1. Introduction
The NUX Stageman Floor is an acoustic preamp and DI pedal designed to enhance the sound of acoustic guitars and other acoustic instruments. It features a high-quality preamp, 3-band EQ, notch filter, and built-in effects including Reverb, Chorus, and a 60-second Looper. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Stageman Floor pedal.
Figure 1: NUX Stageman Floor Acoustic Preamp/DI Pedal Overview
2. Features
- Integrated Acoustic Preamp and DI Box
- Built-in Digital Effects: Chorus, Reverb, and Freeze
- 60-Second Phrase Looper with Record/Play/Dub functionality
- 3-Band Equalizer (Bass, Middle, Treble) for tone shaping
- Input Gain Control for optimal signal level
- Middle Frequency Scoop Toggle for quick tone adjustments
- Notch Filter with precision adjustment to eliminate feedback
- Input Optimization Toggle for Piezo or Magnetic pickups
- Versatile Connectivity: XLR DI Output, 1/4" TRS Send/Return Inputs, 1/8" Aux-in, 1/8" Headphones Out
- USB port for firmware updates
3. Controls and Connections
3.1 Top Panel Controls
Figure 2: Top Panel Controls
- GAIN Knob: Adjusts the input sensitivity of the preamp.
- BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE Knobs: 3-band equalizer for tone shaping.
- SCOOP Toggle: Engages a mid-frequency scoop for a warmer tone.
- NOTCH Knob: Adjusts the frequency of the notch filter to suppress feedback.
- NOTCH ON/OFF Toggle: Activates or deactivates the notch filter.
- REVERB Knob: Controls the level of the reverb effect.
- CHORUS Knob: Controls the level of the chorus effect.
- LOOP LEVEL Knob: Adjusts the playback volume of the looper.
- CHORUS Footswitch: Toggles the Chorus effect on/off. Hold to activate Freeze effect.
- LOOP Footswitch: Controls Record, Play, Dub, and Stop functions of the looper. Press twice to stop.
3.2 Rear Panel Connections
Figure 3: Rear Panel Connections
- INPUT (1/4" Jack): Connect your acoustic instrument here.
- PICKUP Toggle (Piezo/Magnetic): Optimizes input impedance for different pickup types.
- DI OUT (XLR): Balanced output for connecting to a mixer or PA system.
- OUTPUT (1/4" Jack): Unbalanced output for connecting to an amplifier or other pedals.
- LIFT/GND Toggle: Ground lift switch for the DI output to eliminate hum.
- INSERT (1/4" TRS Send/Return): For connecting external effects pedals. Tip is Send, Ring is Return.
- USB Port: For firmware updates.
- DC 9V Input: Connect a 9V DC power adapter (center negative).
- AUX IN (1/8" Jack): Connect an external audio player for practice.
- HEADPHONES (1/8" Jack): Connect headphones for silent practice.
4. Setup
- Power Connection: Connect a 9V DC (center negative) power adapter to the DC 9V input jack. Ensure the power source meets the pedal's requirements.
- Instrument Connection: Connect your acoustic instrument to the INPUT jack using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.
- Output Connection:
- For an amplifier: Connect the OUTPUT (1/4" jack) to your acoustic amplifier's input.
- For a PA system/mixer: Connect the DI OUT (XLR) to an XLR input on your mixer or PA system. Use the LIFT/GND switch if you experience ground hum.
- Pickup Type Selection: Set the PICKUP toggle switch to either PIEZO or MAGNETIC based on your instrument's pickup type for optimal impedance matching.
- Initial Settings: Start with all EQ knobs (BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE) at the 12 o'clock position. Set GAIN to a low level and gradually increase it until you achieve a clear, strong signal without clipping. Set REVERB and CHORUS knobs to minimum.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Preamp and EQ
- GAIN: Adjust to match your instrument's output. Aim for a strong signal without distortion.
- 3-Band EQ: Use BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE knobs to sculpt your tone. Experiment to find the best sound for your instrument and playing environment.
- SCOOP: Engage this toggle to cut specific mid-frequencies, often used to achieve a warmer, less 'boxy' acoustic sound.
- NOTCH Filter: If you experience feedback, activate the NOTCH ON/OFF toggle and slowly turn the NOTCH knob until the feedback is eliminated. This filter targets specific problematic frequencies.
5.2 Effects (Reverb, Chorus, Freeze)
- REVERB: Turn the REVERB knob clockwise to increase the amount of reverb, adding space and depth to your sound.
- CHORUS: Turn the CHORUS knob clockwise to increase the intensity of the chorus effect, adding shimmer and thickness.
- CHORUS Footswitch: Press to toggle the chorus effect on or off.
- FREEZE: Hold down the CHORUS footswitch for approximately 1 second to activate the Freeze effect. This sustains the current sound, allowing you to play over it. Press the footswitch again to deactivate.
5.3 Looper
The Stageman Floor features a 60-second looper for practice and performance.
- Record: Press the LOOP footswitch once to start recording. The LED will turn red.
- Play: Press the LOOP footswitch again to stop recording and start playback. The LED will turn green.
- Dub: While playing, press the LOOP footswitch once to overdub. The LED will turn red. Press again to stop overdubbing and continue playback (LED green).
- Stop: Press the LOOP footswitch twice quickly to stop playback. The LED will turn off.
- Clear: While stopped, hold the LOOP footswitch for approximately 1 second to clear the recorded loop.
- LOOP LEVEL: Adjust this knob to control the volume of the looped phrase relative to your live playing.
5.4 External Effects Loop (INSERT)
The 1/4" TRS INSERT jack allows you to integrate external effects pedals into the signal chain. Connect the Tip (Send) to the input of your external effect and the Ring (Return) from the output of your external effect.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the pedal in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Power: Always use the specified 9V DC (center negative) power adapter. Disconnect power when not in use for extended periods.
- Firmware Updates: Check the NUX official website periodically for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Use the USB port for updates.
7. Troubleshooting
- No Sound:
- Check all cable connections (instrument, output, power).
- Ensure the power adapter is correctly connected and functioning.
- Verify instrument volume and amplifier settings.
- Check GAIN knob setting.
- Hum or Noise:
- Engage the LIFT/GND switch for the DI output.
- Ensure all cables are in good condition and properly shielded.
- Try a different power outlet or power supply.
- Feedback:
- Activate the NOTCH filter and adjust the NOTCH knob.
- Reduce the GAIN or overall volume.
- Adjust EQ settings, particularly reducing problematic mid-frequencies.
- Effects Not Working:
- Ensure the effect knobs (REVERB, CHORUS) are turned up.
- Verify the CHORUS footswitch LED is illuminated for the chorus effect.
8. Specifications
| Item Model Number | STAGEMANFLOOR |
| Item Weight | 1.05 pounds (476 Grams) |
| Product Dimensions | 8.4 x 6.3 x 4.8 inches |
| Power Source | Electric (9V DC, Center Negative) |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio, XLR |
| Effects Included | Reverb, Chorus, Freeze, Looper |
9. Warranty and Support
NUX products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official NUX website. For technical support, product registration, or further assistance, please contact NUX customer service through their official channels.
Always ensure you are using genuine NUX accessories and power adapters to maintain product integrity and warranty validity.
