NUX MG-400 Modelling Guitar/Bass Processor

Introduction & Features

The NUX MG-400 is a cost-effective modeller based on the smaller MG-300 model. It features dual DSPs for a high-resolution White-Box Amp-Modeling algorithm (TSAC-HD) and Core-Image Post-Effects. The MG-400 offers excellent value, featuring variable signal blocks, 12 IR-COLLECTION slots, a flexible P.L. block with MIN/MAX parameter setup, an extensive SYSTEM MENU, and a physical MASTER volume knob.

This is a quick start guide. For detailed information, please visit the product page and Facebook discussion group.

Key Features:

• 2.8" Color LCD (320*240) with intuitive user interface
• NR, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB, P.L | 10 independently movable signal blocks
• White-Box Amp-Modeling & Pre-FX algorithm for realistic feel and natural analog response
• IR resolution with 512 Samples and USER slot for each patch (plus 12 IR-COLLECTION slots)
• Emulations of electric guitar and bass amps, plus an acoustic simulation IR with corresponding acoustic amp models
• Input Trim function in SYSTEM MENU
• 5 Output Modes with global 3-band EQ for quick sound adjustment (except STUDIO DIRECT, where IR signal is off by default)
• PARA. FOLLOW function to track effect settings
• USB Audio Interface, Firmware Update, QuickTone™™ Editor Software

Safety Instructions

WARNING! - IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ BEFORE CONNECTING

WARNING: To avoid fire or electric shock, never expose this unit to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: To avoid fire or electric shock, do not remove screws. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified 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 for help.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements. The device can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.

⚡ The lightning bolt symbol in a triangle means: "Caution regarding electrical voltage!" It refers to information about operating voltage and the risk of electric shock.

❗ The exclamation mark in a triangle means "Caution!". In any case, read all information associated with these warning symbols.

1. Always use the supplied power adapter or power cord. If you are unsure about the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
2. Do not place the unit near heat sources such as heaters, heat registers, or other heat-producing appliances.
3. Ensure that no objects or liquids enter the unit.
4. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks. Refer all repairs/servicing to qualified personnel.
5. Refer all repairs/servicing to qualified personnel. Repair or servicing is required when any type of damage has occurred. For example, if the power cord or plug is damaged, liquid or objects have entered the unit, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture, it is not operating properly, or it has been dropped.
6. If the unit is not to be used for a long period, unplug the power cord.
7. Pay particular attention to plugs, sockets, and the power cord outlet/connection point to ensure the power cord is not stepped on or pinched.
8. Prolonged listening at high volumes can cause irreparable hearing damage. Always practice "safe listening".

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings. KEEP THIS MANUAL!

Controls and Connections

Front Panel

LCD: Displays information.

Footswitch UP: Cycles to the next preset.

EDIT/EXIT Button: Enters editing mode or exits the current menu/mode.

JAM Button: Accesses Drum & Loop functions.

SELECT Knob & Regulators 1/2/3: Used for selecting patches, parameters, and adjusting values.

Footswitch CTRL1 & CTRL2: Assignable footswitches for various functions (Loop, Drum, etc.).

Footswitch DOWN: Cycles to the previous preset.

MASTER Knob: Controls the overall output volume.

SAVE Button: Saves the current patch.

MODE Button: Selects output modes or global EQ settings.

TAP Button: Sets tempo for delays or drum machine.

PEDAL Button: Selects expression pedal assignments (Wah, EFX, etc.).

CTRL/PAGE Button: Navigates through control settings or pages.

LEFT & RIGHT Buttons: Navigate presets or parameters.

Rear Panel

3.5 mm AUX IN Jack: Connect an MP3 player for playback.

INPUT Jack: Connect your guitar.

OUTPUT Jacks (L/MONO, R): Connect to amplifier or audio interface. L/MONO for mono output, L & R for stereo.

3.5 mm PHONE Jack: Connect headphones.

Connection Panel Overview

Diagram shows connections for Guitar, MP3 player, Amplifier, Headphones, Computer, and Power Supply.

Power Supply

Connect the included AC adapter (ACD-006A) to the DC input jack.

DC-POWER Switch

Use this switch to turn the MG-400 on or off.

USB Port

? Connect this port via USB cable to a computer for firmware updates, USB recording, or editing with the QuickTone™™ Editor software.

Hint: To enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode, connect the USB cable to the computer, press and hold the DOWN & CTRL 1 footswitches, then turn on the MG-400. Refer to the product page for firmware update instructions and software downloads.

*For Windows, download the ASIO driver from the product page. To avoid issues with QuickTone™™ and USB audio streaming, disconnect other USB MIDI devices or hubs and connect the MG-400 directly to a USB port. If experiencing connection problems with a laptop, try updating/reinstalling USB port drivers or Windows Service Packs. The MG-400 uses standard USB communication, which may cause interference with other USB hardware, especially USB MIDI devices.

Operation

Master Knob

Controls the overall volume of the MG-400.

EDIT/EXIT Button

In PRESET mode, press EDIT/EXIT to enter AMP editing. You can adjust parameters here. Press EDIT/EXIT again to exit PRESET mode.

SAVE Button

In PRESET or Edit mode, press SAVE to save the current patch.

MODE Button

Press the MODE button to open the OUTPUT mode. Use the SELECT knob to choose. A short press of SELECT accesses global EQ presets. Regulators 1 to 3 control the LOW, MID, and HIGH bands of the global EQ.

Press EDIT/EXIT to exit OUTPUT mode.

JAM Button

Press the JAM button to open the Drum & Loop options. In this mode, press the CTRL button to access the second page for LOOP options and DRUM EQ settings. Use SELECT, REGULATOR 1, 2, 3 to adjust parameters.

Loop Functions (CTRL 1)

* You can switch between STEREO and MONO loop (30 seconds for Stereo, 60 seconds for Mono).

* NR stands for "Normal Recording", AR for "Auto Recording". NR works as a conventional loop function: press CTRL 1 (LOOP) to start recording the loop phrase. In AR mode, press CTRL 1 (LOOP) to start recording when you strike the strings.

• Loop Footswitch: Single press: REC/PLAY/OVERDUB. Hold: UNDO/REDO. Double press: PLAY. Press & Hold: STOP.
• Rhythm Footswitch (CTRL 2): Single press: PLAY/STOP.

TAP Button

In PRESET mode, tap the TAP button to set the current BPM for DLY/SUB D. In JAM mode, tapping the TAP button assigns the DRUM speed.

PEDAL Button

Press the PEDAL button to select the EXP (Expression) control block: WAH, EFX, AMP, MOD, DLY, RVB, etc.

CTRL/PAGE Button

In PRESET mode, press CTRL/PAGE to access CTRL SETTING. Use the SELECT knob to assign functions to the CTRL footswitch. Press EDIT/EXIT to leave Edit mode. You can save the CTRL assignment in the current patch. In Edit mode, press CTRL/PAGE to switch to the next/previous page.

LEFT & RIGHT Buttons

In PRESET mode, press LEFT or RIGHT to quickly switch to Patch Group 1 through 9. If you are in 1A, pressing RIGHT will blink the number 2. Pressing RIGHT again will blink 3. Pressing UP or DOWN footswitch will immediately switch to 3A. In Edit mode, press LEFT or RIGHT to change the GREEN target block and adjust its parameters. A short press of SELECT activates/deactivates the current block. A long press of SELECT turns the target ROT: then press LEFT or RIGHT to change the block order. A short press of SELECT again turns the target GREEN. In this state, press LEFT or RIGHT to select another block for sound adjustment.

SELECT Knob & Regulators 1/2/3

When you enter Edit mode (press EDIT/EXIT), you can select the model under the current block using the SELECT knob. Then, a short press of SELECT toggles the current block on/off. In this state, adjust parameters using REGULATORS 1 / 2 / 3. Press CTRL/PAGE to switch to another page.

Long press the SELECT knob in Edit mode to change the target color. When ROT is active, you can press LEFT or RIGHT to change the block order. A short press switches the target back to GREEN. In this state, press LEFT or RIGHT to select another block for sound adjustment.

Footswitch UP & DOWN

FUSSSCHALTER DOWN: While the current preset is displayed, a single press cycles to the previous preset.

FUSSSCHALTER UP: While the current preset is displayed, a single press cycles to the next preset.

Footswitch CTRL 1 & CTRL2

You can assign the CTRL footswitch to functions like TAP / CMP / NG / EFX / EQ / MOD / DLY / RVB / SCN. (Press CTRL/PAGE to open CTRL SETTING.) TAP allows you to tap the tempo. For other signal blocks, the CTRL footswitch toggles the module on/off. SCN assigns CTRL as a SCENE footswitch to cycle through S1 / S2 / S3. (You can select SCN3: OFF to lock S3 and cycle only between S1 / S2.) For SCENE, you can enable/disable signal blocks as needed. You can also protect DELAY/REVERB trails by disabling them via SCENE CTRL.

Tuner

Press CTRL 1 & CTRL2 simultaneously to open the TUNER. In this mode, a short press of SELECT opens "Chromatic / Cmp G" tuning. Turn SELECT to switch between "Mute / Monitoring". Turn REGULATOR 2 to set A4: 430 to 450 Hz.

Note: Cmp G is an algorithm for alternative tunings.

Press CTRL1 & CTRL2 again to exit the TUNER. (You can also exit the TUNER by pressing the EDIT/EXIT button.)

System Menu

The SYSTEM MENU is intuitively designed. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Press EDIT/EXIT & SAVE to open the SYSTEM MENU.

Navigate options using SELECT or LEFT & RIGHT buttons. Press EDIT/EXIT to exit.

FACTORY

Options include: FACTORY RESET, GHOST BACKUP, GHOST RESTORE, SYSTEM INSPECTION.

Remember to perform a FACTORY RESET after a firmware update to reorganize system data. GHOST BACKUP saves all system data on the device. GHOST RESTORE can recover presets saved with GHOST BACKUP if data errors occur.

EXP

The "EXP Independent W Patch" functions like a physical EXP pedal. When activated, it remains active even when switching to another patch. Follow the instructions for EXP CALIBRATION, especially after a FIRMWARE UPDATE.

USB SETTINGS

Use SELECT to switch between NORMAL / DRY OUT / REAMP modes. REGULATOR 1 controls REC LEVEL, REGULATOR 2 controls PLAY LEVEL. A short press of SELECT loads preset parameter settings. A short press of EDIT/EXIT exits the SYSTEM MENU.

IN TRIM

Adjust the input signal for saved patches.

PARA. FOLLOW

When PARA. FOLLOW is enabled, the MG-400 remembers module parameters when switching modules. When disabled, default settings are used when selecting a module.

INFO

Check the current firmware version here.

QuickTone™™ Editor

Download the QuickTone™™ Editor from the product page. This software allows you to adjust parameters, arrange block order, set up SCN, save/load/export patches, load IRs, and configure USB routing and CTRL SETTING.

Further details can be found in the MG-400 tutorial videos on the NUXEFX YouTube channel.

Reference

NR (Noise Reduction)

Various Noise Reduction settings.

CMP (Compressor)

Includes models like RED COMP, ROSE COMP, STUDIO COMP, RC BST, AC BST.

EFX (Effects)

A variety of modulation, drive, and other effects:

• Drive/Distortion: MORNING DRIVE, RED DIST, MODERN DIST, CRUNCH, MUFF DIST, KATANA, RED FUZZ, DIST UNO, T SCREAMER, BLUES DRIVE
• Amp Emulations (within EFX): ST SINGER, JAZZ CLEAN, TWEEDY, BASSMATE, HIWIRE, CALI CRUNCH, CLASS A15, CLASS A30, PLEXI 100, PLEXI 45, BRIT 800, 1987x50W, SLO 100, FIREMAN HBE, DUAL RECT, VH4, VIBRO KING, BUDDA, MR.Z.38, SUPER RVB

E-Gitarren-Verstärker (Electric Guitar Amps)

Emulations of various guitar amplifiers:

• BRIT BLUES, MATCH 030, BRIT 800, T75, UBER HIGAIN, LINER, VINTAGE, SLO, PLEXI 100, PLEXI 45, BRIT 800, 1987x50W, SLO 100, FIREMAN HBE, DUAL RECT, VH4, VIBRO KING, BUDDA, MR.Z.38, SUPER RVB

Bass-Verstärker (Bass Amps)

Emulations of bass amplifiers:

• MLD, UBER 412, DC 212, G12M 412, AMP SV212, AMP SV410

Akustik-Verstärker (Acoustic Amps)

Acoustic amplifier emulation:

• STAGEMAN

IR EGLautsprecher (IR E-Guitar Speakers)

Impulse Responses for various guitar speaker cabinets:

• GreenBack, G12L 412, T75 412, V30 412, SLO 412, HOE 412, RECT 412, EVL 112, DOTM 412, VIDRO 212, BUTO 212, SUPER 212, BRIT 212, JAZZ 252, BLACK 112, TWEED 430, TWEED 112, TWIN 212, CALI 132, BLUE 112, CUSTOM 412, BLUE 212, UBER 412

IR Bass-Lautsprecher (IR Bass Speakers)

Impulse Responses for bass speaker cabinets:

• AGL D0810, DC 212, G12M 412, AMP SV810, AMP SV410

Akustik-IR (Acoustic IRs)

Acoustic Impulse Responses:

• M-045, G-HBIRO, G-315

EQ (Equalizer)

Graphic equalizer settings.

MOD (Modulation)

Modulation effects:

• U-VIBE, TREM, HARMONY, SCH-1, MODULATE

DLY (Delay)

Delay effects:

• ANALOG DELAY, DIGI DELAY, TAPE ECHO, REVERSE, PHIDLY

RVB (Reverb)

Reverb effects:

• ROOM, HALL, PLATE, SPRING, CHORUS+, DAMP, SHIMMER

Specifications

• Input Impedance: 470 kΩ
• AUX IN Impedance: 10 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 1 kΩ
• Headphone Impedance: 47 Ω
• Dynamic Range: 108 dB
• Sampling Rate: 48 kHz / 32 Bit
• System Latency: 1.1 ms
• Power: 9V DC (Center Negative, included AC adapter ACD-006A)
• Current Consumption: < 280 mA
• Dimensions: 289 (L) × 160 (W) × 71 mm (H)
• Weight: 920 g

*Specifications and features are subject to change without prior notice.

Package Contents:

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