FLAMMA FS21 Drum Machine & Looper Guitar Effects Pedal User Manual

1. Introduction

The FLAMMA FS21 is a versatile drum machine and looper effects pedal designed for guitarists. It combines high-quality looping capabilities with a wide array of drum grooves and metronome settings, offering a powerful tool for practice, songwriting, and live performance. This manual provides detailed instructions on how to set up, operate, and maintain your FS21 pedal.

2. Safety Information

• Use only the specified 9V 300mA DC power supply with negative inside polarity. Using an incorrect power supply may damage the unit and void the warranty.
• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the unit. This may cause electric shock or malfunction.
• Keep the unit away from water, moisture, high temperatures, and direct sunlight to prevent damage.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the unit to strong impacts.

3. Package Contents

Please check that all items are included in your package:

• 1 x FLAMMA FS21 Drum Machine & Looper Pedal
• 1 x DC Adaptor 9V DC
• 1 x Safety Instruction & Warranty Card
• 1 x Sticker
• 1 x Quick Guide

4. Controls and Features Overview

1. LOOPER Knob: Controls the loop position, volume level, and fade out time of the LOOPER.
2. LOOPER LED: Indicates current LOOPER parameters.
3. Display Screen: Shows parameters such as MEMORY, LEVEL, FADE OUT, SELECT, VOLUME, and BPM.
4. Left Footswitch (REC/DUB/TAP): Controls Record, Dub, and Playback in LOOPER mode. Also functions as Tap tempo for RHYTHM.
5. Right Footswitch (STOP/PLAY/CLEAR, STOP/PLAY): Controls Playback, Stop, and Delete in LOOPER mode. Also functions as Play/Stop for RHYTHM.
6. RHYTHM LED: Indicates current RHYTHM parameters.
7. RHYTHM Knob: Selects rhythm type, speed (BPM), and volume level of the RHYTHM setting.
8. MERGER CTRL Button: Toggles LOOPER and drum machine to work independently or simultaneously. Hold to delete recorded tracks.
9. DC IN: Power supply input, 9V 300mA negative inside.
10. USB: Micro type-B USB port. Connects to a computer for editor software, import/export recorded files, and factory reset.
11. INPUT R/L (MONO) Jacks: Audio input for your instrument.
12. OUTPUT R/L (MONO) Jacks: Audio output to an amplifier or other effects.
13. EXT CTRL Jack: For connecting an external footswitch (purchased separately) for additional control.

5. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your FLAMMA FS21 pedal:

1. Power Connection: Plug the provided 9V 300mA DC power supply into the DC IN jack (9) on the pedal. Ensure the power supply is negative inside.
2. Instrument Input: Connect your guitar or other instrument to the LEFT INPUT (MONO) jack (11) using an instrument cable. If using a stereo setup, connect to both INPUT R and INPUT L.
3. Output Connection: Connect the OUTPUT L (MONO) jack (12) of the FS21 to your amplifier or the input of another stompbox. For stereo output, connect both OUTPUT R and OUTPUT L.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1. Looper Function

• Recording: Press the Left Footswitch (REC/DUB/TAP) once to start recording. The LOOPER LED will indicate recording status.
• Overdubbing: After recording a loop, press the Left Footswitch again to enter overdub mode. You can add new layers to your loop.
• Playback: Press the Right Footswitch (STOP/PLAY/CLEAR) once to play or stop the current loop.
• Clear Loop: Hold the Right Footswitch to clear the current loop.
• Loop Parameters: Use the LOOPER knob to adjust the loop's volume level, position, and fade out time. The Display Screen will show the current settings (MEMORY, LEVEL, FADE OUT).
• The FS21 offers up to 4 minutes of recording time per track, 40 preset slots, and a total of 160 minutes recording capacity. Recordings are saved automatically even after the pedal is powered off.

6.2. Drum Machine Function

• Play/Stop Rhythm: Press the Right Footswitch (STOP/PLAY/CLEAR) to start or stop the drum machine.
• Select Rhythm: Use the RHYTHM knob to cycle through 100 different drum grooves from 10 unique music styles.
• Adjust BPM/Volume: The RHYTHM knob also controls the speed (BPM) and volume level of the drum machine. The Display Screen will show the current settings (SELECT, VOLUME, BPM).
• Tap Tempo: Press the Left Footswitch (REC/DUB/TAP) multiple times to set the tempo for the drum machine.
• The FS21 also includes 10 types of metronome settings.

6.3. Merging Looper and Drum Machine

• Press the MERGER CTRL button (8) to toggle between independent and synchronized operation of the looper and drum machine. This allows for precise timing management.
• Hold the MERGER CTRL button to delete recorded tracks.

6.4. Software Editing

The FS21 supports import/export of looper files and Factory Reset via dedicated editor software. This software can be downloaded from the official FLAMMA website (www.flammainnovation.com).

1. Download and install the editor software and audio drivers on your computer.
2. Connect the FS21 to your computer via the Micro type-B USB port (10).
3. When connected, "USB connect" will be displayed on the pedal's screen. In this mode, the pedal's physical buttons and footswitches will not respond, as control is transferred to the software.

6.5. External Control

The EXT CTRL function supports external footswitch control (purchased separately) for additional hands-free operation during performances.

7. Maintenance

• Clean the pedal with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Store the unit in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Disconnect the power supply when the unit is not in use for extended periods.

8. Troubleshooting

• No Sound: Check all cable connections (instrument, amplifier, power). Ensure the volume knobs on the FS21 and your amplifier are set appropriately. Verify the correct input/output jacks are used.
• Recording Not Working: Ensure there is available memory. If the MERGER CTRL is active, ensure it's set correctly for your desired recording mode.
• Drum Machine Issues: Check the RHYTHM knob settings for rhythm type, BPM, and volume.
• Software Not Connecting: Make sure the editor software and necessary audio drivers are installed from the FLAMMA website. Ensure the USB cable is securely connected and the pedal displays "USB connect".
• Cannot Combine Tracks: The FS21 allows overdubbing on a single loop track. If you wish to combine multiple distinct tracks, you would typically record them sequentially as overdubs on one loop or manage them via the editor software.

9. Specifications

10. User Tips

• Creative Looping: Experiment with the MERGER CTRL function to synchronize the looper and drum machine. This allows for seamless integration of your guitar loops with rhythmic backing, enhancing your creative possibilities.
• Loop Management: Utilize the dedicated editor software for efficient organization and backup of your loop files. This is especially useful for managing the 40 preset slots and 160 minutes of total recording capacity.
• Rhythm Customization: Explore the 100 drum grooves and 10 metronome settings to find the perfect accompaniment for any musical style. You can adjust the BPM and volume to match your performance needs.
• Input Flexibility: The pedal is designed for guitar, but its mono input can also accommodate other instruments like bass, though specific tonal characteristics may vary.
• External Control: For hands-free operation during live performances, consider purchasing an external footswitch to connect to the EXT CTRL jack. This can provide quick access to functions without interrupting your playing.

11. Warranty and Support

All FLAMMA products come with a 1-year warranty. For any questions or support needs, please contact FLAMMA Official Store. They aim to reply to your questions as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.