NUX MG-400 Modeling Guitar & Bass Processor

Introduction

The NUX MG-400 is an affordable modeler that inherited its predecessor, the MG-300. The MG-400 is equipped with 2 powerful DSPs for the high-definition White-Box Amp Modeling algorithm (TSAC-HD) and Core-Image post-effects. Since the announcement of the best affordable compact modeler MG-300, people were amazed by its sound and playability, especially for its ease of tone adjustment and intuitive interface. Building on the MG-300's movable signal blocks, 12 IR COLLECTION slots, flexible P.L block with MIN and MAX parameter setting, abundant SYSTEM MENU, and physical MASTER volume knob, the MG-400 is now the best affordable modeler.

This is a quick manual that will guide you through using the MG-400; for more in-depth information, please visit the product page and the Facebook discussion group.

Features

• 2.8" Color LCD 320*240 with intuitive UI.
• NR, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB, P.L | 10 independent movable signal blocks.
• White-box Amp Modeling & Pre-efx algorithm offers realistic playability and analog response to chaos.
• 512-sample IR resolution and USER slots for each patch. (12 additional IR slots)
• Electric guitar amp models, bass amp models, and acoustic simulation IRs with corresponding acoustic amp models.
• Input trim in SYSTEM MENU.
• 5 output modes with 3-band global EQ for quick tone adjustment. (Besides STUDIO DIRECT, other modes bypass the IR signal by default).
• PARA. FOLLOW function allows it to follow effect adjustment habits.
• USB recording interface, firmware update, QuickToneTM editing software.

Panel Description

Front Panel

LCD: Color display showing parameters and menus.

Up Foot Switch: Navigates presets up.

EDIT/EXIT Button: Enters editing mode or exits menus.

JAM Button: Accesses drum and loop functions.

SELECT Knob & Knobs 1 / 2 / 3: Used for selecting parameters and adjusting their values.

CTRL1 & CTRL2 Foot switch: Assignable footswitches for various functions.

Down Foot switch: Navigates presets down.

1/8" AUX IN Jack: For connecting MP3 players.

INPUT Jack: For connecting a guitar.

OUTPUT Jack: For connecting to an amplifier or audio interface.

Rear Panel

MASTER Knob: Controls overall master volume.

SAVE Button: Saves current patch settings.

MODE Button: Enters output mode settings.

TAP Button: Sets tempo for delay or drum machine.

PEDAL Button: Selects expression pedal control block.

CTRL/PAGE Button: Accesses control settings or pages.

LEFT & RIGHT Button: Navigates through presets or editing blocks.

DC Jack: For power adapter connection.

USB Port: For firmware updates, USB recording, and software editing.

DC POWER Switch: Turns the unit on/off.

1/8" PHONE Jack: For connecting headphones.

Jack Description

DC Jack: Connect the supplied adapter (ACD-006A) to this jack.

Power Supply: Turn the MG-400 on/off using the DC POWER Switch.

USB Port: Connect the USB cable to your computer for firmware updates, USB recording, or QuickToneTM software editing. Note: To enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode, connect the USB cable to the computer and hold down the DOWN and CTRL1 buttons while powering on the MG-400. For more details, visit the product page for the firmware update guide and to download the QuickToneTM editing software and latest firmware.

For Windows, you can download the relevant ASIO driver from the product page. To avoid connection issues with QuickToneTM and USB audio stream, disconnect any other unnecessary USB MIDI devices or HUBs and connect the MG-400 directly to a USB port. If your laptop has connection problems, try updating and reinstalling the laptop's USB port driver or Windows Service Pack. The MG-400 uses standard USB communication; hardware and/or USB HUB related interference may occur, especially with USB MIDI devices.

For answers and questions, please provide the following information: 1. Firmware version before update. 2. DFU Updater version. 3. PC OS version (e.g., MAC Big Sur 11.0.1). 4. Current firmware version experiencing issues. 5. Problem description. 6. Screenshot of QuickToneTM connection or video of the problem.

1/8" PHONE Jack: Connect headphones to the 1/8" jack. The output is routed to the OUTPUT jack.

OUTPUT JACKS: The L/MONO output is for mono, the R output is for the right side in stereo applications.

1/8" AUX IN Jack: Connect your MP3 player to the 1/8" AUX IN jack for playback.

INPUT Jack: Connect your guitar to the INPUT jack.

Operation

Master Knob: Controls the overall master volume of the MG-400.

EDIT/EXIT Button: In PRESET mode, press EDIT/EXIT to switch to AMP editing; you can edit parameters in the meantime. Pressing EDIT/EXIT again exits PRESET mode.

SAVE Button: In PRESET mode or editing mode, press SAVE to save the current patch.

MODE Button: Press the MODE button to enter OUTPUT mode. Rotate the SELECT knob to choose, briefly press SELECT to recall the global EQ preset. Knobs 1 and 3 can adjust the global EQ LOW, MID, and HIGH. Press EDIT/EXIT to exit OUTPUT mode.

JAM Button: Press the JAM button to enter drum & loop mode; meanwhile, press the CTRL button to visit the second page for LOOP and DRUM EQ adjustment. Rotate SELECT, KNOB 1, 2, 3 to adjust related parameters.

*You can choose STEREO / MONO loop. (Stereo is 30 seconds, Mono is 60 seconds). *NR = Normal Record, AR = Auto Record. NR functions as a normal loop function; when you press the CTRL1 (LOOP) footswitch, it starts recording the phrase loop. AR stays waiting while you press the CTRL1 (LOOP) footswitch; when you hit the strings, it starts recording the phrase loop.

LOOP SWITCH:

• Press once: REC / PLAY / OVERDUB
• Hold down: PLAY / UNDO
• Press twice: STOP
• Press and hold: CLEAR
• Hold down: PLAY / REDO

RHYTHM SWITCH:

• Press once: PLAY / STOP

TAP Button: Pressing the TAP button in PRESET mode allows you to assign the current BPM for DLY SUB D reference. In JAM mode, tapping the TAP button allows you to assign the DRUM speed.

LEFT & RIGHT Button: In PRESET mode, pressing LEFT or RIGHT allows you to quickly switch to patch group 1~16. For example, if you are currently in 1A, press RIGHT, the digit flashes 2, press RIGHT again and it flashes 3. Once you press the UP or DOWN footswitch, you will immediately switch to 3A. In editing mode, press LEFT or RIGHT to change the GREEN target block and edit its related parameters. Briefly press SELECT to turn the current block on/off. Long press SELECT, the target becomes RED, then you can press LEFT or RIGHT to move the block order. Briefly press SELECT again, the target returns to GREEN; meanwhile, you can press LEFT or RIGHT to choose a different block for tone adjustment.

PEDAL Button: Press the PEDAL button to choose EXP control block: WAH, EFX, AMP, MOD, DLY, RVB etc. While accessing editing mode (press EDIT/EXIT button), you can rotate the SELECT knob to choose the model under the current block and briefly press the SELECT knob to turn the current block on/off. Meanwhile, you can act on knobs 1 / 2 / 3 to adjust the related parameters. Press the CTRL/PAGE button to switch to a different page. Long press the SELECT knob in editing mode, you can change the target color. While it is RED, you can press LEFT or RIGHT button to change the block order. Press briefly again, the target returns to GREEN color; meanwhile, you can press LEFT or RIGHT button to choose a different block for tone adjustment.

CTRL/PAGE Button: In PRESET mode, press the CTRL PAGE button to access CTRL SETTING. Meanwhile, rotate and press the SELECT knob to set the CTRL pedal assignment. Press the EDIT/EXIT button to exit editing mode. You can save the CTRL assignment to the current patch. In editing mode, press the CTRL PAGE button to switch to the next/previous page.

SELECT Knob & Knobs 1 / 2 / 3: While entering editing mode (press EDIT/EXIT button), you can rotate the SELECT knob to choose the model under the current block and briefly press the SELECT knob to turn the current block on/off. Meanwhile, you can act on knobs 1 / 2 / 3 to adjust the related parameters. Press the CTRL/PAGE button to switch to a different page.

UP & DOWN Footswitch:

• DOWN FOOT SWITCH: while displaying presets, pressing once can go down 1 preset.
• UP FOOT SWITCH: while displaying presets, pressing once can go up 1 preset.

CTRL1 & CTRL2 Footswitch: You can assign CTRL footswitch as TAP / CMP / NG / EFX / EQ / MOD / DLY / RVB / SCN. (Press the CTRL/PAGE button to access CTRL SETTING) TAP means tap tempo. For other signal blocks, it means you can turn them on/off via the CTRL footswitch. SCN: assign CTRL as SCENE footswitch to switch S1 / S2 / S3 sequentially. (You can choose SCN3: OFF to avoid S3 and switch only S1/S2) For SCENE, you can freely turn on/off signal blocks and keep DELAY / REVERB trails when they are turned off with SCN CTRL.

System Menu

Here we will explain the SYSTEM MENU in more detail, which is actually very intuitive and can be easily used by following the UI. Press the EDIT/EXIT and SAVE buttons simultaneously to access SYSTEM MENU.

TUNER: Press CTRL1 and CTRL2 footswitches simultaneously, then access TUNER. Meanwhile, briefly press SELECT to switch tuning "Chromatic / Cmp G", rotate SELECT to switch "mute / monitoring", rotate KNOB2 to adjust A4: 430~450 Hz. Note: Cmp G is guitar compensation tuning algorithm. Press CTRL1 and CTRL2 buttons again to exit TUNER. (Pressing the EDIT/EXIT button also exits TUNER.)

FACTORY RESET: Rotate SELECT or press LEFT and RIGHT buttons to select the target function: FACTORY RESET, GHOST BACKUP, GHOST RESTORE, SYSTEM INSPECTION. After firmware update, remember to perform FACTORY RESET to reorganize system data.

GHOST BACKUP / RESTORE: GHOST BACKUP backs up all system data in the device. If data errors occur or you accidentally modify/delete data, you can perform a GHOST RESTORE to restore all saved presets from the GHOST BACKUP.

EXP: EXP Independent from patch means it is like a physical EXP pedal: when you turn it on, it remains always active even if you switch to another patch.

EXP CALIBRATION: Just follow the instruction to perform it easily. *Remember to perform EXP CALIBRATION after performing FIRMWARE UPDATE. Press EDIT/EXIT button briefly to exit the SYSTEM MENU.

USB SETTINGS: Rotate SELECT to choose NORMAL / DRY OUT / REAMP, adjust Knob 1 for REC LEVEL, Knob 2 for PLAY LEVEL. Briefly press SELECT to recall parameter defaults. Briefly press EDIT/EXIT to return to the SYSTEM MENU.

IN TRIM: In TRIM you can adjust the input signal to match the stored patches.

PARA. FOLLOW: If you turn on PARA. FOLLOW, while leaving the current efx model, the MG-400 will remember the parameters while you choose the model again. If you turn off PARA. FOLLOW, while choosing the efx model, the MG-400 will use the default parameters.

INFO: You can check the current software version here.

QuickToneTM Editor

You can download QuickToneTM Editor from the product page. Here you can see the interface for parameter adjustment, drag and drop block order, SCN setting, saving patches, loading patches, exporting patches, loading IRs, USB routing setting, and CTRL SETTING on QuickToneTM.

For more details, you can check MG-400 tutorial videos on the NUXEFX YouTube channel.

Reference

Effects Blocks

• NR
• CMP
• EFX
• AMP
• IR
• EQ
• MOD
• DLY
• RVB
• P.L

Amplifier Models

• Electric Guitar Amps
• Bass Amp
• Acoustic Amp

IR Cab Models

• IR EG Cab
• IR Bass Cab
• Acoustic IR

Specifications

*Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

Package Contents

• MG-400 x 1
• Power Adapter x 1
• USB Cable x 1

Safety Instructions

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE CONNECTING ANY CABLES

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the apparatus 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 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. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician. -The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirement. The device can be used in portable exposure condition without restriction.

⚡ The lightning symbol within a triangle means "Caution electric shock!". It indicates the presence of information on operating voltage and potential risks of electric shock.

⚠️ The exclamation point within a triangle means "Attention!". Read the information next to all attention signs.

1. Use only the supplied power adapter or power cord. If you are unsure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
2. Do not locate the apparatus near heat sources, such as radiators, heat vents, or appliances that produce heat.
3. Prevent object or liquid from entering the enclosure.
4. Do not attempt to service the product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other hazards. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
5. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power 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.
6. The power cord should be disconnected when the unit is unused for long periods of time.
7. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
8. Prolonged listening at high volume may cause hearing loss and/or damage. Always ensure you practice "safe listening".

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND PAY ATTENTION TO ALL WARNINGS. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!