Rocktron Blue Thunder User Manual
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Rocktron Blue Thunder User Manual

Digital bass preamp and effects for stage and studio
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  • Page 2 Also, bundle audio cables separately from the AC power cables. These steps will help insure compliance with the Directive(s). For more information about other Rocktron products see the last section in this manual, or see your local dealer or one of our importers closest to you (listed on the Rocktron website www.rocktron.com).

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    MIDI Channels ..............................45 MIDI Dump/Load ..............................46 To dump a single Blue Thunder preset into another Blue Thunder ........... 46 To dump a single Blue Thunder preset into a sequencer ..............48 To reload user data from a sequencer ....................50 -Factory Restore ..............................

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Blue Thunder allows you to dial in just the right amount of distortion without effecting your overall clean tone. • Run up to 10 effects at once - The advanced processing power of the Blue Thunder will allow you to run up to 10 high quality effects at the same time.

  • Page 5: Power Requirements

    PRECAUTIONS NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS SECTION TO PRO- VIDE YEARS OF TROUBLE FREE USE. THIS UNIT REQUIRES CAREFUL HANDLING. All warnings on this equipment and in the operating instructions should be adhered to and all operating instructions should be followed. Do not use this equipment near water.

  • Page 6: Quick Setup

    CHANGING PRESET PARAMETERS NOTE: The EQ controls serve a dual purpose. When the Blue Thunder powers up the EQUALIZATION controls are active. To change preset parameters (such as to adjust the delay or distortion, etc.) you must enter into the “EDIT MODE”.

  • Page 7: Front Panel

    STORE button/led ™ This button is used to store parameter values into the Blue Thunder memory when altered. See "Storing Changed Preset Parameters" in Chapter 7 (page 32) for more information on this procedure. EQUALIZATION MIDDLE/PARAMETER SELECT control This control is used to adjust the MIDDLE frequency level of the selected preset.
  • Page 8 When in the EDIT MODE - (see point 5 - EDIT button) this control is used to select the desired FUNCTION. ™ When in Edit mode this control allows access to each function of the Blue Thunder These functions include: Global...

  • Page 9: Rear Panel

    This standard ¼" mono jack provides input to the Blue Thunder. RIGHT CHANNEL OUTPUT jack This standard ¼" mono jack provides an output for the right channel of the Blue Thunder. When using the unit in a mono application either jack may be used LEFT CHANNEL OUTPUT jack This standard ¼"...

  • Page 10: Connections

    5. Connections ™ Using the Blue Thunder with a power amp and cabinets...
  • Page 11 Using the Blue Thunder with a Bass Amplifier Head...
  • Page 12 Using the Blue Thunder with a Bass Combo Amplifier...
  • Page 13 Using the Blue Thunder with a MIDI Footcontroller...
  • Page 14 Using the Blue Thunder with a Phantom Powerable MIDI Footcontroller...

  • Page 15: Operating Format

    6. Operating Format The Blue Thunder provides 128 stored sounds called presets. Any of the 128 presets can be called up at any time via the front panel PRESET control (used to both select and recall a preset). Blue Thunder Equalization Controls Upon turning on the Blue Thunder the EQUALIZATION controls (BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE) are active.

  • Page 16: Blue Thunder Block Diagram

    Block Diagram blue thunder block diagram...

  • Page 17: Global Function

    The DIRECT parameter determines whether the direct signal is switched in or out of the signal path. When using the Blue Thunder in a parallel effects loop, it is recommended that the direct signal is switched out - thereby providing 100% wet (effect)output - allowing you to use the effects mix...

  • Page 18: Mixer Function

    HUSH circuitry and effects section. In this setup you should have your Blue Thunder connected to a power amplifier. If you would like to use the Blue Thunder in the effects loop section of your bass head or combo amplifier select EFX LOOP. In this setup the direct signal is not passed through any digital processing (i.e.

  • Page 19: Hush Function

    Function HUSH is Rocktron’s patented single-ended noise reduction system. The HUSH system contained in the Blue Thunder is a fully digital implementation of HUSH achieved through Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and is modeled after the latest HUSH design.

  • Page 20: Distortion Function

    The DISTORTION GAIN parameter determines the amount of distortion added to your signal DIST GAIN The VARIAC adjusts the level at which the preamp stage in the Blue Thunder begins to distort. VARIAC Note: A Variac is a voltage attenuating device that plugs into an AC wall outlet that adjusts the voltage level to any device that is plugged into it.

  • Page 21: Eq Function

    Functions and Parameter Descriptions Rocktron’s SIMBiotic EQ is a custom designed EQ circuit providing the ULTIMATE tool for tonal shaping of your sound. It includes four bands of full parametric EQ and complete mixing capabilities! The EQ function provides full parametric control and allows you to shape the tone of the input singal before it reachs each of the effect blocks.

  • Page 22: Compressor Function

    Functions and Parameter Descriptions Compression is often used to maintain an even level when using clean tones, and is also used to increase sustain when using high gain distortion. Function To access this function you must first press the “EDIT” button to enter into the “EDIT MODE”and turn the FUNCTION SELECT knob to the right until COMPRES- SOR appears on the display.

  • Page 23: Delay Function

    The TIME1 parameter determines the multiplier by which a new delay time will be selected for Delay Time 1 when the Tap Delay feature of the Blue Thunder is used. (See Section 7 page 42: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.)
  • Page 24 Functions and Parameter Descriptions This parameter is used to select whether the Source 2 input will be the VOICE 2 output from SOURCE 2 the previous effect in the signal chain or the DIRECT signal. In configurations where there is no effect immediately preceding the delay, both Source 1 and Source 2 will be the direct signal.

  • Page 25: Reverb Function

    The REVERB LEVEL parameter allows you to control the level of the reverb signal at the REVERB LVL output of the Blue Thunder relative to the direct signal and other effect signals. The REVERB DECAY parameter determines the length of time that the reverb signal will REV DECAY sound before it has completely died out.

  • Page 26: Tremolo Function

    The TIME parameter determines the multiplier by which a new modulation rate will be TIME selected for the RATE parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Blue Thunder is used. (See Section 7 page 42: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.)

  • Page 27: Phaser Function

    The PHASER LEVEL parameter allows you to control the level of the phaser signal at the output of PHASER LVL the Blue Thunder relative to the direct signal and other effect signals. A setting of “0” (zero) will set the phaser level at unity gain.

  • Page 28: Flanger Function

    The TIME1 parameter determines the multiplier by which a new modulation rate will be selected for the RATE 1 parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Blue Thunder is used. (See Section 7 page 42: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.) FLN OUT 2 The FLANGER OUTPUT 2 parameter determines the overall volume of Voice 2.

  • Page 29: Chorus Function

    The TIME 1 parameter determines the multiplier by which a new modulation rate will be selected for the TIME1 RATE 1 parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Blue Thunder is used. (See Section 7 page 42: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.) CRS OUT 2 The CHORUS OUTPUT 2 parameter determines the volume of Voice 2.

  • Page 30: Speaker Exciter Function

    Functions and Parameter Descriptions The Speaker Exciter adds spacial dynamics to your tone. It is an excellent tool in live and recording situations. It is extremely useful in live situations where you may need to play at lower volumes but need to be pronounced with a solid low-end response.

  • Page 31: Master Blue Thunder Effects Parameter List

    Functions and Parameter Ranges Master Blue Thunder Effects Parameter List (The actual functions displayed are configuration-dependent) Function Parameter Parameter Range (Press the “EDIT” button to enter the (via PARAMETER SELECT control once in “EDIT MODE”) (via PARAMETER ADJUST control once in “EDIT “EDIT MODE”...
  • Page 32 Functions and Parameter Ranges Function Parameter Parameter Range (Press the “EDIT” button to enter the (via PARAMETER SELECT control once in “EDIT MODE”) (via PARAMETER ADJUST control once in “EDIT “EDIT MODE” MODE) via FUNCTION SELECT control) Out, In DELAY I/O delay Pre, Post, Both MUTE TYPE...
  • Page 33 Functions and Parameter Ranges Parameter Function Parameter Range (via PARAMETER SELECT control once in “EDIT MODE”) (Press the “EDIT” button to enter the (via PARAMETER ADJUST control once in “EDIT “EDIT MODE” MODE) via FUNCTION SELECT control) Out, In Flanger FLANGER I/O FLN OUT 1 - to 0dB...

  • Page 34: Operating The Blue Thunder

    ™ 7. Operating the Blue Thunder Selecting a preset Step 1 Turn the PRESET control to the desired preset you wish to recall. The selected preset will be recalled automatically. 29 PRESET TITLE...

  • Page 35: Changing Preset Parameters

    ™ Operating the Blue Thunder Changing preset parameters Step 1 Press the EDIT button to enter the “EDIT MODE” EDIT MODE Step 2 Turn the FUNCTION SELECT control to select the function heading which contains the parameter(s) you wish to change.

  • Page 36: Editing A Preset Title

    Operating the Blue Thunder ™ Editing a preset title Step 1 Press the EDIT button to enter the “EDIT MODE” EDIT MODE Step 2 To begin the Title Edit function, turn the FUNCTION SELECT control clockwise until the ™ Blue Thunder displays "TITLE EDIT".
  • Page 37 The STORE button must be pressed to save the new title. Exiting the Title Edit function before pressing the STORE button will erase any editing that was done in Title Edit. Also, after flashing "STORED", the Blue Thunder ™ will remain in the Title Edit mode.

  • Page 38: Controller Assignments

    (or assigned)* to a MIDI controller for real-time control by an expression pedal. The Controller Assignment option also lets you store an upper and lower parameter value limit which the controller cannot exceed. For example, when using an expression pedal with a Rocktron All ™...
  • Page 39 Turn the PARAMETER ADJUST control to scroll through the available parameters for the current configuration. PA-A REVERB LVL Step 8 After selecting the parameter that you which to assign to a controller, press the STORE button ™ to save it. The Blue Thunder will flash "STORED" briefly. STORED...
  • Page 40 ™ Operating the Blue Thunder Note: The Blue Thunder ™ allows you to select an upper and lower value limit which the parameter cannot exceed. For example, if a parameter has a value range from - to 0dB, yet you would like the range of the parameter to vary from only -12dB to - 2dB, you may set a lower limit of -12 and an upper limit of -2 via the Upper and Lower Limit parameters.
  • Page 41 ™ Operating the Blue Thunder Use the PARAMETER ADJUST control to select the lowest value which the parameter is not Step 12 to fall below through MIDI control changes. LLIM A After selecting a value for the lower limit, press the STORE button to save it. "STORED" will Step 13 flash briefly on the display.

  • Page 42: Copying Blue Thunder Presets, Titles And Controller Assignments

    ™ Operating the Blue Thunder Copying Blue Thunder Presets, Titles and Controller Assignments The Copy function allows you to copy any preset, preset title or controller assignment into any other preset location instantly. Copying presets: Step 1 Press the EDIT button to enter the “EDIT MODE”...
  • Page 43 ™ Step 7 ™ After flashing "STORED", the Blue Thunder will display "COPY TITLE TOO?". This allows you to copy the title from the copied preset into the new location as well. To copy the title, press the STORE button a second time. "STORED" will flash briefly before the Blue ™...
  • Page 44 >CA 59 Step 6 Press the STORE button to copy the selected preset into the selected preset location. "STORED" will flash briefly before the Blue Thunder™ displays the preset number and title that the controller assignments were stored into. STORED...

  • Page 45: Tap Delay

    Operating the Blue Thunder Tap Delay The Blue Thunder allows you to change the delay times and/or modulation rates for any given preset while you are playing two different ways: 1. By tapping the TAP DELAY/RATE button on the front panel of the Blue Thunder, or ™...

  • Page 46: Program Changes

    #34 will be recalled on the Blue Thunder. The Program Changes Map table is shipped from Rocktron at a one-to-one correspondance (i.e. MIDI program #1 is mapped to Blue Thunder preset #1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc.). Step 1 Press the EDIT button to enter the “EDIT MODE”...
  • Page 47 Operating the Blue Thunder Step 6 If "MAP" has been selected, turn the PARAMETER SELECT control one step clockwise to display the current Program Changes mapping assignments. MAP TO Step 7 The number on the left of the display is the MIDI program number (or the number sent via a MIDI footswitch or other MIDI transmitter).

  • Page 48: Midi Channels

    The Blue Thunder can receive MIDI commands from other MIDI transmitting devices, as well as transmit MIDI program changes to other MIDI-based equipment when a preset is recalled on the Blue Thunder. The MIDI Channels function allows you to select the MIDI channels that the Blue Thunder will receive and transmit MIDI information on.

  • Page 49: Midi Dump/Load

    Operating the Blue Thunder MIDI Dump/Load Any or all of the Blue Thunder presets may be dumped to a sequencer or another Blue Thunder via system exclusive messages. The information exchanged when performing a MIDI Dump consists of parameter values, title characters and controller assignment information. When dumping a single preset into another Blue Thunder, the dumped preset may be loaded into any preset location on the receiving Blue Thunder.
  • Page 50 Operating the Blue Thunder Step 5 Turn the PRESET control on the transmitting Blue Thunder to the preset that is to be dumped into the receiving Blue Thunder. As the PRESET control is turned, the preset number will be displayed in the first three characters of the display.

  • Page 51: To Dump A Single Blue Thunder Preset Into A Sequencer

    To dump a single Blue Thunder preset into a sequencer Note: When performing data dumps to and from the Blue Thunder, always perform the dump in real time sequence mode. This will ensure that data loaded back into the Blue Thunder is not sent faster than the Blue Thunder can receive it.
  • Page 52 Operating the Blue Thunder Step 6 Press the STORE button on the Blue Thunder to initiate the data dump. As the Blue Thunder performs the dump, it will display "XXX DUMPED" - where "XXX" = the number of the data string currently transmitting (i.e. strings 1-254 are presets, titles, controller information and 2-tap delay information;...

  • Page 53: To Reload User Data From A Sequencer

    Step 1 MIDI IN on the receiving Blue Thunder. IMPORTANT: Do not allow a looping connection from the MIDI OUT/THRU of the receiving Blue Thunder back to the MIDI IN of the transmitting sequencer. Step 2 Press the EDIT button to enter the “EDIT MODE”...
  • Page 54 Operating the Blue Thunder Step 5 Play back the data stored on the sequencer. The Blue Thunder will display the data strings as it is storing them. Each data string will appear with the word "LOADED". After all the user data has been loaded, the Blue Thunder will display "LOAD COMPLETE".

  • Page 55: Factory Restore

    The Factory Restore function allows you to restore altered Blue Thunder presets to their original condition as shipped from the factory. Either the entire Blue Thunder memory can be restored, a single preset can be restored to any preset location, or the controller information alone can be restored.
  • Page 56 "ERRORS 0". This represents the number of bytes that the Blue Thunder found did not initialize properly. Any number of errors other than "0" means that the Blue Thunder may not have initialized properly and the process should be repeated.

  • Page 57: Restoring The Blue Thunder Memory (All Presets)

    Turn the PARAMETER SELECT control two steps clockwise to "ALL RESTORE 0". ALL RESTORE Step 4 A specific code number must be entered to restore the Blue Thunder memory. Use the PA- RAMETER ADJUST control to enter the number "243". ALL RESTORE...

  • Page 58: Restoring The Blue Thunder Controller Assignments

    After the All Restore process is completed, the display should read "ERRORS 0". This is the number of bytes that the Blue Thunder found that did not initialize properly. Any number of errors other than "0" means that the Blue Thunder may not have initialized properly and the process should be repeated.

  • Page 59: Selecting A Power On Preset

    Operating the Blue Thunder Selecting a Power On Preset The Blue Thunder allows you to store a Power On preset which will always be recalled when the unit is turned on. Step 1 Turn the PRESET control to the preset number you wish to be recalled each time the unit is turned on.

  • Page 60: Appendix

    Error Messages 8. Appendix ERROR MESSAGES Message Possible Reason Corrective Action MEMORY ERROR CODE BYTE IS NOT CORRECT IN MAKE SURE EEPROM IS TIGHT IN EEPROM MEMORY. SOCKET. MAKE SURE WITHIN CORRECT OPERATING TEMPERATURE. DUMP ERROR MIDI INFORMATION IS BEING DISCONNECT MIDI CORD AT MIDI RECEIVED AT THE MIDI IN AT THE IN OF TRANSMlTTING BLUE...

  • Page 61: Midi Implementation

    MIDI Implementation MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Blue Thunder Date: March 1, 2003 Version: 1.01 FUNCTION TRANSMITTED RECOGNIZED REMARKS BASIC DEFAULT 1-16 1-16 May be saved in CHANNEL CHANGED 1-16 1-16 non-volatile memory MODE DEFAULT MESSAGES ALTERED NOTE NUMBER TRUE VOICE VELOCITY NOTE ON...

  • Page 62: Technical Data

    Technical Data TECHNICAL DATA MEASUREMENT CONDITIONS Maximum Input: +20dBu Input Level pot minimum Maximum Output: +20dBu Output Level pot maximum Nominal Input Range: +4dBu to Input Level pot minimum (16dB Headroom) -21dBu Input Level pot maximum Input Impedance: 470K ohms Output Impedance: 120 ohms Dynamic Range:...

  • Page 63: Other Rocktron Products

    Check out some of our other products: Rack Gear Gainiac (preamp w/12ax7 tube) Chameleon 2000 (preamp w/multi-effects) Voodu Valve (preamp w/12ax7 tube and multi-effects) Prophesy (our top of the line preamp with multi-effects) Xpression(guitar and bass multi-effects) HUSH Super C (guitar noise silencing system) Vendetta VP4 Preamp (All Tube 4-Channel Guitar preamp - 2 Rack Space) Stomp Boxes/Pedal: Rampage Distortion, Metal Planet Distortion, Silver Dragon Tube Distortion, Deep Blue Chorus,...
  • Page 64 Suggested MIDI Footcontrollers: Rocktron All Access Rocktron MIDI Mate Rocktron MIDI XChange www.rocktron.com Rocktron - A Division of GHS Corporation 2813 Wilber Ave Battle Creek MI - 49015 Tel: 1-269-968-3351 Fax: 1-269-968-6913 Email: info@rocktron.com Rev: 2003-1 482003...

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