Crate CFX-1000 User manual

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Congratulations (Introduction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
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The Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
The Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Use of the Mounting Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Using a Rack Mount Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Methods of Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 10
Program Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Program Group Chart - GFX-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Program Group Chart - BFX-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Saving Programs as Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Editing and Saving Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Editable Parameters - GFX-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 16
Editable Parameters - BFX-1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 18
Restoring the Default Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Resetting the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Test Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Using the Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Using the Metronome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Discrete Stereo Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23, 24
Use with Footswitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25, 26
Footswitch Amp Control / “Assigning” Effects . . . . . . .27-34
Effect Parameter Technical Aspects - GFX-1000 . . . . . .35, 36
Effect Parameter Technical Aspects - BFX-1000 . . . . . .37, 38
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
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√
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-
NEL.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION: POUR REDUIRE
D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS
ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE
PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE
PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE
REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN
TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.
VORSICHT
ELEKTRISCHE SCHLAGGEFAHR
NICHT OFFENEN
VORSICHT: ZUR MINIMIERUNG ELEK-
TRISCHER SCHLAGGEFAHR NICHT
DEN DECKEL ABENHMEN. INTERNE
TEILE KONNEN NICHT VOM
BENUTZER GEWARTET WERDEN.
DIE WARTUNG IS QUALIFIZIERTEM
WARTUNGSPERSONAL ZU UBER-
LASSEN.
THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO PROVIDE SAFE AND
RELIABLE OPERATION. IN ORDER TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE UNIT AND PRE-
VENT ACCIDENTAL DAMAGES OR INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTION-
ARY GUIDELINES:
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN CHASSIS.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
"REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"
"UNBEDINGT IN DER BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
NACHSCHLAGEN"
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:
"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"
"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"
"GEFAHLICHE SPANNUNG"
==

You are now the proud owner of one of the most versatile and
innovative effects processors available, the Crate GFX/BFX-1000
Digital Effects Processor. In order to fully understand the capabili-
ties of this unit, you should take the time to read the information in this
manual. In order to appreciate the simplicity of this unit, you could
jump ahead to the “QUICK START GUIDE” on page 3.
And THANK YOU for choosing .
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•True DSP (Digital Signal Processing) 16-bit power using Crate’s
exclusive Adaptive Algorithm Processing (AAP)
•100 specially-chosen program settings, including reverbs, delays,
multi-tap delays, echoes, chorus, flange, multi-effects, metronome,
test tones and tuner
•Easy editing of program settings; all user configurations automati-
cally stored (no batteries required for storage)
•Stereo in and out jacks
•Stereo insert jacks with choice of polarity for easy hookup to ampli-
fiers with an “Insert / Effects Loop” jack
•Many reverb algorithms from which to choose
•Many “special effects” settings such as infinite delays and pitch
detuning
•Digital display for program, editing and tuning
•Stereo headphone output jack
•Amp handle / mic stand mounting bracket included
•One rack-space high, 1/2 rack-space wide - fit one or two into a
standard rack mount tray (optional)
•Crate’s FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY (U.S. only)
•Musician Made in the U.S.A.
√: QUICK STARTGUIDE ON NEXT PAGE!!
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Packed along with your new GFX/BFX processor are the following:
(1) power pack (1) mounting bracket
(2) mounting bracket screws (2) adhesive foam strips
(1) owners manual (1) warranty packet (U.S. only)
Retain the carton in case of future need, and be sure to activate your
FIVE YEAR WARRANTY (U.S. only) by filling out and mailing in your
registration card.

This “Quick-Start Guide” is intended to get you acquainted with
the basic connection and operation of the processor. Three basic
methods of connection are shown here: using an effects loop,
using an insert jack, and the direct-into-the-amp method.
This section doesn’t cover advanced usage, such as effects
parameter modifications and saving of new programs, or explain
how to use the unit with footswitches, or get you into the
metronome function. It will, however, get you started quickly on
your GFX/BFX experience.
1) Turn your amplifier OFF before connecting the processor.
2) Plug the small connector of the power supply into the power jack
on the back of the unit.
3) Plug the power supply into a wall outlet (power strip, extension
cord, etc.) The unit automatically turns itself on.
4) Connect your instrument and the processor to your amplifier in
one of the following manners: (See to the drawings on the facing
page.)
A: USING AN EFFECTS LOOP: SEND jack of the effects loop to the
R/MONO IN jack of the processor. R/MONO OUT of the processor
to the RETURN jack of the effects loop. Connect your instrument
to your amp as usual.
B: USING AN INSERT JACK: INSERT jack of the amp to the INSERT
(STANDARD) jackof theprocessor.Useastereocable.Ifyourinsertjack
is inverting, plug into the INSERT (INVERTED) jack of the processor.
Connect your instrument to your amp as usual.
C: DIRECT-INTO-THE-AMP: (Not the preferred method.) Output of your
instrument to the R/MONO IN jack of the processor. R/MONO OUT
of the processor to the INPUT jack of your amp.
NOTE: Any other effects and signal processors should be con-
nected between your instrument and the processor; the processor
should be the last link of the chain going into your amplifier.
5) Turn on your amp and set its volume to your normal playing level.
6) Turn your instrument volume up and play as hard as you intend to.
7) Adjust the INPUT control on the processor until its CLIP LED
flashes, then reduce the Input slightly. (The aim is to have the level
as high as it can be without the CLIP LED flashing at all during
play.)
8) Start with the MIX and OUTPUT controls on the processor at the
half-way points, then adjust to taste.
You can get a good feel for the effects available just by running
through the presets, and by turning the PROGRAM dial. A listing
of effects is printed on pages 12 (GFX) and 13 (BFX). Enjoy your
new effects processor, of course; but, please, read this manual!
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EFFECTS LOOP
EFFECTS LOOP
AMP
A USING AN EFFECTS LOOP:
RETURN SEND
TO INPUT
JACK
INPUT
JACK
OUT IN
OUT IN
PROCESSOR
PROCESSOR
R/MONO R/MONO
OUT IN
OUT IN
R/MONO R/MONO
AMP
B USING AN INSERT JACK:
INSERT
(STANDARD)
PROCESSOR
INSERT JACK
(ALSO CALLED
SINGLE-JACK
EFFECTS LOOP)
(MOST INSERT JACKS
ARE NON-INVERTING; IF
THIS DOESN'T WORK
WITH YOUR AMP,
YOURS MAY BE
INVERTING; CONNECT
TO THE "INVERTED"
JACK OF THE
PROCESSOR)
AMP
C DIRECT INTO THE AMP:
INPUT
JACK
OUT IN
OUT IN
The cable from the amp to the
processor is a stereo 1/4" signal
cable. All others are mono cables.
All cables shown here
are "mono" 1/4" signal
cables
All cables shown here
are "mono" 1/4" signal
cables
Note that methods “A”
and “B” are preferred
over method “C.”

INPUT MIX OUTPUT
CLIP LEVEL STYLE
1 2 3
EDIT
ON
4
PROGRAM
1 CLIP LED: This LED will light up when the input signal level is set
too high, indicating clipping of the input signal. For proper opera-
tion this LED should NOT light up when using the processor. (See
#2.)
2 INPUT: This control sets the level of the signal going into the
processor. For proper operation, turn this control up until the CLIP
LED (#1) starts to flash when playing at your loudest levels, then
back it down a little until the LED stops flashing. This insures the
best signal-to-noise ratio without distortion.
3 MIX: This control adjusts the mixture of the original signal and the
applied effect at the processor’s outputs. The further to the right
you turn this control, the more effect is applied.
4 OUTPUT: This control adjusts the output level of the signal from
the processor. Typically this control is set for “unity gain” - that is,
the output level is the same as the input signal level. You may, of
course, use the settings that best suit your playing style.
5 PRESET LEDS: The primary function of these LEDs is to show
which preset you have selected. The #4 LED also serves as the
LEVEL indicator when in the EDIT mode. All four LEDs also serve
as 100’s-place indicators for the digital display when using the test
tones and metronome. (See pages 20, 22.)
6 PRESET SWITCHES: The primary function of these momentary
push button switches is to select a preset effect. The #4 selector
also toggles between LEVEL and STYLE when in the EDIT mode.
(See page 14.)
7 STYLE LED: This LED is only used in the EDIT mode, showing
that the changes made to the program will effect a certain para-
meter, rather than the output level for that effect. (See page 14.)
8 DIGITAL DISPLAY: This multi-purpose two-digit display shows
various information, depending on the operating mode:
Basic Operation: Program setting chosen
Editing Parameters: Level and style of parameter being changed
Test Tones: Frequency (in hertz) of tone selected
Tuner: String being tuned and if sharp, flat, or right on
Metronome: Output level / tempo
9 EDIT LED & SWITCH: These are used in the EDIT mode, allow-
ing you to change the levels and styles of the effects. (See page
14.)
10 PROGRAM: The primary function of this control is to select an
effect. This control also serves as the parameter modifier control
when in the EDIT mode. (See page 14.)
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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9-10VAC / 50-60Hz
1000-2000mA
Made in the USA
by SLM Electronics
1400 Ferguson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63133 IN 1 IN 2FOOTSWITCH
OUT 1 OUT 2 LEFT R / MONO
STEREO OUT
(PHONES / HI-Z) INSERT(STANDARD)
OUT
RETURN
SEND
LEFT R / MONO
STEREO IN
INSERT(INVERTED)
IN
SEND
RETURN
0000001GFX-1000
CLASS
2
11 12 13 14 15 16
11 POWER JACK: Plug the small connector from the AC power pack
into this jack. Plug the power pack into a suitable source of the
proper AC voltage, as indicated on the power pack.
NOTE: The processor is always on when the power pack is
plugged in and connected to the unit. It is advised that you
unplug the power pack from the AC source when not using
the processor for extended time periods.
12 FOOTSWITCH JACKS: Up to 16 presets can be accessed and
assigned to your amplifier by proper use of footswitches. See
pages 25 through 34 for complete details and instructions.
13 LEFT OUT / STEREO OUT (PHONES / HI-Z): This jack serves
two purposes: (1) When using the processor in a stereo mode,
connect a mono signal cable from this jack to your left-channel
amp. (2) When using headphones with the processor, plug them
into this jack. When the processor is connected to an Insert/Effects
Loop jack (single jack, not loop), this jack is not used. (See pages
9, 10.)
14 R/MONO OUT / INSERT (STANDARD): This jack serves two pur-
poses: (1) When using the processor in a stereo mode, connect a
mono signal cable from this jack to your right-channel amp. (2)
When using an amp’s INSERT jack, connect a stereo signal cable
from this jack to the Insert jack on the amp - if it’s “non-inverting”
(see the drawing beneath #16). If the Insert jack is inverting, use
#16, not this jack. (See page 10.)
15 LEFT IN / STEREO IN: This jack serves two purposes: (1) When
using a stereo preamp or guitar with two mono outputs, connect
a mono signal cable from the left channel output to this jack. (2)
When using a stereo preamp or guitar with a single stereo out-
put, connect a stereo signal cable from its output to this jack. (See
pages 9, 10.)
16 R/MONO IN / INSERT (INVERTED): This jack serves two purpos-
es: (1) When using the processor in a stereo mode, connect a
mono signal cable from this jack to your right-channel amp. (2)
When using an amp’s Insert jack, connect a stereo signal cable
from this jack to the Insert jack on the amp - if it’s “inverting” (see
the drawing below). If the Insert jack is non-inverting, use #14, not
this jack. (See page 10.)
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NON-INVERTING (STANDARD):
TIP = RETURN RING = SEND
SLEEVE = GROUND
INVERTING (NOT AS COMMON):
TIP = SEND RING = RETURN
SLEEVE = GROUND

The processor can be mounted on top of your amplifier (or other
flat surface) or on a mic stand by use of its specially-designed mount-
ing bracket.
Screw the bracket onto the bottom of the processor, using only
the 6-32 x 3/16” screws provided. To prevent possible damage to
the unit, DO NOT use longer screws!
Slip the bracket under your amp’s handle for amp-top mounting.
Pressing the handle down onto the bracket (strap-style handles) helps
hold the unit in place better.
For mic stand mounting, stick the top threaded part of the stand
up through the hole in the bottom part of the bracket, then screw a
retaining nut (available from your music supply store) onto the stand
and tighten it against the bracket.
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The peel-and-stick foam strips that come with the processor may
be applied to the bottom of the unit, to help keep it from slipping off of
whatever you set it on. When using the mounting bracket on top of an
amplifier, you can adhere the foam strips to the underside of the
bracket, to help it keep its grip on the amp.
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SLIP BRACKET UNDER
HANDLE (STICK FOAM
STRIPS TO BRACKET
BOTTOM –OPTIONAL)
SECURE
WITH
RETAINING
NUT
AMP TOP
MOUNTING: MIC STAND MOUNTING:

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The processor can be rack mounted using the universal rack
mount tray available through your Crate dealer. Each units is one-half
rack space in width so two fit side by side.
The two threaded holes in the bottom of the processor line up
with two of the mounting holes in the rack mount tray. Use the two 6-
32 x 3/16” screws provided to secure the unit to the tray. DO NOT use
longer screws!
TWO PROCESSORS (ONE
BFX AND ONE GFX, OR
TWO OF EACH) SIDE BY
SIDE IN RACK TRAY:
ONE PROCESSOR IN
RACK TRAY WITH 1/2-
RACK "BLANK":
SECURE WITH (2)
6-32 X 3/16"
SCREWS SUPPLIED

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There are a number of different ways to hook up the processor.
The recommended method of connection is through the effects loop /
insert jack of your amplifier. Also acceptable, but not preferred, is the
plug-it-right-into-the-input-jack method. In any case, the processor
should be the LAST component before the connection is made to the
amplifier.
Some of the possible connections are shown below and on the
facing page. When using the INSERT jack of the processor, try to find
out if your amplifier’s INSERT/EFFECTS LOOP jack is “standard”
(non-inverted) or “inverted”. If in doubt, try connecting the cable to the
processor’s INSERT(STANDARD) jack first. If this doesn’t work, use the
INSERT(INVERTED) jack.
We’ve thrown in a few tips on placement of other effects pedals
in the signal path. These aren’t absolutes, just things we’ve found
from experience.
CONNECTED THROUGH THE EFFECTS LOOP OF ONE AMP:
TO
INPUT
JACK EFFECTS LOOP
EFFECTS LOOP
AMP
RETURN SEND
OUT IN
OUT IN
PROCESSOR
PROCESSOR
R/MONO R/MONO
EQ pedals are okay for the
effects loop
All cables shown here are
"mono" 1/4" signal cables
Compressors, noise gates,
T-Wahs, distortion pedals
should run right into the amp
Pedals follow same suggestions
as above
IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT
CONNECTED IN STEREO TO TWO AMPS:
TO
INPUT
JACK
EFFECTS LOOP
EFFECTS LOOP
LEFT AMP
RETURN SEND
EFFECTS LOOP
EFFECTS LOOP
RIGHT AMP
RETURN SEND
All cables shown here are
"mono" 1/4" signal cables
OUT IN
OUT IN
R/MONOL R