NUX Duotime Stereo Delay Pedal Instruction Manual

Introduction

The NUX Duotime is a versatile stereo delay pedal designed for guitarists seeking a wide range of delay effects and looping capabilities. Featuring a true stereo delay engine, it offers independent control over two delay lines, allowing for complex rhythmic patterns and expansive soundscapes. With five distinct delay types and a 40-second phrase looper, the Duotime provides extensive creative options in a compact form factor.

Key Features

• Up to 1800ms stereo delay time with Tap Tempo functionality.
• Five distinct delay types: Analog Delay, Tape Echo, Digi Delay, Mod Delay, and Verb Delay.
• True stereo delay engine with independent controls for each delay line.
• Integrated 40-second stereo phrase looper with OLED status display.
• Realistic infinite pitch-shift feedback available in Analog and Tape modes.
• Sub-division time signature control via Tap Tempo footswitch.
• Optional delay time display in milliseconds (MS) or beats per minute (BPM).
• Musical time sync modulation rate in Analog and Modulation delay types.
• Pioneer 3-dimensional feeling Verb delay.

Controls and Functions

The NUX Duotime pedal features an intuitive layout of knobs and footswitches for easy operation. The OLED display provides real-time feedback on settings.

Figure 1: Front view of the NUX Duotime pedal, showing all controls and footswitches.

Control Knobs

• LEVEL Knob: Controls the overall delay mix level. In LOOP mode, this knob adjusts the Phrase Loop volume.
• Delay Type Selector: A 5-way rotary switch to select between Analog, Tape, Digi, Mod, and Verb delay types.
• PARAMETER Knob: This knob's function changes based on the selected delay type:
  • Analog Delay: Controls Modulation Depth. Increase for a wider modulated sound.
  • Tape Echo: Controls signal saturation. Increase for a more saturated and distorted sound.
  • Digi Delay: Controls signal hardness. Increase for a more compressed and brighter sound.
  • Mod Delay: Controls Modulation Depth. Increase for a wider modulated sound.
  • Verb Delay: Controls Reverb and Shimmer mix level. Increase for more depth and a 3-dimensional feeling.
• TIME1 Knob: Controls Delay 1's delay time. In Tap Tempo mode, it becomes a sub-division selector.
• REPEAT1 Knob: Controls Delay 1's number of repeats.
• TIME2 Knob: Controls Delay 2's delay time. In Tap Tempo mode, it becomes a sub-division selector.
• REPEAT2 Knob: Controls Delay 2's number of repeats.

Footswitches and Display

• TAP Footswitch: Tap this footswitch to adjust the speed and delay sub-division. Set the target sub-division using TIME1 and TIME2 knobs, then tap to adjust speed. DELAY1 and DELAY2 will change delay time according to the current sub-division note signature. Hold this footswitch for 2 seconds to switch the current delay time display between MS (milliseconds) or BPM (beats per minute).
• ON Footswitch: Activates or bypasses the delay effect.
• OLED Display: Shows the current Delay type and delay time in MS/BPM.

LOOP Mode

Press the ON and TAP footswitches simultaneously to enter or exit PHRASE LOOP mode. In LOOP mode, press the ON footswitch to activate REC/PLAY/DUB. Hold the ON footswitch to UNDO/REDO, similar to a normal looper pedal. The OLED display shows your phrase loop status. The LEVEL knob adjusts the phrase loop volume. The pedal remembers the current delay mix level when entering LOOP mode. All other knobs function independently in normal mode.

Connections

The NUX Duotime pedal offers flexible input and output options for various setups.

Figure 2: Rear view of the NUX Duotime pedal, highlighting input and output connections.

• IN1 (MONO): If only IN1 is connected, the IN1 signal will run Delay 1 (related to TIME1 and REPEAT1 knobs) for OUT1. The pedal will copy the IN1 signal to run Delay 2 (related to TIME2 and REPEAT2 knobs) for OUT2. If both IN1 and IN2 are connected, IN1 and IN2 will run Delay 1 for OUT1 and Delay 2 for OUT2 separately.
• IN2: If only IN2 is connected, the IN2 signal will run Delay 2 (related to TIME2 and REPEAT2 knobs) for OUT2. The pedal will copy the IN2 signal to run Delay 1 (related to TIME1 and REPEAT1 knobs) for OUT1. If both IN1 and IN2 are connected, IN1 and IN2 will run Delay 1 for OUT1 and Delay 2 for OUT2 separately.
• OUT1 (MONO): Output for Delay 1 signal.
• OUT2: Output for Delay 2 signal.
• USB Port: Used for firmware updates. Please refer to the official NUX website for instructions.
• DC Jack: Use ONLY a 9V negative tip power supply with a minimum of 300mA.

Operating Instructions

To begin using your NUX Duotime pedal, ensure it is properly connected to your instrument and amplifier, and powered on using a compatible 9V DC power supply.

General Operation

1. Connect your guitar to IN1 (or IN1 and IN2 for stereo input).
2. Connect OUT1 (and OUT2 for stereo output) to your amplifier or audio interface.
3. Connect a 9V DC power supply to the DC Jack.
4. Press the ON footswitch to activate the delay effect. The ON LED will illuminate.
5. Use the Delay Type Selector to choose your desired delay algorithm.
6. Adjust the TIME1, REPEAT1, TIME2, REPEAT2, LEVEL, and PARAMETER knobs to sculpt your delay sound.

Delay Types Overview

• Analog Delay: Emulates classic analog delay units, offering warm, decaying repeats. The PARAMETER knob controls modulation depth.
• Tape Echo: Recreates the sound of vintage tape echo machines, characterized by natural signal degradation and saturation. The PARAMETER knob controls signal saturation.
• Digi Delay: Provides clear, pristine digital delay repeats. The PARAMETER knob controls signal hardness.
• Mod Delay: Adds modulation to the delay repeats for a swirling, chorus-like effect. The PARAMETER knob controls modulation depth.
• Verb Delay: Combines delay with a lush reverb, creating a spacious and atmospheric sound. The PARAMETER knob controls reverb and shimmer mix level.

Tap Tempo Functionality

The TAP footswitch allows you to set the delay time by tapping your foot. You can also set different sub-divisions for Delay 1 and Delay 2 using their respective TIME knobs, then tap in a tempo, and both delays will synchronize to the tapped tempo with their set sub-divisions. Holding the TAP footswitch will toggle the OLED display between MS (milliseconds) and BPM (beats per minute) for precise timing adjustments.

Looper Function

The Duotime pedal includes a 40-second stereo phrase looper. To activate, press both ON and TAP footswitches simultaneously. The OLED display will indicate the looper status (REC, PLAY, DUB). Press the ON footswitch to record, play, or overdub. Hold the ON footswitch to undo or redo the last recorded layer. The LEVEL knob controls the volume of the looped phrase.

Firmware Update

To ensure optimal performance and access to the latest features, it is recommended to update the firmware of your NUX Duotime pedal. Connect the pedal to your computer via the USB port and visit the official NUX website for the latest firmware and detailed update instructions. Always follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues during the update process.

Specifications