Overview
Thank you for choosing the NUX NES-1 digital wind instrument with its integrated wireless system and more. The NES-1 is an innovative digital wind instrument capable of producing a wide range of musical instrument sounds. With a selection of 50 carefully sampled sounds, including saxophone, brass, strings, electronic music, and Chinese folk instruments, it offers versatile and creative possibilities.
The NES-1 features a key layout very similar to a saxophone, facilitating playing with a saxophone fingering. It also supports a trumpet fingering, accessible via the instrument's settings menu, expanding your playing capabilities.
For better control over the instrument's sound, the NES-1 includes a breath sensor and a controller to manage the reed simulation pressure. These functions allow you to control the tone by varying the blowing intensity and adjust pitch, vibrato, and other sound functions by changing the opening and closing angle of the reed.
In addition to its impressive sound capabilities, the NES-1 offers practical connectivity. It features a Bluetooth audio streaming function, allowing you to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth and stream audio directly through the device.
For everyday use, the instrument is equipped with two built-in speakers. Furthermore, the NES-1's digital wireless system enables you to transmit your playing and Bluetooth media playback accompaniment with minimal latency to a sound system. This feature is particularly useful for practicing alone or performing outdoors.
We hope this user manual helps you make the most of your NUX NES-1 digital wind instrument. It provides detailed instructions on operating and optimizing the instrument's functions for an enjoyable and satisfying musical experience.
[Image: NUX NES-1 Digital Wind Instrument with Wireless Receiver]
Unpacking
In addition to the NES-1 itself, the following accessories are included: a second mouthpiece, a charger, a USB cable, a wireless receiver unit, a syringe, and a sponge sleeve. The included second mouthpiece serves as a replacement or allows you to share the instrument with others.
[Image: Accessories - Mouthpiece, Charger, USB Cable, Wireless Receiver, Syringe, Sponge Sleeve]
Before using the NES-1 for the first time, fully charge it to extend the life of the integrated lithium battery. If you do not use the NES-1 for an extended period, recharge the battery at least every three months to prevent potential issues with the lithium battery. This simple routine ensures optimal performance and reliability throughout your musical journey.
⚠️ WARNING: NEVER hold the NES-1 with only one hand, or drop it, especially when holding only the mouthpiece. Failure to do so may cause the unit to fall to the ground and sustain damage.
Control Surface
The NES-1 features a comprehensive control surface for managing its functions. Key components include:
- 1. Mouthpiece Cover: Protects the mouthpiece when the instrument is not in use.
- 2. Mouthpiece: Use only the NUX NES-1 designated mouthpiece and never with other instruments.
- 3. Internal Speaker 1: One of the two internal speakers.
- 4. Display 1: Shows the sound number.
- 5. Keypads: Specially designed for playing, offering flexibility for saxophone fingering or switching to trumpet fingering for an alternative playing style. Refer to the 'Fingering Chart' section for details.
- 6. Internal Speaker 2: The other internal speaker.
- 7. Receiver Compartment and Release Button: Press this button to release the receiver compartment.
- 8. Mouthpiece Release Button: Press this button to release the mouthpiece.
- 9. Octave Up Button: Shifts the pitch up by one octave.
- 10. M Button: Saves your settings.
- 11. Octave Down Button: Shifts the pitch down by one octave.
- 12. Strap Ring: Attach your carrying strap here.
- 13. Thumb Rest: Place your right thumb here while playing.
- 14. Pitch Roller: Adjusts the pitch up or down.
- 15. Display 2: Main display for menu navigation.
- 16. Bluetooth Control: Turns the internal Bluetooth module on/off and adjusts Bluetooth audio volume.
- 17. Volume Control: Controls the volume level for the two internal speakers.
- 18. Transpose Control: Adjusts transposition as needed.
- 19. Select Control: Used to select sounds.
- 20. ON/OFF Switch: Slides up or down to turn the NUX NES-1 on or off.
- 21. BITE Switch: Slides up or down to activate or deactivate the reed simulation function.
- 22. Transmitter Button: Turns the internal transmitter on or off.
- 23. 6.35mm Output Jack: Connect your monitor speakers, PA, or recording interface here.
- 24. 3.5mm Phones Jack: Connect your headphones here.
- 25. USB Port: USB Type-C port. Use the included USB cable and power adapter to charge the device. Connect this port via the included USB cable to your computer for firmware updates. Refer to the 'Firmware Update' and 'Charging the NUX NES-1' sections for detailed information.
- 26. Battery Indicator: Shows the battery level during charging.
- 27. Water Outlet: For draining water after cleaning.
Preparation for Playing
The key layout of the NUX NES-1 is modeled after a saxophone, ensuring easy and natural playability with a saxophone fingering. Follow these steps to hold the NES-1:
- Securely attach the included carrying strap to the designated ring.
- Place your right thumb on the thumb rest.
- Position your left thumb between the octave up and octave down buttons, ensuring it is centered.
- Place your fingers on the keypads as shown in the illustration below. [Illustration: Finger placement for notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C]
- Place the mouthpiece about one-third into your mouth, with your lower lip covering your teeth, as depicted in the illustration. [Illustration: Mouthpiece placement showing teeth, tongue, upper lip, lower lip]
Saxophone Fingering Charts
This section provides detailed fingering diagrams for playing the saxophone, covering basic and altissimo fingerings for various notes.
- [Diagram: Basic Saxophone Fingerings for notes A#3/B3 through B4]
- [Diagram: Altissimo Saxophone Fingerings for notes G5 through E6]
Trumpet Fingering Charts
This section provides fingering diagrams for playing the trumpet, covering notes from F#/G3 through F5.
- [Diagram: Trumpet Fingerings for notes F#/G3 through F5]
Basic Functions
Powering On/Off
Slide the [ON/OFF] switch up or down to turn the NUX NES-1 on or off.
Setting Volume
Use the [Volume] control to adjust the output volume for the internal speaker and the PHONE/OUTPUT jack.
Instrument Selection
Use the [SELECT] control to switch to a different instrument. If the desired instrument is not in the current category, quickly turn the [SELECT] control to advance to the next instrument category.
Changing Key
The factory default key for each instrument is C. To change the key, turn the [TRANSPOSE] control to select the desired key. Note: This setting applies globally to all instruments.
[Image: User Interface showing controls like BT, VOLUME, TRANSPOSE, SELECT, BITE]
[Table: User Interface elements with numbers and names like Pitch Display, Battery Indicator, Bluetooth Indicator, etc.]
Using the Internal Wireless System
The NUX NES-1 features an integrated 5.8 GHz wireless system, offering a range of 10 to 15 meters for performances. When using the integrated wireless system during performances, take care to avoid interference from other wireless systems and ensure the line of sight to the NES-1 is not obstructed.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Press the release button once to automatically open the receiver compartment.
- Grasp the receiver unit with your thumb and index finger and remove it from the compartment.
- Gently push the receiver compartment to close it.
- Press and hold the power button on the receiver unit to turn it on.
- Press and hold the TX button on the NUX NES-1 to activate the integrated transmitter. Release the button when the wireless indicator appears.
Wait one or two seconds for the transmitter and receiver to pair automatically. If pairing is successful, the indicator on the receiver unit will light up solid green.
[Image: Wireless indicator light showing solid green]
Before connecting the receiver unit to your amplifier or mixer, ensure the amplifier or mixer is turned off or the volume is set to a minimum. Play the NES-1, then gradually increase the volume on the amplifier or mixer to the desired level.
Tips:
- During pauses, press [TX] once to pause wireless transmission. Press it again to resume playing.
- If strong interference occurs or you wish to pair the NES-1 with a new receiver unit, reset the match ID by pressing and holding the [TX] button and the power button on the receiver unit for 8 seconds.
Receiver Storage and Charging:
- After playing, turn off the amplifier or mixer, disconnect the receiver unit, and turn it off by pressing and holding the power button.
- Fold in the plug on the receiver unit and press the release button on the NES-1 once to automatically open the receiver compartment.
- Grasp the receiver unit with your index finger and thumb, then place it into the compartment.
- Gently push the receiver compartment to close it.
To charge the receiver unit with the NES-1, you can leave the NES-1 powered on, in sleep mode, or connected to the power source for charging.
Bluetooth Audio
The NES-1 allows for audio streaming via Bluetooth. You can pair your smartphone or tablet with the NES-1 to play backing tracks.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Press and hold the [BT] button to activate the integrated Bluetooth module. After activation, the Bluetooth symbol [?] will appear on the display.
- Navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or tablet, find the entry "NUX NES-1", and tap it to establish the connection.
- Once connected, you can adjust the playback volume using the [BT] control.
Bluetooth MIDI
In addition to Bluetooth Audio, the NES-1 also supports Bluetooth MIDI data transmission. This is useful for using Bluetooth MIDI-compatible learning applications or connecting to your DAW software for MIDI recording.
BITE Function
The NES-1 features a breath sensor and a simulated reed pressure controller, mimicking the pitch changes of a saxophone based on blowing pressure. Activating this function automatically lowers the pitch of all instruments by a semitone. For consistent pitch, apply constant pressure to the mouthpiece. For portamento, adjust your bite to create a smooth transition from low to normal pitch. Besides pitch, you can also control vibrato. Use the Pitch function to control pitch variation and speed, or activate the Vibrato mode in the settings menu for automatic vibrato.
Slide the [BITE] switch to the ON position to activate the BITE function. When the BITE function is active, the BITE indicator [⚙️] will appear on the display.
System Menu
The System Menu provides access to various settings, including Fingering Mode, Breath Curve, Reverb, Bite Control, Pitch Bend, MIDI Channels, Transpose Settings, LED Brightness, Language, Sensitivity, Factory Reset, and Version.
Turn the [SELECT] control to navigate through the available submenus. Press the [SELECT] button once to open a submenu. Turn the [SELECT] control to make an adjustment. After setup, press the [SELECT] control to save the settings. Press the [TRANSPOSE] control once to return to the previous level.
Fingering Mode:
The NES-1 offers two fingering modes: SAX (default) and Trumpet. To switch to the trumpet fingering, navigate to the "Fingering Mode" submenu and make the change there.
Reverb:
The Reverb in the NES-1 can be adjusted in up to eight levels.
Breath Curve:
The NES-1 can detect 8 breath levels. L3 is the most sensitive level, meaning a slight breath will produce a loud tone, while H4 offers the least sensitivity, requiring more pressure for a loud tone. Before changing the breath level, it is recommended to try each level starting from L3 and then set your desired sensitivity.
Quick Configuration:
Press the [Octave Up] button and the [SELECT] control simultaneously to set the breath level.
[Diagram: Breath Level Table showing L3, L2, L1, H1, H2, H3, H4]
[Diagram: Quick configuration for Reverb using Octave Up and Transpose controls]
System Menu Options
MIDI Channels:
In the "MIDI Channels" menu, you can set the MIDI channel from 1 (default) to 16.
Bite Control:
In the "Bite Control" menu, you can configure this function for either "Half Tone" or "Vibrato". In the "Vibrato" setting, you can precisely adjust the speed and depth of the vibrato.
Transpose Settings:
The NES-1 offers two transposition options: 01 (default) and 02. In setting 02, all keys of the instrument are mapped to the most frequently used notes, while setting 01 assigns all instruments to the same key. Note: Changing the key with the [TRANSPOSE] control automatically resets the transpose option to 01 (all instruments assigned to the same key).
Pitch Bend:
In the "Pitch Bend" menu, you can configure the behavior for the [Pitch Roller], including activation (ON, default) or deactivation (OFF), as well as setting the direction and range for pitch bending. To set the direction and range of pitch bending, use the [TRANSPOSE] control.
LED Brightness:
In the "LED Brightness" menu, you can adjust the brightness for Display 1 or turn it off.
Language:
Currently, two languages are selectable: English and Chinese. If you speak Chinese, you can switch the language to "Chinese".
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity controls the time delay between your playing and the generated sound. Proper sensitivity adjustment yields the best results.
Factory Reset:
To reset the NES-1 to factory settings, select the "YES" option using the [SELECT] control and then press the [SELECT] control to confirm. IMPORTANT: A "Factory Reset" will restore the NES-1 to its original delivery state, and all your settings will be deleted.
Version:
This displays the firmware version of the NES-1. Please visit the product page for information on new firmware and instructions for updating the firmware.
[Image: NES-1 connected to a computer]
Advanced Functions
Tone Presets:
The NES-1 provides 3 presets (M, 1, and 2) that you can save and quickly recall while playing. Press and hold the [M] button, then briefly press the [SELECT] button to activate the preset editing function.
Saving a Tone Preset:
- When the preset editing function is active, the preset indicator on the display will blink, and the currently active preset is highlighted.
- Turn the [SELECT] control to select an instrument, then press the [SELECT] control again to save it to the current preset.
- Briefly press the [M] button to switch to the next preset (M→1→2), and repeat step 2 to save another preset.
Deleting a Tone Preset:
- When the preset editing function is active, the preset indicator on the display will blink, and the currently active preset is highlighted.
- Briefly press the [M] button to switch to the preset you wish to delete, then press the [TRANSPOSE] control once to delete the preset.
Bonus Fingering for Chinese Instruments:
Additional fingerings have been implemented for traditional Chinese instruments such as Pipa and Guzheng. To activate a bonus fingering, set the instrument to "Pipa" or "Guzheng" and press the button as shown in the following illustration. [Illustration: Bonus fingering activation]
Sleep & Recharge Mode:
When you are between performances, you can put the NES-1 into Sleep & Recharge mode to charge the transmitter. Simply press the [SELECT] and [TRANSPOSE] controls simultaneously. When Sleep & Recharge mode is active, the display will show the following information: [Image: Display showing "Entering Sleep & Charging mode."]
Note:
- When the receiver unit is fully charged, the NES-1 will automatically turn off.
- The "Sleep & Recharge" mode is not available if the NES-1's battery level is below 30% or if the transmitter is not in its charging compartment.
To exit "Sleep & Recharge" mode, simply press the [SELECT] and [TRANSPOSE] controls simultaneously.
Maintenance and Care of the NES-1:
Regular maintenance and care are essential for optimal and long-lasting use of the NES-1, preserving its functionality and sound quality over time.
- After use, we recommend removing and cleaning the mouthpiece. You can clean it under running water. [Illustration: Removing the mouthpiece] [Illustration: Cleaning under running water]
- Please use the included syringe to draw clean water and carefully flush it into the small hole for cleaning the airway. Note that the water will drain from the lower water outlet of the NES-1. [Illustration: Syringe, hole, water outlet]
- Dry the mouthpiece with a cloth or paper and then reattach it.
Instrument List
No. | Name | Grundton (Root Note) |
---|---|---|
Woodwind Instruments | ||
1 | Alto Saxophone | Eb |
2 | Alto Saxophone (Vib) | Eb |
3 | Soprano Saxophone | Bb |
4 | Tenor Saxophone | Bb |
5 | Alto Sax Classical | Eb |
6 | Sax Section | C |
7 | Clarinet | B |
8 | Oboe | C |
9 | Bassoon | F |
10 | Flute | C |
11 | Piccolo | C |
Brass Instruments | ||
12 | Trumpet | Bb |
13 | Mute Trumpet | B |
14 | French Horn | F |
15 | Trombone | E |
16 | Tuba | Bb |
17 | Brass Section | C |
String Instruments | ||
18 | Violin | C |
19 | Viola | C |
20 | Cello | C |
21 | Double Bass | C |
22 | Double Bass (Pizz) | C |
23 | Violin Section | C |
24 | String Section | C |
E-Guitar | ||
25 | E Guitar 1 | C |
26 | E Guitar 2 | C |
No. | Name | Grundton (Root Note) |
---|---|---|
Synthesizer | ||
27 | Synth 1 | C |
28 | Synth 2 | C |
29 | Synth 3 | C |
30 | Synth 4 | C |
31 | Synth 5 | C |
32 | Synth 6 | C |
33 | Synth 7 | C |
34 | Synth 8 | C |
35 | Synth 9 | C |
36 | Synth 10 | C |
Chinese Musical Instruments | ||
37 | Suona | D |
38 | Hulusi | Bb |
39 | Dizi 1 | D |
40 | Dizi 2 | D |
41 | Pipa | D |
42 | Chiba | D |
43 | Guqin | F |
44 | Guzheng | D |
45 | Xiao | F |
46 | Erhu | D |
47 | Matouqin | C |
48 | Bawu | G |
49 | Xun | G |
50 | Yangqin | C |
Specifications
Sensors | Pressure & Air Pressure Sensor |
---|---|
Frequency Band | 5.8 GHz |
I/O Ports | 6.35mm Mono Output, 3.5mm Headphone Output, and USB-C Port |
Charging | 5V/2A (maximum) |
Battery Life | NES-1 – 6 hours; Receiver – 4.5 hours |
Charging Time | NES-1 – 2 hours (5V/2A); Receiver (charged in compartment) – 2 hours |
Dimensions | 515(L) × 107(W) × 88mm (H) |
Weight | 852g |
Accessories | Carrying bag, mouthpiece cover, rubber mouthpiece, USB-C cable, NUX sticker, sponge sleeve, charger, 2 mouthpieces, user manual. |
*Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
FCC WARNING
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.
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 rules 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 to 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.
FCC Statement TX (Transmitter) for Radiation Exposure:
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements. The device can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.
FCC Statement RX (Receiver) for Radiation Exposure:
This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. To ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines, this device should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.
CE Marking for Harmonized European Standards
The CE marking affixed to our company's power supply products fully complies with the harmonized standards EN 55032:2015/AC:2016, EN 55035:2017, EN 61000-3-2:2014, and EN 61000-3-3:2013, in accordance with Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Council on electromagnetic compatibility.