M-VAVE Lost Tempo Guitar Effect Pedal User Manual

1. Introduction

The M-VAVE Lost Tempo is a versatile 2-in-1 guitar effect pedal that combines a drum machine, looper, and high-precision tuner into a compact unit. Designed for musicians who want to enhance their practice, performance, and creative process, this pedal offers intuitive controls and a range of features to support various musical styles.

Front view of the M-VAVE Lost Tempo pedal.

2. Key Features

• Integrated Drum Machine: Built-in with 30 different drum grooves, supporting customization and editing via a mobile app.
• Advanced Looper: Offers up to 11 minutes of total recording time across 4 loops, with a maximum of 5 minutes per single loop. Supports unlimited overdubbing.
• High-Precision Tuner: Integrated tuner for accurate instrument tuning.
• Dual Footswitch Control: Dedicated footswitches for LOOPER and DRUM functions for easy on-the-fly control.
• Versatile Power Options: Can be powered by DC 9V (internal negative, external positive) or USB 5V (Type-C).
• USB Data Transfer: Type-C port for connecting to a computer to import/export standard WAV audio files.
• Audio Connectivity: Standard 1/4" mono audio input/output and earphone output jack.
• Sampling Rate: High-quality 44.1K/24bits audio sampling.

3. Package Contents

Please check the box for the following items:

• M-VAVE Lost Tempo Pedal x 1
• Type-C Data Cable x 1
• User Manual (Chinese and English) x 1

Contents included in the M-VAVE Lost Tempo package.

4. Specifications

Visual representation of the M-VAVE Lost Tempo specifications.

Dimensions of the M-VAVE Lost Tempo pedal.

5. Controls and Connections

Labeled diagram of the M-VAVE Lost Tempo pedal's controls and indicators.

Front Panel Controls:

• LOOPER VOL Knob/Indicator: Adjusts the LOOPER playback volume. The indicator shows the LOOPER status.
• DRUM VOL Knob/Indicator: Adjusts the DRUM playback volume. The indicator shows the DRUM status.
• LOOPER Footswitch: Controls LOOPER recording, playback, stop, undo, redo, and other functions.
• DRUM Footswitch: Controls DRUM machine play/stop, TAP tempo, and tuner functions.
• Left/Right Buttons: Used to select drum types (1-30) or navigate menus.
• LED Indicators (1, 2, 3, 4): Indicate the current LOOP channel.
• Display Screen: Shows drum type, tempo, tuner notes, and other information.

Rear Panel Connections:

• IN (1/4" MONO Audio Input): Connect your instrument (guitar, bass, etc.).
• OUT (1/4" MONO Audio Output): Connect to an amplifier or other audio equipment.
• Type-C Jack: For USB data transmission (connect to PC/Mac) and 5V power supply.
• Earphone Output Jack: For silent practice with headphones.
• DC 9V Power Jack: For 9V DC power adapter (internal negative, external positive).

6. Setup

Powering the Device:

1. Using a 9V DC Adapter: Connect a standard 9V DC power adapter (center negative) to the DC 9V power jack on the rear panel.
2. Using USB 5V: Connect the provided Type-C USB cable to the Type-C jack on the pedal and to a 5V USB power source (e.g., power bank, computer USB port).

Audio Connections:

1. Connect your musical instrument (guitar, bass, keyboard) to the IN (1/4" MONO audio input) jack using a standard 1/4" mono cable.
2. Connect the OUT (1/4" MONO audio output) jack to your amplifier, mixer, or audio interface using a standard 1/4" mono cable.
3. For silent practice, connect headphones to the Earphone Output Jack.

Basic connection diagram for the M-VAVE Lost Tempo pedal.

Detailed connection diagram showing instrument, headphone, power, and amplifier connections.

7. Operating Instructions

7.1. Looper Function

The looper allows you to record and overdub audio phrases. The LOOPER footswitch controls all recording functions.

• Start Recording: Tap the LOOPER footswitch once to start recording. The LOOPER VOL indicator will light up.
• Stop Recording/Start Playback: Tap the LOOPER footswitch again to stop recording and immediately start playback of your loop.
• Overdub: While a loop is playing, tap the LOOPER footswitch to start overdubbing. Subsequent taps will toggle between playback and overdub modes.
• Undo/Redo: Hold the LOOPER footswitch for 1 second to undo the last overdub. Hold again to redo.
• Delete Current Loop: Double-tap the LOOPER footswitch to delete the current loop.
• Delete All Loops: Hold the LOOPER footswitch for 3 seconds to delete all stored loops.

Recording Modes:

Diagram illustrating Regular and Synchronous Recording Modes.

• Regular Recording Mode: Tap the LOOPER footswitch to start recording.
• Synchronous Recording Mode (SYNC): Tap the DRUM footswitch for 1 second to enter SYNC mode. The LOOPER recording will automatically start when you begin playing your instrument. This ensures your loop is perfectly in time with the drum track.

7.2. Drum Machine Function

The drum machine provides 30 built-in drum grooves to accompany your playing. The DRUM footswitch controls drum machine functions.

• Play/Stop Drum: Tap the DRUM footswitch to start or stop the drum machine.
• Select Drum Groove: Use the Left/Right buttons to cycle through the 30 available drum grooves. The display screen will show the current drum number.
• Adjust Drum Volume: Use the DRUM VOL knob to adjust the volume of the drum track.
• Set Drum Speed (Tempo): Tap the DRUM footswitch twice quickly to enter tempo setting mode. The display will show the current BPM. Use the Left/Right buttons to adjust the tempo. Tap the DRUM footswitch again to exit tempo setting.

Instructions for setting drum speed using the footswitch.

7.3. Tuner Function

The M-VAVE Lost Tempo includes a high-precision tuner.

• Activate Tuner: Hold both the LOOPER and DRUM footswitches simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter tuner mode. The display will show the note being played.
• Exit Tuner: Tap either footswitch to exit tuner mode.

7.4. Mobile App Integration

The official M-VAVE mobile app allows for advanced customization of drum grooves and management of audio files.

• Download App: Search for the official M-VAVE app on your mobile device's app store.
• Connect to Pedal: Follow the in-app instructions to connect your mobile device to the Lost Tempo pedal.
• Customize Drum Grooves: Edit, save, and share drum grooves. The app provides a visual interface for drum sequencing.
• Import/Export WAV Files: Use the Type-C USB connection to transfer standard WAV audio files between the pedal and your computer.

M-VAVE app interface for drum groove customization and Type-C power/data connection.

7.5. Product Demonstration Video

8. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Avoid dropping the pedal or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Power Supply: Always use the recommended power supply (DC 9V center negative or 5V USB Type-C) to prevent damage.

9. Troubleshooting

No Power:

• Ensure the power adapter is correctly connected and functioning.
• Verify that the power adapter meets the specifications (DC 9V, center negative, or 5V USB).

No Sound:

• Check all audio cables (instrument to IN, OUT to amplifier/mixer) are securely connected.
• Ensure the LOOPER VOL and DRUM VOL knobs are not set to minimum.
• Verify your instrument and amplifier are working correctly.

Looper Not Recording/Playing:

• Ensure the LOOPER footswitch is pressed correctly to initiate recording or playback.
• Check if the memory is full (total recording time is 11 minutes). Delete old loops if necessary.

Drum Machine Not Playing:

• Tap the DRUM footswitch to ensure it's not paused.
• Adjust the DRUM VOL knob.

Tuner Not Responding:

• Ensure both footswitches are held for 3 seconds to enter tuner mode.
• Check instrument input signal.

10. User Tips

• Practice with SYNC Mode: For seamless integration of your loops with drum patterns, utilize the synchronous recording mode. This helps maintain perfect timing.
• Experiment with Drum Grooves: The 30 built-in drum grooves offer a wide range of styles. Don't hesitate to experiment with different patterns to find what best suits your music.
• Use the Mobile App: The official app unlocks the full potential of the drum machine, allowing you to customize and create your own unique drum patterns.
• External Footswitch Compatibility: While not explicitly detailed, some users find external footswitches helpful for more complex live looping scenarios. Check M-VAVE's accessory line for compatible options.

11. Warranty and Support

M-VAVE products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For any technical issues, questions, or support needs, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase or visit the official M-VAVE website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.