Art SGX-NightBass manual

i SGX NIGHTBASS TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.................................................................. 1 GETTING STARTED............................................................... 2 INSTALLATION.................................................................. 3 CONNECTIONS............................................................. [...]

ii ADD EFFECT....................................................... 12 DELETE EFFECT.................................................... 13 STORE ...........................................................13 REC/ARM.......................................................... 14 TRIGGER.......................................................... 14 TIT[...]

iii REGEN-DDL-S...................................................... 32 REGEN-DDL-L...................................................... 32 STEREO-DDL-S..................................................... 33 STEREO-DDL-L..................................................... 33 SAMPLER-S........................................................ 33 S[...]

iv APPENDIX F .................................................................57 GUITAR OR KEYBOARD INTO NIGHTBASS, CONTROLLED BY AN X-15 ULTRAFOOT..... 57 APPENDIX G................................................................... 58 USING THE NIGHTBASS WITH AN X-15 ULTRAFOOT............................. 58 WARRANTY ............................[...]

1 INTRODUCTION Thank you and congratulations on your new ART purchase. The NIGHTBASS combines the dazzling effects of ART's own digital VLSI technology with applied analog and tube technology. The result is an incredible preamp/analog/digital effects processor for bass offering a level of processing resolution with the sound quality of multipl[...]

2 GETTING STARTED We have included this section for those of you who can't wait to experience the power of your new NIGHTBASS. Follow the hookup directions for the setup you use and then start playing. After the initial thrill wears off (if that's possible!), and you want to get to know your NIGHTBASS better, refer to the rest of this man[...]

3 INSTRUMENT & POWER AMP USING LINE OUTPUTS Plug your instrument into the Instrument Input jack located on the front panel. Connect a cable from your power amp to the Left Main Output (Line Out) jack. If your power amp is stereo, connect the left and right inputs of the amp to the Left and Right Main Output jacks. Turn the NIGHTBASS on first th[...]

4 LINE INPUT Line inputs are located on the rear panel. If you are using a mono source to the rear panel Line inputs, use the Left (Mono) jack. True stereo processing is accomplished by using both inputs in a left/right application. Use the Line input for sending "hotter" signals to the NIGHTBASS. OUTPUTS: Four different types of outputs [...]

5 EFFECT LOOP 2 Effect Loop 2 is a stereo send and return located after the Mix section. Connections are standard 1/4" mono jacks. Use this loop to insert other stereo effects processors or patch direct out to an amplifier, mixer or recorder. NOTES: 1) When you have a device plugged into the effect loops, keep the Master Overide switches on th[...]

6 abbreviated description of effects stored, effects to be selected or deleted in the preset, and effect parameter information. Other information may appear here also. The view angle may be adjusted and is covered in the following section under the UTILITY function. A user or factory preset would be displayed in the LCD like: ?[...]

7 NOTE: For additional information regarding proper signal levels, refer to the Level section in Appendix A. DIGITAL PROCESSOR INPUT LEVEL CONTROL This slide control adjusts the amount of signal sent to the digital effects section of the SGX NIGHTBASS. It is located at the end of the analog effects section after Loop 1's return. Adjust the con[...]

8 BOOST At 250Hz, control the upper end of your lows and lower mids to add some depth to the signal. PUNCH 1KHz is the center point of this band. Use it to color and fill in the sound. BRILLIANCE The frequency center is 3.0KHz and allows you enhance the upper midrange. TUBE CONTOUR Use this control to vary the harmonic balance sound of the tube. As[...]

9 keypad entry buttons are used for preset effects control and utilities to be accessed. These functions are labeled in grey. FUNCTION BUTTONS The function buttons are those which select a particular function or feature to be executed or entered for modification. Status of the function button being in an active or inactive state is displayed by an [...]

10 You do not need to engage the PARAM button to change the Mix parameters. To disengage the MIX button, press either the Preset, Param or Value button. DEFAULT VALUES: When you select a blank preset, Both the DGFX and ANFX levels are set at 75%, and the DRY value is set at 0%. The programmed Mix parameters may be stored as part of the preset. To s[...]

11 by the display [ ****ACTIVE****] for about two seconds and then just displaying the preset name and effects. NOTES: 1) If the MIX parameters are programmed DRY = 0% and DG or ANFX = >0% and the Bypass Level Utility parameter is set to =MIX DRY LEVEL and BYPASS is initiated, no signal will be present at the outputs. 2) Bypass level is determin[...]

12 NIGHTBASS, you will hear the effect when you press the ENTER button. To make the effect permanent, press the STORE button. To close the Add Effect function and escape to Edit Mode, press the button once or press the Edit Mode button. The ADD EFFECT button is also used in TITLE EDIT Mode to add characters and spaces to the title. You can preview [...]

13 NOTE: Before you start building your own presets, read the section "Level Programming Hints for Building Your Own Presets" in Appendix A. DELETE EFFECT Pressing the DELETE EFFECT button once opens the Delete Effect function. To delete an effect from a preset, press this button and use the Encoder to select the effect you want deleted. [...]

14 easy to delete stored presets. Presets 116 through 200 are null when you receive your unit or after a factory reset. REC/ARM YOU MUST BE USING A PRESET SET UP FOR SAMPLING AND IN THE EDIT MODE FOR THIS FUNCTION TO OPERATE To reset the NIGHTBASS to record a new sample, press the REC/ARM button. While you are using any of the Sampler algorithms yo[...]

15 *If the Param button is pressed, you may move the cursor left and right with the Encoder to position it for the next character. *Pressing the Value or Param buttons will move the cursor right or left one space at a time. -Press the Store button to save your title. The title will appear in the upper half of the LCD and any selected effects are in[...]

16 the through signal level will be whatever this value is set to. The initial default setting is 100%. When the value is set to [= MIX DRY LEVEL], the DRY level setting (from the Programmable Mix) of the preset will be the signal level when the NIGHTBASS is bypassed. Set your Bypass Level to avoid wild jumps in volume when kicking the NIGHTBASS in[...]

17 LCD View Angle [6] Allows the viewing angle of the LCD Display to be adjusted. You may change the LCD view angle for the best visibility. The angle may be adjusted to maximize readability of the characters from top, front or under viewing angles. When viewing from the top, use a higher number. If you are viewing the display directly from the fro[...]

18 UNLOCKING THE FACTORY PRESETS -Make sure you are in the EDIT Mode. (Press EDIT button if not) -Press the UTILITY button. -Press the Param button. -Use the Encoder to select the screen displaying [PRESET1...115 = LOCKED]. -Press the Value button and use the Encoder to change the value to UNLOCKED. * All presets are now unlocked. If you wish to st[...]

19 FX ON/OFF ENABLE (USING X-15) ON, OFF [ON] When the NIGHTBASS is used with an ART X-15 ULTRAFOOT, the two devices "talk" to each other. In order for the two devices to talk, Enable must be ON. The NIGHTBASS enables commands to be received from the X-15 to turn the effects in the preset on or off. NOTES: 1) You must use two MIDI cables [...]

20 For detailed information, please refer to the MIDI DATA MONITOR section listed under the Description of Algorithms section. PRESS ENTER TO: SEND A PRESET Dump a single preset via MIDI to another NIGHTBASS or MIDI storage device. Sending a Preset Transferring a single preset to another NIGHTBASS or a suitable MIDI device is accomplished by select[...]

21 (especially with an X-15) you virtually plug in and play. But, if you want to program, we've made that easy too. Modification to select the specific values and ranges you want the parameter to cover is done by normal editing. The number displayed in the upper left corner represents the MIDI Controller you are working with. Performance MIDI [...]

22 (or defaults) to which algorithms may be combined and displays them in the LCD when you are "ADDing an EFFECT". All of the analog and digital effects parameters including the Mix Control parameters are controllable via the X-15. Some parameters were specifically tuned to be used with foot controllers. These are: the compressor output, [...]

23 RATIO: [1:3] OFF, 1:1.5, 1:1.8, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 The expander is an extention of the compressor. (You don't need the Compressor in the effects chain for the Expander to work) Use the expander to reduce the noise the compressor may bring up. Adjust the Range control for the audio threshold level. This level is where the expander wil[...]

24 Use the Harmonic Exciter when you want to enhance or add life to your instrument and add clarity to vocals in a mix. As you turn the Range parameter up, the effect the exciter has on the signal increases. Select the frequency you wish to excite with the Tune parameter. The exciter in the NIGHTBASS is integrated within the distortion section. Loc[...]

25 SIGNAL FREQUENCY SHAPING ALGORITHMS EQUALIZER (SEVEN BAND EQUALIZER) [EQUALIZER],[EQL] Parameters: 40Hz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB 100Hz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB 250Hz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB 640Hz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB 1.6KHz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB 4KHz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB 10KHz [0dB] (+/-) 2,4,6,9,12,15 dB The [...]

26 Better than an equalizer, the AES program actually knocks out frequencies over the entire spectrum, simulating real world acoustics. AES lets you warm up a room or hall, deaden drums, soften a vocal, sizzle your ears off with presence, or just make your material sound natural. NOTE: When using AES alone, be sure to control its output level in th[...]

27 REGENeration is useful when you stack the Pitch Transposer with the MONO DDL algorithm. Each time a repeat is done it is shifted up or down by the pitch selected. The Base Key parameter should be used when triggering the Pitch Transposer from a MIDI keyboard. The amount of pitch shift may be set by MIDI Note On messages. The values selected in t[...]

28 with the speed parameter. Like the FLANGER, the effect type may either be POST or PRE located in relation to reverb or delay. The output level of the CHORUS may be adjusted to control it's "depth" in the preset. PANNER [PANNER], [PAN] Parameters: :MOD % = [100%] 0 to 100 percent in % increments :SPEED= [2.16hZ] .04Hz to 27.3Hz MID[...]

29 :HFDAMP = [14%] 0 to 50 percent in % increments :POSITN= [83%] FRONT to REAR in % increments :LEVEL = [100%] 0 to 100 percent in % increments REVERB-2 [REVERB-2], [REV] Parameters: :TYPE= [HALL-2] HALL-2, ROOM-2, PLATE-2, VOCAL-2, OFF (REVERB-1 TYPEs are also available) :IN = [PRE DDL] PRE DDL, POST DDL :DECAY = [2.4s] 0 to 25 seconds in varying[...]

30 Position (POSITN) puts you the listener where you hear reverb reflections. Front positions you close to the initial signal so you hear more 1st reflections and the reverberant decay is in the background. As you position yourself more towards the Rear, you "mix" the initial sound to reverberant sound ratio. At the Rear, you hear the sig[...]

31 Gated reverb TYPEs have differences in their decay characteristics. The difference between normal reverb decays and decays when a gated program is the normal decay gradually fades into nothing while the gated decay ends in an abrupt manner. A "Sloped" gate follows a normal decay curve, and then when a certain level threshold is reached[...]

32 are closer together. As the taps approach the set delay in the Lengthened mode they are farther apart. In the types you will see an [m] and an [s], the [m] means mono and the [s] signifies stereo. The mono tapped delay has its left and right taps at the same delay points where the stereo taps are staggered. When using the stereo tapped delays th[...]

33 STEREO-DDL-S [STREO-DDL-S], [DDL] Stereo Digital Delay - Short Parameters: :DLY-L* = [80ms] 0 to 1100ms :L-FINE* = [0ms] 0 to 50ms in 1ms increments :DLY-R* = [110ms] 0 to 1100ms :R-FINE* = [0ms] 0 to 50ms in 1ms increments increments:5ms;0-350, 10ms;350-700 20ms;700-1000, 50ms;1000-1100 :REGEN = [76%] 0 to 100 percent in % increments :HFDAMP = [...]

34 LENGTH= [1.30s] 0.02 to 1.30 seconds in 20ms increments START= [5ms] 0 to 100ms in 1ms increments LEVEL= [100%] 0 to 100 percent in % increments SAMPLER-L [SAMPLER-L], SMP Sampler-Long Parameters: STAT= [REC-RDY] REC-RDY, PLAY, IDLE RECORD= [AUTO] AUTO, MANUL, MIDI PLAY= [SINGLE] SINGLE, PUNCHIN, MIDI, REPEAT, AUDIO LENGTH= [1.58s] 0.01 to 1.58 [...]

35 Start allows you to trim the beginning of the sample removing annoying clicks, unwanted sample material or dead space. Level sets the amount of signal level coming out of the Sampler. Use the Short Sampler, [SAMPLER-S] when you want to combine a sampled sound with reverb. The algorithms from reverb groups one and two are available. Every time th[...]

36 Select which preamp circuit you use. Four choices are available to insert into a preset. Brite Tube and Smooth Tube use the 12AX7A as either a clean preamp (Brite) or, for a "dirty" preamp (Smooth). Solid state circuitry is used when you select the Smooth Solid or Second EQ Off. When using solid state, you have an extremely clean pream[...]

37 By adding Programmable Level to the effects chain, you are capable of setting the master output level of each individual preset easily. The Programmable Level algorithm controls the amount of signal level after the Digital Processor Input slider and before the EFX Crossover. TUNER [TUNER], [TNR] Parameters: TYPE = [BASS] BASS, GUITAR REFRNC (bas[...]

38 before attempting continued tuning. The most accurate tuning will be obtained by adjusting the string after it has "sung" for some time while dying out. If insufficient audio level prevents the unit from making measurements the LED window will look like Display 1 . When you are more than a half step (100 cents) sharp or flat the LED wi[...]

39    DISPLAY 1:      INSUFFICIENT INPUT SIGNAL          DISPLAY 2:    MORE THAN A HALF STEP SHARP   [...]

40 portion of the window that displays the actual value is blanked until the new MIDI event data is received. Example of PERFORMANCE MIDI Controller Definition Screens Screen #1 Screen #2 Screen #3   [...]

41 Examples of Screen Displays for MIDI CONTROLLER #4 FOOT CONTROLLER "ENGLISHed" Mode "RAW DATA" Mode Decimal Decimal    MIDICTL=176 CH01  176 004 127   FOOTCTLR=004:127  FOOTCTLR=004:127 [...]

42   DISPLAYED TEXT  ACTUAL NAME  MIDI CONTROLLER #  [...]

43 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION About the Presets The presets of the NIGHTBASS are grouped together for various sounds and applications. Locations 1 thru 20 are set up for instant use with bass guitar, try presets 21 thru 37 with an X-15 ULTRAFOOT and bass for foot control of the effects. Preset 002 is set up as an automatic tuner, select it and tune.[...]

44 will answer technical questions about ART products and provide information concerning service if needed. ART NIGHTBASS SPECIFICATIONS Total Presets............................................... 200 Factory Presets..............................................115 User Memory Locations........................................ 85 Dynamic Range ....[...]

45 APPENDIX A HELPFUL HINTS Building Your Own Presets Building presets is easy, really. Don't let all those effects possibilities scare you. What we suggest is to start by modifying existing presets. By doing this, you'll become familiar with how presets are built, what's in them and most importantly the level settings. Don't fo[...]

46 3) Whenever you add an effect that has gain (ie. compressor or distortion), add the Expander first and if the noise is still high, add the Noise Gate also. 4) Limit the maximum gain in a preset. If you add compressor and distortion, you can have as much as 90dB of gain! This will bring up the noise of the system to ear shattering levels. If you [...]

47 for your normal maximum operating level. Select the crossover frequency with the Crossover Frequency control on the front panel. To fine tune the balance between high and low level use the front panel Crossover Balance Control. Miscellaneous Suggestions It is not suggested to use a microphone plugged directly into the NIGHTBASS. Even though the [...]

48 APPENDIX B EXAMPLES COPYING A PRESET You may copy a preset from any location into another easily. (If you want to copy a factory preset into another factory preset location, you must first Unlock the destination preset.) To copy a factory preset into one of the 85 user presets follow these steps. -Enter EDIT Mode. -Select the preset you want cop[...]

49 NOTE: Don't forget, many foot pedals are configured for their preset 1 to recall MIDI program 0. This example allows for this and preset 1 is recalled when the foot pedal preset 1 is recalled. EXAMPLE 2: Editing the MPT with a keyboard or external controller. Using this method of editing, you select the desired patch on the keyboard or foot[...]

50 in Example 3 with a footswitch. Example five shows how to program the REMOTE jack for normal bypass operation. EXAMPLE 3 Setting up a preset sequence including a bypass preset. If you need to change between presets quickly without scanning or MIDI, this procedure will be to your advantage. As in the other examples, editing the MPT is the key. In[...]

51   REMOTE SWITCH 2   = DECR PROGS 9  EXAMPLE 5 Adding Performance MIDI to an existing preset. In this example we are going to add PM to preset 45, "TV ON MARS". The effect parameter we will control is: REV:DECAY, the r[...]

52 APPENDIX C NIGHTBASS MIDI MESSAGES The NIGHTBASS responds to the following messages: Program change: Cxh ddh x = channel number 0h to Fh for channels 1 to 16 dd = program number 0h to 7Fh or 0 to 127 If the channel the NIGHTBASS is set to is not off and the channel matches (either it is the same number or OMNI is on), then the unit will look up [...]

53 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MESSAGES Set Bypass OFF: F0 1A 0x 13 03 00 00 F7 Set Bypass ON: F0 1A 0x 13 03 00 01 F7 This allows remotely setting the state of BYPASS in the NIGHTBASS without affecting anything else in the unit. MIDI controller messages may also be used to turn Bypass ON/OFF. The default value is MIDI controller number 84. Request DUM[...]

54 APPENDIX D MIDI Implementation Chart ART NIGHTBASS model 490; Date: DECEMBER 1991; VER 1.0 |--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Function | Transmitted | Recognized | Remarks | |--------------------|-------------|-------------|-------------------| | Basic Default | X | 1-16 | note 1 | | Channel Channel | X | 1-[...]

55 Notes: 1: Factory default is channel 1, OMNI ON. Current setting is maintained in non-volatile RAM and does not change when the NIGHTBASS is powered on. Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO O: Yes Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 3: OMNI OFF, MONO X: No[...]

56 APPENDIX E MIDI: CONTROLLERS & NUMBERS CONTROLLER # CONTROLLER DESCRIPTION 0 UNDEFINED 1 MOD WHEEL 2 BREATH CONTROLLER 3 UNDEFINED 4 FOOT CONTROLLER 5 PORTAMENTO TIME 6 DATA ENTRY (msb) 7 MAIN VOLUME 8 BALANCE 9 UNDEFINED 10 PAN 11 EXPRESSION CONTROLLER 12-15 UNDEFINED 16-19 GENERAL PURPOSE #'S 1-4 20-31 UNDEFINED 32-63 LSB FOR VALUES 0[...]

57 APPENDIX F GUITAR OR KEYBOARD INTO NIGHTBASS, CONTROLLED BY AN X-15 ULTRAFOOT     BASS   KEYBOARD   X-15 MIDI     THRU OUT[...]

58 APPENDIX G USING THE NIGHTBASS WITH AN X-15 ULTRAFOOT When an ART X-15 ULTRAFOOT is used with the NIGHTBASS, remote control of the parameters and the ability to turn on and off the effects themselves greatly extend the capabilities of the NIGHTBASS. More than half of the NIGHTBASS's factory presets are set up with MIDI controllers providing[...]

59 WARRANTY & SERVICE INFORMATION LIMITED WARRANTY Warranty service for this unit will be provided by Applied Research & Technology, Inc. in accordance with the following warrant statement. Applied Research & Technology, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the components thereof, will be free from defects in wo[...]

60 NIGHTBASS PRESET LIST 1 POWER PUNCH REV-3 CMP EXP EQL XOR LVL 1 controller: 11 2 BASS GTR TNR TNR CMP EXP (no controllers) 3 BIG ESSVEETEE REV-3 CMP EXP PRA EQL XOR 1 controller: 11 4 RICKENFAKER LPF REV-3 CMP EXP PRA EQL XOR LVL 1 controller: 11 5 JAZZ MAN REV-3 CMP EXP PRA EQL LVL 1 controller: 11 6 PRECISION TONITE REV-3 CMP PRA NGT EQL XOR L[...]

61 40 SLAP JAZZ BASS (no digital) CMP NGT EQL LVL (no controllers) 41 ACTIVE JAZZ BASS (no digital) CMP PRA NGT EQL (no controllers) 42 SIT ON MY BASS REV-1 CHO CMP NGT EQL AES LVL (no controllers) 43 JUST A TASTE REV-1 CMP NGT EQL AES (no controllers) 44 HORNET JAZZ REV-1 FLA CMP PRA NGT EQL AES XOR (no controllers) 45 TV ON MARS R-DDL-L REV-1 FLA[...]

62 CMP EXP DST HAR PRA NGT EQL LVL 3 controllers: 11 4 88 VH BROWN/X-15 LPF R-DDL-S REV-1 CHO CMP EXP DST PRA NGT EQL AES LVL 4 controllers: 11 89 BORUS CHORUS GTR LPF R-DDL-S REV-1 CHO PANNER CMP EXP HAR EQL AES LVL (no controllers) 90 FAT FLANGER GTR LPF R-DDL-S REV-1 FLA PANNER CMP EXP HAR EQL AES LVL 2 controllers: 11 4 91 GTR UP THE RIVER LPF [...]

63 How to Read the Preset Description   12 TWIN MELLOW BASS  →  Title Line  PTR REV-1  →  Digital Effects Line  CMP NGT EQL LVL  → Analog Effects Line  2 controllers: 11 4  → MI[...]

64 T-DDL-S TAPPED-DDL-SHORT [TAP'D-DDL-S], [DDL] T-DDL-L TAPPED-DDL-LONG [TAP'D-DDL-L], [DDL] TNR GUITAR TUNER [TUNER], [TNR] TRM TREMOLO [TREMOLO], [TRM] XOR DIGITAL CROSSOVER [EFX CROSSVR], [XOR][...]