NUX Amp Academy NGS-6
Owner's Manual
Overview
The NUX Amp Academy (NGS-6) is a stompbox-format amplifier modeler featuring Impulse Responses (IRs) for cabinet simulation and essential effects. It offers six legendary amp models: Vintage (Fender Twin Reverb), Classic (Fender Vibro-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) provides realistic amp feel and fast playability response. With 1024-sample IR resolution and support for third-party IR loading, it allows users to easily bring their favorite amp sounds.
The A/B footswitch enables immediate switching between clean and crunch amp styles. The SCENE footswitch allows sequential toggling through three scenes, enabling users to save custom block engagements for live application needs.
The Amp Academy edit software allows for detailed tweaking of all signal blocks and parameters. The pedal includes NR, EFX, AMP, IR, S/R, EQ, and RVB effect blocks, with the ability to freely adjust their order. In addition to 10 built-in IRs, there are 18 empty slots for loading third-party IRs. The software automatically converts WAV (IR) format files, eliminating the need to worry about sampling rates.
Amp Academy also supports USB audio streaming, functioning as a USB recording interface. It supports Normal / Dry Out / Reamp / Loopback routing, configurable via the Amp Academy software, allowing for intuitive setup without needing DAW configuration for USB OUT. This is beneficial for live streaming with Loopback.
Diagram: Top panel of the NUX Amp Academy NGS-6 pedal, showing controls: GAIN, MASTER, BOOST, N.R. knobs, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, PRESENCE knobs, A/B toggle switch, B toggle switch, SCENE toggle switch, A/B footswitch with LED indicators, and SCENE footswitch with LED indicator.
Screenshot: NUX Amp Academy edit software interface, displaying effect blocks (Preamp, NR, EFX, AMP, IR, S/R, EQ, RVB) and controls for GAIN, MASTER, BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, PRESENCE, and BIAS. A frequency response graph for an Impulse Response (IR) is shown.
Control Panel
The control panel features various knobs and switches for shaping your tone:
- GAIN Knob: Controls the gain/distortion level of the amp model.
- MASTER Knob: Controls the volume of the amp model.
- BOOST N.R. Knob:
- In regular mode, controls the EFX block's parameter (e.g., Sustain for ROSE COMP, Level for K COMP, Volume for KATANA, Gain for RC BOOST, Drive for T SCREAM, etc.).
- In Alt mode, this knob controls the DECAY time for the RVB (Reverb) module.
- N.R. Knob:
- In regular mode, controls the SENS (gate) parameter of the NR (Noise Reduction) block.
- In Alt mode, this knob controls the MIX level for the RVB (Reverb) module.
- BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE Knobs: Control the low-end, middle frequency, and high-end sound respectively. For the Vintage (Twin Reverb) model, the PRESENCE knob functions as the BRIGHT switch.
- PRESENCE Knob: Controls the brightness of the sound.
- A/B Footswitch: Switches between amp models assigned to channels A and B. The A/B LED indicators show the selected channel (e.g., GREEN for Vintage, YELLOW for Classic, RED for Modern; DEEP RED for Brown, LIGHT RED for Red, ORANGE for Iridium).
- SCENE Footswitch: Sequentially toggles through the three saved scenes (S1, S2, S3). The SCENE LED indicator shows the active scene (e.g., BLUE for S1, PURPLE for S2, RED for S3).
- A Toggle Switch: A 3-way toggle switch to select amp models for channel A (Vintage, Classic, Modern).
- B Toggle Switch: A 3-way toggle switch to select amp models for channel B (Brown, Red, Iridium).
- SCENE Toggle Switch: Selects between scenes S1, S2, S3, which can also be done sequentially via the SCENE footswitch.
Saving Presets: Hold the A/B footswitch for 1.5 seconds to save the current parameters to the related preset. Each amp model has one preset with three scenes.
Alt Mode: Hold the SCENE footswitch for 1.5 seconds to enter Alt mode for tweaking RVB parameters. The SCENE LED will flash. Press the SCENE footswitch again to exit Alt mode.
Diagram: Close-up of the GAIN and MASTER knobs, showing their function descriptions in Chinese.
Diagram: Close-up of the BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, PRESENCE knobs, with descriptions of their function and the Vintage model's BRIGHT switch behavior.
Diagram: Close-up of the BOOST and N.R. knobs, detailing their functions in regular and Alt modes, including parameter mappings for various EFX blocks.
Diagram: A 3-way toggle switch labeled 'A' with options Vintage, Classic, Modern, and a table describing the sound characteristics.
Diagram: A 3-way toggle switch labeled 'B' with options Brown, Red, Iridium, and a table describing the sound characteristics.
Diagram: SCENE toggle switch with S1, S2, S3 options, and a note about using the edit software for deep scene settings.
Diagram: A/B footswitch and LED indicators, with a description of short press for channel switching and long press for saving presets.
Diagram: SCENE footswitch and LED indicator, with a description of short press for scene switching and long press for entering Alt mode.
I/O Jacks
The NUX Amp Academy features a comprehensive set of I/O jacks:
- INPUT Jack: Connect your guitar here.
- OUTPUT Jack: Connect the output signal to an amplifier.
- INSERT Jack: Functions as SEND/RETURN for connecting external effects in an effects loop. The S/R order can be adjusted via the Amp Academy edit software.
- DC jack: For power connection. Use only a 9V DC power supply with a negative tip (500mA recommended; consumption is less than 300mA).
- USB Port: Connect to a PC for firmware updates, accessing the Amp Academy edit software, and USB audio streaming.
- DI GND LIFT and IR OUT Toggle Switches:
- DI GND LIFT: Toggle UP to lift the ground connection for the XLR output, helping to resolve common ground noise issues.
- IR OUT: Toggle UP to engage the Impulse Response simulation for the 1/4" OUTPUT. These switches allow independent control of IR signal for 1/4" and XLR outputs.
- DI OUT Jack: Provides a balanced XLR output signal for connecting to PA systems or mixers.
- AUX IN and PHONE Jacks:
- AUX IN (1/8"): Connect an MP3 player for backing tracks during practice.
- PHONE (1/8"): Connect headphones for silent practice. The signal is related to the DI OUT.
Engaging/Disengaging IR with DI OUT: To engage or disengage the IR signal with the DI OUT, hold the A/B footswitch while powering on the pedal. The A/B indicators will flash three times if IR is ON, and will not flash if IR is OFF.
Diagram: Rear view of the NUX Amp Academy NGS-6 pedal, showing the INPUT, OUTPUT, INSERT, DC 9V jacks, DI GND LIFT and IR OUT toggle switches, DI OUT (XLR) jack, and AUX IN/PHONE jacks.
Connections
On Stage
Connect the Amp Academy to a mixer or PA system for live performances, using the DI OUT for excellent tone, control, and flexibility. Monitor through the house system or in-ear monitors. For a personal stage monitor, connect to a powered FRFR speaker.
Connection diagram for live performance: Guitar -> Pre-effects -> NGS-6 -> Time-based effects -> Mixer/PA (via DI OUT). An alternative connection shows NGS-6 OUTPUT to an FRFR speaker.
Note: The Amp Academy is designed to provide amp and cabinet tones. It is not recommended to place it in front of a guitar amplifier. If using the pedalboard with both direct and amp setups, toggle the IR OUT switch DOWN to bypass the IR signal when connecting to a guitar amp's power amp in or return. Engage the IR signal with the DI OUT for FRFR speakers or PA systems.
Note: To engage/disengage IR signal with DI OUT, hold the A/B footswitch and power on the pedal. IR ON: A/B indicators flash 3 times; IR OFF: no indicators flash.
In Studio
Connect the Amp Academy directly to a recording interface for instant, satisfying guitar tones without the need for a physical amp or microphones. Toggle the IR OUT switches to the UP position if you want to use the IR signal for the 1/4" out. To engage/disengage IR signal with DI OUT, hold the A/B footswitch and power on the pedal. IR ON: A/B indicators flash 3 times; IR OFF: no indicators flash.
Connection diagram for studio recording: Guitar -> Pre-effects -> NGS-6 -> Time-based effects -> Recording Interface (via DI OUT). The diagram illustrates two scenarios: (1) Using DAW's IR or Cab Sim, and (2) Using NGS-6's IR signal for the 1/4" output.
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.
Connection diagram for silent practice: Guitar -> NGS-6 -> Headphones/Monitors (via 1/8" PHONEOUT). A computer is connected via USB.
Edit Software
You can find tutorials for the Amp Academy edit software on the NUXEFX YouTube channel. The software allows you to load third-party IRs, tweak BIAS parameters for amp models, adjust signal block order and parameters, and export or import presets.
The software is available for Windows and macOS from the official NUX website (http://cn.nuxefx.com/).
Screenshot: NUX Amp Academy edit software interface, similar to the one shown in the Overview section, displaying various controls and a frequency response graph.
Features
- Six legendary amp models in a 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 performance.
- Six presets (amp models) with three scenes each, toggled sequentially by the SCENE footswitch.
- Includes NR, EFX, EQ, and RVB effect blocks.
- Supports Insert (TRS) Send/Return loop.
- DI-OUT and 1/4" OUTPUTs with independent IR control switches.
- Ultra-low system latency: 1.2ms.
- Wide dynamic range: 110 dB.
- 32-bit DSP, 48kHz/32-bit sampling rate processor.
- Intuitive and user-friendly free companion edit software for deep tweaking and editing.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 1MΩ |
| Output Impedance | 1KΩ |
| Dynamic Range | 110 dB |
| Sampling Rate | 48kHz / 32-bit |
| Power | 9V DC (Negative tip, Optional ACD-006A adapter recommended) |
| Current Draw | Less than 300mA |
| Dimensions | 105mm(L) x 115mm(W) x 58mm(H) |
| Weight | 440g |
Accessories: User Manual, Y Patch Cable, Warranty card.
Note: Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
Compliance Marks: FCC, CE, UKCA, RoHS.
Website: www.nuxefx.com
Manufactured in: China
Safety Instructions & Warnings
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 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.
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. If you are unsure of the type of power available, consult your dealer.
- Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.
- Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
- 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.
- 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.
- The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
- 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.
- 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!
Quality Commitment & Repair Policy
Dear NUX User, please read the product manual carefully. For any questions or difficulties, please contact the customer service hotline: 400-990-9866.
- Within one month of purchase, if quality issues arise under normal use, the product can be returned for a refund or exchanged.
- Within one year of purchase, if quality issues arise under normal use, the product can be repaired free of charge.
- Lifetime consultation and repair services are available.
Note: Please retain your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
Manufacturer: Shenzhen Cherub Electronic Technology Development Co., Ltd.
Address: Room 507, Building 1, Nanhai Yiku, No. 6 Xinghua Road, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.
Phone: 0755-2686 9866
Website: www.nuxefx.com
Producer: Zhuhai Cherub Electronic Technology Development Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 10, Keji 9th Road, Tangjiawan Town, High-tech Zone, Zhuhai City.
Phone: 0756-3689866
After-sales Service Address: Zhuhai Cherub Technology Development Co., Ltd. After-sales Service Department, No. 10, Keji 9th Road, Tangjiawan Town, High-tech Zone, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, Postal Code: 519085.
*This after-sales policy applies only to mainland China. For other countries and regions, please refer to local after-sales policies and regulations.
