Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR Multi-Effects Processor.

This multi-effect processor has a variety of effects, including reverb, chorus and distortion, that can be used in combination to alter the sound. Effect combinations and parameter settings can be saved as patch memories to be recalled and used whenever you like. First, try switching through the preset patch memories to experience how they affect the sound.

Understanding the features of each effect is important for making them most of them and designing your own sounds. By turning off the effects in a preset patch memory one at time, you should be able to quickly learn their roles. If understanding how a sound is being changed is difficult, try turning off all but one of the effects and adjusting its parameters as you play. The order of the effects also impacts the sound. Experimenting with the effect order could bring you closer to your desired sound.

This Multi-Effects Processor allows you to easily enjoy a variety of sounds.

We hope you will enjoy using it for many years.

Main features of the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR

Craft sounds intuitively with easy operations

Quick intuitive sound creation is possible with operation just like a compact effect/stomp box.

MAA-1 mic adapter

The effects can also be applied to an acoustic instrument by connecting a mic with an XLR connector using the MAA-1. Moreover, phantom power (+48V) can be supplied, allowing use with clip-on mics and other condenser microphones.

Effect sounds that are optimized for use with acoustic instruments

In addition to core effects from our most recent G Series, this processor includes well-regarded acoustic guitar effects from our AC Series as well as effects optimized for a variety of acoustic instruments. Performance using effects is possible free of worry about feedback by using the anti-feedback effect, Moreover, using the free Guitar Lab effect management application on a computer (Mac/Windows), you can add effects that are distributed online as well as edit and back up patch memories, for example.

Rhythm patterns with great versatility

Simple rhythm patterns that can be used with a variety of genres are built in.

30-second looper

Sound-on-sound performance is possible using the looper capable of recording up to 30 seconds. Moreover, this is convenient when using acoustic instruments that are loud unamplified because putting the looper at the beginning of the effect chain allows sound to be played once, then looped and manipulated without additional playing.

Equalization (EQ) can be quickly adjusted to suit performance conditions

In MEMORY and STOMP modes, 3 EQ (Lo/Mid/Hi) knobs and a volume (Vol) knob can be used to adjust the output. These enables quick adjustments even if the performance environment changes.

Long operation on batteries

Continuous operation for about 18 hours is possible using 4 AA batteries (when the LCD backlight is off).

Terms used in this manual

Patch memory

A “patch memory” stores effect ON/OFF states and parameter setting values. Effects are saved and recalled in units of patch memories. Five effects can be added to one patch memory, and the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR can store up to 50 patch memories.

Bank

One group of 10 patch memories is a “bank”. Patch memories can be quickly recalled by switching banks. The A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR has 5 banks.

Effect type

Effect types cover a variety of effects, including reverb, chorus and distortion. Effects can be selected from these types to be added to patch memories.

MEMORY mode

Use this mode to select patch memories with the footswitches.

STOMP mode

Use this mode to turn effects in a patch memory on and off with the footswitches.

EDIT mode

In this mode, edit the types and parameters and effects used in a patch memory.

PRESELECT

This function allows you to switch to a patch memory at any location while continuing to use the tone of the currently selected patch memory.

BANK HOLD

This function allows patch memory switching to be limited to the current bank.

AUTO SAVE

This function automatically saves changes to patch memories and effect settings.

ECO mode

This function will automatically turn the power off 10 hours after the last operation.

Anti-feedback

This function can detect and cut the frequency band that is feeding back to reduce it.

A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR structure

■Signal flow

① The input instrument sound passes through effects 1 – 5 in order.

(→“Using patch memories (MEMORY mode)”)

② The patch memory level is adjusted.

(→“Using patch memories (MEMORY mode)”)

③ The overall sound is adjusted. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is changed.

(→“Adjusting the overall audio character and output level”)

④ Recorded phrases can be played back in a loop. The looper can be set to before (Pre) or after (Post) the effects and EQ.

(→“Using the looper”)

⑤ Drum sounds can be played back using built-in rhythm patterns.

(→“Using rhythms”)

⑥ The overall level is adjusted.

(→“Adjusting the overall audio character and output level”)

⑦ This function enables tuning the connected instrument.

(→“Using the tuner”)

■Memory overview (patch memories/banks)

The A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR can save up to 50 patch memories.

Patch memories are managed in banks of 10.

■Operation modes

The A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR has three operation modes that can be used as needed while performing.

・MEMORY mode

Use to select patch memories for performance.

(→“Using patch memories (MEMORY mode)”)

・STOMP mode

Use this to turn effects in a patch memory ON/OFF with the footswitches.

(→“Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches (STOMP mode)”)

・EDIT mode

Use this to change the effects used in a patch memory and to edit effect parameters.

(→“Editing effects (EDIT mode)”)

Names of parts

■Front Panel

①Display

　This shows information, including the names of the selected patch memory and its effects and their parameter values.

②Mode switch

　Press this to cycle through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes.

③Parameter knobs

　Use these to adjust effect parameters and to make various settings.

④RHYTHM button

　Press to activate the rhythm.

⑤Effect/bank buttons

　In MEMORY mode, these change banks.

　In STOMP mode, these turn effects ON/OFF.

　In EDIT mode, these select effects and turn them ON/OFF.

⑥▼/▲ buttons

　Use these to switch effects in EDIT mode. These have the same functions as the ▼/▲ footswitches.

⑦▼/▲ footswitches

　In MEMORY mode, use these to switch patch memories. In STOMP mode, use these to select effects and turn them ON/OFF, for example.

⑧SETTING button

　This opens the SETTING screen.

⑨LOOPER button

　Press to activate the looper.

⑩Expression pedal (A1X FOUR only)

　When an effect in the PEDAL category is selected, this adjusts the amount of that effect. (→“Setting pedal effects”)

■Rear Panel

①Pedal switch (A1X FOUR only)

　When an effect in the PEDAL category is in use, this turns that effect ON/OFF.

②Input jack

　Connect an instrument here.

③AUX IN jack

　Connect an audio device or other external sound source here.

HINT

Signals input through the AUX IN jack will be sent to the OUTPUT jack directly without passing through the built-in effects.

④AC adapter connector

　Connect the dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) here.

⑤USB port

　Connect a computer or other external device here. By using Guitar Lab, you can manage patch memories and edit and add effects, for example, from a computer.

　You can also connect a mobile battery, for example, to provide power.

⑥OUTPUT jack

　Connect a PA system or headphones here.

Loading batteries

1. Open the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the product and insert 4 AA batteries.

2. Close the battery compartment cover.

NOTE

Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately. (→“Setting the type of batteries used”)

HINT

・If a dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) is connected, it can run on AC power.

・Power for operation can also be supplied through the USB port.

ECO mode overview

・By default, ECO mode setting is ON, so the power will automatically turn off if no use occurs for 10 hours.

・ECO mode can also be set to “OFF” on the SETTING screen. (→“Setting the ECO mode”)

Connecting

1. Minimize the volume of the output device.

2. To use AC power supply, connect the dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) to the AC adapter jack and an outlet.

This turns the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR power ON.

3. To use a computer, connect a USB cable (not included) to the USB port and the computer.

When using USB bus power to operate the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR, connecting this cable will turn it ON.

Guitar Lab

By using Guitar Lab, you can manage patch memories and edit and add effects, for example, from a computer.

Download Guitar Lab from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp/).

4. Connect an instrument to the INPUT jack.

When using battery power to operate the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR, connecting to this will turn it ON.

Use the MAA-1 to connect a mic. (→“Connecting a mic using the MAA-1”)

5. To use external input, connect a portable audio player or other device to the AUX IN jack.

HINT

Signals input through the AUX IN jack will be sent to the OUTPUT jack directly without passing through the built-in effects.

6. Connect a PA system or headphones to the OUTPUT jack.

7. Raise the output device volume.

Connecting a mic using the MAA-1

Using the MAA-1 to connect a mic to the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR, it can be enjoyed with instruments that do not have pickups, including harmonicas, violins, trumpets, saxophones and other string and brass instruments.

Putting batteries into the MAA-1

1. Press and slide the battery compartment cover down to open it.

2. Insert 2 AA batteries.

3. Close the battery compartment cover.

Turn the MAA-1 power on.

1. Set to the ON position.

will light red.

When connecting a condenser mic or other device that requires phantom power, set it to the +48V position.

NOTE

When connecting devices that are not compatible with phantom power, do not set to +48V. Doing so could damage the device.

Adjusting the MAA-1 input level

1. Turn .

Adjust so that lights green.

If the input level is too high, will light red.

Adjusting the overall audio character and output level

1. In MEMORY or STOMP mode, turn – .

Function | Operation
Adjust the level of low frequencies | Turn
Adjust the level of middle frequencies | Turn
Adjust the level of high frequencies | Turn
Adjust the overall level | Turn

HINT

These adjustments are retained even when the patch memory is changed.

Using patch memories (MEMORY mode)

The A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR manages effects in patch memories. A patch memory can have up to five effects and save their ON/OFF states and parameter settings.

Up to 50 patch memories can be created. Groups of 10 patch memories are organized into banks, so effects can be quickly recalled by switching banks.

Select patch memories to use in MEMORY mode.

Switching to MEMORY mode.

HINT

MEMORY mode is shown when the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR starts up.

1. When using STOMP or EDIT mode, press .

Pressing repeatedly, cycles through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes in order.

Selecting patch memories and banks

Switching patch memories

1. Press or .

This changes the patch memory.

Function | Operation
Switch to lower-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to higher-numbered patch memory | Press

HINT

・By continuing to press or , you can continuously switch patch memories.

・By using the PRESELECT function, you can switch to a patch memory at any location while continuing to use the tone of the currently selected patch memory. (→“Setting the PRESELECT function”)

・When using the BANK HOLD function, switching is limited to patch memories in the same bank. (→“Setting the BANK HOLD function”)

Switching banks

1. Press – .

This changes the bank. The LED for the selected bank lights.

Function | Operation
Switch to patch memory numbers 10 – 19 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 20 – 29 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 30 – 39 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 40 – 49 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 50 – 59 | Press

Changing individual patch memory settings

1. Select the patch memory with settings you want to change.

2. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

3. Press .

This opens the patch memory setting screen.

The patch memory level and name can be changed. (→“Changing patch memory levels”, “Changing patch memory names”)

Changing patch memory levels

1. Turn .

This changes the patch memory level.

HINT

・Press to end patch memory setting and return to the original screen.

・In addition to settings for individual patch memories, the overall volume and EQ of the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR can also be changed. (→“Adjusting the overall audio character and output level”)

Changing patch memory names

1. Turn .

This moves the cursor.

2. Turn .

This changes the character at the cursor position.

HINT

・Press to end patch memory setting and return to the original screen.

・The characters and symbols that can be used are as follows.

　A–Z, a–z, 0–9, ! # $ % & ' () +, -. ; = @ [] ^ _ ` { } ~ (space)

・Turn to change the character type.

Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches (STOMP mode)

In STOMP mode, you can turn effects ON/OFF with footswitches.

Activating STOMP mode

1. When using MEMORY or EDIT mode, press .

Pressing repeatedly, cycles through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes in order.

Turning effects ON/OFF with footswitches

1. Press .

Select the effect to control.

The selected effect is shown with light and dark inverted.

Press repeatedly to move the selection to the right.

2. Press .

This turns the effect ON/OFF.

To turn an effect ON/OFF by hand, press the – button that corresponds to the effect position.

Editing effects (EDIT mode)

In EDIT mode, you can change the effects used in patch memories and adjust their parameters.

Activating EDIT mode

1. Select a patch memory in MEMORY mode.

2. Press .

Pressing repeatedly, cycles through the MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes in order.

Selecting effects

1. Press – for the effect you want to edit.

This switches the effect.

The LED for the selected effect lights.

HINT

The effect unit number is its position in the patch memory order.

Turning effects ON/OFF

1. Press the – for the selected effect again.

Pressing – toggles it ON/OFF.

Changing effect types

Selecting effect types

1. Press or .

Function | Operation
Change to the previous effect type | Press
Change to the next effect type | Press

Selecting effect categories

1. While pressing , press .

The category name appears on the display.

Press again to show the next category name.

After the category name has been shown for a moment, the effect will change to the first effect in the category.

HINT

・While pressing , press to show the previous category name.

・See Guitar Lab for the explanations of each effect.

NOTE

In the following cases, “PROCESS OVERFLOW” will appear and the effect will be bypassed. Bypassing can be ended by deleting some effects or changing their types.

・When the processing power limit is exceeded

・When trying to use 3 or more effects that have 5 or more parameters

HINT

Select effects in the PEDAL category on the A1X FOUR to use effects that can be controlled by the expression pedal.

Adjusting effect parameters

1. Turn – .

The parameters assigned to each knob depend on the effect. Refer to the names shown on the display.

If an effect has 5 or more parameters, use to change the screen.

HINT

・When AUTO SAVE is set to ON, parameter changes will be saved automatically. (→“Setting the AUTO SAVE function”)

・When AUTO SAVE is set to OFF, a parameter saving screen will appear when you try to change patch memories.

・The AUTO SAVE function is on by default.

Changing the effect order

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the CHAIN screen.

The effects used in the selected patch memory are shown as icons.

3. Press the – button for the effect you want to move.

4. Press the – button for the destination position.

The effect will be moved to the selected destination.

Managing patch memories

Saving patch memories

Patch changes can be saved to the same patch memory, overwriting it. They can also be saved to a patch memory with a different number.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the SAVE screen.

3. Use , and – .

Select the destination patch memory number.

Function | Operation
Select previous patch memory | Press
Select next patch memory | Press
Select patch memory numbers 10 – 19 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 20 – 29 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 30 – 39 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 40 – 49 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 50 – 59 | Press

4. Press and at the same time.

This saves the patch memory, overwriting the content.

Swapping patch memories

The contents of the patch memory can be switched with a patch memory at a different number.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the SAVE screen.

3. Turn .

The icon on the display changes from SAVE to SWAP.

4. Use , and – .

Select the number of the patch memory to swap.

Function | Operation
Select previous patch memory | Press
Select next patch memory | Press
Select patch memory numbers 10 – 19 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 20 – 29 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 30 – 39 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 40 – 49 | Press
Select patch memory numbers 50 – 59 | Press

5. Press and at the same time.

This swaps the patch memories.

NOTE

A patch memory that has been edited must be saved before it can be swapped.

Save the patch memory before trying to swap it. (→“Saving patch memories”)

Adjusting the master tempo

The master tempo is the tempo shared by effects, rhythms and the looper.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the SETUP screen.

3. Turn .

HINT

・This can be set from 40 to 250.

・BPM (Beats Per Minute) is the number of beats (quarter notes) in one minute and is a unit used to show how fast a musical tempo is. For example, 60 BPM is a tempo of 60 beats per minute.

Setting the AUTO SAVE function

This function can be used to automatically save changes to patch memory and effect settings when they are made.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the SETUP screen.

3. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
ON | Automatic saving is enabled.
OFF | Automatic saving is disabled.

■When AUTO SAVE is ON

Patch memory and effect setting changes will be saved automatically.

■When AUTO SAVE is OFF

Patch memory changes can be saved with the following procedure.

1. After editing a patch memory, switch to a different patch.

A message confirming that you want to save the changes will appear on the display.

2. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
YES | Changes will be saved.
NO | Changes will not be saved.

NOTE

If you select “NO”, the other patch memory will open without saving the changed patch memory settings.

3. Press or .

This opens a screen for selecting the patch memory number to use for saving.

4. Use , and – .

Select the destination patch memory number.

Function | Operation
Switch to lower-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to higher-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 10 – 19 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 20 – 29 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 30 – 39 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 40 – 49 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 50 – 59 | Press

5. Press and at the same time.

The edited patch memory is saved.

HINT

An edited patch memory can also be saved on the SETTING screen. (→“Saving patch memories”)

Setting the PRESELECT function

This function can be used to switch to a patch memory at any location while continuing to use the tone of the currently selected patch memory.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the SETUP screen.

3. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
ON | Use the PRESELECT function.
OFF | Do not use the PRESELECT function.

■ When PRESELECT is ON

1. In MEMORY mode, use , and – .

This opens a screen for selecting the number of the preselect destination patch memory.

Function | Operation
Switch to lower-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to higher-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 10 – 19 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 20 – 29 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 30 – 39 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 40 – 49 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 50 – 59 | Press

2. Press and at the same time.

This switches to the selected patch memory.

■ When PRESELECT is OFF

1. In MEMORY mode, use , and – .

This changes the patch memory.

Function | Operation
Switch to lower-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to higher-numbered patch memory | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 10 – 19 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 20 – 29 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 30 – 39 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 40 – 49 | Press
Switch to patch memory numbers 50 – 59 | Press

Setting the BANK HOLD function

This function can be used to limit to the same bank when switching patch memories.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the SETUP screen.

3. Turn .

■When BANK HOLD is ON

Switching down from the lowest patch memory in a bank will open the highest patch memory in the same bank. Switching up from the highest patch memory in a bank will open the lowest patch memory in the same bank.

Example: current patch memory in Bank 1

■When BANK HOLD is OFF

Switching down from the lowest patch memory in a bank and up from the highest patch memory in a bank will open a patch memory in the next bank.

Example: current patch memory in Bank 1

Making power and display settings

Setting the type of batteries used

Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the PWR/LCD screen.

3. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
ALKALI | Alkaline batteries
Ni-MH | Nickel-metal hydride batteries

Setting the ECO mode

This function can be used to turn the power off automatically if unused for 10 hours.

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the PWR/LCD screen.

3. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
ON | The power will automatically turn off if unused for 10 hours.
OFF | This disables ECO mode.

Setting the backlight time

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the PWR/LCD screen.

3. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
OFF | The backlight stays off.
ON | The backlight stays on.
15s | The backlight turns off 15 seconds after the last operation.
30s | The backlight turns off 30 seconds after the last operation.

Adjusting the display contrast

1. Press .

This opens the SETTING screen.

2. Press .

This opens the PWR/LCD screen.

3. Turn .

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 13.

Using the tuner

Use this to tune the connected instrument.

Activating the tuner

1. When using MEMORY, STOMP or EDIT mode, press and at the same time.

This activates the tuner.

HINT

Pressing anything other than will close the tuner and return to the original screen.

Tuning instruments

1. Play the sound that you want to tune and adjust its pitch.

The display will differ according to the selected tuner type. (→“Changing tuner settings”)

■ CHROMATIC tuner

Use this to tune to the nearest note (in semitones).

The nearest note name and pitch detuning will be shown on the display and by the LEDs.

When the pitch is accurate, the LED at the center of the meter will light green and the LEDs to the left and right will light red.

■ Other tuners (for guitars)

Use this to tune to the correct pitch for the nearest string number, which is shown according to the selected type.

The nearest string number and pitch detuning will be shown on the display and by the LEDs.

When the pitch is accurate, the LED at the center of the meter will light green and the LEDs to the left and right will light red.

Changing tuner settings

1. Press when the Tuner Screen is open.

This opens the TUNER settings screen.

■ Setting the output method

1. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
BYPASS | Effects are bypassed and the instrument sound is output.
MUTE | The instrument sound is not output.

HINT

You can also turn on the Tuner Screen to change this setting.

■ Adjusting the standard pitch

1. Turn .

HINT

・This sets middle A between 435 and 445 Hz.

・You can also turn on the Tuner Screen to change this setting.

■ Setting the tuner type

1. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
CHROMATIC | The pitch detuning is shown according to the nearest note (in semitones).
Other tuner types | The nearest string number is shown according to the selected type, and the amount of detuning from its pitch is shown. The following tuner types can be selected.

Display | Explanation | String number/note
GUITAR | Standard guitar tuning with a 7th string | 7 B 6 E 5 A 4 D 3 G 2 B 1 E
OPEN A | Open A tuning (open strings play A chord) | 7 - 6 E 5 A 4 E 3 A 2 C# 1 E
OPEN D | Open D tuning (open strings play D chord) | 7 - 6 D 5 A 4 D 3 F# 2 A 1 D
OPEN E | Open E tuning (open strings play E chord) | 7 - 6 E 5 B 4 E 3 G# 2 B 1 E
OPEN G | Open G tuning (open strings play G chord) | 7 - 6 D 5 G 4 D 3 G 2 B 1 D
DADGAD | Alternate tuning often used for tapping and other techniques | 7 - 6 D 5 A 4 D 3 G 2 A 1 D

■ Using flat tunings (for guitars)

1. Turn .

All strings can be tuned flat from an ordinary tuning by one (♭×1), 2 (♭×2) or 3 (♭×3) semitones.

NOTE

Flat tuning cannot be used when the tuner type is “CHROMATIC”.

Preventing feedback

Select Anti FB (anti feedback) as an effect to use the anti-feedback function. This function can detect and cut the frequency band that is feeding back to reduce it.

1. Select a patch memory for assignment of the Anti FB effect in MEMORY mode.

2. Press repeatedly to activate EDIT mode.

3. Press – .

Assign Anti FB to the beginning of the effect chain to maximize its effectiveness.

4. While pressing , press and select FILTER.

5. Press or , and select Anti FB.

6. Turn to select the setting.

Select Auto to automatically find and cut the frequency band that is causing feedback.

The frequency band can also be selected manually.

7. Press – to turn Anti FB on.

・If Auto was selected in step 6:

　Detection of the feedback frequency band will begin, and “Scanning” will appear on the display. When the frequency band has been found, the message will disappear and the anti-feedback function will become active.

・If a frequency band was selected in step 6:

　The anti-feedback function will become active and the selected frequency band will be cut.

HINT

・If a patch memory that includes the Anti FB effect is saved the detected feedback frequency band will also be saved.

・In STOMP mode, Anti FB can be turned on using a footswitch.

・Multiple Anti FB effects can be used.

Using rhythms

You can play along with built-in rhythms.

Activating the rhythm function

1. When using MEMORY, STOMP or EDIT mode, press .

This opens the RHYTHM screen.

HINT

・Press to return to the original mode.

・During rhythm playback, press to continue rhythm playback and return to the original mode.

・The looper can be used during rhythm playback. When the RHYTHM screen is open, press to switch to the LOOPER screen. (→“Using the looper”)

Setting the rhythm

■ Selecting rhythm patterns

1. Turn .

This selects the rhythm pattern. (→“Rhythm patterns”)

■ Setting the precount

1. Turn .

This sets the precount.

This plays a count sound before looper recording starts.

Setting | Explanation
OFF | A precount is not played.
ON | A precount is played.

■ Adjusting the tempo

1. Turn .

HINT

・This can be set from 40 to 250.

・The tempo set here will be shared by the effects and the looper.

■ Adjusting the volume

1. Turn .

HINT

This can be set from 0 to 100.

Starting/stopping rhythm playback

1. Press .

This starts rhythm playback.

2. Press .

This stops rhythm playback.

HINT

During rhythm playback, you can switch MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes. To stop rhythm playback, press to open the RHYTHM screen, and then press .

Rhythm patterns

No. | PatternName | TimSig.
1 | Metro |
2 | Metro3 | 3/4
3 | Metro4 | 4/4
4 | Metro5 | 5/4
5 | Guide1 | 4/4
6 | Guide2 | 4/4
7 | Cajon1 | 4/4
8 | Cajon2 | 4/4
9 | Cajon3 | 4/4
10 | Cajon4 | 4/4
11 | Country1 | 2/4
12 | Country2 | 2/4
13 | Blues1 | 4/4
14 | Blues2 | 4/4
15 | Shuffle1 | 4/4
16 | Shuffle2 | 4/4
17 | Shuffle3 | 4/4
18 | Shuffle4 | 4/4
19 | Bossa1 | 4/4
20 | Bossa2 | 4/4
21 | Jazz1 | 4/4
22 | Jazz2 | 4/4
23 | Jazz3 | 4/4
24 | Jazz4 | 4/4
25 | 8Beats1 | 4/4
26 | 8Beats2 | 4/4
27 | 8Beats3 | 4/4
28 | 8Beats4 | 4/4
29 | 16Beats1 | 4/4
30 | 16Beats2 | 4/4
31 | Funk1 | 4/4
32 | Funk2 | 4/4
33 | Fusion | 4/4
34 | JzFunk1 | 4/4
35 | JzFunk2 | 4/4
36 | Pop80s1 | 4/4
37 | Pop80s2 | 4/4
38 | Motown | 4/4
39 | Disco | 4/4
40 | Samba1 | 4/4
41 | Samba2 | 4/4
42 | Samba3 | 4/4
43 | Salsa1 | 4/4
44 | Salsa2 | 4/4
45 | CubaGrv1 | 4/4
46 | CubaGrv2 | 4/4
47 | Djembe1 | 4/4
48 | Djembe2 | 4/4
49 | Reggae1 | 4/4
50 | Reggae2 | 4/4
51 | NuSoul1 | 4/4
52 | NuSoul2 | 4/4
53 | LoFiHH1 | 4/4
54 | LoFiHH2 | 4/4
55 | NuJazz1 | 4/4
56 | NuJazz2 | 4/4
57 | House1 | 4/4
58 | House2 | 4/4
59 | Techno1 | 4/4
60 | Techno2 | 4/4
61 | DanceHall | 4/4
62 | Triplet | 4/4
63 | JzWaltz1 | 3/4
64 | JzWaltz2 | 3/4
65 | CtWaltz1 | 3/4
66 | CtWaltz2 | 3/4
67 | 5/4 Grv1 | 5/4
68 | 5/4 Grv2 | 5/4

Using the looper

You can record your playing and create mono loop phrases that are up to 30 seconds long.

Activating the looper

1. When using MEMORY, STOMP or EDIT mode, press .

This opens the LOOPER screen.

HINT

Press to return to the original mode.

Setting the looper

■ Setting of the loop recording time

1. Turn .

Setting
Explanation

MANUAL
Recording will continue until stopped manually or the maximum recording time is reached.

♩×1–64

Set the value to 1 – 64 quarter notes. The actual recording time depends on the BPM setting.

Recording time (seconds) ＝ 60 ÷ BPM × quarter notes

NOTE

・The looper recording time is between 1.5 and 30 seconds.

・Settings that will not fit in the recording time will be adjusted automatically.

・Changing the recording time will delete the recorded data.

■ Setting how looping stops

1. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
Instant | Stops immediately after the stop operation.
Finish | The loop will stop after playing to its end.
Fade Out | The loop will stop after fading out.

■ Setting the looper position

1. Turn .

Setting | Explanation
Pre | The looper is positioned before the effects.
Post | The looper is positioned after the effects.

HINT

This is convenient when using acoustic instruments that are loud unamplified because putting the looper at the beginning of the effect chain allows sound to be played once, then looped and manipulated without additional playing.

■ Adjusting the volume

1. Turn .

HINT

This can be set from 0 to 100.

Looper tempo

The tempo used for the looper is shared by the effects and the rhythm.

The tempo can be set on the SETTING screen (→“Adjusting the master tempo”) or the RHYTHM setting screen (→“Setting the rhythm”).

Changing the tempo will delete the recorded data.

Recording and playing loops

1. Press .

This starts loop recording.

2. Stop recording and start loop playback.

If the recording time is set to "Manual"

Pressing again or allowing the maximum recording time to be reached will stop recording and start loop playback.

If the recording time is set to “♩×1–64”

When the set recording time is reached, recording will stop and loop playback will start.

3. Press .

This stops loop playback.

NOTE

・During rhythm playback, recording will start after the precount.

・Sound input through the AUX IN jack will not be recorded.

HINT

・During rhythm playback, quantization is enabled so even if the recording ending time is not exact, the loop will automatically be adjusted so that loop playback stays in time.

・During loop playback, you can switch MEMORY, STOMP and EDIT modes.

Overdubbing loops

Additional performances can be added to the recorded loop.

1. Press during loop playback.

This starts overdubbing.

When the end of the loop is reached, loop playback will continue from the beginning, and overdubbing can be repeated.

2. Press during overdubbing.

This stops overdubbing, but continues loop playback.

Clearing the loop

1. When loop playback is stopped, press and hold .

This clears the recorded loop.

Using the expression pedal (A1X FOUR only)

If an effect in the PEDAL category is selected when using an A1X FOUR, you can control the amount of the effect with the expression pedal.

Setting pedal effects

1. In EDIT mode, select an effect from the PEDAL category.

NOTE

Only one effect in a patch memory can be selected from the PEDAL category.

HINT

Selecting effects from categories (→“Selecting effect categories”)

2. Turn – .

This adjusts the pedal effect. (→“Adjusting effect parameters”)

3. Use the expression pedal.

This changes the amount of the effect.

HINT

Press the front-end of the expression pedal down to turn the pedal effect ON/OFF. This does not, however, save the ON/OFF setting.

Adjusting the pedal

Adjusting the pedal sensitivity

1. While pressing , turn the A1X FOUR power on.

This opens the PEDAL CALIBRATION screen.

2. Operate the pedal as shown on the display, and press or each time.

Calibration is finished when “Complete!” appears.

NOTE

・Adjust the pedal sensitivity in the following cases.

　– Stepping on the pedal has little effect.

　– The volume and tone changes greatly even when the pedal is only pressed lightly.

・If “Error!” appears, start calibration again from the beginning.

Adjusting the torque

1. Insert a 5 mm hex wrench into the torque adjustment screw on the side of the pedal.

2. Turn it clockwise to tighten the pedal and counterclockwise to loosen it.

NOTE

Be careful because loosening the torque adjustment screw too much could cause it to become disconnected internally, making it impossible to keep the pedal in a fixed position.

Managing the firmware

Checking the firmware versions

1. While pressing , turn the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR power on.

This opens the firmware version screen.

2. Press or .

This restarts the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR and reopens the usual screen.

Updating the firmware

Check the ZOOM website (www.zoom.co.jp/), and download firmware for the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR.

1. While pressing both and , use a USB cable to connect the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR and the computer.

This turns the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR power on and opens the FIRMWARE UPDATE screen.

2. Launch the firmware update application on the computer.

This will start the update.

"Complete!" will appear when updating finishes.

NOTE

・Do not disconnect the USB cable during a firmware update.

・In the unlikely event that a firmware update should fail while in progress, conduct the procedures from the beginning to update the firmware again.

HINT

See the ZOOM website for details about using the application.

3. After updating completes, disconnect the USB cable and turn the power off.

HINT

Updating the firmware will not erase saved patch memories.

Restoring factory default settings

1. While pressing , turn the A1 FOUR / A1X FOUR power on.

This opens an initialization confirmation screen.

2. Turn

This selects the operation.

Setting | Explanation
YES | Initialize settings, rewriting them with the factory defaults.
NO | Cancel initialization and return to the usual screen.

3. Press or .

This starts initialization.

When initialization finishes, “Complete!” appears, and then the usual screen reopens.

NOTE

Initialization will overwrite all settings, including patch memories, to their factory defaults. Be certain before using this function.

Troubleshooting

The unit will not power on

・If using batteries, connect a cable to the INPUT jack.

Sound output is silent, very quiet or distorted

・Check the connections. (→“Connecting”)

・Adjust the levels of the effects. (→“Adjusting effect parameters”)

・Adjust the patch memory level. (→“Changing patch memory levels”)

・Adjust the output volume. (→“Adjusting the overall audio character and output level”)

・If you are using the expression pedal to adjust the volume, adjust the pedal position until the volume level is suitable.

・Confirm that the tuner output is not set to “MUTE”. (→“Changing tuner settings”)

・Adjust the level of the connected instrument.

・Adjust the MAA-1 input level. (→“Adjusting the MAA-1 input level”)

There is a lot of noise

・Confirm that a shielded cable is not the cause.

・Use a genuine ZOOM AC adapter. (→“Connecting”)

Effects are not working

・If the effect processing power is being exceeded, “PROCESS OVERFLOW” will appear on the display. When “PROCESS OVERFLOW” appears for an effect, it will be bypassed. (→“Changing effect types”)

Batteries lose their charge quickly

・Confirm that you are not using manganese batteries. Alkaline batteries should provide about 18 hours of continuous operation.

・Confirm the battery setting.

　The setting must match the batteries being used in order to show the remaining battery charge accurately. (→“Setting the type of batteries used”)

・Due to their characteristics, batteries discharge more quickly when used in cold places.

Expression pedal does not work well (A1X FOUR only)

・Check the expression pedal settings. (→“Using the expression pedal”)

・Adjust the expression pedal. (→“Adjusting the pedal”)

Specifications

■ A1X FOUR

Maximum number of simultaneous effects

　5

Number of patch memories

　50

Sampling frequency

　44.1 kHz

A/D conversion

　24-bit 128× oversampling

D/A conversion

　24-bit 128× oversampling

Signal processing

　32-bit

Display

　128×32 dot-matrix LCD

Inputs

　INPUT

　　Standard mono phone jack

　　　Rated input level: −20 dBu

　　　Input impedance (line): 470 kΩ

　AUX IN

　　Stereo mini jack

　　　Rated input level: −10 dBu

　　　Input impedance (line): 1 kΩ

Output

　OUTPUT

　　Standard stereo phone jack (combined line/headphone)

　　　Maximum output level:

　　　Line at +2 dBu (10 kΩ or more output impedance)

　　　Headphones at 17 mW + 17 mW (32Ω load)

Input S/N

　120 dB

Noise floor (residual noise)

　−97 dBu

Power

　AC adapter: 9V DC 500mA center negative (ZOOM AD-16)

　4 AA batteries (about 18 hours continuous operation time when using alkaline batteries with the LCD backlight off)

USB

　USB MIDI, USB Micro-B

　・Power can also be supplied through the USB port.

　・When using a cable designed only for power, other USB functions cannot be used.

External dimensions

　A1 FOUR　156 mm (D) × 130 mm (W) × 42 mm (H)

　A1X FOUR 156 mm (D) × 216 mm (W) × 52 mm (H)

Weight

　A1 FOUR　340 g (excluding batteries)

　A1X FOUR 610 g (excluding batteries)

■MAA-1

Input

　XLR balanced input (2: hot)

　　Input gain: +3 – +30 dB

　　Input impedance: 10 kΩ

　　Maximum input level: +4 dBu

　　+48V phantom power

Output

　Standard mono phone jack

　　Nominal output level: −20 dBu

　　Maximum output level: +7 dBu

　　Output impedance: 1 kΩ

Power

　2 AA batteries

　Continuous operation time (when phantom current is 3 mA)

　　About 15 hours (using alkaline batteries)

　　About 15 hours (using nickel metal hydride batteries)

External dimensions

　177 mm (D) × 23 mm (W) × 25 mm (H)

Weight

　70 g (excluding batteries)

・0 dBu = 0.775 V

・Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.

ZOOM CORPORATION

4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan

www.zoom.co.jp

Z2I-3771-02A