BluGuitar AMP1™ + REMOTE1™: Your Individual Programmable Guitar Amp System

Introduction

The REMOTE1™ is the optimal pedal controller for the BluGuitar® AMP1™. It allows comfortable foot navigation through all essential AMP1™ functions and access to additional features, from selecting preset sounds to programming custom ones. The REMOTE1™ can also connect to MIDI-compatible devices, enabling program selection via its presets. With the optional BluGuitar® LOOPERKIT™, external effect pedals can be integrated, transforming your AMP1™ into a professional, programmable guitar system.

BluGuitar® offers all components, allowing users to customize their setup.

From "Straight Forward Amp" to an Individual Guitar System

The REMOTE1™ offers many new features, intuitive operation, a compact design, and expandability. It can turn your AMP1™ into a 4-channel amp with additional functions like a 2nd Master Volume, Power Soak, and programmable MIDI Out. Whether used as a standard function switcher or for complex preset selection, the REMOTE1™ provides versatile control.

Connection is made via a standard mono instrument cable to the AMP1™'s REMOTE input, which supplies both the control signal and power, eliminating the need for an additional power supply.

Modes of Operation

Two modes are available via the Mode/Store switch:

• Direct-Access-Mode: Provides direct access to AMP1™ functions: Clean, Vintage, Classic, Modern, Boost, Reverb, FX-Loop, 2nd Master Volume, and PowerSoak. This mode is active when the Mode/Store switch is not lit.
• Preset-Mode: Activated when the Mode/Store switch is pressed and lit. In this mode, users can save up to 36 presets organized into 4 banks of 9 presets each. Pressing the Mode/Store switch again returns to Direct-Access-Mode.

The Pedal-Switcher Concept

Effect pedals are essential for achieving desired guitar sounds. Pedal-Switchers coordinate and control multiple effect loops, simplifying the process of using several pedals. The BluGuitar® LOOPERKIT™ expands the REMOTE1™ into a pedal switcher with four True-Bypass-Loops. This allows for the combination of active pedals and AMP1™ sound settings to be saved as presets, recalled with a single switch press. Unused pedals are bypassed via True-Bypass-Relay to maintain signal strength and minimize noise.

Key Features & Functions

2nd Master Volume

The REMOTE1™ offers a second master volume, adjustable via a dedicated footswitch and the Level-Control knob. This allows users to set two distinct volume levels for their sounds (e.g., Rhythm and Solo). The 10dB reduction is stored automatically when the switch is deactivated and can be recalled.

Power Soak

For achieving the saturated sound of a cranked tube amp at manageable volumes, the Power Soak feature is available. It operates in two sections: 'Home' (0.15 – 2 watts) and 'Stage' (7 – 100 watts). The Level-Control knob adjusts the power reduction, allowing for dynamic control over output volume and overdrive characteristics, especially when paired with the AMP1™'s Master Volume.

Level Control

The central Level-Control knob serves multiple functions: adjusting the 2nd Master Volume, Power Soak levels, and Gain/Clean Volume settings when those functions are active. Settings are automatically stored when switching functions or turning off the unit.

MIDI Out

The REMOTE1™ features a MIDI OUT jack to control external MIDI effect devices. Each preset sends a fixed MIDI Program Change Command (on MIDI channel 2) to switch programs on the external device. Users must configure their MIDI devices using MIDI Learn or Midi-Mapping, ensuring they are set to receive on MIDI channel 2.

LOOPERKIT™ Integration

The LOOPERKIT™ provides four mono True-Bypass-Relay Loops, connecting via a Breakout-Box. Effect pedals are connected to the Breakout-Box. The REMOTE1™ allows users to program which of the four loops are active for each preset, saving this information within the preset. This ensures that only the selected pedals are in the signal path, maintaining sound quality.

Programming Loops

To program loops:

1. Set the REMOTE1™ to Direct-Access-Mode (Mode/Store switch unlit).
2. Press and hold the FX-LOOP switch until it blinks.
3. Use switches 1-4 to set the desired loop status (lit for active, unlit for bypass).
4. Press and hold the Mode/Store switch until all 9 switches blink.
5. Press one of the blinking switches (1-9) to store the loop settings to that preset.

Programming Sound Presets

To program custom sounds:

1. Switch to Direct-Access-Mode (Mode/Store switch unlit).
2. Create the desired sound using pedal functions and the Level-Controller.
3. Press and hold the Mode/Store switch for 2 seconds until switches 1-9 blink.
4. Press one of the blinking switches to store the sound to that preset location. The switch will light up.
5. The REMOTE1™ automatically switches back to Preset-Mode (Mode/Store switch lit).
6. To program another preset, switch back to Direct-Access-Mode and repeat the process.

Setting Gain / Clean Volume

To set Gain or Clean Volume:

1. Press and hold the BOOST switch for approximately 2 seconds until it blinks.
2. Use the Level Control on the REMOTE1™ to adjust Gain (for overdrive channels) or Clean Volume (for the clean channel). It's recommended to set the AMP1™'s Gain/Clean Volume controls to maximum and use the REMOTE1™'s Level Control for fine-tuning during preset programming.

Changing Banks

To switch between banks:

1. In Preset-Mode (Mode/Store switch lit), press and hold the Mode/Store switch until it blinks.
2. The currently active bank's switch will be lit, others will blink.
3. Press one of the blinking switches (1-4) to select a new bank.
4. The Mode/Store switch stops blinking, and the new bank is active. Access presets 1-9 using the corresponding switches.

The REMOTE1™ stores all current settings automatically when turned off, and recalls them upon power restoration.

Preset Examples

The following table illustrates example preset configurations:

(• = on, • = optional)

Troubleshooting

If the REMOTE1™ is not functioning correctly:

• Ensure the AMP1™ is not in PRESET MODE (refer to AMP1™ manual, page 95).
• Check the connection cable and replace if necessary.
• Disconnect and reconnect the unit from the AMP1™.
• Factory Reset: While pressing buttons 1, 6, and 7 simultaneously, power up the AMP1™. This will reset the REMOTE1™ to factory defaults, deleting all custom settings.

Installation of LOOPERKIT™

The LOOPERKIT™ installation involves the following steps:

1. Open the REMOTE1™ panel.
2. Remove the panel.
3. Insert the LOOPERKIT™.
4. Fix the LOOPERKIT™.
5. Connect the Breakout Box.

Summary of Features

REMOTE1™ Features:

• Direct access to AMP1™ functions: CLEAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC, MODERN, BOOST, REVERB, FX-LOOP, 2nd Master Volume, Power Soak, Gain (Preset-Mode only).
• Modes: Direct-Access-Mode, Preset-Mode.
• Power: Phantom power via standard 1/4" jack to jack cable from BluGuitar® AMP1™.
• Additional features: 2nd Master, Power Soak, MIDI OUT for controlling external MIDI devices.
• 36 Presets: Organized into 4 banks of 9 presets each.
• Expandable with LOOPERKIT™.
• Dimensions: 410 x 150 x 70 mm, weight: 1.54 kg.

LOOPERKIT™ Features:

• 4 Mono True-Bypass-Relay Loops.
• Connections: 1 x Input, 1 x Output, 4 x Send, 4 x Return (Mono).
• Switching noise suppression.
• Power supplied by REMOTE1™.
• Minimal design for puristic sound, without active buffer.
• Works exclusively with REMOTE1™.
• Loop 1-4 on/off settings are stored with every preset.