifier and the Vx400 is turned off. The Vx400 does not have a power switch. To turn the Vx400 off, disconnect the included PS0913B power supply from the power jack to an AC outlet. PA Rig Connect your microphone to the Input of the Vx400.
Introduction Applying Power Before applying power to anything, set your mixer to a flat EQ response (on most mixers, this would be 0). Then do the following: 1. Pull the Mixer’s Master Faders down completely. 2. Connect the plug of the PS0913B power supply to the Power Jack. 3. Connect the other end of the PS0913B power supply to an AC outlet. 4. Turn the Vx400 Master Volume up to 70 (70). 5. Push the Mixer’s Master Faders up to your desired level.
Introduction The Presets Presets are named and numbered locations of programmed sounds which reside in the Vx400. Presets are recalled with the footswitches. The active effects in each preset are indicated by the lighted LED's in the Effect Matrix. The Vx400 comes with 40 User Presets (Presets 1-40), and 40 DigiTech factory presets (4180). The User Presets are locations where you can store your edits. You may not store changes to the Factory Presets.
Introduction CD/Monitor In The CD In feature lets you connect a CD, MP3, or tape player to the Vx400, and play along with your favorite artists. To use the CD In feature, do the following: 1. Connect the headphone output of your MP3/CD/tape player to the CD/Monitor input using an 1/8” stereo cable. 2. Press play on your MP3/CD/tape player. The signal from your MP3/CD/tape player is routed to the left, right, and headphone outputs of the Vx400.
Creating Presets Editing/Creating Presets Creating your own signature sound with the Vx400 is easy and intuitive. The Vx400 lets you create your own presets, or fine tune existing presets to suit your needs. When creating or editing a sound, you must start with one of the User or Factory Presets. It is not possible to start with an empty preset. The preset number does not need to be the location that you intend to save it to, because you can save it to any User Preset location during the store process.
Creating Presets 3. Rotate Knob 2 clockwise to select the next character, and counterclockwise to select the previous character. Repeat step 2 until the name is complete. 4. Once the name is shown in the display, press the Store button. The display will then flash the new name of the preset. 5. Select the User Preset location of your new preset using Knob 5 or the Up/Down Footswitches. The display will then flash the new name of the preset. 6. Press the Store button again to save the changes.
Creating Presets Vx400’s Effects About the Effects The Vx400 can be thought of as having several different microphone and rack effect processors in a single programmable package. The order in which they are connected can drastically affect the overall sound quality. The Vx400 has placed the effects in an order for optimum sound quality. The following diagram shows the order of the effects.
Creating Presets Shure™ Green Bullet Brawner™ VM1 Neumann™ M149 Lawson™ L47MP AKG™ 414 ULS Sennheiser™ 421 MD Audio Technica™ AT4050 Neumann™ KM184 Scheops™ MK21 Shure™ KSM32 BULLET Large Diaphragm Dynamic Harmonica Mic Large Diaphragm Condenser Large Diaphragm Condenser Large Diaphragm Tube Large Diaphragm Condenser Large Diaphragm Dynamic Large Diaphragm Condenser Large Diaphragm Condenser Small Diaphragm Condenser Large Diaphragm Condenser BRAWNY NEU149 LAWLES SLVGRL SENDYN ATCOND NEU184 SHEP21 KISSEm
Creating Presets Dark Side Monster Chipmunk Lunar Lo-Fi Robot Wizard Alien Telephone Breath 1-20 Size 1-60 Size 1-30 Range 1-10 drive 0-50 Range 1-50 Range 1-50 RaTE 1-40 SubFRQ (Sub Freq.) 1-35 -----Growl ----------Subfrq (Sub Freq.) EdGE -----Intens (Intensity) siblnc (Sibilance) ---1-40 ------1-18 1-50 ---1-50 1-50 EQ The EQ module is a 3-band EQ consisting of Bass, Midrange, and Treble.The frequency centers for each band may vary depending on the selected model.
Creating Presets Master Level - The Number 5 Knob controls the Vx400’s Master Level. Phaser A Phaser splits the incoming signal, and then changes the phasing of the signal. This signal is then taken in and out of phase and mixed back in with the original signal. As the phasing changes, different frequencies get canceled resulting in a warm sort of twisting sound. Parameter 1 - The Number 2 Knob adjusts the rate (Speed) of the modulating phase. Ranges from 1 to 99.
Creating Presets Master Level - The Number 5 Knob controls the Vx400’s Master Level. Envelope The Envelope is an automatic Wah effect that alters your sound based upon the dynamic attack of the vocal part being sung or instrument being played. Parameter 1 - The Number 2 Knob adjusts the amount of Wah sweep once the Wah is triggered. Ranges from 1 to 99. Parameter 2 - The Number 3 Knob adjusts the sensitivity or the input signal required to trigger the Wah effect. Ranges from 1 to 99.
Creating Presets Whammy™ Whammy™ is an effect that uses the Expression Pedal to bend the pitch of the incoming signal, or add a bendable harmony with the original signal. As the Pedal is moved, the note will bend either up or down. The Whammy™ effect must be linked to the Expression Pedal in order to function. See page 16 for more information on linking the Expression Pedal. Parameter 1 - The Number 2 Knob selects the interval and direction of the pitch bend.
Creating Presets GARAGE = Parking Garage CHURCH = Church ARENA = Arena SPACE = Space HALL = Hall PLATE = Plate ROOM = Wood Room CHAMBER = Chamber Decay - The Number 2 Knob adjusts the length of time the Reverb is audible. Ranges from 1 to 99. Damping - The Number 3 Knob controls the amount of sound which is absorbed in the simulated environment. Ranges from 0 to 99. Reverb Level - The Number 4 Knob adjusts the volume of the Reverb. Ranges from 0 to 99.
Creating Presets V-Switch The Vx400’s Expression Pedal includes DigiTech’s exclusive V-Switch. The V-Switch allows the Voice Type to be switched on and off. Applying extra pressure to the toe of the Expression Pedal will engage the VSwitch and the function of the Expression Pedal will switch between the assigned parameter and Voice off. The sensitivity or amount of pressure required to engage the V-Switch can be adjusted to suit your personal taste (or weight of your foot).
Vx400 Setups Setups Introduction The Vx400 is equipped with four inputs and four outputs that can be configured several different ways for both live and recording applications. These configurations are selected in the DRUMS/SETUP row of the editing matrix using the five editing knobs. Settings include whether the Instrument or Line inputs are routed through the Vx400’s effects processing and which pair of outputs mic, line, and instrument processing are routed to.
Vx400 Setups Output Modes The Vx400 features both 1/4” and XLR outputs on the rear panel. These jacks let you simultaneously connect the Vx400 to an amplifier/speaker system on stage via the 1/4” outputs and connect directly to your PA system via the XLR outputs. The five output modes for the Vx400 are as follows: Full - All input sources are routed out 1/4” and XLR outputs.
Vx400 Setups 1/4DRY - The dry Mic signal is routed out the 1/4” outputs only. All other sources and Mic with all Effects are routed out the XLR outputs.
The Vx400 and Recording Recording Introduction The Vx400’s USB connection provides 4 channels of audio streaming into the computer and 2 channels of playback from the computer simultaneously. Recording has never been easier thanks to the hands-free tracking environment that the Vx400 and Pro Tracks™ software provide. The Vx400’s footswitches and Pro Tracks software work seamlessly together to automatically arm, record, play, and delete tracks totally hands free.
The Vx400 and Recording Dmic+i - Dry Mic signal sent up USB 1. Dry Instrument signal sent up USB 2. drymic - Dry Mic signal sent up USB 1. Nothing is sent up USB 2. DRYlin - Dry Line Left signal is sent up USB 1. Dry Line Right signal is sent up USB 2. Stereo track gets recorded. DRYins - Dry Instrument signal is sent up USB 1. Nothing is sent up USB 2. DRUMS - Vx400 drum playback is sent up USB 1. Nothing is sent up USB 2.
The Vx400 and Recording Routing of Mic Input to USB Mic D D C A,D D A A • • • • A A • dru ms ins lin dry mic dry c+i Mic • dry off dmi usb ic rem DRU MS ins lin USB 3-4 Source DRY mic DRY c+I dry ins Dmi +dm SUM ect SUM eff MON ste O reo USB 1-2 Source • • Instrument Signal Routing The instrument signal can be routed in different ways through the Vx400. insoff disables the instrument input from being heard but dry instrument signal can still be recorded.
The Vx400 and Recording Line Signal Routing The line signals, like the instrument signal, can be routed in different ways through the Vx400. linoff disables the line inputs from being being heard but dry line signal can still be recorded. lindry routes the left and right line signals around the Vx400’s effects processing and mixes them in at the left and right outputs respectively. linrvb routes the line signals only through the Vx400 Delay and Reverb modules.
The Vx400 and Recording Using Pro Tracks™ When Pro Tracks is first launched after installation, you will have to configure the MIDI device and Audio settings to recognize the Vx400 as the hardware you want to use. These procedures must be followed to ensure you will be able to record audio through all of the Vx400’s inputs and to enable the hands-free recording capabilities the Vx400 offers.
The Vx400 and Recording Setting up Pro Tracks™ for Vx400 Audio 1. From the Pro Tracks menu bar, select Options>Audio. The Audio Options window will appear. Click the Drivers tab. 2. Under the Input Drivers settings, select DigiTech USB 1-2 In/Out and DigiTech USB 3-4 In Only and deselect all other options. 3. Under the Output Drivers settings, select DigiTech USB 1-2 In/Out and deselect all other options. 4. Click the OK button. 5.
The Vx400 and Recording Using the Vx400’s Footswitches for Recording The Vx400’s footswitches are capable of controlling the Pro Tracks™ recording software, creating a handsfree recording interface. To do this, the Vx400 must be connected to the computer via the included USB cable and the Pro Tracks application must be installed and open. Recording a Track or Tracks To begin recording a track using the footswitches, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Start the Pro Tracks application.
The Vx400 and Recording Recording Multiple Tracks After tracks have been recorded, you may want to record other tracks that play along with them. To record a new track or tracks with previously recorded tracks, follow these steps: 1. From the preset display, press and hold the SELECT button to enter the SETUP row in the Vx400’s matrix. 2. Select the sources to record using the USB 1-2 Source knob (additional sources can be selected using the USB 3-4 Source knob). 3. Press the STOP/UNDO footswitch twice.
The Vx400 and Recording 8. In the Out box of the track you just recorded, select B(Digitech USB 1-2 In/Out). 9. In the tool bar press the Console View button to see the mixing console. 10. Pan the B - Mains Output hard left and the A - Mains Output hard right. 11. Select the SETUP row again and use the USB 1-2 Source knob to select REmic. This configures the recording software to playback audio through the Vx400’s effects processing. 12. Press the PLAY footswitch.
The Vx400 and Recording Vx400 Drums and MIDI The Vx400’s Drum machine samples are mapped so that they may be triggered by MIDI notes played from Pro Tracks™. Each of the drum patterns programmed in the Vx400 has been programmed as a MIDI track in the Pro Tracks project file library. Note mapping for each of the Vx400’s drum samples is as follows: MIDI Note 36/C3 . . . . . 38/D3 . . . . . 42/F#3 . . . . 46/Bb3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sample .Kick .Snare .
Utilities USB 1-2 Level /USB 3-4 Level The USB 1-2 LEVEL and USB 3-4 LEVEL knobs are used for boosting or cutting the amount of signal sent out the USB port to the computer. These controls are to be used if the signal level of the input source (mic, line, instrument) isn’t optimized into your recording software (consult the Pro Tracks User’s Guide for information on proper recording levels). If the signal is too hot to Pro Tracks, use these controls to decrease the level.
Utilities Factory Reset This function resets the Vx400 to its original factory settings. This procedure erase all custom user presets, and recalibrate the Expression Pedal. ATTENTION: Performing this function erases all user-programmed data. Be sure you want to erase the memory and start fresh before continuing with this procedure. The procedure for performing a Factory Reset is as follows: 1. Disconnect the power supply from the Vx400. 2.
Trouble Shooting Guide Audio playback from Pro Tracks™ has pops and clicks. • Try the Wave Profiler under Options->Audio. This seems to fix most problems. Otherwise, try using MME drivers in the Options->Audio->Advanced, Driver Mode selection. These are the safest drivers but also have the most latency. • Try increasing the latency slider in the audio settings. Hands-Free recording on Vx400 doesn’t work or has stopped working.
Trouble Shooting Guide I get audio dropout while I’m recording. • Try increasing the latency slider in the Audio settings. • Try reducing the number of tracks in your project (mute won't help, you either have to "archive" the tracks, or delete them) • Close any other open programs besides Pro Tracks check Windows Task Manager to make sure there are no hidden programs running. • Try reducing the number of plug-ins and soft-synths. • Increase the amount of memory in your system. • Get a faster hard drive.
Appendix CC Parameter List CC 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Parameter MIC ON/OFF MIC SOURCE MIC MODEL COMP ON/OFF COMP TYPE COMP GAIN VOICE ON/OFF VOICE TYPE VOICE PARAM1 VOICE PARAM2 VOICE LEVEL VOICE BYPASSLVL EQ MIDFREQ EQ BASS EQ MIDRANGE EQ TREBLE GATE ON/OFF GATE THRESH FX ON/OFF FX TYPE FX PARAM1 FX PARAM2 FX LEVEL/MIX DLY ON/OFF DLY TYPE DLY TIME DLY FEEDBACK DLY LEVEL RVB ON/OFF RVB TYPE RVB DAMP RVB DE
Appendix Factory Preset List Specifications: Inputs: Instrument In; 1/4” Unbalanced Mic In: XLR Balanced w/Phantom Power Line Inputs: 1/4” Balanced TRS CD/Monitor: 1/8” Stereo TRS Footswitch: 1/4” Stereo TRS USB 1.1 Outputs: Line Outputs: 1/4” Unbalanced Line Outputs: XLR Balanced Headphone: 1/8” Stereo TRS USB 1.
DigiTech 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 PH (801) 566-8800 FAX (801) 566-7005 International Distribution 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 USA PH (801) 566-8800 FAX (801) 566-7005 DigiTech and Vx400 are trademarks of the Harman Music Group Inc. Copyright the Harman Music Group Manufactured and Printed in the USA 06/2003 Vx400 User’s Guide 18-1799-A Please visit DigiTech on the World Wide Web at: http://www.digitech.
