NUX NGS-6 Amp Academy Owner's Manual

Overview

The NUX NGS-6 Amp Academy is a stomp box platform Amp Modeler featuring IR (Impulse Response) cabinet simulation and essential effects. It offers six legendary amp models, including Vintage (Fender Twin Reverb), Classic (Fender Vibro King), Modern (Mesa Boogie Mark I), Brown (Friedman HBE), Red (Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier), and Iridium (Bogner Uberschall). The TSAC-HD (WHITE-BOX algorithm) Amp Modeling provides realistic amp feel and fast playability response. With 1024 samples IR resolution and support for 3rd party IR loading, it allows users to bring their favorite amp sounds anywhere.

The A/B footswitch enables seamless switching between clean and crunch amp styles for live performance. The SCENE footswitch allows sequential toggling through SCENE1, SCENE2, and SCENE3. Users can save custom block engagements across three scenes, catering to all live application needs.

The Amp Academy edit software allows for comprehensive tweaking of all signal blocks and parameters. It includes NR, EFX, AMP, IR, S/R, EQ, and RVB blocks, with the ability to freely adjust their order. In addition to 10 built-in IRs, there are 18 slots for loading 3rd party IRs. The software automatically converts WAV(IR) format files without requiring manual sampling rate adjustments.

The Amp Academy also supports USB audio streaming, functioning as a USB recording interface. It offers routing options like Normal / Dry Out / Reamp / Loopback, which can be intuitively adjusted via the Amp Academy edit software, eliminating the need for USB OUT setup within a DAW. This facilitates live stream jamming with Loopback.

Control Panel

The control panel is designed for intuitive operation, featuring various knobs, switches, and footswitches.

Knobs:

• GAIN Knob: Controls the gain/distortion level of the selected amp model.
• MASTER Knob: Controls the volume of the selected amp model.
• BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE Knobs: These knobs control the low-end, middle frequency, and high-end sound respectively.
• PRESENCE Knob: Controls the brightness of the sound. For the Vintage (Twin Rvb) model, this knob functions as the BRIGHT switch.
• BOOST Knob: In regular mode, this knob controls a parameter within the EFX block (e.g., Sustain, Level, Volume, Gain, Drive, Tone depending on the EFX type). In Alt mode, it controls the RVB (Reverb) decay time.
• N.R. Knob: In regular mode, this knob controls the SENS (sensitivity) parameter of the NR (Noise Gate) block. In Alt mode, it controls the RVB (Reverb) mix level.

Switches:

• A Toggle Switch: A 3-way switch to select amp models for Channel A: Vintage (Twin Rvb), Classic (Vibro King), Modern (Cali Crunch).
• B Toggle Switch: A 3-way switch to select amp models for Channel B: Brown (Fireman), Red (Dual Recto), Iridium (Uber).
• SCENE Toggle Switch: Selects between SCENE1, SCENE2, and SCENE3. This can also be achieved sequentially via the SCENE footswitch.

Footswitches:

• A/B Footswitch: Short press toggles between A/B channels. The A/B LED indicators show the selected amp model's color: GREEN for Vintage, YELLOW for Classic, RED for Modern (Channel A); ORANGE for Brown, LIGHT RED for Red, DEEP RED for Iridium (Channel B). Holding the A/B footswitch for 1.5 seconds saves the current parameters to the related preset. Holding it while powering on the pedal engages/disengages the IR signal with DI OUT (indicated by LED flashes).
• SCENE Footswitch: Short press toggles through SCENE1, SCENE2, SCENE3. The SCENE LED indicator shows the selected scene: BLUE for S1, PURPLE for S2, RED for S3. Holding the SCENE footswitch for 1.5 seconds enters Alt mode to tweak RVB parameters, indicated by a flashing SCENE LED. Pressing it again exits Alt mode.

I/O Jacks

The NGS-6 features a comprehensive set of I/O jacks for versatile connectivity.

• INPUT Jack (1/4"): Connect your guitar or other effects' output here.
• OUTPUT Jack (1/4"): Connect the output signal to your amplifier or other effects' input.
• INSERT Jack (1/4" TRS Send/Return): This jack serves as a Send/Return loop, allowing you to integrate external effects or effect chains. The S/R order can be adjusted using the Amp Academy edit software.
• DI GND LIFT and IR OUT Toggle Switches:
  • DI GND LIFT: When in the UP position, it lifts the ground connection for the DI OUT XLR output, helping to eliminate common ground noise.
  • IR OUT: When in the UP position, the IR cabinet simulation is active for the 1/4" OUTPUT. Users can choose to enable or disable the IR simulation for the OUTPUT jack independently.
• USB Port: Connect to a PC for firmware updates, accessing the Amp Academy edit software, and USB audio streaming.
• DC Jack: For power connection. Use only a 9V Negative Tip power supply with 500mA (current consumption is less than 300mA). The NUX ACD-006A adapter is recommended.
• DI OUT Jack (XLR): Provides a balanced signal output for connecting to PA systems or mixers.
• AUX IN and PHONE Jacks (1/8"):
  • AUX IN: Connect an MP3 player or other audio source for practice backing tracks.
  • PHONE: Connect headphones for silent practice. The signal is related to the DI OUT. This jack is recommended for silent practice or home recording monitoring.

Connections

The NGS-6 can be connected in various scenarios for live performance, studio recording, and silent practice.

On Stage

Connect the Amp Academy to a mixer or PA system via the DI OUT jack for excellent tone, control, and flexibility in live situations. Monitor through the house system or in-ear monitors. For a personal stage monitor, connect the pedalboard to a powered FRFR speaker. It is generally not recommended to connect the Amp Academy into a guitar amp's input, as its purpose is amp and cabinet simulation.

Note: If using the same pedalboard for both direct and amp situations, toggle the IR OUT switch to the down position to bypass the IR signal when connecting to a guitar amp's power amp in/return. Engage the IR signal with the DI OUT when connecting to an FRFR speaker or PA system.

In Studio

Connect the Amp Academy directly to a recording interface for high-quality guitar tones without the need for an amplifier or microphones. The signal flow can be configured using the IR OUT switch and the A/B footswitch for DI OUT IR engagement/disengagement.

Two scenarios exist for IR usage: either utilize the DAW's built-in IR or cabinet simulation, or use the NGS-6's own IR signal.

At Home (Silent Practice)

Connect headphones or monitors directly to the Amp Academy's 1/8" PHONEOUT to experience immersive classic amp tones in a natural sounding environment without an amplifier.

Edit Software

The NUX Amp Academy edit software is available for free download for Windows and macOS from the official NUX website (http://cn.nuxefx.com/). Tutorials for the software can be found on the NUXEFX YouTube channel.

The software provides a user-friendly interface for managing the Amp Academy. Key features include:

• Loading 3rd party IR files.
• Tweak BIAS parameters for amp models.
• Adjusting signal block order and parameters for each block.
• Exporting and importing presets.

The software interface displays the selected amp model, signal chain, and parameters. It also features a graphical representation of the IR frequency response, showing magnitude in dB versus frequency (Hz), with options to set Low Cut and High Cut frequencies.

Features

• Six legendary amp models in one compact enclosure.
• TSAC-2K (White-Box) Amp Modeling algorithm with power amp BIAS tweaking.
• A/B footswitch for switching between clean/crunch amp styles for live application.
• Six presets (amp models) with three scenes each. SCENE footswitch toggles scenes sequentially.
• Built-in effect blocks: Noise Gate (N.R.), EFX, EQ, and Reverb (RVB).
• Insert (TRS) Send/Return loop.
• 1024 samples IR resolution (10 built-in IRs and 18 slots for 3rd party IRs).
• Independent IR signal outputs for 1/4" and XLR outputs.
• Ultra-low system latency: 1.2ms.
• Wide dynamic range: 112 dB.
• 48kHz / 32-bit DSP with 32-bit processor.
• Intuitive and free Amp Academy edit software for deep tweaking and editing.

Specifications

• Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Output Impedance: 1kΩ
• Dynamic Range: 112 dB
• Sampling Rate: 48kHz / 32-bit
• Power: 9V DC (Negative tip, Optional ACD-006A adapter).
• Current Draw: Less than 300mA.
• Dimensions: 105mm (L) x 115mm (W) x 58mm (H).
• Weight: 440g.

Accessories: User Manual, Y Patch Cable.

Note: Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

Compliance marks such as FCC, CE, and RoHS are present. The device is manufactured in China. Visit www.nuxefx.com for more information.

Important Safety Instructions

Please read the following instructions carefully before connecting and using the product.

• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
• CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove screws. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
• This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
• The lightning symbol within a triangle means "electrical caution!" ⚡️ It indicates the presence of information about operating voltage and potential risks of electrical shock.
• The exclamation point within a triangle means "caution!" ⚠️ Please read the information next to all caution signs.
• Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. Consult your dealer if unsure about the power type.
• Do not place near heat sources like radiators or appliances that produce heat.
• Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
• Do not attempt to service this product yourself; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Servicing is required if the apparatus is damaged (e.g., power cord, plug, liquid spillage, dropped, exposed to rain/moisture, or not operating normally).
• Unplug the power cord when the unit is unused for long periods.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs and where it exits the apparatus.
• Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Practice "safe listening".

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings. Keep these instructions!

Warranty and Support

Cherub Technology Co. offers a warranty commitment for NUX products. For any quality issues within one month of purchase, a return or refund is possible if the product is free from human-made damage and the appearance/packaging is intact. Within one year, free repair services are provided for non-human-made quality issues. Paid repair services are available for products outside the warranty period or those damaged by human factors or force majeure.

Please retain your proof of purchase from the dealer.

Manufacturer: Shenzhen Cherub Technology Co., Ltd.

Manufacturer Address: Room 507, Building 1, Nanhai Yiku, Xinghua Road, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

Phone: 0755-2686 9866

Website: www.nuxefx.com

Producer: Zhuhai Cherub Technology Co., Ltd.

Producer Address: No. 10, Keji Jiulu, Tangjiawan Town, High-tech Zone, Zhuhai City.

Phone: 0756-3689866

After-sales Service Address: After-sales Service Department, Zhuhai Cherub Technology Co., Ltd., No. 10, Keji Jiulu, Tangjiawan Town, High-tech Zone, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province. Postal Code: 519085.

For support, please call the after-sales service hotline: 400-990-9866.