M-VAVE MK-20 Multi-Effects Processor User Manual

Introduction

The M-VAVE MK-20 is a versatile multi-effects processor designed for both guitar and bass players. It integrates a wide array of features including a drum machine, tuner, looper, amp simulator, and USB audio interface, making it an all-in-one solution for practice, performance, and recording. This manual provides detailed instructions to help you get the most out of your MK-20 unit.

Key Features

The M-VAVE MK-20 boasts a comprehensive set of features to enhance your musical experience:

• Display: 2.4-inch LCD screen for clear navigation.
• Sound Engine: ANN (Audio Neural Network) Modeling Technology for realistic tone texture.
• Effects: 10 movable effect modules with over 320 effect types, including 40 overdrive/distortion/fuzz effects from the DS module.
• Amplifiers: 120 AMP models (85 electric guitar, 30 bass, 10 acoustic).
• Cabinets: 100 high-quality CAB (1024/2048pts) with support for loading third-party impulse response files (65 electric guitar, 25 bass, 10 acoustic guitar).
• Presets: 150 editable tones/preset slots.
• Rhythm: Built-in drum machine with 128 rhythm variations.
• Looper: 20-second mono front-end phrase cycling module.
• Control: 3 configurable footswitches for functions like "One-Step Save", "Preset ±3", "Preset Volume ±5", on/off switching, or tap tempo.
• Expression Pedal: Can be set as Volume, Wah, or other expression pedals.
• Connectivity: Supports USB MIDI, USB AUDIO, OTG recording for mobile phones, 1/8" TRS MIDI interface.
• Software: Official software for PC/Mac/iOS/Android for tone management, firmware upgrades, and 3rd party IR loading.
• Power: 3000mAh high-capacity battery providing 8+ hours of battery life, with 4-hour charging time via USB 5V.
• Community: Interactive platform to download sounds shared by artists.

Specifications

Setup Guide

1. Powering On/Off

Locate the Power Switch on the back panel of the MK-20. Toggle it to turn the unit on or off.

2. Initial Pedal Calibration

It is recommended to calibrate the expression pedal upon first receiving the product or if you experience issues with its response. Follow these steps:

1. Press the SET button to enter the interface, then use the PARA knob to select the "Pedal Set" option within the GLOB interface.
2. Once in the "Pedal Set" interface, press the PARA button to initiate the calibration process.
3. Fully lift the expression pedal to its maximum upward position, then press the PARA button.
4. Fully press the expression pedal forward to its maximum downward position, then press the PARA button again.

A checkmark icon (✓) indicates successful calibration. An 'X' icon (X) indicates calibration failed and needs to be redone.

3. Connecting Your Gear (Back Panel)

Refer to the back panel diagram for connection points:

• INPUT: Connect your guitar or bass to this 1/4" mono audio input jack.
• MIDI: Use the 1/8" TRS MIDI interface to connect external MIDI devices.
• OUTPUT: Connect to your amplifier or audio interface using the 1/4" mono audio output jacks (L/MONO, R). For a mono setup, use the L(MONO) jack.
• PHONES: Connect headphones to this 1/8" stereo headphone output jack for silent practice.
• USB: Use the Type-C port to connect to a computer for USB Audio, USB MIDI, or data transfer.
• Charging Indicator: The light will be red when charging and green when fully charged.

Operation Guide

1. Main Display Screen Introduction

The 2.4-inch LCD screen provides essential information and allows for parameter adjustments. Key elements include:

1. Preset number (1-150).
2. Preset name.
3. Volume monitor of "INPUT" jack.
4. Volume monitor of mixed output.
5. CPU condition (displays warning if load exceeds 90%).
6. Current status of the expression pedal.
7. Preset BPM (adjustable range 40-240).
8. Battery display icon.
9. Quick-Knob Function Display (Knob1: adjusts preset volume, Knob2: controls pan, Knob3: adjusts master volume).
10. Looper display bar (if audio is in Looper).

2. Top Panel Controls

The MK-20 features a user-friendly layout with various knobs and footswitches:

• PARA Knob: Rotate to navigate menus and press to select options. Use it to move modules or edit parameters.
• Parameter Dials (Knob1, Knob2, Knob3): These three dials adjust parameters displayed on the screen, often corresponding to the Quick-Knob Function Display.
• Expression Pedal: Controls volume, wah, or other assignable parameters.
• HOME Button / BT Switch: Click to display the "Home Screen". Press and hold to toggle the Bluetooth module ON/OFF.
• Effect Module Buttons (FX, NS, DS, AMP, CAB, EQ, MOD, DLY, REV): These nine illuminated buttons show the on/off state of their respective effect modules. If a button is off, the effect is not enabled. If all 9 are off, the MK-20 is in Bypass state.
• DRUM Button: Click to play or stop the drum machine. Hold to enter the DRUM menu. The button light indicates drum machine activity.
• SET Button / VOL Module Switch: Short press to enter the Stomp Switch Mapping interface. Press again to access the GLOB or CTRL Interface. Long press to activate the VOL Module and toggle its ON/OFF.
• Footswitch A: Single-click for Preset -1. Press-and-hold for Preset -3.
• Footswitch B: Single-click for Preset +1. Press-and-hold for Preset +3.
• Footswitch C: Single-click for Tap Tempo. Press-and-hold to enter "PRESET LIST" mode.

3. Stomp Interface

The Stomp Interface allows for quick control over individual effect modules:

• To enter Stomp mode, simultaneously press footswitches A and B once from the main interface.
• In Stomp mode, you can view the connection order and on/off states of the 10 effect modules.
• Use the PARA function to adjust the order of the modules.
• The three stomp switches have specific functions in this mode:
  • Switch A: Exits the Home Screen.
  • Switch B: Turns modules ON or OFF.
  • Switch C: Selects a module. Press and hold to confirm the selected module.

Convenient Operation Tip: After saving a preset, the position of the white border on the screen will be saved with the preset. Users can then access the Stomp Mode Interface directly via the stomp switches.

4. Looper Function

The MK-20 includes a built-in looper for phrase cycling:

• To enter the Looper interface, long-press footswitches B and C simultaneously from the Home Screen.
• In the Looper interface, a short press of footswitch A activates the EXIT function.
• The PARA knob does not have practical effect in the Looper interface. Pressing PARA will cycle through display options for quick-adjust dials.
• The footswitches display real-time functions, with the rightmost footswitch corresponding to the current step.
• The Looper supports a 20-second mono phrase cycling module.

5. Drum Machine Function

The MK-20 features a versatile drum machine:

• Click the DRUM button to turn the drum machine on or off.
• Hold the DRUM button to enter the DRUM menu.
• The DRUM button light will remain on when the drum machine is playing and turn off when it stops.
• Rotate the PARA knob to cycle through drum styles and select rhythm patterns (128 variations available).

6. Preset List Mode

To access and manage your presets:

• Press and hold footswitch C to enter "PRESET LIST" mode.
• In this mode, you can browse and select from your 150 editable tones.

7. Customizing Footswitch Lights

You can personalize the ambiance of your MK-20:

• In the HOME interface, the color of each preset stomp switch light can be customized.
• Use the Dial3 knob under the screen in the Save interface to adjust the color. The factory default color for most presets is blue.

Software and Connectivity

1. USB Audio Interface Functionality

The MK-20 can function as a USB audio interface, making it ideal for:

• Home studio recording
• Silent practice
• Recording VLOGs and demos
• Practicing musical pieces
• Recording and composing in host software

Simply connect the MK-20 to your computer via the USB Type-C port.

2. OTG Recording Function for Mobile Phones

Record directly to your mobile device:

• Connect the MK-20 to your cellphone using an OTG cable.
• Use any video/audio recording app on your phone for direct recording.
• The drum machine's audio can also be captured via OTG direct recording.

3. Connecting to Computer / Mobile App

Manage your MK-20 with dedicated software and apps:

• PC/Mac Software: Download the free MK-20 software to adjust tones, import/export presets, perform factory data resets, firmware upgrades, and load third-party IRs.
• Mobile App: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device. Open the app, click the "=" button, select "Current Device", and choose "MK-20" to connect. This allows for wireless control and parameter adjustment during performances.

4. ANN (Audio Neural Network) Modeling Technology

The MK-20 utilizes advanced ANN technology to simulate the authentic tone texture of real speaker cabinets. This technology allows for highly accurate reproduction of various amps, single pedals, or cabinets, achieving timbre sharing with a degree of imitation reaching 95% to 99%. The ANN software learns and reproduces sound details to the maximum extent.

5. How to Achieve Sound Cloning/Tone Catch

The MK-20 allows you to clone and import custom tones:

1. Connect a classic pedal (or other sound source) to your sound card. Ensure the left channel is the original sound and the right channel is connected to the classic pedal. Record the audio using host recording software.
2. Use the official ANN software to model, learn, replicate, and imitate this audio, then generate an AMX format file.
3. Load and import the generated AMX files into your MK-20 for use.

The M-VAVE Community also offers a cloud training function. You can record a single WAV file (not exceeding 50MB), upload it to the cloud, and obtain an AMXDATA file, which can then be imported into the MK-20. Community training supports formats such as NAM and AMXDATA.

6. Community Interactive Platform

Access a global community of artists and share/download sounds:

• The community can be directly accessed via the official software or app.
• Download sounds and presets created by other artists and import them into your MK-20.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes.
• Storage: Store the MK-20 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Battery Care: To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the unit frequently. If storing for an extended period, charge the battery to approximately 50% and recharge every few months.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the official M-VAVE website or app for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

Troubleshooting

User Tips

• Experiment with Effect Order: The 10 movable effect modules allow for creative sound design. Don't hesitate to experiment with different signal chain orders to discover unique tones.
• Utilize the Community: Explore the M-VAVE community platform to download presets and impulse responses from other users. This can be a great way to expand your sound palette quickly.
• Backup Your Presets: Before performing firmware updates or factory resets, always back up your custom presets using the PC/Mac software to avoid data loss.
• Practice with Drum Machine & Looper: These built-in tools are excellent for practice. Use the drum machine to improve your timing and the looper to build song ideas or practice solos over a backing track.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official M-VAVE website or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims. Regular firmware updates are recommended and can be found on the official M-VAVE support channels.