English Reference Manual VL3X Safety information 1 Getting to know VL3X 39 Tips and tricks for working with layers Important safety instructions 2 Amazing Grace 40 and effects 90 EMC / EMI 4 A guided tour 41 Footswitch tab: Remapping footswitches 91 Explanation of graphic symbols 5 There’s no place like Home 42 Expression Pedal tab: Getting the Using the Control knob 43 most out of your expression pedal 92 Before you begin 6 Using the Arrow buttons 44 About this document (VL3X reference manual)7 What is a Preset? 45 Editing the Vocal Layer 94 Getting support 8 Using Steps 46 Introduction 95 VoiceSupport 9 Using Preset Genres and Favorites 47 Harmony effect block / tab 96 Please register your VL3X 10 What is NaturalPlay? 48 Double effect block / tab 98 Using Global Key/Scale 49 Vocal Delay effect block / tab 99 Introduction 11 Setting Key/Scale manually 50 Vocal Reverb effect block / tab 101 Welcome! 12 Let’s try Harmony! 51 HardTune effect block / tab 103 Concepts 13 Using the HIT footswitch 52 Synth effect block / tab 105 Top panel overview 18 Using individual effects 53 Transducer effect block / tab 106 Footswitches overview 21 Change a button from Latched to Vocal µMod effect block / tab 107 Back panel inputs and outputs 27 Momentary mode 54 Choir effect block / tab 108 Remapping a footswitch 55 Vocal Rhythmic effect block / tab 109 VL3X overview 30 Talk/Tuner Mode 57 Stutter effect block / tab 110 Setting up 31 Guitar Effects 58 Vocal Buttonmap tab 111 Diagram legend 32 Editing HIT 59 Diagrams 33 Using ALL HIT 60 Quick troubleshooting tips 38 HIT – Dynamic versus Snapshot 61 Storing Presets 63 Tapping tempo 65 Using Global Tempo 66 Editing an Effect 67 Defining and using Global Effects 69 MIDI Sync 72 Backing Track Import 73 Using Backing Tracks 76 Backing Track Sequence Recording (Automation) 80 Importing and Exporting Performances 83 Product VL3X Direct to USB Recording 84 Product (firmware) version 2.1.00 Build 346 USB Audio 85 Document Reference manual Using the Mix Controls 88 Document version / date 2015-10-20 VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) a Editing the Guitar Layer 113 The Looper 126 Introduction 114 Introduction 127 Amp effect block / tab 115 Loop button parameters 128 Drive effect block / tab 117 Basic loop concepts and terms 131 Guitar Delay effect block / tab 118 Entering and exiting Loop mode 132 Guitar Reverb effect block / tab 119 Your first loop 133 Comp(ression) effect block / tab 120 The Utility menu 137 Wah (Wah-Wah) effect block / tab 121 Loop limits 142 µMod effect block / tab 122 Loop import 143 Octaver effect block / tab 123 Loop Mixer 146 Guitar Rhythmic effect block / tab 124 Loop export 148 Guitar Buttonmap block / tab 125 Loop management 149 Loop Triggers 151 Looping and MIDI Sync 153 Setup 154 Introduction 155 Input tab 156 Output tab 160 Guitar tab 162 MIDI tab 164 Tone tab 168 System tab 174 Mic Control and Footswitch tabs 178 Mic Control tab 179 Footswitch tab 181 Pedal Calibration tab 186 Product info tab 187 Appendix 188 MIDI CC List 189 Output Mode Chart 190 System Maintenance/Factory Reset 193 Technical Specifications 194 VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) b Safety information Safety information VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 1 Safety information Important safety instructions 1. Read these instructions. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning Caution 2. Keep these instructions. storms or when unused for long periods 3. Heed all warnings. of time. You are cautioned that any change or modifi- 4. Follow all instructions. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service per- cations not expressly approved in this manual 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. sonnel. Servicing is required when the ap- could void your authority to operate this equip- 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. paratus has been damaged in any way, ment. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. In- such as power-supply cord or plug is dam- stall in accordance with the manufacturer’s aged, liquid has been spilled or objects instructions. have fallen into the apparatus, the appara- 8. Do not install near any heat sources such tus has been exposed to rain or moisture, as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or oth- does not operate normally, or has been er apparatus (including amplifiers) that pro- dropped. duce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the po- larized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, con- venience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Only use attachments/accessories speci- fied by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the ap- paratus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 2 Safety information Service Warning ► All service must be performed by qualified ► To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do personnel. not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture ► There are no user-serviceable parts inside. and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus. ► This apparatus must be earthed. ► Use a three wire grounding type line cord like the one supplied with the product. ► Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of line cord and attachment plugs. ► Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type. Voltage Line plug according to standard 110 to 125 V UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42. 220 to 230 V CEE 7 page VII, SR section 107- 2-D1 / IEC 83 page C4. ► This equipment should be installed near the socket outlet and disconnection of the device should be easily accessible. ► To completely disconnect from AC mains, dis- connect the power supply cord from the AC receptacle. ► The mains plug of the power supply shall re- main readily operable. ► Do not install this device in a confined space. ► For use at an altitude of 2000 m or lower. ► Do not open the unit – risk of electric shock inside. VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 3 Safety information EMC / EMI Electromagnetic compatibility / For customers in Canada Electromagnetic interference This Class B digital apparatus complies with Ca- This equipment has been tested and found to nadian ICES-003. comply with the limits for a Class B digital de- vice, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in resi- dential installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer- ence to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: ► Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. ► Increase the separation between the equip- ment and receiver. ► Connect the equipment into an outlet on a cir- cuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. ► Consult the dealer or an experienced ra- dio / TV technician for help. VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 4 Safety information Explanation of graphic symbols The lightning bolt triangle is used to alert the user to the presence of unin- sulated “dangerous voltages” within the unit’s chassis that may be of suffi- cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans. The exclamation point triangle is used to alert the user to presence of import- ant operating and service instructions in the literature accompanying the product. VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 5 Before you begin Before you begin VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 6 Before you begin About this document (VL3X reference manual) This reference manual will help you learn under- standing and operating your VL3X. You can download the most current version of this reference manual from: tc-helicon.com/support/manuals/ To get the most from your TC-Helicon pro duct, please start by reading the printed quick guide that came with the product. Then proceed with this reference manual. Read it from start to fin- ish, or you may miss important information. VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 7 Before you begin Getting support If you still have questions about the product af- ter reading this reference manual, please get in touch with TC-Helicon Support: tc-helicon.com/support/product/ VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 8 Before you begin VoiceSupport VoiceSupport is the application that allows you to fully unlock the potential of your TC-Helicon product and stay in touch with the latest news, tips and tricks. VoiceSupport key features include: ► Professionally authored preset libraries ► Direct access to product manuals ► Drag & drop Preset management ► Customizable content about your products ► Firmware upgrades ► Account management ► Access to TC-Helicon support You can download VoiceSupport for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X from: tc-helicon.com/products/voicesupport/ VL3X – Reference manual (updated 2015-10-20) 9 Before you begin Please register your VL3X To register your VL3X using the VoiceSupport software, launch VoiceSupport and click on the ACCOUNT button.