Art Quadra/FX User manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................1
Quick Start Instructions .................................................................................................................................................2
Quick Setup ...............................................................................................................................................................2
With a Mixer ...............................................................................................................................................................2
Straight into an Amp ..................................................................................................................................................3
In an Amp’s Effects Loop ...........................................................................................................................................3
Try It Out ....................................................................................................................................................................4
Selecting Presets .......................................................................................................................................................4
Installation .......................................................................................................................................................................5
AC Power Hookup .....................................................................................................................................................5
Audio Connections .....................................................................................................................................................5
Safety Precautions .....................................................................................................................................................5
Quadra/FX Front Panel Controls and Indicators .........................................................................................................6
Rotary Encoder/Switch ..............................................................................................................................................6
Power .........................................................................................................................................................................6
Routing Button ...........................................................................................................................................................6
Engine Button ............................................................................................................................................................7
Effects Button .............................................................................................................................................................7
Class Button ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Parameter Button .......................................................................................................................................................8
MIDI Button ................................................................................................................................................................8
Store Button ...............................................................................................................................................................8
Bypass Button ............................................................................................................................................................8
Smart Meter LEDs .....................................................................................................................................................9
Numerical Display (Preset / Value) Window ..............................................................................................................9

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Special Key Combinations: .......................................................................................................................................9
Restoring Presets to Original Factory Settings ...................................................................................................9
Dry Kill and Global Mix ......................................................................................................................................10
Setting Dry Kill and Global Mix .........................................................................................................................11
MIDI Dump ........................................................................................................................................................12
Quadra/FX Rear Panel Controls and Connections ...................................................................................................13
Power Jack Input .....................................................................................................................................................13
MIDI In & MIDI Out ..................................................................................................................................................13
Outputs #1–4 ...........................................................................................................................................................13
Output Level Switch ................................................................................................................................................14
Inputs #1–4 ..............................................................................................................................................................14
Input Level Switch ...................................................................................................................................................14
Tutorial ..........................................................................................................................................................................15
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................15
Creating From Scratch ............................................................................................................................................16
Just Editing ..............................................................................................................................................................18
Faster Editing ....................................................................................................................................................19
MIDI .........................................................................................................................................................................20
Editing MIDI Parameters ...................................................................................................................................21
Advanced Application Notes ...................................................................................................................................24
The Smart Encoder ...........................................................................................................................................24
Smart Encoder Use ...........................................................................................................................................25
Using a Default Smart Encoder Function in Preset Mode ................................................................................25
Using the Smart Encoder while Editing Reverb, Delay, and Rotary Effects ....................................................26
The Quadra/FX’s Adjustable Parameters ..................................................................................................................27
Description Of Routings and Engines .....................................................................................................................27
Description of Classes .............................................................................................................................................28
Description of Effects and Their Parameters ..........................................................................................................29
Common Parameters ........................................................................................................................................29
Chamber Reverb ...............................................................................................................................................31
Room Reverb ....................................................................................................................................................31
Hall Reverb .......................................................................................................................................................31
Plate Reverb .....................................................................................................................................................31
Digital Delay ......................................................................................................................................................36
Pitch Transposer ...............................................................................................................................................39
Chorus ...............................................................................................................................................................42
Flanger ..............................................................................................................................................................45
Phaser ...............................................................................................................................................................48
Rotary ................................................................................................................................................................51

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Tremolo ..............................................................................................................................................................54
Panner ...............................................................................................................................................................57
MIDI Parameters ......................................................................................................................................................60
Channel Number ...............................................................................................................................................60
MIDI Map ...........................................................................................................................................................60
Controllers #1–4 ................................................................................................................................................61
Reference ......................................................................................................................................................................63
Quadra/FX Factory Preset List ................................................................................................................................63
LFO Shapes .............................................................................................................................................................65
MIDI Controllers and Numbers ................................................................................................................................67
MIDI Implementation in the Quadra/FX ...................................................................................................................68
Warranty Information ...............................................................................................................................................70
Service .....................................................................................................................................................................70
Quadra/FX Specifications ........................................................................................................................................72

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Quadra/FX and congratulations! You now own one of the most sophisticated pieces of
audio signal-processing technology available. The Quadra/FX uses state-of-the-art DSP techniques combined with
A R T’s proprietary Dynamic Engine Allocation (DEA™) software to give you control over a multitude of brand new,
stunning effects algorithms – many of which have never been heard before. The Quadra/FX is the world’s first
affordable four-channel multi-effects processor and its straightforward user interface quickly and easily gives you
access to all of its features.
FEATURES:
• Four discrete inputs, outputs, and audio processing channels
• 20 bit A/D – D/A converters on all four inputs and outputs
• 46.875 kHz sample rate
• Radically new effect algorithms: reverb, rotary, phaser, flanger, chorus, panner, pitch shift, tremolo, and delay
• Six algorithmic variations of each effect
• Dynamic effects with parameters that change in response to the input signal level
• A R T’s proprietary Dynamic Engine Allocation (DEA™)
• Performance MIDI™ real-time control
• Fully programmable
• Designed and manufactured in the USA
Fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase ___________________
Purchased from ___________________
Serial number ___________________
415–5004–101

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QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS
You’ve unpacked your Quadra/FX and you’re in a hurry to get it up and running. You probably would rather play with it
than read the manual. Fair enough. First, check out the basics, outlined here, just to get your Quadra/FX on-line. It
should take only a couple of minutes for you to read through this section and then you’ll be ready to fire up your new
unit. Later, when you want to get into more of the details, check out the rest of the manual.
QUICK SETUP:
Plug the AC adapter into the back of the Quadra/FX and then into a wall socket.
Make sure that both the Input Level and Output Level switches (on the back of the unit) are fully out. You may
need to depress these switches later, after the other setup steps are done.
NOTE: For all input and output connections, always use high quality, shielded cables.
WITH A MIXER:
Connect two cords with ¼” plugs between your mixer’s auxiliary sends and the Quadra/FX’s Inputs #1 and #2.
For a mixer with a mono send, use only Input #1. Connect Outputs #1 and #2 to two input channels or the
returns on your mixer.
The Quadra/FX can be used as two separate, stereo effect-processors. Inputs and Outputs #3 and #4
correspond to the Quadra/FX’s second stereo engine. Again, if your mixer has a mono send, use only Input
#3.
The Quadra/FX can even be used as four completely independent, mono effect-processors. As you would
expect, Inputs #1–4 correspond with Outputs #1–4.
IMPORTANT: If you are patched in a send/return fashion and mixing an instrument’s dry (unprocessed) signal
with processed sound from the Quadra/FX (on separate faders), you will want to remove all dry signal from
the Quadra/FX’s internal mix buss (signal path). This allows the dry signal to only appear once at the mixing

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board and not additionally at the Quadra/FX’s faders. One way to do this is to set EACH preset’s Mix
parameter to 100%. This would be a tedious process! Fortunately, there is a special Quadra/FX function
called Dry Kill that will conveniently turn off the dry signal path inside the unit. Each preset’s Mix value is still
retained, even though all dry sound is eliminated. To enable Dry Kill, press and hold the Bypass and
Parameter buttons, then release them both. Turn the Encoder until the Display reads: 2)) (the dry sound is
off). Now press any key to return to the presets. For more information on Dry Kill, see page 10.
STRAIGHT INTO AN AMP:
If you’re patching the Quadra/FX into an instrument amplifier or stereo monitor amplifier, use one cord
between the instrument and the Quadra/FX’s Input #1. Run a second cord from Output #1 to the amp’s input.
If the amp has stereo input capabilities, or if you’re using two amps, connect another cord between the
Quadra/FX’s Output #2 and the amplifier’s other input. You can also plug a second output from your
instrument (or the output from another instrument) into the Quadra/FX’s Input #2. Don’t forget that the
Quadra/FX can also be used as two separate, stereo processors, or even as four separate, mono processors.
Imagine the Power!
IN AN AMP’S EFFECTS LOOP:
If you’re patching the Quadra/FX into a guitar (or other instrument) amplifier’s mono effects loop, use one cord
between the amp’s effects send jack and the Quadra/FX’s Input #1. Run a second cord from Output #1 to the
amp’s Effects Return jack. (If the amp has stereo returns, use another cord to connect the Quadra/FX’s

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Output #2 to the amp’s other effects return jack.) Again, don’t forget that the Quadra/FX has the power to act
as two separate, stereo processors or four separate, mono processors.
TRY IT OUT:
Turn on your amp or mixer and monitor amplifier.
Make sure that your mixer’s or amp’s send level control is turned up and that a signal is being sent to the
Quadra/FX. Watch the Smart Meter on the front of the unit. Most of the red lights (LEDs) should be on, except
for the +6 LED, which should only glow when a really loud, instantaneous signal reaches the unit. If the +6
LED glows constantly, turn down the send level from your mixer or instrument. If only a few Smart Meter
LEDs glow, either turn up your mixer’s send level, or press in the Input Level switch on the back of the unit
and then adjust the send level accordingly.
Now raise the return level on your mixer or amp. You should be hearing the Quadra/FX’s effect. If not, check
your connections and your monitor amp. Make sure that the Quadra/FX’s Bypass button hasn’t been
accidentally pushed; if it has, the front panel Display will read -, To turn Bypass either off or on, press
the front panel Bypass button. If the Quadra/FX’s level seems too high, press in the Output Level switch on
the back of the unit.
SELECTING PRESETS:
The Quadra/FX is in Preset mode when it is powered up. Select a preset by turning the Rotary Encoder (just
to the right of the Display) to any preset you desire. For a list of the presets arranged according to number
and type, see page 63. Editing effects will be covered later in this manual.
NOTE: The Quadra/FX can handle up to two stereo channels and up to four mono channels, depending on
how a preset is internally “routed.” Some of the factory presets may use a routing scheme (Discrete 4, Twin
Stereo, Cascade, or Stereo) that is different from how your rig is currently configured. You may not hear what
you would expect to hear. For instance, you may be set up to only monitor stereo outputs (#1 and #2), and
you may be listening to a Factory Preset that creates four separate flangers in a Discrete 4 routing (four
effects with separate inputs and outputs). Obviously, you will not hear all four flangers because you are not
listening to Outputs #3 and #4. You will only hear the two flangers at Outputs #1 and #2. Unmatched routing
schemes, however, can still produce creative results. For example, in the previous setup situation, the
Discrete 4 flanger preset would yield a stereo flanger, but with completely independent (unlinked) left and
right channel sweep widths and rates! When is the last time you easily created THAT effect? The Quadra/FX
has many similarly unique sounds and features, all of which will be covered in the rest of this manual. For
your reference, more information on the concept of routings can be found on page 27 and a list of all factory
presets and their routings begins on page 63.

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INSTALLATION
The Quadra/FX may be used in a variety of setups including with mixer channel inserts, mixers with reverb send and
return facilities, and in the effects loop of an instrument or P.A. amplifier. Self-contained in an all-steel, single-height
19” rack-mount enclosure, the Quadra/FX is designed for continuous professional use. Because the unit is compact
and lightweight, mounting location is not critical. However, for greater reliability we recommend that you not place the
Quadra/FX on top of power amps, tube equipment, or other sources of heat.
AC POWER HOOKUP
The Quadra/FX has an external power supply designed to operate at 110 VAC @ 50 to 60 Hz. Units
manufactured for use outside the United States of America have been modified to comply with the required
electrical specifications. Only use the adapter that came with the Quadra/FX. If the adapter becomes lost
or damaged, contact A R T Customer Service for replacement.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
All audio connections to and from the Quadra/FX are ¼” unbalanced TS (Tip = Hot, Sleeve = Ground). We
recommend using only high-quality shielded cables equipped with high-quality connectors.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning: To avoid the risk of shock or fire, do not expose this unit to moisture. Refer all servicing to qualified
personnel. Do not remove the metal covers; there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Only use the
Quadra/FX power adapter that came with this unit or one obtained from A R T’s Customer Service
Department.

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QUADRA/FX FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & INDICATORS
- ROTARY ENCODER / SWITCH
The Rotary Encoder is used to change values or presets. Depending on the Quadra/FX’s
programming mode, it may also be pressed to change menus. See the tutorials beginning on
page 15 for more information on how to use the rotary Encoder/Switch.
$ POWER
The Power switch turns the unit on and off. The Numerical Display Window and various LEDs illuminate when
power is on. If the unit does not turn on when the switch is toggled, check the AC power cord and adapter. Also,
make sure the outlet that it is plugged into is “live,” by plugging in another piece of equipment that you know
works (try plugging into another outlet, too). If the outlet is good but the Quadra/FX does not turn on, consult
your dealer or A R T Customer Service.
% ROUTING BUTTON
Routings control the way that sound is processed through the Quadra/FX and how
each Input feeds each Output. Press the Routing button and use the Encoder to scroll
through the four internal, audio routings: Discrete 4, Twin Stereo, Cascade, and
Stereo. (For a description and diagram of each routing, see page 27.) The currently
selected routing LED will flash. Press the Encoder or the Engine button to enable your
changes. BE CAREFUL WHEN CHANGING ROUTINGS. Once a Routing change is
enabled, the Quadra/FX reconfigures its internal architecture and loads in default
effects; the preset’s former effects, class, and parameter values are all replaced.

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& ENGINE BUTTON
The Quadra/FX contains up to four audio signal processors, or engines. Pressing this
button and turning the Encoder will select an engine for editing (the selected engine
LED will flash). Depending on the current routing, one or more engine LEDs may flash.
Press the Engine button again to return to Preset mode. For more information on
engines, see page 27.
' EFFECTS BUTTON
Press the Effects button and turn the Encoder to pick an effect algorithm for
the currently selected engine (the selected effect LED will flash). Twelve
effect families are available: Chamber, Room, Hall, Plate, Delay, Pitch,
Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Rotary, Tremolo, and Panner. Since Panner and
Rotary are stereo effects, they are not available in Discrete 4 (mono)
routing. Press the Encoder or the Class button to load the selected effect. If
you instead press the Effects button, you will return to Preset mode with the
previous effect still loaded. For more information on effects, see page 29.
( CLASS BUTTON
Press the Class button and turn the Encoder to scroll through six algorithmic
variations, or classes, of the current effect. With twelve effect families and six
variations of each family, the Quadra/FX contains 72 different signal-processing
algorithms. The six class choices are Vocal, Instrument, Concert, Gated, Ambience,
and Dynamic. Each effect variation is optimized for a particular type of use, based
on its name; these are only suggestions. Sometimes the best results can be
obtained by choosing unconventional classes for an application. As you turn the
Encoder, you will immediately hear the sound of each class. Please note that some
Ambient classes use stereo algorithms that are not available in Discrete 4 (mono)
routing. For more information on classes, see page 28. Press the Class button
again to return to Preset mode.

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) PARAMETER BUTTON
When you press the Parameter button, the LEDs for all available
parameters of the current engine’s effect are lit. The currently selected
parameter LED flashes and its value is displayed in the Preset / Value
window. Turn the Encoder to select a different parameter. Pressing either
the Encoder or Parameter button will allow you to change the selected
parameter’s value with the Encoder. Press the Encoder again to repeat the
parameter selection process. If you press the Parameter button instead,
you will return to Preset mode. For more information on parameters, see
page 29.
* MIDI BUTTON
The Quadra/FX has three types of programmable MIDI parameters: channel,
program change, and continuous controller mappings (four mappings per
engine or engine group). To select a parameter, press the MIDI button and
then turn the Encoder to the left and right. Watch the Smart Meter LEDs (and
the text to the left of them) to determine which parameter was chosen. To edit
the selected parameter’s value, press and then turn the Encoder. The four
MIDI controller assignments have two associated values and will require a
second Encoder press to access the second value. Press the Encoder again
to repeat the MIDI parameter selection process. Press the MIDI button to
return to Preset mode or any of the other front-panel buttons to perform their
usual function. See pages 20 and 60 for more information on the MIDI button.
+ STORE BUTTON
The Quadra/FX contains 100 memory locations. When you press the Store button, the Display flashes the
current preset number. You can select any preset number to overwrite by turning the Encoder. Press Store
again and the current preset will be saved to the location you selected. If you press any button other than
Store, the save command will be aborted. See page 18 in the Tutorial section for more information on storing
presets.
, BYPASS BUTTON
When the Bypass switch is pressed, processed sound is blocked from reaching the outputs, leaving only the dry
(unprocessed) signal. Engines or complete presets can be bypassed, and when engaged, the front panel

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Display shows -, for a bypassed engine and -, for a bypassed preset. Press Bypass again to
disengage this mode. When Bypass is pressed in Preset mode, all engines are bypassed. When Bypass is
engaged while editing an engine, only the current engine is bypassed. For more information on bypassing
separate engines, see the end of the tutorial that starts on page 15.
. SMART METER LEDS
The six LEDs of the Smart Meter serve two purposes: to show selected MIDI
parameters (use the text on the left) and to show the level of signal entering
the Quadra/FX (use the text on the right). MIDI information is only displayed
when the MIDI button is pressed (see
MIDI button , above). At all other times,
the Smart Meter displays the input signal level for either the current engine
(while editing) or all engines combined (when in Preset mode).
To optimize the levels entering the Quadra/FX, watch the +6 LED. If it is
constantly lit, the digital processor is getting too much input level and may clip;
turn down the signal going to the Quadra/FX. For maximum dynamic range,
the Smart Meter LEDs should be lit most of the time, with the +6 LED briefly
flashing on transients (high-energy bursts, such as loud snare drum hits).
/ NUMERICAL DISPLAY (PRESET / VALUE) WINDOW
The Display shows 3 alphanumeric characters that correspond to the preset
currently in use or an edited parameter’s value.
NOTE: The rest of the LEDs on the front panel show the status of other Quadra/FX parameters. Consult the tutorials
starting on page 15 for a thorough explanation of the Quadra/FX’s operation.
SPECIAL KEY COMBINATIONS:
Restoring Presets to Original Factory Settings
The Quadra/FX can overwrite all stored presets with original factory settings. The process is called a Factory
Reset.
IMPORTANT: Only do this if you want to restore all of the settings to their factory values; it erases all
customized presets.

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If you have made some favorite programs, either scroll through their parameters and write them down, or use
the MIDI Dump feature to off-load your presets to a MIDI storage device before implementing a factory reset.
(See page 12 for information on the Quadra/FX’s MIDI Dump.)
To restore all presets to their factory settings, start from Preset mode and follow these steps in order: 1) Press
and hold the Bypass button. 2) Press and hold the Routing button. 3) Press and hold the Effects button. When
you release all three buttons, the Display will flash . . 4) Press Bypass again to confirm that you really want
to perform a Factory Reset (you’ll see )$ in the Display). If any other button is pressed except Power and
Store, or if Bypass is not pressed again within 10 seconds, the Quadra/FX will exit from Factory Reset mode
(with your former presets still intact). You will then return to Preset mode.
Dry Kill and Global Mix
Dry Kill and Global Mix are two related functions that allow you to quickly alter the ratio of wet (processed) and
dry (unprocessed) sound coming out of the unit. Normally, the Mix parameter sets the ratio of wet and dry
sound for each preset, but by using Dry Kill or Global Mix, you can change these settings for all presets at
once.
Dry Kill is used to remove the unprocessed (dry) part of each preset’s signal from the Quadra/FX’s internal
mix buss. One application for Dry Kill is when you are using the Quadra/FX with a mixer. In a typical mixing
situation, a channel’s fader controls the level of the instrument patched into it. To add processing, a portion of
the channel’s signal is often sent to an effect processor and the output of the processor is patched into another
channel. Now two faders control the overall sound; the first fader still controls the instrument’s level (all dry)
and the second one controls the processed sound’s level (a mix of wet and dry signal). As you can see, dry
signal appears at both faders and can result in an unbalanced mix of sounds. This is particularly noticeable
when using a flanger, phaser, or chorus since these effects are strongest with an equal mix of wet and dry
parts. Also, too much dry signal can result in a diluted sound. By using Dry Kill to remove all dry signal from the
effects processor’s output, each fader will only control one part of the sound and you will be able to blend the
two easily.
NOTE: If you are plugging directly into the Quadra/FX and just listening to your instrument through the
Quadra/FX's outputs, do not set Dry Kill; use each preset’s Mix parameter to balance your sounds.

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NOTE: With Dry Kill active, a preset’s Mix parameter now sets the level of all sound coming out of the
Quadra/FX. For example, with a Mix setting of 0, no sound will come out of the unit (in other words, zero
percent of the wet signal is allowed to pass).
Global Mix is a function similar to Dry Kill, though it doesn’t necessarily remove the dry part of the sound.
Global Mix is a simple way to set every preset’s Mix parameter to a certain value. For example, if Global Mix is
set to 50%, each preset’s Mix value will become 50% (half dry and half wet). This function is useful when you
want to quickly audition all presets at the same Mix level. The change isn’t permanent; as soon as you turn off
Global Mix, all presets will return to their originally stored Mix level. You can even change and resave a
preset’s Mix level with Global Mix active. You will hear any Mix changes as you are making and saving them,
but as soon as you switch to a different preset or back to the changed one, the Global Mix value will again
override the setting that you just made. Of course, when you turn Global Mix off, the saved Mix value will be
the one that you hear.
Here’s a trick to quickly set several preset’s Mix parameter to a new value: Set Global Mix to whatever value
you desire, call up each of the presets you wish to change and individually save them (just press the Store
button twice). You don’t have to edit anything! When you turn Global Mix off, the newly-saved presets will have
their Mix values set to whatever Global Mix was originally set to. All other presets will remain unchanged.
Setting Dry Kill and Global Mix:
To adjust Dry Kill or Global Mix, start from Preset mode, press and hold the Bypass button, press the
Parameter button, and then release them both. Turning the Encoder now scrolls the Display through these
choices: 2 (normal operation of Preset’s Mix parameter), 2)) (Dry Kill—dry sound is off), and ! – !!
(Global Mix is on and set to this percentage). Changing Dry Kill or Global Mix takes effect immediately and
does not have to be saved. To exit Global Mix mode, press any key except Power, Store, and Bypass, or
simply press the Encoder.
NOTE: The Dry Kill state is retained when turning the Quadra/FX on and off. The Global Mix state, however, is
not retained; the unit defaults to each preset’s stored Mix level when turning power on.

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MIDI Dump
By performing a MIDI Dump, you can save all of the Quadra/FX’s presets to an external device capable of
recording MIDI data. You can even directly transfer the presets from one Quadra/FX to another one with a
MIDI cable.
To perform a MIDI Dump, start from Preset mode, press and hold the Bypass button, and then press MIDI.
Release both buttons. It may take a few seconds to transmit the data. Since each preset has a stored MIDI
mapping, there is no separate MIDI Program Table (MPT) to dump.
NOTE: Individual presets cannot be dumped, but can be received if you have editing software that is able to
send them.

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QUADRA/FX REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS
Despite the Quadra/FX’s sophistication, it is easy to interface the unit with other equipment. All inputs and outputs are
located on the rear panel. Standard ¼” inputs and outputs make patching simple.
Note: For best audio quality, always use high-quality cables.
The Quadra/FX is designed for line level or instrument operation. We don’t recommend plugging microphones directly
into the processor. Instead, either use a preamp, a mixer, or an amp’s preamp section to first boost the mic’s level,
then use the effects loop output or reverb send. High signal level from a preamp or effects loop assures an optimum
signal-to-noise ratio in the Quadra/FX, keeping hiss and distortion to a minimum.
$ POWER JACK INPUT
An external AC adapter powers the Quadra/FX. Plug the adapter into this jack and then into a power outlet.
Use only the adapter that came with the Quadra/FX. If the adapter ever becomes damaged, immediately
discontinue use.
% MIDI IN & MIDI OUT
Use the MIDI In jack for receiving program change, continuous controller, note, and system exclusive
messages. It enables you to “talk” to the Quadra/FX from an external source such as an X-11, an X-15
Ultrafoot, an outboard sequencer, or a computer equipped with MIDI ports and associated software.
Use the MIDI Out jack for performing a MIDI data dump. It connects to any external device capable of
recording MIDI data and allows the Quadra/FX to off-load the contents of its memory. The MIDI Out jack does
not act as a MIDI Thru, so the Quadra/FX should be placed at the end of your MIDI chain.
& OUTPUTS #1–4
All four Outputs are single-ended (unbalanced) ¼” jacks with low impedance. The use of each output jack is
determined by a preset’s internal routing. For example, Cascade and Stereo Routings do not use Outputs #3

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and #4. For more information on the different configurations of the Quadra/FX’s inputs and outputs, see page
27 and the tutorial starting on page 15.
' OUTPUT LEVEL SWITCH
The Output Level switch is used for matching the Quadra/FX’s output level to your system. Matched signal
levels are important for controlling the amount of distortion present in the final signal. Too little signal results in
a disproportionate amount of noise, while too much signal sounds distorted and gritty. The Output Level
switch has two positions: in (instrument level) and out (line level). Be sure to check your other equipment’s
manual for hints on setting its appropriate input levels.
NOTE: The Output switch’s setting is global, meaning that it affects the Quadra/FX’s output level, regardless
of which preset is engaged.
( INPUTS #1–4
All Inputs are single-ended (unbalanced) ¼’ jacks with high impedance. The use of each input jack is
determined by a preset’s internal routing. For example, Cascade and Stereo Routings do not use Inputs #3
and #4. For more information on the different configurations of the Quadra/FX’s inputs and outputs, see page
27 and the tutorial starting on page 15.
If any Input (except #1) does not have a plug inserted, it will automatically take its signal from the closest,
lower-numbered, input jack that has a plug inserted. For example, if a ¼” plug is only inserted into Input #1,
then Inputs #2, #3, and #4 will also use the signal from Input #1.
) INPUT LEVEL SWITCH
The Input Level switch is similar to the Output Level switch, but is used for matching the level of the incoming
signal to the Quadra/FX. The Input Level switch has two positions: in (instrument level) and out (line level). Be
sure to check your other equipment’s manual for hints on setting its appropriate output levels.
NOTE: Like the Output Level switch, the Input Level’s setting is global, meaning that it affects the
Quadra/FX’s input level, regardless of which preset is engaged.

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TUTORIAL
The best way to understand the Quadra/FX is to just jump in and edit some presets. It doesn’t take long and
you’ll see how easy editing is due to the Quadra/FX’s intuitive layout. This section consists of four tutorials:
Creating From Scratch, Just Editing , MIDI , and Advanced Application Notes . After you finish the tutorials,
check out the section entitled
The Quadra/FX’s Adjustable Parameters , on page 27, for a complete list of
each effect’s parameters and ranges.
Introduction:
The Quadra/FX contains four DSP engines and four separate input and output channels. Typically, an engine
processes one individual channel of audio, but engines can be grouped into a stereo pair. Two stereo pairs
can even be run in series to create multiple effects. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the processing
power of all four engines to create a “super charged” ultra-stereo processor. Engines are automatically
distributed among the channels with our proprietary Dynamic Engine Allocation (DEA) technology. DEA
allows for the following creative signal-routing options:
Discrete 4 (mono)
In Discrete 4 routing, each engine separately processes one
channel of sound and is just like having four mono effect-
processors. Inputs and Outputs #1–4 correspond to Engines
#1–4.
Twin Stereo
Twin Stereo routing contains two effect-processors with two
linked engines each. The result is two true-stereo processors.
Each channel remains independent, but the effect parameters of
each group are linked to create stereo processing. Inputs,
Outputs, and Engines #1 and #2 correspond to the first
processor, while Inputs, Outputs, and Engines #3 and #4
correspond to the second processor.

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Cascade
Cascade routing also has two processors with two linked
engines, but the output of the first processor is fed into
the second one. In this routing, you have two stacked,
true-stereo effects. Only Inputs and Outputs #1 and #2
are used. Engines #1 and #2 are linked and control the
first processor, and Engines #3 and #4 are linked and
control the second processor.
Stereo
Stereo routing is the most powerful routing type. It uses all
four engines in an ultra-stereo group with enormous
horsepower. Only Inputs and Outputs #1 and #2 are used, and
all four engines are linked into one powerful processor.
NOTE: See page 27 for more information on the Quadra/FX’s versatile routing configurations.
TUTORIAL 1: CREATING FROM SCRATCH
Routing:
By editing any preset’s routing, you are essentially building a new preset from scratch.
When routings are changed, the Quadra/FX reconfigures its internal architecture and
loads in default effects. The preset’s former effects, class, and parameter values are all
replaced.
Start from Preset mode and turn the Encoder to select any preset. Make sure that you have chosen a preset
with a routing that can be monitored in your setup, otherwise, you will not hear the changes that you are
making.
Press the Routing button and turn the Encoder to select one of the four routing choices: Discrete 4, Twin
Stereo, Cascade, or Stereo. You will notice that all Routing LEDs are lit and the currently selected one is
flashing. The Preset / Value Display is blank. Also, notice that all or most Effect LEDs are lit. This shows you
the available effects for each routing. Select a new routing and press the Engine button. You must press the

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Engine button to enable routing changes. If you press any other button instead, the old routing will be
restored.
NOTE: Panner and Rotary are stereo effects and are not available in Discrete 4 (mono) routing.
Engine:
It should now sound like different effect algorithms are processing the audio entering the
Quadra/FX; these are the default effects for the routing that you chose. To change an
effect, you must first select its engine or engine group. If you chose Stereo Routing, there
is only one available engine group and it is automatically selected for you. To select a
different engine when using any of the other routings, turn the Encoder. All Engine LEDs
are lit and the currently selected engine or engine group is flashing. Again, to review how the engines relate to the
inputs and outputs, see the beginning of this tutorial, or page 27.
Effects:
Press the Effects button to edit the selected engine’s effect. All available
Effect and Class LEDs are lit (more on Classes below) and the currently
selected Effect LED is flashing. To select a different effect, turn the Encoder
and then press the Class button to load it. If you press any other button
instead, the old effect will be restored.
Class:
Notice that when you load an effect, the Concert Class is automatically selected for
you (its LED is flashing). Classes are effect variations and are named after the
applications they are optimized for: Vocal, Instrument, Concert, Gated, Ambient, and
Dynamic. (See page 28 for a description of all effect classes.) To change the current
class, turn the Encoder. You can immediately hear the sound differences of each
class and the LEDs of all editable parameters become lit.
Parameter:
If you wish to change the value of any of the effect’s parameters, press the
Parameter button and use the Encoder to scroll through your choices. All
available parameter LEDs remain lit, but now the currently selected
parameter is flashing and its value is shown in the Preset / Value Display.
When you have chosen the parameter that you want to edit, press the