Rocktron Xpression User Manual
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Rocktron Xpression User Manual

Creative guitar & bass digital effects for the 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

    Program Changes ..............................51 MIDI Channels ..............................53 MIDI Dump/Load ..............................54 To dump a single Xpression preset into another Xpression .............. 54 To dump a single Xpression preset into a sequencer ................. 56 To reload user data from a sequencer ....................58 -Factory Restore ..............................

  • Page 4: Introduction

    When the direct (original) signal is mixed back in with the effected signal using the Xpression’s mixer section, the frequencies below 160Hz will remain virtually un-effected. • Run up to 10 effects at once - The advanced processing power of the Xpression will allow you to run up to 10 high quality effects at once.
  • Page 5 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

    2. Quick Setup SELECTING A PRESET STEP 1 Turn the PRESET control to select the desired preset. The new preset will be recalled automatically. CHANGING PRESET PARAMETERS STEP 2 Turn the FUNCTION SELECT control to the desired effect or utility function.

  • Page 7: Front Panel

    (b) a new preset is selected or (c) the parameter is returned to its original value. STORE button/led This button is used to store parameter values into the Xpression ™ memory when altered. See "Storing Changed Preset Parameters" in Chapter 7 (page 40) for more information on this procedure.
  • Page 8 Program Changes Config Select BYPASS button/led ™ When lit, the effects are bypassed and only the input signal is passed to the Xpression outputs. INPUT LEVEL meter These LEDs provide visual indication of the peak level of the input signal when the preset number and title are displayed.

  • Page 9: Rear Panel

    4. Rear Panel RIGHT CHANNEL INPUT jack This standard ¼" mono jack provides input to the right channel of the Xpression. When using only one input (mono), this jack should be used. LEFT CHANNEL INPUT jack This standard ¼" mono jack provides input to the left channel of the Xpression. When using only one input (mono), this jack should NOT be used.
  • Page 10 Rear Panel Description MIDI THRU/OUT jack This standard 5-pin DIN connector can be connected to the MIDI IN jack of another device via a standard MIDI cable. There are limitations to the number of devices that can be chained (or series connected) in this fashion. Note: Inherently in MIDI there is a limit to the number of devices which can be chained together (connected in series).

  • Page 11: Connections

    5. Connections ™ Using the Xpression within a guitar rack system Guitar to input from mono Guitar Preamp output to Xpression back panel of xpression mono input INPUTS OUTPUTS MIDI MIDI THRU/OUT ROCKTRON R(MONO) PHANTOM BATTLE CREEK MI CAUTION: CAUTION:...
  • Page 12 ™ Using the Xpression in a preamp effects loop...
  • Page 13 Using the Xpression with a Guitar Amplifier Head...
  • Page 14 Using the Xpression with a Guitar Combo Amplifier...
  • Page 15 Using the Xpression with a Bass Amplifier Head Bass Head head from bass head to bass cabinet bass Cabinet...
  • Page 16 Using the Xpression with a Bass Amplifier Combo...
  • Page 17 Using the Xpression with a MIDI Footcontroller...
  • Page 18 Using the Xpression with a Phantom Powerable MIDI Footcontroller...

  • Page 19: Operating Format

    6. Operating Format The Xpression 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). The root of each preset’s sound is its configuration. The Xpression provides two main effect configurations—the Classic configuration and the Rotary con-...

  • Page 20: Classic Configuration Block Diagram

    Block Diagrams Classic Configuration Block Diagram...

  • Page 21: Rotary Configuration Block Diagram

    Block Diagrams Rotary Configuration Block Diagram...

  • Page 22: Xpression Functions And Parameter Descriptions

    The setting of each of the parameters determines the overall sound of each Xpression preset. The Xpression user interface is set up to allow you to first access each func- tion (via the FUNCTION SELECT control), then the list of available parameters for the selected function (via the PARAMETER SELECT control) and, finally, the adjustable value for each parameter (via the PARAMETER ADJUST control).

  • Page 23: Global Function

    - as the active guitar would require a higher Threshold level in all presets. The MUTE parameter allows you to mute the output of the Xpression. This feature is especially useful MUTE when changing guitars during a live set.

  • Page 24: Mixer Function

    Functions and Parameter Descriptions The next function displayed when turning the FUNCTION SELECT control is the Mixer function. The Mixer function parameters are included in all presets—regardless of which effects are active for the current preset - although Function the parameter values stored in this function are only for the currently recalled preset.

  • Page 25: Hush Function

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

  • Page 26: 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 The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access each of the following Compressor parameters.

  • Page 27: Eq Function

    EQ I/O The EQ I/O parameter determines whether the EQ circuit is active or bypassed for the current preset. Rocktron’s SIMBiotic EQ is a custom designed EQ BASS LVL The BASS LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost the low circuit providing the frequencies by up to 15dB.

  • Page 28: Delay Function

    Delay provides a reproduction of the input signal, occurring at a prescribed time (usually expressed in milliseconds) following the input signal. The Xpression provides two discrete delays (Delay 1 and Delay 2), each of which Function has its own set of parameters to determine its particular characteristics.
  • Page 29 Functions and Parameter Descriptions SOURCE 2 This parameter is used to select whether the Source 2 input will be the VOICE 2 output from 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 30: Reverb Function

    REVERB LVL The REVERB LEVEL parameter allows you to control the level of the preset will be changed to reverb signal at the output of the Xpression relative to the direct signal match those of the previous and other effect signals.

  • Page 31: Tremolo Function

    The TIME parameter determines the multiplier by which a new modulation rate will be selected for the RATE parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Xpression is used. (See Section 7 page 50: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.)

  • Page 32: Phaser Function

    TIME modulation rate will be selected for the RATE parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Xpression is used. (See Section 7 page 50: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.) The PHASER LEVEL parameter allows you to control the level of the...

  • Page 33: Flanger Function

    TIME1 modulation rate will be selected for the RATE 1 parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Xpression is used. (See Section 7 page 50: "Tap Delay" for more information on the Tap Delay feature.) The FLANGER OUTPUT 2 parameter determines the overall volume FLN OUT 2 of Voice 2.

  • Page 34: Chorus Function

    TIME1 rate will be selected for the RATE 1 parameter when the Tap Delay feature of the Xpression is used. (See Section 7 page 50: "Tap Delay" for more informa- tion on the Tap Delay feature.) The CHORUS OUTPUT 2 parameter determines the volume of Voice 2.

  • Page 35: Pitch Shift Function

    PITCH The PITCH parameter selects what harmony note the Xpression will produce based on the input note. The value displayed for this parameter represents the number of cents that the signal will be shifted (adjustable in 20-cent increments).
  • Page 36 20 cents).This allows for smooth pitch change when an expression controller (such as a volume pedal used with a Rocktron All Access, MIDI Mate or MIDI XChange foot controller) is assigned to the PITCH parameter to change the pitch by remote means.

  • Page 37: Speaker Simulator Function

    Functions and Parameter Descriptions The Speaker Simulator function provides a realistic approximation of a miked speaker cabinet for applications involving connecting the Xpression directly to a mixing console, recording system or other full range system. The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access each of the following...

  • Page 38: Rotary Speaker Function

    Functions and Parameter Descriptions To access the ROTARY SPEAKER function you must first select “ROTARY SELECTED” in the CONFIG SELECT Parameter (see “SELECTING A CONFIGURA- TION” section on page 66 for instructions on how to make this change). The CONFIG SELECT function is the last function you can access with the FUNCTION SELECT control.

  • Page 39: Master Xpression Effects Parameter List

    Functions and Parameter Ranges Master Xpression Effects Parameter List (The actual functions displayed are configuration-dependent) Function Parameter Parameter Range (via FUNCTION SELECT control) (via PARAMETER SELECT control) (via PARAMETER ADJUST control) Guitar, Bass GLOBAL instr 80 Hz, 160 Hz, 240 Hz...
  • Page 40 Functions and Parameter Ranges Function Parameter Range (via FUNCTION SELECT control) (via PARAMETER SELECT control) (via PARAMETER ADJUST control) delay DLY TIME1 0ms to 1000ms FINE 1 0ms to 9ms DLY RGN 1 - to 0dB - to 0dB DELAY OUT 2 DLY PAN2 Left<0 to 100>Right DLY TIME2...
  • Page 41 Functions and Parameter Ranges Function Parameter Range (via FUNCTION SELECT control) (via PARAMETER SELECT control) (via PARAMETER ADJUST control) Out, In CHORUS CHORUS I/O CRS OUT 1 - to 0dB CRS PAN 1 Left<0 to 100>Right CRS DPTH 1 0 to 100 CRS RATE 1 0 to 254 2ms to 40ms...

  • Page 42: Operating The Xpression

    ™ 7. Operating the Xpression 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 43: Changing Preset Parameters

    ™ Operating the Xpression Changing preset parameters Step 1 Turn the FUNCTION SELECT control to select the function heading which contains the parameter(s) you wish to change. **** REVERB **** Turn the PARAMETER SELECT control to the specific parameter you wish to change.

  • Page 44: Editing A Preset Title

    ™ Operating the Xpression Editing a preset title Step 1 To begin the Title Edit function, turn the FUNCTION SELECT control clockwise until the ™ Xpression displays "TITLE EDIT". ** TITLE EDIT ** Step 2 Turn the PARAMETER SELECT control clockwise to initiate the Title Edit mode. Turning this control will also select the character location to be edited.
  • Page 45 STORE button will erase any editing that was done in Title Edit. ™ Also, after flashing "STORED", the Xpression will remain in the Title Edit mode. You may either (a) turn the PRESET control to display and edit other preset titles without having to exit and re-enter Title Edit, or (b) turn the FUNC- TION SELECT control to exit the Title Edit mode.

  • Page 46: 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 47 Turn the PARAMETER ADJUST control to scroll through the available parameters for the Step 6 current configuration. PA-A REVERB LVL Step 7 After selecting the parameter that you which to assign to a controller, press the STORE button ™ to save it. The Xpression will flash "STORED" briefly. STORED...
  • Page 48 ™ Operating the Xpression Note: The Xpression ™ 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 49 ™ Operating the Xpression 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 50: Copying Xpression Presets, Titles And Controller Assignments

    ™ Operating the Xpression Copying Xpression 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 Turn the FUNCTION SELECT control to "COPY".
  • Page 51 "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 Xpression ™...
  • Page 52 CA> 21 >CA 59 Step 5 Press the STORE button to copy the selected preset into the selected preset location. "STORED" will flash briefly before the Xpression™ displays the preset number and title that the controller assignments were stored into. STORED...

  • Page 53: Tap Delay

    Operating the Xpression Tap Delay The Xpression 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 Xpression, ™...

  • Page 54: Program Changes

    Program Changes allow for different MIDI program numbers to be assigned to Xpression preset numbers. For example, MIDI program #58 can be mapped to Xpression preset #34. Then, when program #58 is selected from a MIDI transmitting device (such as a Rocktron All Access foot controller), preset #34 will be recalled on the Xpression.
  • Page 55 Operating the Xpression Step 5 If "MAP" has been selected, turn the PARAMETER SELECT control one step clockwise to display the current Program Changes mapping assignments. MAP TO Step 6 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 56: Midi Channels

    The Xpression 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 Xpression. The MIDI Channels function allows you to select the MIDI channels that the Xpression will receive and transmit MIDI information on.

  • Page 57: Midi Dump/Load

    Operating the Xpression MIDI Dump/Load Any or all of the Xpression presets may be dumped to a sequencer or another Xpression 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 an- other Xpression, the dumped preset may be loaded into any preset location on the receiving Xpression.
  • Page 58 Operating the Xpression Step 4 Turn the PRESET control on the transmitting Xpression to the preset that is to be dumped into the receiving Xpression. As the PRESET control is turned, the preset number will be dis- played in the first three characters of the display.

  • Page 59: To Dump A Single Xpression Preset Into A Sequencer

    To dump a single Xpression preset into a sequencer Note: When performing data dumps to and from the Xpression, always perform the dump in real time sequence mode. This will ensure that data loaded back into the Xpression is not sent faster than the Xpression can receive it.
  • Page 60 After the Xpression displays "TRANS COMPLETE", stop the sequencer. The sequencer should have recorded all of the data that was dumped from the Xpression. Keep this data stored on a disk in a safe place. Turn the PARAMETER SELECT control to continue.

  • Page 61: To Reload User Data From A Sequencer

    MIDI IN on the receiving Xpression. IMPORTANT: Do not allow a looping connection from the MIDI OUT/THRU of the receiving Xpression back to the MIDI IN of the transmitting sequencer. Turn the FUNCTION SELECT controls on both the receiving Xpression until "MIDI DUMP/ Step 2 LOAD"...
  • Page 62 Operating the Xpression Step 4 Play back the data stored on the sequencer. The Xpression 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 Xpression will display "LOAD COMPLETE". Do not play back the data from the sequencer faster than it was loaded, as errors may occur (errors may also occur if any knob is turned or any button is pressed before the message "LOAD COMPLETE"...

  • Page 63: Factory Restore

    The Factory Restore function allows you to restore altered Xpression presets to their original condition as shipped from the factory. Either the entire Xpression memory can be restored, a single preset can be restored to any preset location, or the controller information alone can be restored.
  • Page 64 "ERRORS 0". This represents the number of bytes that the Xpression found did not initialize properly. Any number of errors other than "0" means that the Xpression may not have initialized properly and the process should be repeated.

  • Page 65: Restoring The Xpression Memory (All Presets)

    Turn the PARAMETER SELECT control two steps clockwise to "ALL RESTORE 0". ALL RESTORE Step 3 A specific code number must be entered to restore the Xpression memory. Use the PARAM- ETER ADJUST control to enter the number "243". ALL RESTORE...

  • Page 66: Restoring The Xpression Controller Assignments

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

  • Page 67: Selecting A Power On Preset

    Operating the Xpression Selecting a Power On Preset The Xpression 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 68: Selecting A Configuration

    Operating the Xpression Selecting a Configuration The Xpression allows you to select which configuration—Classic or Rotary—is active for the current preset. Step 1 Turn the FUNCTION SELECT control fully clockwise to "CONFIG SELECT". CONFIG SELECT Step 2 Turn the PARAMETER SELECT control to access the "XXXXXXX SELECTED" parameter.

  • Page 69: Appendix

    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 XPRESSION. SAME INFORMATION IS BEING DUMPED. BULK LOAD WAS TRANSMITTED RECEIVE ERROR MIDI SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE TOO FAST.

  • Page 70: Midi Implementation

    MIDI Implementation MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Xpression 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 71: 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 72: 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) Blue Thunder (bass preamp w/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 73 Notes:...
  • Page 74 Notes:...
  • Page 75 Notes:...
  • Page 76 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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