NUX MG-300 Modeling Guitar Processor

Introduction

The NUX MG-300 is a compact multi-effects processor designed for musicians seeking great sound and affordability. It features the TSAC-HD Amp Modeling algorithm for realistic response and playability, CORE-IMAGE post-effects, a user-friendly interface, and PC editing software. It also includes Impulse Response for expanding sound capabilities, USB audio streaming for recording and re-amping, and is considered a high-value multi-effects unit.

Features

• TSAC-HD Pre-effect and Amp Modeling for realistic feel and playability.
• Core-Image post-effects for studio-quality sound.
• Quick Tone™ edit software for easy patch selection and tweaking.
• Support for 3rd party IRs to expand sound possibilities.
• USB audio stream for recording interface with re-amp function.
• 56 drum beats and 60 seconds auto tempo detection phrase loop.
• Global 3-band EQ for quick adjustments during live performances.

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.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by:

• Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
• Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connecting the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

General Safety Precautions:

• Use only the supplied power supply or power cord.
• Do not place near heat sources.
• Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
• Do not attempt to service the product yourself; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Unplug the power supply cord when the unit is unused for long periods.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Avoid prolonged listening at high volume levels to prevent hearing loss.

Panel Description

Front Panel

• Save Button: Save current preset.
• Edit/Exit Button: Enter EDIT mode or exit without saving.
• TAP Button: Adjusts delay time by tapping.
• JAM Button: Activates the looper and drum machine.
• LCD: Displays preset information.
• Select Knob: Navigates presets or selects parameters.
• Gain Knob: Adjusts the first parameter of a selected effect.
• Level Knob: Adjusts the second parameter of a selected effect.
• Master Knob: Controls the overall output level.
• Mode Button: Selects output modes.
• Pedal Button: Assigns expression pedal functions.
• Group Module Buttons: Navigate through effect units or preset banks.
• Loop Switches: Control looper functions (Record, Play, Overdub, Stop, Clear).
• Drum Switches: Control drum machine functions (Play/Stop).
• Bypass/Tuner Footswitch: Bypasses effects or activates the tuner.

Rear Panel

• Input: 1/4-inch mono instrument jack.
• Output: 1/4-inch main output.
• Aux In: 3.5mm stereo input for music player.
• USB Interface: Connects to computer for software control and firmware updates.
• DC 9V: Power input.
• Phones: Headphone output.

Connection Panel Description

Connect your guitar to the INPUT jack. Connect the OUTPUT to an amplifier or PA system. The AUX IN jack allows you to connect a music player for practice. The USB port connects to your computer for using the MG-300 software and updating firmware.

Input: 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) mono instrument jack.

Output: 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) main output.

Auxiliary Input: 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo input for music player connection.

Micro B USB Port: Connect to a computer for MG-300 software, preset management, and firmware updates. Visit nuxefx.com for more information and update guides.

Operation

Footswitches

The MG-300 features multi-functional footswitches for preset navigation (UP/DOWN) and controlling looper/drum functions in JAM mode.

Tuner

To activate the tuner, simultaneously press both UP/DOWN footswitches. Use the Select Knob to tune your guitar.

Select Knob

In Preset Mode: Turn clockwise to switch to the next preset, or counter-clockwise for the previous preset.

In Edit Mode: Selects the drive/effect unit on the signal path or turns it OFF.

Gain Knob

In Edit Mode: Adjusts the first parameter of the selected unit.

Level Knob

In Edit Mode: Adjusts the second parameter of the selected unit.

Master Knob

In Preset Mode: Controls the master output level.

In Edit Mode: Used to adjust additional parameters (up to three) for certain effects when 'PGE' is displayed. The Gain and Level knobs control the first two parameters.

Edit/EXIT Button

Press to enter EDIT mode for customizing presets. Press again to exit without saving changes.

Save Button

In Preset Mode: Press to save the current preset and assign a name using the Select Knob and Group Module buttons.

In Edit Mode: Press to save your customized tone.

Mode Button (Output Modes)

The MG-300 offers 5 output modes for optimal connection with various equipment:

• Studio Direct: Connect directly to mixers, active speakers, or audio interfaces.
• Combo Front: For front instrument input on combo amplifiers.
• Combo Rear: For FX LOOP (Return) input on combo amplifiers.
• Stack Front: For front instrument input on head amplifiers.
• Stack Rear: For FX LOOP (Return) input on head amplifiers.

Use the Select Knob to choose the desired output mode.

Jam Button

Activates the looper and drum machine functions. Features a 24-bit high recording quality, 56 drum beats in 8 music styles, and a metronome.

Tap Button

Used to tap in delay times or other tempo-based effects.

EXP Function Assignment

In EDIT mode, press the PEDAL button to assign the expression pedal to control functions like WAH, EFX (Gain/Pitch), AMP (Level), MOD (Mix), DLY (Mix), or RVB (Mix).

EXP Pedal Calibration

To calibrate the expression pedal, hold the EDIT/EXIT and SAVE buttons for 3 seconds to enter the SYSTEM MENU. Navigate to PEDAL and press EDIT. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration.

Group Module Buttons

In Preset Mode: Use the Group Module buttons to switch between preset banks (e.g., 1A, 2A, 3A).

In Edit Mode: Select effect units within the signal path for customization.

How to write your own tone?

Writing a new tone or customizing an existing one is straightforward. Press the EDIT button, use the GROUP MODULE buttons to select an effect unit, and adjust its parameters using the GAIN, LEVEL, and MASTER knobs.

Signal Path Example: Input signal → CMP → EFX → AMP → EQ → NG → MOD → DLY → RVB → Output signal

Effects List

The MG-300 offers a comprehensive list of effects, including:

• Compression: Adjusts output level and sensitivity.
• Drive Effects: Includes various distortion and overdrive types (e.g., TSAC-HD, DIST+, RC BST, AC BST, DIST ONE, T SCREAMER, BLUES DRIVE, MORNING DRIVE, RED FUZZ, MUFF DIST, PITCH BENDER). Each effect has adjustable parameters like Gain, Level, Tone, Bass, Treble, etc.
• Modulation Effects: Includes CHORUS+, CE-1 CHORUS, U-VIBE, ST CHORUS, FLANGE, EH CHORUS, TREMOLO, ROTARY SPEAKER. Parameters include Depth, Mix, Rate, Speed, etc.
• Delay Effects: Includes ANALOG DELAY, MEMORY GUY, DIGI DELAY, MOD DELAY, TAPE ECHO, REVERSE DELAY. Parameters include Time, Mix, Feedback, Pre-Post, etc.
• Reverb Effects: Includes ROOM REVERB, HALL REVERB, PLATE REVERB, SPRING REVERB. Parameters include Mix, Decay, Pre-Post, etc.
• EQ: A 6-band equalizer for tone shaping.
• NG (Noise Gate): Threshold and Gate parameters.

You can combine different amp and speaker cabinet models for unique sounds.

JAM Function

Activate the looper by pressing the JAM button. Use the bank UP footswitch to select and play drum beats. Use the bank DOWN footswitch for looper actions:

• Record: Press the LOOP footswitch once.
• Play/Overdub: Press the LOOP footswitch again after recording.
• Stop: Press the LOOP footswitch twice.
• Clear: Press and hold the LOOP footswitch for 1 second.

The looper supports overdubbing and has controls for loop play, stop, and clear.

Drum Beats: Tempo adjustable from 40 bpm to 240 bpm. Includes various music styles like Rock, Country, Blues, Metal, Funk, Jazz, Ballad, Pop, and Metronome.

Save Your Preset

After creating your desired tone, press the SAVE button before switching presets. You can then edit the preset name using the Select Knob and Group Module buttons.

Specifications

• Sampling Frequency: 48KHz
• A/D Converter: 32bit
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz ±1db
• THD+N: <0.03%
• Dynamic: 110dB
• Input: -20dB
• Output: -10dB
• Power: DC 9V
• Dimensions: 230(L)x160(W)x58(H)mm
• Weight: 754g

What's in the box?

• MG-300 x 1
• Power adapter x 1
• USB cable x 1
• User manual x 1
• NUX sticker x 1