ART FXR Elite II

Setup with a mixer

Turn the Input and Output knobs to their full counterclockwise positions. Insert the supplied AC adapter's plug into the PWR input on the back panel. Connect two cords with 1/4" plugs between your mixer's reverb sends and the FXR Elite II's Line Inputs. Connect two more cords between the FXR Elite II's Line Outputs and your mixer's returns.

Setup with an amp

For a mono setup, use one cord between the instrument and the FXR Elite II's left Line Input. Run a second cord from the left Line Output to the amp's input. If the amp has stereo input capabilities, connect another cord between the FXR Elite II's right Line Out and the amp's second-channel input. You can also plug a second output from your instrument into the FXR Elite II's right Line In.

Installation

The FXR Elite II is a single-space, 19" rack-mount enclosure designed for continuous professional use. It can be used in mixing consoles with reverb send/return facilities or in the effects loop of an instrument or P.A. amplifier. Avoid placing it on top of power amps or other heat sources for greater reliability.

Powering the FXR Elite II

The unit is powered by an external AC adapter. Ensure the adapter's output jack is securely plugged into the rear panel and the adapter is firmly in an electrical outlet. Never operate the unit in wet locations. Discontinue use if the AC adapter's cord is cut and replace the adapter. Unplug the adapter when not in use, or use a switched power strip for convenience.

Line In L & R

The Left and Right inputs are single-ended (unbalanced) with a 500k ohm impedance. For true stereo operation, use both inputs. If only one input is used, plug into the left channel, and the signal will be routed to both channels. Programs with panning are most effective when only the left input is used, as the signal is distributed to both outputs.

Line Out L & R

The Left and Right outputs are single-ended (unbalanced) with a 1k ohm source impedance. They can provide stereo or mono output. A stereo input results in a stereo output. A mono input with both outputs used produces a stereo image. If only one output is used, choose the Left output, as it provides a processed combination of both left and right signals.

Note: If only the Left output is used, the effect output is a processed combination of both left and right input signals. If you wish to use only one input and do not want an output that contains the combined effects from both channels, plug your signal into the left Line In, connect the left Line Out to your destination, and insert a dummy plug (e.g., a 1/4" phone plug) into the right Line In.

True Stereo Operation

The FXR Elite II is designed for true stereo operation, with each channel functioning separately. This allows for a wider variety of effects, such as different treatments for left and right channels simultaneously, providing greater depth and presence.

External Switch Input

The Ext. Switch Input jack allows selection between bypass and effect modes using a footswitch. The unit can be configured for push/push (toggle), momentary normally closed, or momentary normally open switches. To access this option, press the MIDI button, then turn the large encoder knob until a lowercase 'j' appears in the numeric display. Turn the A Encoder to select the mode, then press Store to save.

Front Panel Controls & Indicators

• Main encoder: Primarily used for selecting presets (1-255). When the Mix button is pressed, it adjusts the Mix amount (0-100). When the MIDI button is pressed, it scrolls through MIDI/Utility functions.
• A Encoder: Controls one of the adjustable parameters indicated by the leftmost LED in the parameter section.
• B Encoder: Controls another adjustable parameter indicated by the rightmost LED in the parameter section. If only one LED is lit, the B Encoder has no function.
• LED Parameter Indicators: Show which parameters are adjustable via the A and B encoders.
• Numeric Display: Shows the current preset number, parameter values during editing, or MIDI/Utility mode information.
• MIDI Button: Switches the unit into MIDI/Utility mode.
• Mix Button: Allows adjustment of the mix setting for the selected preset. The LED above the button illuminates when active.
• Store Button: Saves parameter changes or Mix settings to the current preset.
• Bypass Button: Engages or disengages the effect. The LED above the button blinks continuously when bypass is active.
• Clip & Left/Right Channel Signal LEDs: Indicate input signal level. Signal LEDs show signal presence; the Clip LED indicates input overload (clipping). Aim for Signal LEDs to be on, with the Clip LED flashing only on transients.
• Input Control: Governs the signal intensity reaching the input circuitry to set the optimum level for signal-to-noise ratio and distortion. This setting is global and cannot be stored within presets.
• Output Control: Governs the amount of signal leaving the unit. This setting is global and cannot be stored within presets.

Preset Mode

After power-up, the unit enters Preset mode, indicated by a non-flashing numeric display and lit parameter LEDs. The numeric display shows the current preset number. In this mode, you can recall and modify presets. The main encoder selects presets, while the A and B encoders adjust up to three editable parameters per preset (mix level, A parameter, B parameter). Changes are not permanent until saved with the Store button.

MIDI/Utility Mode

Accessed by pressing the MIDI button. This mode provides access to MIDI control and settings for the Bypass jack. The display shows a flashing 'c' followed by a number (1-16) indicating the MIDI channel. Changes made in this mode can be saved by pressing the Store button.

MIDI Implementation

The FXR Elite II supports extensive MIDI features, including mapping, control of Bypass and Dry Kill, real-time control of effect parameters and Mix, and an MIDI event monitor.

Hook Up Instructions

The FXR Elite II can be connected in various configurations:

Preset List Summary

The FXR Elite II features 255 presets organized into 16 banks, each containing 16 presets. These presets offer a wide range of effects, including various types of reverb, delay, flanger, chorus, and combinations thereof. Many presets utilize a dual-processing architecture, allowing for distinct left and right channel effects. The list categorizes presets by effect type (e.g., Reverb, Delay, Flanger/Chorus) and provides descriptions for each preset, often detailing parameters like decay time, regeneration (feedback), delay time, slapback, tap tempo, and specific effect characteristics (e.g., bright, dark, warm, room, hall, plate, chamber).

Key Effect Types Found:**

• Reverbs: Small Room, Medium Room, Large Room, Medium Hall, Large Hall, Chamber, Plate (with various decay times, brightness, and attack characteristics).
• Delays: Digital Delay (DDL) with various times, regeneration levels, and tap configurations (single tap, multi-tap, ping pong).
• Modulation: Flanger (slow, medium, tremolo), Chorus (slow, medium, fast, tremolo), Panner, Tremolo.
• Special Effects: Gates (forward, reverse), Slapback, Tapped Delay.

The preset list details specific parameters for each effect, such as decay times (ms), regeneration percentages, delay times (ms), and specific characteristics like 'flat', 'sloped', 'bright', 'dark', 'warm', 'chamber', 'plate', etc. Many presets are marked with 'D', indicating dual processing for independent left and right channel effects.

Changing Parameters Within Presets

Parameters within presets can be adjusted using the A and B Encoders or via MIDI. The table below outlines which parameters are editable for each bank and preset range. For example, in Bank 1 (Presets 1-16), Reverb Level and Reverb Contour are adjustable.

Notes on Editable Parameters:

• Presets 1-48: Reverb Contour adjusts the cutoff frequency of a low-pass filter, affecting how reverb's high frequencies decay.
• Presets 193-208: Gate parameters are not controllable; only those listed in the table are adjustable.
• Presets 247-255: Reverb parameters are not controllable.
• Adjustable Sweep parameters for flanger, chorus, and panner affect width and speed.

Battery Backup

The FXR Elite II features battery-powered backup memory to retain edited programs, the last preset used, and the MIDI Channel. The battery is expected to last approximately four years. A battery check is performed upon power-up. If the battery needs replacement, the display will flash 'bAt'. The unit will operate normally, but a new battery should be installed. Contact Customer Service for replacement.

Specifications

ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement; specifications are subject to change without notice. Designed and manufactured in the United States of America.

Warranty & Service Information

Limited Warranty: Applied Research and Technology, Inc. (ART) warrants this product and its components to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. ART will repair or replace, at its option, defective products or parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or an authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase.

Exclusions: This warranty does not apply to misuse, abuse, unauthorized alterations, or repairs. It is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed.

ART reserves the right to make design changes without obligation to install them on previously manufactured products. ART shall not be liable for any consequential damages resulting from loss of use.

For units purchased outside the United States, service will be provided by an authorized distributor.

Service: Before seeking service, verify that the unit is the cause of the problem. Ensure all cables are connected correctly and are in working condition. If the unit is at fault, write down a description of the problem, including how and when it occurs. Call the factory for a Return Authorization (RA) number. Pack the unit securely in its original carton or a suitable substitute, and include your return shipping address, a copy of your purchase receipt, a daytime phone number, and a description of the problem. Ship the unit to APPLIED RESEARCH and TECHNOLOGY, INC., 215 TREMONT STREET, ROCHESTER, NY 14608, ATTN: REPAIR DEPARTMENT. Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The Customer Service Department can answer technical questions and provide information concerning service.

Additional Information

Consider the following ART products for your audio needs:

• Recording/Live Sound: MR-1 (Personal Reverb Processor), Tube MP (Personal Microphone Preamplifier), MDM-8L (Eight channel compressor/limiter), Pro Gate (Eight channel programmable Noise Gate), SC-2 (two channel compressor/limiter/gate), MDC-2001 (Stereo dynamics processor), FXR (Two channel Digital multi-effects processors), Effects Network (Digital Dedicated and multi-effects processor), Multiverb Alpha (Digital multi-effects processor), HD-15 (Two channel 15 band EQ), HD-31 (31 band EQ), Pro MP (Professional two channel microphone preamp).
• Instrument Applications: XTREME (Personal guitar processor with digital effects), DST-4 (Programmable guitar preamp with digital effects), Power Plant (Studio guitar preamp), DST 8080 (80 watt/channel powered guitar preamp with effects), The Acoustic (Personal acoustic guitar processor with digital effects), SGX-2000 (Analog and digital preamp/ processor for guitar), SGX-Nightbass (Analog and digital preamp/ processor for guitar), ECC (Guitar floor processor), BCC (Bass floor processor).
• MIDI: X-15 (MIDI foot controller with two expression pedals), X-12 (MIDI foot controller with optional Power Pedal controller).

For a full line catalog, write, call, or email ART. Send in your User Registration card for up-to-date information on new products.