ART Logo: Applied Research and Technology
ART FX-1 User's Guide
Personal Stereo Digital Effects Processor
A black audio effects processor unit with multiple knobs, buttons, and a display screen.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the FX-1. You now own one of the coolest and most sophisticated pieces of audio signal-processing available. Offering a superb level of processing and sound quality, the FX-1's specially designed integrated circuits and straightforward user interface quickly and easily give you access to all of its features.
Features:
- Two banks of 15 studio crafted presets.
- 30 effects algorithms including: reverb, delay, chorus, phase shifting, pitch shifting, tremolo, panning, multi-effect combinations, and true stereo effects.
- Multi-effects processing offering up to three effects at once.
- Dual Processing effects for processing each channel individually.
- "More" options for each preset for more of the processing you need!
- Adjustable input and output levels.
- 1/4" stereo inputs and outputs.
- Portable design - Put it anywhere, take it anywhere.
- Very low noise and wide dynamic range.
- Designed & Manufactured in the USA.
User Information
Fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase: _________________________________
Purchased from: _________________________________
Serial number: 121-______________________________
This is a great time to fill out the User Registration Card included with your FX-1 to become a completely informed A R T Artist. Completing and returning the card to us ensures you of becoming the first to know about exciting new A R T products as well as any further developments from A R T.
Model Number: 121-5004-101
Connections
Despite the FX-1's sophistication, it's easy to interface the unit with other equipment. All connections are made at the back of the FX-1. Standard 1/4" inputs and outputs make patching simple. Note: For best audio quality, always use high quality cables.
Input
The input is single-ended (unbalanced) with an impedance of 470k ohms.
NOTE: Because the FX-1 is designed for line-level or instrument operation, we don't recommend plugging microphones directly into it. This is because most microphones have a very low output and need to run into a mic preamp before anything. Use either a mic preamp (like the A R T Tube MP), a mixer, or an amp's preamp section to boost the level first (use the effects loop output, reverb send or channel insert from a mixer or amp). A higher signal level from a preamp or effects loop assures an optimum signal-to-noise ratio in the FX-1, keeping hiss and distortion to a minimum.
Output
The output is single-ended (unbalanced) with a source impedance of 1k ohm.
Power
Insert the supplied 9 Volt AC adapter's plug into the input labeled POWER on the FX-1's back panel. The FX-1 is powered by an external 9 Volt AC adapter. Always make sure that its output plug is securely plugged into the rear of the FX-1, and that the adapter is held firmly in an electrical outlet. Never operate the FX-1 or AC adapter in the rain or in wet locations. If the AC adapter's cord is ever cut or damaged, discontinue using it and replace the adapter with a new one. To prolong its life, unplug the adapter when the FX-1 is not in use. Refer to the label on the adapter or the specifications later in this manual for the appropriate operating voltages.
Controls, Switches and Indicators
Mix
You can vary the mix of dry (unprocessed) and wet (processed) signals with this knob. When the Mix knob is set fully counterclockwise, no effect is present at the output. Turning the Mix control fully clockwise produces effected signal only. Use this control to set the desired effect level to your sound.
On and Clip LEDs
When power is applied to the FX-1, the On LED lights green. The Clip (Clp) LED serves as the signal clip indicator. If too much signal is applied to the FX-1, this LED lights red. If the LED is constantly lit, reduce the input level to the FX-1 or set the In Level switch to the normal (Out) position.
Input and Output Level Switches
Input and Output level switches are provided for you to optimize the operating level of the FX-1 to your system. On initial set up, start with these switches in their Out position. As the panel reads, if you need more level either into or out of the FX-1 press the appropriate switch to its In position.
To optimize your levels, set the switches so your Effect signal level is the same as your Bypass level.
NOTE: When using the FX-1 in an effects loop of an amplifier, depending on the amplifier, you may have to set the input and output level switches in different positions to optimize your amplifier (i.e. your input switch may be set to the “more” (in) position and the output switch may be set to the normal (out) position or vice versa).
Preset Selector
Select which preset you want by turning the Preset Selector knob to the preset number. The number corresponds to the preset chart printed on the top panel of the FX-1.
Bank Select Switch
There are two banks of 15 presets in the FX-1. Bank A is selected when the bank select switch is in its Out position. Bank B is selected when the bank select switch is pressed In.
More Effects Switch
Pressing the More switch in any preset gives you an enhanced version of the preset. For example, if you've currently selected a hall reverb, pressing the More switch will increase the decay time, alter the predelay and alter the EQ characteristics of that reverb. The result is a completely new sound for you to work with. Use the More function for those times when the preset you've selected is "almost" what you need.
Bypass
Each bank of presets has one Bypass setting. To bypass the FX-1, simply select the BY option with the preset encoder.
Applications
Mono Input
If using the FX-1 with a single (mono) input, connect the cable to the left input. The FX-1 will automatically send this signal to both processors and will produce a stereo image at the output.
With a Mixer: Reverb Send and Return
Connect a cable between your mixer's send and the FX-1's left input. If using a stereo send, or two sends, connect the second send to the FX-1's right input. Connect the FX-1's left and right outputs to your mixer's returns. Set the FX-1's Mix control to Wet.
Input Channel Loop
Some mixers are designed to accommodate effects on each input channel via “channel inserts,” or “patch points.” These often consist of a single 1/4" phone jack acting as both send and return, requiring a dual-mono-to-TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) plug configuration. Check your mixer's owner's manual to determine which plug of the dual-mono-to-TRS cable acts as a send, and which acts as a return. Connect the insert send to the FX-1's left input and the FX-1's left output to the insert's return. Adjust the mix control for the desired blend of dry and processed signal.
With an Amplifier: Straight into an amp
When patching the FX-1 into a guitar (or other instrument) amplifier's input, plug the instrument into the FX-1's input. Connect a cable from the FX-1's output to the amp's input. Adjust the mix control for the desired blend of dry and processed signal.
In an Effects Loop
If you're patching the FX-1 into an amplifier's effects loop, use one cable between the amp's effects Send jack and the FX-1's Input. Run a second cable from the FX-1's Output to the amp's Effects Return jack. If the return is stereo, connect the FX-1's other output to the second Return jack. Set the FX-1's mix control to its midpoint to start. Set the Input/Output Inst/line switches to match the Bypass level. Use the Mix control to set the desired effect level.
Preset Descriptions
Bank A
- 01 - Hall Reverb
- Bright hall with 2.5 sec decay
- More option:
- Warm hall with 4.0 sec decay
- 02 - Chamber Reverb
- Bright chamber with 1.8 sec. decay
- More option:
- Warm chamber with 3.0 sec decay
- 03 - Plate Reverb
- Dark plate with 1.4 sec. decay
- More option:
- Bright plate with 2.5 sec decay
- 04 - Room Reverb
- Dark room with .8 sec. decay
- More option:
- Ambient room with 1.6sec decay
- 05 - Gate Reverb
- Med. room size, 100ms gate
- More option:
- Med. hall size, 200ms bright gate
- 06 - Reverse Reverb
- 150ms reverse
- More option:
- 200ms reverse
- 07 - Stereo Chorus
- Slow, wide (67%) chorus
- More option:
- Med., narrow (6%) chorus
- 08 - Stereo Flange
- Slow, wide (85%) with 25% regen.
- More option:
- Med., wide (67%) with 50% regen.
- 09 - Delay
- 260ms delay, no regeneration
- More option:
- 420ms delay with 15% regen.
- 10 - Dual Delay
- 175 ms stereo delay
- More option:
- 250ms stereo delay
- 11 - Doubling Delay
- 55ms stereo doubling delay
- More option:
- 70ms stereo doubling delay
- 12 - Pitch Shift
- Octave down
- More option:
- 5th up
- 13 - Tremolo
- slow, med. depth
- More option:
- med., deep depth
- 14 - Reverb & Panner
- 1.0 sec room with slow panning
- More option:
- 1.4 sec room with med panning
- 15 - Tremolo & Reverb
- slow tremolo with 1.0 sec. room
- More option:
- med. tremolo with 1.6 sec. room
- 16 - Bypass
Bank B
- 01 - Reverb & Delay
- 2.0 sec. dark hall with 70ms delay
- More option:
- 1.2 sec. bright room with 180ms delay
- 02 - Flange & Delay
- Slow flange with 250ms delay
- More option:
- Med. flange with 420ms delay
- 03 - Chorus & Reverb
- Slow chorus with 1.0 sec. room
- More option:
- Med. chorus with 2.5 sec. hall
- 04 - Chorus & Delay
- Slow chorus with 300ms delay
- More option:
- Med. chorus with 420ms delay
- 05 - Reverb & Delay & Chorus
- 80ms slap, .5s room, slow chorus
- More option:
- 200ms delay, 1.0s room, med. chorus
- 06 - Reverb & Delay & Flange
- 60ms slap, .8s room, slow flange
- More option:
- 100ms delay, 1.2s room, med. flange
Dual Processing Algorithms
- 07 - Left channel - Dual delay
- 150ms delay
- Right channel - Gate reverb
- 100ms gated reverb
- More option:
- Left channel - 300ms delay
- Right channel - 200ms gated reverb
- 08 - Left channel - Chorus
- Slow chorus
- Right channel - Gate reverb
- 150ms gated reverb
- More option:
- Left channel - Med. chorus
- Right channel - 200ms gated reverb
- 09 - Left channel - Flange
- Slow flange
- Right channel - Gate reverb
- 100ms gated reverb
- More option:
- Left channel - Med. flange
- Right channel - 150ms gated reverb
- 10 - Left channel - Reverb & slap delay
- 65ms delay & .8s room
- Right channel - Flange
- Slow flange
- More option:
- Left channel - 80ms delay & .5s room
- Right channel - Med. flange
- 11 - Left channel - Reverb & slap delay
- 60ms delay & 1.0s room
- Right channel - Chorus
- Slow chorus
- More option:
- Left channel - 75ms delay & .8s room
- Right channel - Med. chorus
- 12 - Left channel - Reverb
- 0.5 sec room
- Right channel - Flange
- Slow flange
- More option:
- Left channel - 1.2 sec. room
- Right channel - Med. flange
- 13 - Left channel - Reverb
- 0.8 sec room
- Right channel - Chorus
- Med. chorus
- More option:
- Left channel - 1.5 sec. room
- Right channel - Slow chorus
- 14 - Dual room reverb
- 0.4 sec. true stereo room reverb
- More option:
- 0.8 sec. true stereo room reverb
- 15 - Dual plate reverb
- 0.6 sec. true stereo plate reverb
- More option:
- 1.0 sec. true stereo plate reverb
- 16 - Bypass
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.0"H X 5.5"W X 2.0"H |
| Weight | 1.5 Lbs |
| Connections | Stereo In/Out 1/4" phone |
| Presets | 30 (60 with "more" options) |
| Input impedance | 470k ohms |
| Output impedance | 1k ohm |
| Maximum input level | +6dBv Line, -4dBv Inst |
| Maximum output level | +6dBv Line, -4dBv Inst |
| Dynamic range | dry >100dB (20-20kHz), wet >90dB (20-20kHz) |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD) | dry <.01% @ 1kHz, wet <.015% @ 1kHz |
| Power Requirements | 9 Volts A.C. @ 250ma (typ) |
ART retains a policy of constant product improvement. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.
ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
Designed and manufactured in the United States of America.
Warranty & Service Information
Limited Warranty
Warranty service for this unit will be provided by Applied Research & Technology, Inc. in accordance with the following warrant statement.
Applied Research & Technology, Inc. (ART) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. Applied Research & Technology, Inc. will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.
Exclusions
This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed.
ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
ART shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
For units purchased outside the United States, service will be provided by an authorized distributor of Applied Research & Technology, Inc.
Service
The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service. Use this procedure to return units in the United States only. For service outside the United States, please contact your authorized ART distributor.
- Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit has power supplied, all cables are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in working condition.
- If you find the unit to be at fault, write down a description of the problem, including how and when the problem occurs.
- Call the factory for a Return Authorization (RA) number.
- Pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute. The packing box is not recommended for a shipping carton. Put the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly under the address.
- Include with your unit: a return shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. Box), a copy of your purchase receipt, a daytime phone number, and a description of the problem.
- Ship the unit to:
APPLIED RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC.
215 TREMONT STREET
ROCHESTER, NY 14608
ATTN: REPAIR DEPARTMENT
RA # ___________________ - Contact our customer service department at (716) 436-2720 for your Return Authorization number or questions regarding repairs. Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Contact Information
APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.
215 TREMONT STREET
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14608 USA
716-436-2720 voice
716-436-3942 fax
artroch@aol.com
artroch@cis.compuserve.com
World Wide Web: http://www.artroch.com
FX-1 Personal Stereo Digital Effects Processor
121-5004-101
