FXConnectX STAGEPRO-8 User manual

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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STAGEPRO-8
TRUE BYPASS ANALOG PROGRAMMABLE WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM
User Guide - Revision: February-2014
Www.FXConnectX.com
MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THIS TECHNOLOGY IS FULLY PROTECTED UNDER US PATENT LAWS
-PATENT PENDING-

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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FCC STATEMENTS:
Main Controller:
FCC ID: QY4SP8MAIN
“This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.”
Pedal Board (Model SP8F) and Body Pack (Model (SP8BP6 and SP8BP8):
These products incorporate transmitter module FCC ID: UY124
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
INSTRUCTION TO THE USER
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 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 interference 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 equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by FXConnectX could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Introduction
The FXconnectX StagePro8 system has been designed to provide wirelessly controlled and
transparent True-Bypass audio loop switching technology for pedal boards, guitar/audio racks,
recording studios, or any application up to 200 feet away! “Freedom” from the board! Be
anywhere on stage (or in the audience) and from your finger tips, guitars, or foot controllers
you can now switch amp channels, mute your whole rig, set a tap tempo, and control your
pedals connected to four programmable True-Bypass loops!
This manual will guide you through the use of your new system. We thank you for your
purchase! We are here for you and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please
contact us by phone, email, or feel free to view the HELP videos on our web site.
Operational Overview
The StagePro8’s four true-bypass audio loops can be configured as desired. The loops have
been designed to ensure true audio transparency. Each loop is arranged in series (Loop 1 to
Loop 4). Each loop’s selection is determined by the settings on your Body Pack(s) or Floor
Switch unit(s). Active loops and programmed patches are indicated by the LED’s displayed on
the front panel of the main unit and Floor units.
StagePro8 has a built-in Amp A/B switcher and can be configured for Normally Open or
Normally Closed operation (to accommodate various types of channel switching needs). The
system can also be programmed with “patches” containing different combinations of loops and
external switching combinations (Eliminates the “tap” dance). Each loop can also be set to
operate in Toggle mode (like a normal on/off pedal) or set to momentary mode (to tap a tempo
or similar).
Any time an unused loop is selected (no connections are made to these jacks), that loop will be
in a default full True-Bypass mode and will be totally removed from the audio chain. Loops are
“Half-Normalized” in order to accommodate many connection possibilities.
In the event of a loss of power longer than 3 seconds, or whenever the power switch is switched
off, the unit will default into full True-Bypass mode: Input will be directly routed to Output.
Main Unit Front Panel
Antenna: The antenna can be removed for storage and repositioned as needed, but when
in use it must be in the upright position (never sideways).
SER: Serial Jack. An optional Serial Fail-Safe cable can be connected from this jack to
the Serial jack on any single Floor Unit. When a cable is used all wireless functionality is
bypassed. Cables are available on our web site.

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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PWR: Power On/Off switch
LEARN: The Learn LED is illuminated when the L-SW (Learn Switch) is pressed and
learn mode is active.
MUTE: The Mute LED is illuminated when the system Soft Mute is active. Soft Mute
only affects output jack 2 (The second jack); jack 1 is not muted. This enables the non-
muted output to still drive a signal chain or be used for tuning.
AB: The AB LED is illuminated when the AB switch is active.
RCV: The Receive LED illuminates when the system is receiving commands from a
remote.
1, 2, 3, 4, TS1, TS2: These LED’s are illuminated whenever these loops or functions are
active.
Main Unit Rear Panel
GND:ISO (Isolated) This switch isolates audio ground from common chassis ground.
Useful when troubleshooting system ground issues or performing where grounding is
causing loud hum or noise. COM connects audio ground to common chassis ground.
AB: This switch selects Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) Tip to Sleeve
orientation of the AB jack. Most amps use a NO style connection; meaning that when
the Tip and Sleeve are connected together it activates the channel switch in an amp. The
AB can be used to switch practically any switching need. The AB LED illuminates on the
front panel when the internal AB switch is active. See Diagram AB. (Note: at times it
might be necessary to build a custom wire from the switch jack on your amp if it is a
non-standard connector or switch. Give us a call and we can help you with this)
TS1 and TS2: These are effectively the exact same types of switches as the AB. We
separated these out so that it would be easier for artists to dedicate their TAP or TEMPO
style effects to these channels and to the TS buttons on the Floor Unit. However, these
can be used as basic switches just the same as the AB (See Diagram AB). When TS1
and/or TS2 are active their associated front panel LED’s will illuminate when the switch
is active.
OUTPUTS: Both output jacks are in parallel, but only the first one Mutes when mute is
selected. This allows the second output jack to be wired to a tuner, if desired.

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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KK: The FXConnectX Proprietary Klick Killer. IN switches it into the audio chain, OUT
removes it. KK is inserted following the output of L4 and prior to the Buffer. Our KK is
a very unique and patent pending design which eliminates the maximum amount of
switch “Click” sounds while minimally affecting the quality of the audio signal. Most
times it isn’t even needed because our relays and relay circuits are so clean and quiet;
but it’s here if you need it.
BFR: The FXConnectX custom built-in Buffer circuit is designed to prevent signal
loading and loss of definition of your guitar’s tone. Signal loading robs your high
frequencies. This loss is usually caused by vintage effects, cabling, or other number of
sources. Our Buffer has very low output impedance, high dynamic range, very low
noise, and very low distortion. Try it. When set to “IN” it is physically switched into the
audio chain with relays and when set to OUT it is completely out.
12VDC Inputs: Twin DC inputs are provided as a dual-redundant feature to help reduce
the risk that a power supply could fail during a performance. Both can be plugged in
and operating at the same time. If one fails the other takes over and the show goes on.
Additional power supplies are available for purchase through our web site so that you
can take full advantage of this feature. This feature was requested by our Pro Artists.
L-SW: Turns on the “Learn” mode which enables the StagePro8 to learn as many
compatible Floor Units or Body Packs as needed. This switch is internal. Use the tip of a
pen to activate. Press in very gently until the Lean LED illuminates. This button only
requires a very light press to activate it. Pressing too hard will damage the button.
When in Learn Mode the Learn LED’s on the front and rear panel will be illuminated. A
The main unit can learn any combination of Body Packs and Floor Units. Following are
the steps for leaning new remotes:
Power up the main unit and the Remote Unit.

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Ensure that only the Remote that is being learned is on and no other
(bandmate’s system, etc,) FXConnectX main units or remotes are on.
Press the L-SW button on the Main Unit. The learn LED’s light up
indicating that the unit is now in learn mode.
Press and release any button on the new Remote Unit to transmit the
security code until the Learn LED turns off on the main unit. (This must
be done within 5 seconds or the L-SW will need to be pressed again)
Turn off the Remote Unit.
Repeat for any additional Remotes.
NOTE: To clear all learned remotes hold down the L-SW on the main
unit for 15 seconds until the LEARN LED’s extinguish. The memory will
now be cleared.
Rear Panel Connections Diagram
SEND always goes to Effect INPUT and Effect OUTPUT goes to RETURN
When powering up your rig/rack ensure that you turn on all of your effects. Effects
within each loop that are intended for use must be “ON” at all times. Rather than

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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stomping on an effect to turn it on or off; the StagePro8 will now switch your effects into
and out of your audio chain for you at your command.
Chain together any combination of effects on any single loop. There is no limit to how
many effects can be used on a loop. The same rules apply to signal integrity as if the
effects were hooked up directly to an amplifier’s main input or effects loop. The audio
and signal characteristics of the individual pedals/effects still apply regarding
impedance, coloring, pedal ordering (which one goes first, etc…), buffering, etc…
For effects that are intended to be used on ALL loops simply insert that effect in the
chain prior to the main signal input coming into the StagePro8, or alternatively, place
these effects after the StagePro8’s output. This depends on how you prefer your chain
and sound. There are many possibilities.
Sample Generic Pedal Order Scheme: Guitar, Tuner, Pre-Amp, Compression,
OD/Distortion, Noise Gate, Pitch Effects (Octave, Harmony, etc.), Modulation Effects
(Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, etc...), Delay Effects, Reverb.
oChain Sample 1: “Analog Stage Simplicity”
Guitar
Tuner (ON using audio out ‘Bypass’or Always ON jack)
Compressor (with built-in buffer) –Output to StagePro8’s Input
LOOP1: EQ and Distortion Pedal
LOOP2: Chorus Pedal
LOOP3: Phaser Pedal
LOOP4: Delay Pedal
AB to amp channel select
TS2 to amp reverb on/off
TS1 not used
oSample 1 Channel Mode Selection Switch Settings
Given the above chain, each of the above channels are intended to be part
of a patch. Set each channel’s Mode to the PATCH (Center) position on
each Remote unit intended for use. Mute is always on channel 5 and
should be set to Toggle or Momentary (your preference). TS1 is on channel
7 and TS2 is on channel 8.

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Below is a picture of the Mode properly set for this example. This sets all
channels to Patch mode except Mute; which is set to toggle on and off:
oSample Patch Setup for Chain Sample 1:
Patch 1 “Clean1”: L2 Chorus, L4 Delay, AB off (amp clean channel)
Set patch to Button 1: 2 and 4
Patch 2 “Clean2”: L2 Chorus, L3 Phaser, AB off (amp clean channel)
Set patch to Button 2: 2 and 3
Patch 3 “Dirty1”: L2 Chorus, L4 Delay, AB on (amp dirty channel)
Set patch to Button 3: 2, 4, AB
Patch 4 “Dirty2”: L3 Phaser, L4 Delay, AB on (amp dirty channel)
Set patch to Button 4: 3,4,AB
Patch 5 “Lead”: L1 EQ/Dist, L4 Delay, AB on (amp dirty channel)
Set patch to Button TS1: 1,4,AB
NOTE: (Unused TS1,2 or AB buttons can be used for patches when
set to “patch” position)
It is very important that the FREQUENCY (Labeled: UNIT/CHANNEL GROUP CONTROL)
and CHANNEL MODE SELECTION switches are set EXACTLY THE SAME on each Body Pack
and Floor Unit used with the system and that each remote is programmed identically. This is so

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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that the system operates the same no matter which remote sends a command and all LED’s
accurately reflect the true status of the system. Mixing settings on remotes can cause
unpredictable behavior and is NOT RECCOMENDED.
Frequency Settings
Before setting up patches and programs, you must first select a frequency for your system. If
other bands member have FXConnectX systems, be sure to select different frequencies!
There are two sets of switches on each remote and one on the Main Unit. On the Floor unit
these are located on the rear panel. On the Body Pack these can be found inside the battery
compartment area under the rear cover. On the Main Unit it is on the bottom panel.
Set each to the exact same frequency before attempting to use your new system.
Frequency Select Switch: This is a 4 position switch. There are 16 unique
frequencies that can be selected for use. Select one of the 16 frequencies and set
the Main Unit and each remote to the exact same setting. If more than one
FXConnectX system (main units) are used you must ensure that each system is
on a different frequency to eliminate the possibility of interference.
Remotes –Body Pack and Floor Unit

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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There are 2 types of FXConnectX Remotes that can be used: Body or Floor Units. All styles are
powered by one 9v Alkaline Battery and contain momentary buttons to control all functions of
the StagePro8 system.
Both remote styles incorporate status LED’s that serves multiple purposes. The LED will flash
Green to indicate that the unit is transmitting whenever a button is pressed. The LED will also
show status of the battery. If the LED shows solid RED this indicates that the battery is low and
needs to be replaced with a fresh alkaline battery. Use non-rechargeable 9 Volt batteries.
Lithium Batteries are preferred.
Each remote used with a StagePro8 system must be configured identically. This allows the
system to be controlled exactly the same no matter which remote is sending commands and
ensures that the system stays in perfect synchronization. Once all remotes have been
configured, the last step is to verify that all remotes operate the StagePro8 the same way.
Remote Unit Power Button Operation (Body Packs and Floor Units)
Power: Turns the unit on and off. Press once to turn power on. Hold for 2 seconds and
release to turn off.
Edit: Enters Patch Edit Mode. Hold down the power button until the Red LED turns off
and the Green LED starts flashing rapidly. This takes about ten seconds.
Clear: This will erase the contents of ALL patches programmed in the remote. When
entering patches in a new remote for the first time the memory should be CLEARED to
ensure that you are starting fresh. (We do this at the factory after testing, but it is still a
good idea to clear it again prior to starting out)
Channel Settings

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Channel (Loop) Mode Selection: Toggle, Patch, or Momentary (On the Body Pack
this is the 8-gang switch under the battery cover or on the rear panel of the floor
units)
oToggle: Each press of the associated button will turn the channel on or off
just like stomping on an effect pedal. Channels set to Toggle cannot be part
of a patch.
oPatch: Allows the channel to be part of a patch program.
oMomentary: Allows the associated channel to be ON when the button is
held down, upon release the channel is turned off. This is especially useful
for TAP/Tempo controllers. Channels set to Momentary cannot be part of
a patch.
It is very important that all switches are set EXACTLY THE SAME on each Body Pack and
Floor Unit used with the system and that each remote is programmed identically. This is so
that the system operates the same no matter which remote sends a command. Mixing settings
on remotes can cause unpredictable behavior and is NOT RECCOMENDED.
Remote Patch Edit
NOTE: Please visit our web site to view sample programming videos. www.fxconnectx.com
Let’s use the following Sample patch to program a Floor Unit Remote:
Patch 1 Name: “Clean-1”which will include L2 Chorus, L4 Delay, and AB off (amp clean
channel)
Assign Patch 1 to Button 1. This will be “Clean-1.” This patch will include channels 2
and 4 (L2 Chorus, L4 Delay). AB is default off but shown here because we are using
the clean channel for reference. For dirty, it would be included and turned ON (or vice-
versa depending on your amp).
Steps:
1. Turn off the Main Unit and Ensure that the Remote Unit power is off.

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2. Set Mode Select to Patch (Center) position (on the remote that you are
programming) for channels 1, 2, 4, and AB (AB is always channel 6)
3. Press the Power button and verify that the power turns on. (Green LED will light
every few seconds)
4. To enter the Patch Edit mode, hold down the power button until the Red LED
turns off and the Green LED starts flashing rapidly. This takes about ten seconds.
5. Next, press the button that you want to assign the patch to. Press button 1 for
Patch 1.
6. The LED on Button 1 will flash once to confirm that you are Editing Patch 1. If the
LED on Button 1 stays on, this means that L1 will be part of the patch; which for
this example we do not want. To exclude or include L1 just press Button 1. Ensure
that Button 1’s LED is off (L1 excluded).
7. Next, press the button for each channel that you want to be part of patch 1
a. Press button 2 which controls L2 Chorus (LED 2 lights up to indicate that
it is part of this patch)
b. Press button 4 which controls L4 Delay (LED 4 lights up to indicate that it
is part of this patch)
Note: You can press any channel button again to de-select it or include it in
the patch (as long as its mode is set to patch). Also ensure that no other
LED’s are on, if they are, press their buttons to turn them off.
8. At this point LED 2 and LED 4 should be the only LEDs that are ON.
Note: Channel 1 is NOT part of this patch so its LED should be off.
9. To save these settings to Button 1 (Patch 1) press the power button once.
10. The remote now enters normal operation.
11. Test the new setting by turning on Main Unit then pressing Button 1 for Patch 1.
Note: If the main unit is not turned on the LED’s will not light on the Floor Unit.
They only light when the main unit confirms that the channels are truly on!
12. LED 1 should be slowly flashing (once per second). This indicates that you are
using Patch 1 and channel 1 is NOT part of the patch. If channel 1 was part of the
patch it would be flashing quickly (twice per second).
13. LED’s 2 and 4 should also now be lighted on the Main Unit and the Remote.

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14. Repeat the process above for all other patches to ensure that your patches are set
up correctly.
NOTE: It is not necessary to turn the Remote Unit off during programming and
editing unless changes are made to the mode select switches.
15. Verify that all patches that have been programmed are working correctly on each
remote. It is a good idea to write down your patches so that they can be easily
recalled and updated. Use the tables in the back of this manual to record your
settings for reference.
Note: When Editing a Body Pack Patch there are LED’s visible on the front panel of
the body pack’s enclosure to assist you with patch and channel selection. These are
not labeled, but are arranged as shown in the picture below. 1 is at the top and AB is
at the bottom. The LED’s are also color coded to help tell them apart.
1-RED, 2-AMBER, 3-GREEN, 4-RED, M-AMBER, AB-GREEN.
All of the functions on the body pack work exactly the same as the floor unit. The
only difference is that the TS1 and TS2 are only available on the Floor Unit.
Contact Info
Find us on the World Wide Web at www.FXConnectX.com
Any questions, comments, or suggestions? Just give us a call or send us an email! We want to
hear from you! 1-888-FXC-3776
Thank You for purchasing our American-Made product!
Sincerely, The FXConnectX crew

Copyright 2014 by FXConnectX LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 14
MY FXCONNECTX PATCH SETTINGS