Zoom AC-2 Acoustic Creator Pedal Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The Zoom AC-2 Acoustic Creator Pedal is a direct box designed to restore the natural tone of your acoustic guitar. It features instrument modeling, a 3-band equalizer, boost function, tuner, and reverb effects. This pedal is engineered to enhance the sound of acoustic-electric guitars, providing a rich and resonant output suitable for various performance and recording environments.

Key features include:

• 16 source guitar type/body presets for accurate tone reproduction.
• High-quality preamp and reverb effect.
• Piezo/magnetic input pickup selector.
• 3-band equalizer for precise tone shaping.
• Adjustable input and output gain/sensitivity via a single volume knob.
• Anti-feedback control.
• Built-in chromatic visual-LED tuner.
• Boost switch for up to 9 dB of additional gain.

Package Contents

Verify that the following items are included in your package:

• Zoom AC-2 Acoustic Creator Pedal
• AC Adapter (Zoom AD-16)
• Operation Manual

If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.

Controls and Functions

Familiarize yourself with the various controls and their functions on the AC-2 pedal.

Top Panel Controls

Image: Top view of the Zoom AC-2 Acoustic Creator Pedal, highlighting the main controls and input/output jacks.

1. SOURCE GUITAR Knob: Selects one of 16 guitar body types/presets to accurately reproduce the acoustic tone. Rotate to choose between Dreadnought, Round Shoulder, Square Shoulder, Jumbo, Parlor, Single Cutaway, Resonator, Upright Bass, Mold, Nylon Strings, Orchestra, Triple O, Double O, YMH, Silent, and 12 Strings.
2. REVERB Knob: Adjusts the level of the reverb effect applied to the output signal.
3. VOLUME Knob: Controls the overall output volume of the pedal. This knob also adjusts input gain.
4. EQUALIZER (BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE) Knobs: Adjusts the low, mid, and high frequencies of your guitar's tone.
5. PICKUP Switch (PIEZO/OFF/MAGNETIC): Selects the type of pickup connected to the input. Choose PIEZO for piezo pickups, MAGNETIC for magnetic pickups, or OFF to bypass the pickup type processing.
6. BOOST Knob: Controls the amount of gain added when the BOOST footswitch is engaged.
7. ANTI F.B. (Anti-Feedback) Button: Activates the anti-feedback function to suppress unwanted feedback.
8. TUNER Display: Shows the note being played and indicates whether it is sharp, flat, or in tune.
9. POWER LED: Indicates the power status of the unit.
10. TUNER [MUTE] Footswitch: Toggles the tuner on/off. When the tuner is on, the output is muted.
11. BOOST Footswitch: Engages or disengages the boost function, providing additional gain for solos or emphasis.

Side and Rear Panel Connections

Image: Left side view of the Zoom AC-2, showing the 1/4" mono output and headphone output.

Image: Rear panel of the Zoom AC-2, detailing the balanced XLR output, DC power input, ground lift switch, and power switch.

Image: Right side view of the Zoom AC-2, showing the 1/4" guitar input and micro-USB port.

12. GUITAR IN Jack: 1/4" mono input for connecting your acoustic-electric guitar.
13. OUTPUT 1/MONO Jack: 1/4" mono output for connecting to an amplifier or other audio equipment.
14. PHONES Jack: 1/4" stereo output for connecting headphones.
15. BALANCED OUT (XLR) Jack: Balanced XLR output for connecting to a PA system or mixing console. Includes PRE/POST switch for sending signal before or after effects, and a GROUND LIFT switch to eliminate hum.
16. DC IN 9V: Power input for the optional Zoom AD-16 AC adapter.
17. POWER Switch: Turns the unit on or off. The "eco" setting conserves battery life.
18. USB Port: Micro-USB port for firmware updates.

Setup and Connections

Follow these steps to set up your AC-2 pedal:

1. Power Supply: Connect the Zoom AD-16 AC adapter to the DC IN 9V jack. Alternatively, insert 4 AA batteries into the battery compartment on the underside of the unit.
2. Guitar Connection: Connect your acoustic-electric guitar to the GUITAR IN jack using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.
3. Output Connection:
   • For an amplifier or other instrument input: Connect the OUTPUT 1/MONO jack to your amplifier using a 1/4" instrument cable.
   • For a PA system or mixing console: Connect the BALANCED OUT (XLR) jack to the mixer using an XLR cable. Ensure the PRE/POST switch is set according to your preference (PRE for signal before effects, POST for signal after effects). Use the GROUND LIFT switch if you experience hum.
   • For headphones: Connect headphones to the PHONES jack.
4. Power On: Set the POWER switch to the ON position. The POWER LED will illuminate.

Basic Operation

1. Select Pickup Type: Set the PICKUP switch to match your guitar's pickup type (PIEZO or MAGNETIC).
2. Select Source Guitar: Rotate the SOURCE GUITAR knob to choose the desired acoustic guitar body type preset. Experiment with different settings to find the best match for your instrument and desired tone.
3. Adjust Volume: Start with the VOLUME knob at a low setting and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level. This knob also influences the input gain, so adjust it to prevent clipping (indicated by the CLIP LED).
4. Shape Your Tone: Use the BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE knobs in the EQUALIZER section to fine-tune your sound.
5. Add Reverb: Turn the REVERB knob clockwise to add more reverb to your sound.
6. Use the Tuner: Press the TUNER [MUTE] footswitch to activate the tuner. The output will be muted. Tune your guitar using the visual display. Press the footswitch again to exit tuner mode and unmute the output.
7. Engage Boost: Press the BOOST footswitch to activate the boost function. Adjust the BOOST knob to set the desired gain level for solos or emphasis.
8. Anti-Feedback: If you experience feedback, press the ANTI F.B. button. This will engage a feedback suppression circuit.

Video Demonstration

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your AC-2 pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
• Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Battery Replacement: If using batteries, replace them when the POWER LED dims or the unit stops functioning correctly. Always replace all batteries at the same time with new ones of the same type. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.
• Connections: Periodically check all cable connections for wear and tear. Use high-quality cables to prevent signal loss or interference.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your AC-2 pedal, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official Zoom website or contact your local Zoom distributor. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

You can find more information and support resources at the Zoom Store on Amazon.