NUX Amp Academy Stomp

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the NUX Amp Academy Stomp (NMA-3AAP), a stomp-box modeler. It is an advanced version of the Amp Academy, featuring 3 foot-switches and belonging to the Monarch series. This quick start manual is designed to help you get up and running quickly.

The AA Stomp is an end-to-end tone-shaping Amp Simulator, incorporating an independent L/R CYBER IR™ Engine. It utilizes the TSAC-4K Physical Modeling algorithm for Pre & Power Amp simulation, alongside a stereo CYBER IR™ Engine. The unit includes essential Pre-Efx, Delay, Reverb, 1/8" MIDI I/O, and an intuitive PC editor and mobile app, providing comprehensive tone-shaping capabilities.

The world-class amp modeling algorithm offers features like HIGH/LOW inputs, four inputs for patch cable jumping, and a voicing toggle for extensive tweaking. The independent Pre & Power Amp simulation allows for diverse vacuum tube combinations. The stereo CYBER IR™ Engine enables flexible cabinet routing for a wide stereo experience.

For ease of use, the mobile app (iOS/Android) and PC Editor (MacOS/Windows) offer a 1:1 integration with all editable parameters. The AA Stomp delivers a wide range of tones, from high-gain to clean and classic British-inspired sounds. Its solid aluminum extrusion chassis is built for live performances.

Connectivity includes 1/4" Send/Return, Stereo Balanced 1/4" Outputs, an EXP jack, an optional NMP-2 Lite footswitch, and an NBT-1 Bluetooth Module. The Bluetooth functionality allows for phrase looping and app-based tone shaping during rehearsals. The AA Stomp also functions as a powerful USB recording interface.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: BEFORE CONNECTING, READ INSTRUCTIONS

General Safety Points:

• Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. Consult your dealer or local power company if unsure about power type.
• Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.
• Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
• Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply 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.
• The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure to practice "safe listening".

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it 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, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. If interference occurs, try measures like reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician. The device meets general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.

⚡️ The lightning symbol within a triangle means "[electrical caution]!" It indicates the presence of information about operating voltage and potential risks of electrical shock.

⚠️ The exclamation point within a triangle means "[caution]!" Please read the information next to all caution signs.

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Features

• Stereo CYBER IR™ Engine with dual 1024 samples resolution.
• Independent Pre & Power amp simulation with TSAC-4K white-box amp modeling algorithm.
• World-class amp modeling algorithm with full functions (e.g., 4 inputs for patch cable jumping).
• Aluminum extrusion chassis.
• NG, EFX, AMP, I.R., EQ, S/R, DLY, RVB effect blocks with free/parallel routing order.
• 2.86" color LCD display (960*376) with intuitive operations.
• 27 preset slots with 3 scenes, independent L/R 60 IR slots.
• Pre / Post phrase loop for distance tone tweaking (NBT-1 with APP).
• Footswitch setup, Global EQ, PHONES LEVEL, AUX IN LEVEL, OUT LEVEL, Quick Block, Tuner in global setting.
• USB audio interface, firmware update, PC edit software, NBT-1.
• USB-C, stereo balanced 1/4" outs, phones out for silent practice, 1/8" MIDI I/O, EXP out with additional NMP-2Lite.
• Great Dynamic Range: 111dB.
• Ultra-low latency: 2ms.

Control Panel

Top Panel

The top panel features the HOME/MENU encoder, LCD display, EDIT encoder, INPUT TRIM knob, OUTPUT LEVEL knob, four parameter knobs (1, 2, 3, 4), and R,◄►,► buttons.

• HOME/MENU encoder: Short press to switch SCENES (S1-S3). Press and Hold to enter MENU (Global Setting). Rotate to choose the target menu and adjust parameters.
• Under MENU mode: The R,◄►,► buttons indicate which parameter knob or switch (1, 2, 3, 4) are active on the current page.
• Under PRESET mode: Rotate the encoder to switch to the target PRESET slot.
• EDIT Encoder: Press the knob to enter edit mode. Rotate the knob to adjust models related to the selected block. Press and hold the encoder to save the current PRESET or copy the SCENE to another SCENE.
• INPUT TRIM knob: Rotating this knob accesses the GLOBAL EQ to adjust the INPUT TRIM immediately.
• OUTPUT LEVEL knob: Rotating this knob allows entry to LEVEL adjustment for the OUTPUT LEVEL immediately.
• Knob 1, 2, 3, 4: Under edit mode, rotate to adjust the parameter.
• R,◄►,► buttons:
  • R: Recall. If parameters have been changed, pressing R recalls the initial preset parameters.
  • ◄►: Navigation. If there are several pages under the current edit block, press ◄ to go backward or ► to go forward.
• Foot Switches: According to the MENU (GLOBAL) setting, the 3 foot switches can be used as PRESET, SCENE, or STOMP mode. Under edit mode, the current foot switch indicator shows the related S1, S2, S3. You can press the target foot switch to enter the target SCENE.

Front Panel & Connections

The front panel provides access to various input and output jacks.

• USB-C: Used for firmware updates, connecting to the PC editor, USB Audio Stream, and connecting with the NUX NBT-1 for Bluetooth MIDI APP control.
• INPUT jack: Connect your guitar signal or Pre-Efx output. Input Impedance: 1M Ω.
• SEND/RETURN jacks: Connect external stomp boxes. SEND impedance: 1K Ω. RETURN impedance: 1M Ω.
  • Branch Mode: Allows splitting the signal through the SEND output. For example, you can place S/R after the AMP and before the IR, then use Branch mode to split the AMP signal to a combo amp's POWER AMP IN while keeping the AA-Stomp OUTPUT to the PA system with the IR signal.
  • Tip: You can set the IR block L/R with different IRs, or none at all. This means you can set one output with NO IR.
• OUTPUT L & R jacks: Connect these outputs to active FRFR speakers or PA systems. These outputs support TRS balanced connections. Output L/R Impedance: 100 Ω (Balanced).
• AUX IN jack: Connect to music players or other line-level signal devices for audio input. AUX IN Impedance: 10k Ω.
• PHONES jack: Connect your headphones for silent practice. PHONES OUT Impedance: 10 Ω.
• 1/8" MIDI IN & OUT jack: Connect an external MIDI device. 1/8" to 5 pin MIDI adaptors are included. (Diagram shows pinout: TIP (Pin 5), RING (Pin 4), SLEEVE (Pin 2)).
• EXP/CTRL FS jack: Connect an external Expression pedal to control related parameters, or connect the additional NMP-2LITE for external foot switch control.
• DC 9V jack: Connect the included 2.1mm negative center 9V / 500mA power supply.

Quick Operation

The primary operational modes are:

1. Preset Mode
2. Edit Mode
3. GLOBAL SETTING

For more details, please visit the product page or NUX AUDIO YouTube channel for tutorials.

Common Connections

The "Common Connections" diagram illustrates typical setups for using the Amp Academy Stomp. It shows how to connect the unit to various external devices:

• Signal Chain: A guitar connects to the INPUT. Pedals can be placed in the SEND/RETURN loop. The main OUTPUT connects to FRFR speakers or a PA system.
• Control: An expression pedal or an external footswitch (like the NMP-2 Lite) can be connected to the EXP/CTRL FS jack for expanded control.
• MIDI: MIDI devices can be connected via the 1/8" MIDI IN/OUT jacks using adapter cables.
• Audio Output: Headphones can be connected for silent practice.
• Computer/Mobile: The USB-C port allows connection to a computer for editing software, firmware updates, and USB audio streaming. The NBT-1 Bluetooth module enables connection to a mobile app for wireless control and features.
• Audio Input: An AUX IN jack is available for connecting music players or other line-level devices.

The diagram visually depicts these connections, showing the Amp Academy Stomp at the center connected to a guitar, pedals, speakers, a computer, and a mobile phone (via Bluetooth).

Specifications

*Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

Accessories

• Quick start guide
• NMP-2 LITE dual footswitch
• USB cable
• Patch cable
• MIDI conversion cable
• Power adapter
• NUX sticker
• NBT-1 Bluetooth audio & Midi adaptor