NUX MG-20 Guitar Modeling Processor

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the NUX MG-20 Guitar Modeling Processor. The MG-20 is designed to be an easy-to-use guitar modeling processor, offering a convenient experience for both practice and live performance. Its intuitive panel allows you to easily see and control effects, assign functions to the CTRL switch, and manage the expression pedal.

The MG-20 features NUX's original TSAC (True Simulation of Analog Circuit) Technology, enhanced with a 32-bit float point DSP. This technology accurately emulates the tone and feel of vintage analog circuits, capturing the nuances of classic amps and effects. With over 60 effect models, numerous output modes, and a user-friendly interface, the MG-20 provides a wide range of tonal possibilities for any musical style.

What is TSAC?

TSAC (True Simulation of Analog Circuit) technology aims to replicate the authentic sound and feel of vintage analog gear. By using DSP chips, TSAC virtually reconstructs the complex interactions of electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors found in classic amplifiers and effects pedals. This meticulous emulation ensures that the MG-20 delivers the rich, organic tone that musicians cherish.

Features

• Large 2.4 Inches Color TFT LCD
• Drum Machine and Looper with 60 seconds recording time
• Built-in Tuner
• Over 60 effect models
• 36 Factory Presets and 36 User Presets
• Various Output Modes for optimal tone
• USB for System Updating
• Effects Module Buttons for Quick Tone Editing
• Expression Pedal
• CTRL Footswitch

Connection Panel Description

The MG-20 offers versatile connectivity options:

• INPUT: Connect your guitar here.
• AUX IN: Connect a music player or drum machine for playback through the MG-20's outputs.
• R-OUT & L-OUT/MONO: Main outputs for connecting to amplifiers or mixers. Use L-OUT/MONO for mono output.
• HEADPHONES jack: For private listening.
• EXT. PEDAL jack: Connect an optional Cherub WTB-004 pedal for bank switching.
• SD CARD slot: Insert an SD card to play MP3, WAV, or WMA music files via the built-in MP3 Player.
• USB jack: For system firmware updates.
• DC jack: Connect the supplied power adapter. Use only the supplied adapter or an optional NUX ACD-008 adapter to avoid noise or damage.
• POWER switch: Turns the unit on and off.

Preset Mode & Edit Mode

The MG-20 operates in Preset Mode by default. To enter Edit Mode and modify tones or save user presets, press the EDIT/SAVE button. The HOME button returns you to Preset Mode.

To Create Tones:

• Enter Edit Mode by pressing the EDIT/SAVE button.
• The MG-20 displays the guitar signal chain using 9 Effects Module Buttons. Press any of these buttons to enter the corresponding effect module. Pressing the button again toggles the module On (LED lit) or Off (LED off).
• Use the SELECT knob to browse through effect categories and the PARAMETER knobs to adjust effect settings.

Effects Module Buttons: These buttons represent the signal chain. Pressing them allows you to enter an effect module, switch it on, or switch it off.

Modulation Effects Position

The default position for the MOD module is after the EQ module. To move it before the EFX module, press and hold the MOD button for 2 seconds. The LED on the MOD button will blink when it is active in this position. Note that stereo effects are not available when MOD is placed before EFX. The MOD position is saved with presets.

CTRL/EXP Pedal Function Setting

The MG-20 features a CTRL control pedal and an EXP/VOL pedal for enhanced control:

• CTRL Functions: Can be set as a footswitch for effect modules (COMP, EFX, AMP, EQ, MOD, DELAY, REVERB), a TAP Tempo pedal, a SOLO BOOST switch, a DELAY + BOOST switch, or a PLAY/STOP switch for the MP3 Player. The CTRL switch can function as either a latched or momentary switch.
• EXP/VOL Pedal: This pedal can function as a Volume pedal or an Expression pedal to control various parameters like Wah, Whammy, or Modulation Speed. Press the toe of the pedal with force to switch between Volume and Expression modes. The EXP LED indicates when it's in Expression mode.

To Save User Presets:

1. Press and hold the EDIT/SAVE button to enter Name Editing.
2. Use the SELECT knob or PRESET footswitches to choose a preset number. Use the GROUP buttons to change banks.
3. Use PARAMETER 1 and PARAMETER 2 knobs to edit the preset name.
4. Press EDIT/SAVE to confirm saving, or HOME to abandon changes.

To Use Presets:

In Preset Mode, use the PRESET footswitches or the SELECT knob to choose presets. The GROUP buttons or an optional expression pedal can be used for faster bank switching. You can also edit effects or change CTRL/EXP pedal functions directly in Preset Mode.

Output Mode

Select the appropriate output mode for your setup to achieve the best tone. Press the OUTPUT MODE button and use the SELECT knob to choose from options like Stack Guitar In, Stack Power, Combo Guitar In, Combo Power, or Mixer Out. The speaker simulator is active when the Mixer Out mode is selected.

Note: Output modes are universal settings and are not saved with presets. They can be changed at any time.

Drum & Looper

The MG-20 includes a Drum Machine with 81 rhythm patterns and a Looper with 60 seconds of recording time.

• Drum Machine: Use the SELECT knob to change drum patterns, styles, and tempo. The DRUM VOL knob adjusts the drum volume.
• Looper: Use the REC/PLAY/OVERDUB button to record, play, and overdub. Press and hold for 2 seconds to undo or redo recordings. The LOOP VOL knob adjusts loop playback volume. The CTRL footswitch can be used to stop the loop, clear all recordings (hold), or exit the Drum & Looper page (double press).

  Note: The Drum Machine and Looper are separate modules; drum parts cannot be recorded into the Looper.

Mp3 Player

The MG-20 features an MP3 Player that supports MP3, WAV, and WMA files from an SD card. Use the dedicated buttons for Play/Pause, Previous song, and Next song. The A-B button allows for phrase repetition by setting start and end points. The MP3 Player also allows you to adjust the music speed without altering the pitch, which is useful for learning.

Tuner

Access the tuner by pressing the PRESET footswitches and CTRL footswitch simultaneously. The tuner supports chromatic tuning and standard guitar tunings (e.g., E, B, G, D, A, E). Use the PRESET footswitch for silent tuning and to cycle through tuning modes. Quickly press the CTRL footswitch twice within one second to exit the tuner.

Factory Restore

To restore the MG-20 to its factory default settings, enter the SETUP page by pressing EDIT/SAVE and HOME simultaneously. Select 'FACTORY RESTORE', press EDIT/SAVE, toggle to 'YES' using a GROUP button, and confirm by pressing EDIT/SAVE again. This action will reset all user presets and settings.

EXP Pedal Calibration

To calibrate the expression pedal:

1. Enter the SETUP page (EDIT/SAVE + HOME).
2. Select 'PEDAL CALIBRATION' and press EDIT/SAVE.
3. Set the EXP pedal to the heel-down position and press PRESET footswitch.
4. Set the EXP pedal to the toe-down position and press PRESET footswitch.
5. Press the EXP pedal firmly towards the toe-down position to set the threshold value.
6. Press PRESET to confirm. Repeat if necessary.
7. Press HOME multiple times to return to Preset Mode.

Language Setting, Version Information

Access the SETUP page (EDIT/SAVE + HOME) to select 'LANGUAGE SETTING' or 'VERSION INFORMATION'. Follow the on-screen instructions and press HOME to return to Preset Mode.

Specifications

• Sampling Frequency: 44.1KHz
• A/D converter: 24bit
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20000Hz ±1dB
• THD+N: -93dBu (<0.003%)
• Dynamic Range: 110dB
• INPUT: -20dB
• OUTPUT: -10dB
• Power: DC 9V
• Dimensions: 330(L) x 210(W) x 83(H)mm
• Weight: 3.15Kg

*Specifications may change without notice.

Precautions

• Environment: Avoid using the MG-20 in high temperature, high humidity, or extreme cold environments. Do not expose it to direct sunlight.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to disassemble the MG-20 yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Manual: Keep this manual for future reference.

Accessories

• Owner's manual
• DC 9V Power Adapter

NUX MG-20 EFFECTS LIST

The MG-20 offers a comprehensive list of effects, categorized by module. Each effect has adjustable parameters controlled by the knobs:

*Product names modeled in this product are trademarks of their respective companies that do not endorse and are not associated or affiliated with NUX.

FCC Regulation Warning (for U.S.A.)

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. 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. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to reorient the receiving antenna, increase separation between equipment and receiver, connect to a different circuit, or consult a dealer or technician.

CE Mark for European Harmonized Standards

The CE Mark indicates that NUX products are in full conformity with harmonized standards such as EN 61000-6-3:2007+A1:2011 & EN 61000-6-1:2007 under the Council Directive 2004/108/EC on Electromagnetic Compatibility.