NUX Loop Core User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the NUX Loop Core pedal! Loop Core allows you to record and create music phases and play back as loops. Whether you practice, compose, or play live gigs, you will get inspired by the well-considered functions of Loop Core!

Please take the time to read this manual carefully to get the most out of the unit. We recommend that you keep the manual at hand for future reference.

Features

• Record and overdub as many layers as you need.
• Up to 6 Hours recording time.
• Mono or Stereo recording* (stereo input only via AUX IN jack).
• 99 user memories.
• Built-in rhythm tracks with 40 patterns.
• Change the playback tempo of your recorded phrases without changing the key.
• Switching phrases without latency.
• Extensional pedal (optional) for more control.
• Import and backup phrases with PC.
• Runs on batteries and AC adaptor.

Copyright 2013 Cherub Technology Co. All rights reserved. NUX and LOOP CORE are trademarks of Cherub Technology Co. Other product names modeled in this product are trademarks of their respective companies that do not endorse and are not associated or affiliated with Cherub Technology Co.

Accuracy: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and content of this manual, Cherub Technology Co. makes no representations or warranties regarding the contents.

Important Safety Instructions

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.

CAUTION:

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 the following 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.

General Safety Guidelines:

1. Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
2. Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.
3. Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
4. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
5. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been dropped. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
6. The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
7. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
8. Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure to practice "safe listening".

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Product Interface

The NUX Loop Core features the following controls and connections:

1. DISPLAY

Indicates the memories and rhythm number, and other setting information.

2. LOOP knob

Adjusts the playback volume level of the recorded audio.

3. RHYTHM knob

Adjusts the volume level of the internal rhythm tracks.

4. SAVE/DELETE button

Saves the current phrase or deletes the phrase in current memory.

5. STOP MODES button

Selects the way you want to stop during playback after you press the pedal to stop. (See section 1.4 for details.)

6. RHYTHM button

Turns on/off the rhythm or selects rhythm patterns.

7. LED Lights

REC: The red light indicates recording. DUB: The orange light indicates overdubbing. PLAY: The green light indicates playback. During overdubbing, both DUB and PLAY lights are active.

8. TAP button

Press several times to set the tempo of rhythm. Can also change the playback speed of a saved loop.

9. Up and Down buttons

Used for selecting memory numbers, rhythm patterns, and other setting options.

10. Foot Switch

Used to record, overdub, playback, stop, undo/redo, and clear recording. (See instruction details below.)

11. USB Jack

Connect the Loop Core to a PC with a mini USB cable to import or backup audio data. (See section 4.7)

12. POWER IN

Requires 9V DC/300 mA with center negative. Use the NUX AC-008A adapter or one with identical specifications.

13. AUX IN (Stereo In)

Connect an external music playback device for stereo input. Can record input music as a stereo loop. A "Y" cable can be used to input stereo signals from guitar effects or other instruments.

14. IN jack

Mono input for connecting your guitar.

15. Ctrl In

Connects to external pedals for stopping playback, clearing phrases, switching memories, or setting TAP tempo. (See section 3.7)

16. Out L / Out R Stereo

Outputs the signal to your guitar amp or mixer. Out L is the main mono output. If only a mono signal is input, use Out L.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Out L also functions as the power trigger. Unplugging the cable from Out L will turn off the Loop Core. If stereo signal from AUX In is output through Out L to a monaural system, it will be output as a mono signal.

Installing the Batteries

Battery is supplied for testing purposes; life may be limited. Ensure batteries are oriented correctly when inserting.

1. Remove the old battery from the housing and disconnect the snap cord.

2. Connect the snap cord to the new battery and place it in the housing.

3. If the sound distorts, the battery is low; replace it with a new one.

4. Battery life varies by type.

5. Power turns on when the connector plug is inserted into the OUT L jack.

6. An AC adapter is recommended due to the unit's relatively high power consumption.

Connections

The diagram illustrates connections for PC, MP3 player, Guitar, Amplifiers, and Pedals to the Loop Core. Key connections include USB, DC 9V, AUX IN, IN, Out L, Out R, and Ctrl In.

Power On/Off

When using battery power, inserting a plug into the OUT L jack automatically switches the unit on.

Before making any connections: Always turn down the volume and turn off the power on all devices to prevent malfunction or damage.

Powering up sequence: Once connections are complete, turn on power to your devices. Turn on your guitar amp last.

Powering down sequence: Turn off your guitar amp first. Then turn off power to other devices.

NOTE: Loop Core performs a self-test upon powering on, displaying "SC" before returning to normal status.

Operation Instructions

1. Record and Create a Loop Phrase

1.1 Normal Recording Mode (Default)

1.1.1 Select Memory Location

Press the Up and Down arrows to select an empty memory location. A dot in the down-right corner of the display indicates saved data; no dot means it's empty and ready for a new loop.

1.1.2 Record

Press the pedal to start recording a loop.

1.1.3 Overdub

After recording a loop, press the pedal to overdub. The sequence is Rec – Play – Overdub. Each press cycles through these stages.

NOTE: The sequence can be changed to Record – Overdub – Play. To do this, hold the pedal down while turning on power (inserting DC jack and plugging into OUT L). The display will show "rd" or "P". Select "rd" for Record-Overdub-Play or "-" for Record-Play-Overdub using the arrow buttons, then press the pedal to confirm.

NOTE: For overdubbing, the remaining recording time must be longer than the current phrase. If the DUB LED blinks, overdubbing is not possible. If the screen shows "FU", the memory is full.

1.1.4 Stop

During playback or overdubbing, double-press the pedal (within 1 sec) to stop.

1.2 Auto Recording Mode

This mode can be temporarily set for the current memory location.

1.2.1 Enable Auto Recording

In an empty memory slot, press and hold the STOP MODE button for 2 sec ("17" blinks). Press STOP MODE again within 2 sec to change it to "A-" to enable Auto Recording mode.

1.2.2 Recording Start

The first press of the pedal enters recording standby (REC LED blinks). Recording starts automatically when input sound is detected from AUX In or Input jack.

1.2.3 Overdubbing and Playback

These functions are the same as in Normal Recording mode.

NOTE: Auto Recording mode is temporary for the current memory. Switching to another memory number reverts to Normal Recording mode.

1.3 Undo/Redo/Clear

UNDO

During overdubbing or playback, hold the pedal for 2 sec to undo the most recent overdubbing.

REDO

During playback, press and hold the pedal for 2 sec to restore the most recently canceled overdubbing. A small dot in the display indicates data is available for redo.

CLEAR

While stopped, hold the pedal down for 2 sec to clear all recording data in the current memory. Saved data is not cleared this way (this differs from DELETE, see section 1.8).

1.4 Stop Modes

LOOP CORE offers three stop modes to end playback:

1.4.1 Selecting Stop Mode

Before starting or during playback, press the STOP MODES button to select the desired loop end behavior after a double-press of the pedal:

• "54.": Instantly stops.
• "FIR": Stops at the ending of the current loop.
• "FR": Fades out and stops in 10 seconds.

1.4.2 During Playback with "FI." or "FR"

If "FI." or "FR" is chosen, the PLAY LED blinks after a double-press until the loop stops. To stop instantly during this blinking, press the pedal again quickly.

1.5 Switching Memory Numbers/Loops

Use the Up and DOWN buttons or an optional extensional pedal (see section 3) to switch between memory numbers/loops. During playback, the chosen phrase number blinks. When the current loop ends, the chosen loop starts playing. This transition is gapless, ideal for creating complete backing tracks.

1.6 Save a Loop to Memory

After creating a loop, you can save it to memory. Up to 99 memories can be saved, with a total memory limit of 4GB (approx. 6 hours recording time).

1.6.1 Initiate Save

Short press the SAVE button. The memory number and "SA" will blink on the display.

1.6.2 Select Empty Location and Confirm

Press Up or Down to choose an empty memory location (no dot in the down-right corner). Press SAVE again to confirm storage. Pressing any other button (except SAVE and UP/DOWN) abandons saving.

1.6.3 Data Saved

All data including recordings, stop mode, tempo, and selected rhythm pattern are saved. Recording mode is not saved. Auto Recording mode is temporary.

NOTE: You cannot save to a memory location that already has data. If you select a memory with data, the system will lead you to the closest empty location.

1.7 Copy a Loop Phrase

To copy a saved loop to another memory location:

1.7.1 Choose Source Loop

Select the memory loop you want to copy.

1.7.2 Initiate Copy

Short press the SAVE/DELETE button. The source memory number will blink.

1.7.3 Select Destination and Confirm

Press Up or Down to choose an empty memory location (no dot). Press SAVE/DELETE again to confirm storage.

NOTE: If there isn't enough memory, the display will show "FU".

1.8 Delete a Memory

1.8.1 Initiate Delete

Press and hold the SAVE/DELETE button for two seconds. "dL." will blink on the display.

1.8.2 Confirm Deletion

Press SAVE/DELETE again to confirm. Pressing any other button abandons deletion.

1.8.3 Data Deleted

All data including recordings, stop mode, tempo, and selected rhythm pattern will be deleted.

Rhythm Tracks

The LOOP CORE has built-in rhythm tracks with 40 patterns, ranging from metronome clicks to drum tracks covering various music styles. Use rhythms to guide recording or to find your beat after recording. The TAP TEMPO button blinks to indicate the beat.

2.1 Activate Rhythm

Press the RHYTHM or TAP TEMPO button to turn on the rhythm. The default sound is a metronome click. The RHYTHM button blinks to indicate tempo. If rhythm is started after a loop is recorded, Loop Core will automatically detect the loop's tempo.

2.2 TAP TEMPO Button

Lights up to indicate tempo setting is available. If it does not light up, tap tempo is not possible (e.g., during recording or overdubbing).

2.3 Select Pattern

Press and hold the RHYTHM button for 2 seconds. The pattern number will blink. Use UP and DOWN buttons to choose your favorite pattern.

2.4 Set Tempo

Use the TAP TEMPO button to set your desired tempo.

2.5 Time Signature

The default time signature is 4/4 beat. It can be changed to 3/4 beat:

2.6.1 Change Time Signature

In an empty memory location, turn on the rhythm. Press and hold the TAP TEMPO button until "46" or "36" blinks.

2.6.2 Select Signature

Press Up or Down to switch between "46" (4/4) or "36" (3/4).

2.6.3 Confirm Setting

Press TAP TEMPO again to confirm.

NOTE: Changing time signature to 3/4 is only valid for the current memory and must be done before any recording starts.

Rhythm Patterns:

Using Extensional Control Pedals

An optional extensional control pedal, such as the Cherub WTB-004 Pedal, can be plugged into the Ctrl In jack for more hands-free control during live performance.

3.1 Pedal Connection

Plug the WTB-004 into the Ctrl In jack. Ensure the WTB-004 is NOT pressed for at least 1 second for the Loop Core to recognize it.

3.2 Stop Function

Short press the WTB-004 to stop recording, overdubbing, or playback. This is equivalent to double-pressing the Loop Core's pedal.

3.3 TAP TEMPO Function

Press the WTB-004 several times in time to set the tempo while the unit is stopped.

3.4 Clear Loop Function

Press and hold the WTB-004 to clear all unsaved recordings.

3.5 Connecting Two Pedals

Two WTB-004 pedals can be connected using a "Y" shape cable. One pedal functions as described above. The second pedal can be used to switch memory numbers:

• 3.5.1 Next Memory: Short press the second WTB-004 to switch to the next memory number (like pressing the Up button).
• 3.5.2 Previous Memory: Press the second WTB-004 twice within 1 second to switch to the previous memory number (like pressing the DOWN button).

NOTE: Do not switch the slide-switch of the WTB-004 after connecting it to the Loop Core.

USB Connection

Connect a USB cable between the Loop Core and your PC. Turn on the Loop Core's power via the adapter and plug a cable into Out L. The display will show " " when connected successfully. This allows importing WAV files to Loop Core or backing up recorded phrases to your PC.

4.1 To Import a WAV File to Loop Core

• Click and open the Removable Disk of Loop Core, then open the "Cherub" folder.
• Open the WAV folder. There are 99 folders ("W001" to "W099") for memory numbers. Choose an empty folder (e.g., "W031").
• Copy your WAV file from your computer to the chosen folder (e.g., "W031") and rename it to "w031.wav".
• The WAV file is now imported and can be played as a loop in memory number 31.

NOTE: Loop Core accepts WAV files that are 16-bit, stereo, 44.1kHz.

4.2 To Back Up and Recover Phrases from Loop Core to your PC

• Backup: Copy the "Cherub" folder from Loop Core to your PC.
• Recover: Copy the "Cherub" folder from your PC to replace the Cherub folder in the Loop Core drive.

IMPORTANT: The SAVE/DELETE button blinks during data transfer. Do NOT cut power or disconnect cables while data is processing.

Formatting Loop Core

To reset the Loop Core to factory settings:

5.1 Initiate Formatting

Power on the Loop Core while pressing down the pedal until the display shows "rd" or "P".

5.2 Confirm Formatting

Press and hold the Up or Down button for 2 seconds until the display shows "Fo".

5.3 Final Confirmation

Press the pedal again to confirm formatting. Pressing any other button abandons the process.

WARNING: Formatting will erase all recordings and reset settings to factory defaults. Back up your data before formatting. During formatting, the Loop Core will run a self-test and display "SF" until completion.

Specifications

• Sampling Frequency: 44.1K
• A/D converter: 20bit
• Signal Processing: 16bit
• Frequency response: 0hz-20khz
• INPUT impedance: 1Mohm
• AUX IN impedance: 33kohm
• OUTPUT impedance: 10kohm
• Display: LED
• Power: 9V DC Negative Tip (9V Battery, ACD-008A Adapter)
• Dimensions: 122(L)x64(W)x48(H)mm
• Weight: 265g

Precautions

• Environment: Do NOT use the pedal in high temperature, high humidity, or subzero environments. Do NOT use the pedal in direct sunlight.
• Servicing: Please do NOT disassemble the pedal by yourself.
• Manual: Please keep this manual for future reference.

Accessories

• Owner's manual
• 9V battery