1. Introduction
The NUX Optima Air NAI-5 is a dual-switch acoustic guitar simulator pedal designed to enhance your acoustic guitar sound. It features a preamp with a 3-band equalizer, impulse response (IR) capture capabilities, and a reverb effect. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Optima Air pedal.
2. Product Overview
2.1 Key Features
- Integrated preamp with 3-band equalizer (Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble).
- 15 built-in acoustic guitar profiles with Impulse Response (IR) level control.
- Ability to load third-party IRs via editor software.
- 9 user-definable preset slots for saving custom settings.
- One-knob reverb effect with adjustable dry/wet and decay parameters.
- 24-bit, 48-kHz sampling quality for high-fidelity audio.
- Micro B USB port for USB audio streaming and connection to editor software.
- XLR DI Output for direct connection to mixers or PA systems.
2.2 Controls and Indicators
Image: Top panel view of the NUX Optima Air NAI-5 pedal, illustrating the various knobs, footswitches, and the digital screen.
- Reverb Knob: Adjusts the intensity and decay of the reverb effect. Turn to 0 to deactivate.
- IR Level Knob: Controls the blend level of the Impulse Response signal.
- Select Knob: Navigates through menus and selects options on the digital screen. Press to save presets.
- Gain Knob: Adjusts the input gain of the preamp.
- Bass Knob: Controls the low-frequency equalization.
- Middle Knob: Controls the mid-frequency equalization.
- Treble Knob: Controls the high-frequency equalization.
- Black & White Digital Screen: Displays current settings, IR names, and menu options.
- Green IR LED: Indicates when the IR function is active.
- Red AMP LED: Indicates when the AMP (preamp/EQ) function is active.
- IR Footswitch: Activates or deactivates the Impulse Response function.
- AMP Footswitch: Activates or deactivates the preamp and EQ section.
- MANUAL/PRESET Switch: Toggles between manual mode and preset mode.
2.3 Connections
Image: Side panel view of the NUX Optima Air NAI-5 pedal, showing input, output, send/return, USB, power, auxiliary, headphones, and XLR DI output jacks.
- Input Jack: Connect your acoustic guitar or other instrument here.
- Output Jack: Connect to your amplifier, audio interface, or next pedal in the signal chain.
- Send/Return Jacks: For connecting external effects pedals in an effects loop.
- Micro B USB Port: Connects to a computer for firmware updates, editor software, and USB audio streaming.
- DC 9V Power Input: Connect the included 9V DC power adapter.
- 3.5mm (1/8-inch) Auxiliary Input Jack: For connecting external audio sources like an MP3 player.
- 3.5mm (1/8-inch) Headphones Output Jack: For silent practice.
- XLR DI Output Jack: Provides a balanced output for direct connection to a mixing console or PA system.
3. Setup
- Power Connection: Connect the included Tonebird TB9V 1500 mA power supply to the DC 9V Power Input jack on the pedal and then to a power outlet. Ensure the power supply specifications match the pedal's requirements.
- Instrument Connection: Connect your acoustic guitar to the Input Jack using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
- Output Connection:
- For an amplifier: Connect the Output Jack to your guitar amplifier's input.
- For a mixer/PA system: Connect the XLR DI Output Jack to an available XLR input on your mixer or PA system.
- For headphones: Connect headphones to the Headphones Output Jack for personal monitoring.
- Effects Loop (Optional): If using external effects, connect the Send Jack to the input of your external effect pedal and the output of the external effect pedal to the Return Jack.
- USB Connection (Optional): For computer connectivity, connect a Micro B USB cable from the pedal's USB port to your computer.
4. Operation
4.1 Power On and Basic Use
Once all connections are made, the pedal will power on. The digital screen will display the current mode or preset. Use the AMP Footswitch to engage or bypass the preamp/EQ section, and the IR Footswitch to engage or bypass the Impulse Response function.
4.2 Preamp and 3-Band EQ
The preamp section allows you to shape your guitar's tone. Adjust the Gain knob to control the input level. Use the Bass, Middle, and Treble knobs to fine-tune the low, mid, and high frequencies of your sound. Experiment with these controls to achieve your desired acoustic tone.
4.3 Impulse Response (IR) Function
The Optima Air is pre-loaded with 15 impulse response files, each optimized for specific guitar and pickup types. These IRs simulate the sound of various acoustic guitars. The IR Level knob controls the blend of the IR signal with your dry signal.
To activate or deactivate the IR function, press the IR Footswitch. The Green IR LED will illuminate when active. You can select different IRs using the Select Knob. The digital screen will display the IR name.
The pedal supports loading third-party IRs and editing preset names through its dedicated editor software, accessible via the Micro B USB port.
Image: Table detailing the 15 built-in Impulse Response (IR) profiles, including brand, model, optimized guitar type, and optimized pickup type.
4.4 Reverb Effect
The integrated reverb effect adds spatial depth to your sound. Adjust the Reverb knob to control the effect's intensity and decay. Turning the knob fully counter-clockwise (to 0) will deactivate the reverb.
4.5 Presets
The Optima Air features 9 preset slots to store your customized settings. To save a preset, configure your desired sound using the knobs and footswitches, then press and hold the Select Knob. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose a preset slot and confirm saving.
To recall a preset, switch to preset mode using the MANUAL/PRESET switch, then use the AMP Footswitch and IR Footswitch to navigate through the stored presets.
4.6 USB Audio Stream and Editor Software
The Micro B USB port allows the pedal to function as a USB audio interface, enabling direct recording to a computer. It also facilitates connection to the NUX editor software (available separately), which can be used for firmware updates, loading custom IRs, and managing presets.
5. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sampling Quality | 24-bit, 48-kHz |
| Built-in IRs | 15 Acoustic Guitar Profiles |
| Preset Slots | 9 |
| EQ | 3-Band (Bass, Middle, Treble) |
| Effects | Preamp, EQ, Reverb, IR Simulation |
| Connectivity | Input, Output, Send, Return, Micro B USB, Aux In, Headphones Out, XLR DI Out |
| Power Source | 9V DC (Center Negative, 1.5A recommended) |
| Item Weight | 2.91 pounds (approx. 1.32 kg) |
| Dimensions | 8 x 6.5 x 4.5 inches (approx. 20.3 x 16.5 x 11.4 cm) |
| Body Material | Plastic, Metal |
6. Troubleshooting
- No Sound:
- Ensure the power adapter is correctly connected and functioning.
- Check all instrument cables for proper connection and functionality.
- Verify that the AMP and IR functions are engaged if desired, and their respective levels are not set to zero.
- Confirm that your amplifier or mixer is powered on and its volume is up.
- Distorted or Unwanted Noise:
- Reduce the Gain knob setting on the pedal.
- Check for faulty cables or connections.
- Ensure the power supply is providing stable, clean power (use the included Tonebird supply).
- If using an external effects loop, temporarily bypass external pedals to isolate the source of noise.
- IR Not Changing/Working:
- Ensure the IR function is engaged (Green IR LED is on).
- Check the IR Level knob is not set to zero.
- Use the Select Knob to cycle through IRs and verify they are loaded.
- Pedal Freezes or Behaves Erratically:
- Disconnect and reconnect the power supply to restart the unit.
- Ensure the latest firmware is installed via the NUX editor software.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the pedal in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Cable Care: Regularly inspect all cables for damage. Replace worn or frayed cables to prevent signal issues.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the NUX website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official NUX product website or contact your authorized NUX dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
9. Package Contents
The NUX Optima Air NAI-5 bundle includes the following items:
- NUX Optima Air NAI-5 Acoustic Guitar Simulator Pedal
- Tonebird TB9V 1500 mA Power Supply
- Groovetech Multi-Tool
- Two (2) 10-foot Instrument Cables
- Two (2) Patch Cables
Tonebird TB9V Power Supply
Groovetech Multi-Tool
10-foot Instrument Cables (2)
Patch Cables (2)
