Gibson Firebird X User manual

Gibson Firebird X
Gibson Firebird X
Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
copyright 2011 Gibson Guitar Corp.
owner’s manual version 1.3h
Page 1

FCC and IC Compliance
This device complies with Part 1 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage
(2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 1 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 canbe determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by 1 or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the 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 or television technician for help
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gibson could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.
Japanese Compliance
This device has been granted a designation number by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications according to
the Ordinance concerning the Technical Regulations Conformity Certification etc. of Specified Radio Equipment
(特定無線設備の技術基準適合証明等に関する規則)
Article 2 clause (1) Item (19) (1)
Approval nos: 202WWSM11 690411, 202WWSM11 690412, 202WWSM11 690413, 202WWSM11 690414
This device should not be modified (otherwise the granted designation number will become invalid)
Page 2

Chapter 1: Firebird X Essentials
Important: Register Your Firebird X
Important: Register Your Firebird X
Registration provides information for joining the Firebird X Visionaries Club, where you can:
Participate in the Firebird X forums
Maintain a blog
Share FBX patches
Download free software: Gibson FBX Editor, Native Instruments Guitar Rig 4 Pro (full
version), and Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition
Post calendar events
Contact support
Additional benefits are planned for the future, so stay tuned.
How to Register
1. Use any internet browser to visit http://www.gibson.com/FirebirdX.
2. Click on the Registration link to submit your warranty information (see the Firebird X
Certificate of Authenticity included with your guitar).
3. After registering, you’ll receive licenses for the Firebird X software bundle, as well as a
username and password to access the Firebird X Visionaries Club site at http://fbx.gibson.com.
STOP! Update Your System
The software-based Firebird X system allows for product enhancements. After registering
your Firebird X, check the Firebird X Visionaries Club for new documentation, patches, and
system updates. If new system software or firmware is a ailable, install the Mac or
Windows FBX Editor as described in the downloadable FBX Editor manual, then follow
the update procedure.
Page 3

Important afety and Warranty Information
Important afety and Warranty Information
We value you as a customer—and want our products to give you an inspiring, and gratifying,
experience. So, to insure your safety and protect your investment in Gibson’s Firebird X
guitar, please read and follow all safety warnings and operating instructions before using
this product, and keep all documentation for future reference.
Environmental Factors
Heat and moisture can harm your Gibson Firebird X. Please do not install or operate this
guitar near sources of moisture, such as sinks, damp basements, leaky roofs, etc. and never
store it near heat sources, such as heaters or radiators. Both you and your Firebird X will be
much happier if you store and operate this product under safe conditions.
Power ources
Use only the power sources included in the Firebird X package. Make sure any power supply
cords are not located where they are likely to be safety hazards, such as on the floor where
people might walk, or in locations where they may receive pressure from items placed upon
or against them. Also, be very careful with any power source connections, such as where
the AC adapter connects to the wall outlet. If this is jostled loose, the G-Node USB 2.0
audio interface included with Firebird X may experience extreme power differentials,
which can potentially harm you and the product.
ervice
Please do not attempt to service Firebird X or any of its accessories yourself—let our expert
technicians handle any repairs for you.
Speaking of experts, always send the Firebird X or G-Node USB 2.0 audio
interface to the factory for servicing if any of the following occurs:
Any foreign object (especially liquid) has gotten inside Firebird X or its accessories
Firebird X or its accessories have been exposed to water, dropped, or otherwise
damaged
A marked change in Firebird X’s performance
You hear anything rattling around inside if you shake the Firebird X gently
Page 4

Warranty Protection
It is extremely important to us that you are satisfied with Firebird X. Register it and
activate your warranty protection by mailing the warranty card included with Firebird X to
Gibson USA, Department W, P.O. Box 100087, Nashville, TN 37210-0087. If you encounter
any kind of problem, contact us as soon as possible so we can make things right.
Once you your warranty protection is active, Firebird X's electronic components are
warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1)
year from the date of original purchase. Your warranty covers the cost of both labor and
materials on any repair deemed necessary by our Customer Service Representative for the
warranty period, subject to the limitations below. Please note that our warranty belongs to
the original retail purchaser only, and may not be transferred or assigned to subsequent
owners.
If Firebird X malfunctions as a result of faulty materials or workmanship, Gibson will
determine whether repair or replacement is more appropriate. In case the original
materials are no longer available for repair, Gibson reserves the right to use materials
regularly utilized at the time of repair.
If we determine that replacing Firebird X best serves your interests, or in the unlikely event
that it is destroyed, lost, or damaged beyond repair while in our possession for repairs, we
will replace the product. If it is no longer available, it will be replaced with the most
similar product whose value does not exceed your original product’s purchase price.
Remember—as a necessary condition to the warranty coverage described in this section, you
must activate your warranty by mailing the warranty card included with Firebird X to
Gibson USA, Department W, P.O. Box 100087, Nashville, TN 37210-0087.
Warranty Limitations
Unfortunately, your product warranty cannot cover :
Any product that has been altered or modified in any way, or upon which any serial
or registration number has been tampered with or altered in any way.
Any product whose warranty card has been altered or contains false information.
Any product that has been damaged due to misuse, negligence, accident or improper
operation or storage.
Any product damaged during shipment. Inspect the package immediately upon
receipt, and notify the carrier immediately if there is damage.
Any product damaged as a result of extreme temperature, humidity, or the use of an
improper power source.
Any product not purchased through an authorized dealer, or any product that has had
repairs, modifications or alterations made by an unauthorized service technician.
Page

Wear and tear based on normal usage.
Factory installed electronics after more than one year following the original date of
purchase.
Gibson makes no other express warranty of any kind. All implied warranties, including
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose that exceed the specific
provisions of the warranty, are expressly and specifically disclaimed and excluded from the
warranty. Note, however, that some states and/or countries do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of implied warranties, so this paragraph may not apply to you. In particular, if
you purchased your product outside of the United States, contact your local distributor for
the handling and resolution of all warranty issues, as the warranty described here is not
always applicable.
And of course, Gibson shall not be liable for any special, indirect, consequential, incidental
or other similar damages to you or to any third party, including, without limitation,
damages for loss of profits or business, or damages resulting from use or performance of
the product, whether in contract or tort, even if Gibson or its authorized representative has
been advised of the possibility of such damages, and Gibson shall not be liable for any
expenses, claims or suits arising from or relating to any of the foregoing.
To obtain warranty service, please contact Gibson directly:
US (Toll Free) 1-800-4GIBSON
US (Local) 1-61 -871-4 00
Email - [email protected]
Never send a unit in for repair before contacting Gibson. You will be advised of the proper
procedure for a quick and efficient repair, as well as provide information on where and how
to send your Firebird X.
Gibson® is a trademark of the Gibson Guitar Corp.
Windows® and Windows 7® are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc.
Page 6

Introduction
Introduction
Congratulations on joining the select group of Firebird X visionaries.
Firebird X combines revolutionary features with Gibson’s traditional construction quality
and superior sound. It’s the most technologically-advanced guitar in the world—yet remains
familiar and playable. You don’t have to adapt to Firebird X; it adapts to you.
Tune your guitar strings automatically, including alternate tunings, in seconds
GoldToneTM pickup technology for the three mini-humbuckers emulates iconic guitar
sounds through switching of purely analog signals, not digital modeling
Over 2,000 pickup combinations are possible, including variations on single-coil,
humbucker, series, parallel, in-phase, out-of-phase, and many more
Play stunning acoustic guitar sounds from the separate piezo pickup—even layer
acoustic and electric sounds
Blue LightningTM Wireless Pedalboard and witchboard floor pedals eliminate cable
clutter and allow rapid sound selection
The onboard Pure AnalogTM upgradable audio engine provides anything from subtle
tone control to state-of-the-art processor, amp, and cabinet effects
Tweak sounds live or in the studio with innovative onboard control sliders
Customize the volume knob for any volume curve, and edit the Digital VaritoneTM
tone knob for virtually any tone control response
Send Firebird X outputs—including individual strings—to Mac/Windows recording
software, thanks to Gibson’s G-NodeTM U B 2.0 interface
Create your own signature sounds with the intuitive Mac/Windows FBX Editor
Gain exclusive access to the Firebird X Visionaries Club for trading and downloading
patches, learning new techniques, sharing experiences with other Firebird X owners,
and more
...and those are only the highlights. Welcome!
Page 7

Preparation
Preparation
Accessories Checklist
Your Firebird X is a complete system with all needed accessories. After removing the guitar
case from the shipping box, take out the Accessory Pack in the bottom of the box. Check
that between the Accessory Pack and guitar case pocket, the following are all included.
Notes:
All AC adapters are global and work with 100 to 2 0V, 50/60Hz.
Use only USB 2.0 high-speed cables with Firebird X USB peripherals.
The Certificate of Authenticity is an important part of the Firebird X package—it’s
your passport to continued support, free patches and software, special offers, and
access to the online Firebird X Visionaries Club. File it in a safe place.
Page 8

Firebird X’s ProX Guitar Case
The ProX case is made from advanced materials, and can survive a fall from a six-story
building. Gibson recommends taking guitars on airplanes as carry-on, but many guitar
players have checked their Firebird X as baggage using the ProX case.
Firebird X Controls
Please note the control names we’ll be using in this manual, and their locations.
About the Gear hift Knob
The Gear Shift is a sophisticated “push-pull” knob with an illuminated interactive display. The
display shows irebird X's status as you select tunings, sounds, and additional functions. It is
your primary way of interacting with irebird X.
Pull the Gear Shift up (furthest from the guitar body) to apply power to irebird X.
Push down on the Gear Shift knob (pushing toward the body until it clicks) to turn off
Firebird X. This stores the current tuning and sound for recall next time you power-up.
Page 9

The Battery
Firebird X must be turned on, with a charged battery, to work. Batteries can lose charge
over time, so please check the batteries when you receive Firebird X.
Pull up on the Gear Shift knob to turn on Firebird X. Within five seconds, a green circle
should appear momentarily in the middle of the knob to indicate the battery is charged.
If not, open the battery door on the back of the guitar, and remove the battery.
Place the battery in one of the supplied chargers. A full charge takes about 70 minutes.
The battery charger light will be red while charging, then turn green when the battery is
charged. Insert the charged battery in the guitar.
Check the charge of the other supplied batteries, and if necessary, charge them to capacity
as you explore Firebird X. If you need additional batteries, use Samsung IA-BP80W (or
equivalent) camcorder batteries.
Page 10

Low Battery Indications
Depending on how often you tune, the battery charge can last up to two hours of
continuous playing. The following indicators represent the battery status.
Gear hift knob has green dot in center: Battery is charged, with at least 30
minutes charge remaining
Gear hift knob flashes yellow: 10 to 30 minutes of charge left
Gear hift knob flashes red: Less than 10 minutes left—replace battery. Low-level
white noise appears in the output to give audible confirmation of battery status.
Gear hift knob flashes blue approximately every four seconds: After 10 minutes
without activity, Firebird X goes into “sleep” mode. (Sleep mode still drains the
battery somewhat; to prevent this, turn the guitar off completely.) Move the Gear
Shift knob to “wake up” Firebird X.
Connecting to Amplification
Firebird X’s unbalanced output can drive anything from a guitar amp, to a mixing board’s
low-impedance input, to a computer’s audio interface. Separate cables are included to
connect Firebird X to either 1/4” phone jacks (balanced or unbalanced, with ring not
connected) or XLR inputs (pin 2 hot, pin 1 ground, and pin 3 not connected). Note: Use only
the supplied stereo cable to connect Firebird X to the G-Node interface.
Caution! When patching Firebird X to a balanced XLR input, make sure the XLR input
does not ha e phantom power enabled. This could damage Firebird X’s output.
Firebird X’s output level is somewhat “hotter” than standard guitars. Start with the
amplifier volume at minimum, then turn up to a comfortable listening level. Note: Firebird
X produces no “thump” on power-up or power-down, so you may safely turn Firebird X on
or off even if your amp is set to high levels.
For a quick audio check, you can plug standard headphones directly into Firebird X’s
output. However levels will be low, and only in the left earphone.
Required tring Gauges
For optimum Robo-Tuner tuning speed and reliability, please use the correct gauge strings.
Firebird X ships with the recommended string gauge set: High E = .010, B = .013, G = .017
(wound), D = .026, A = .036, low E = .046.
The heaviest gauge permissible string set is high E = .011, low E = .0 2
The lightest gauge permissible string set is high E = .009, low E = .042.
Page 11

Chapter 2: Select Tuning and Sound Presets
elect Tuning Presets
elect Tuning Presets
Note: The “down” tog-pot switch position means pointing at the floor, referenced to
holding the guitar in a normal playing position.
1. With the Gear Shift knob pulled up and the guitar on, push the silver tog-pot switch to
the down (Tuning) position. Note: This mutes the audio.
2. Rotate the Gear Shift knob fully counter-clockwise to select standard tuning. The knob’s
display shows “1.”
3. Strum each string distinctly, as when playing single notes—not rapidly, like strumming a
chord. The Robo-Tuners will turn as needed, and the string LEDs around the Gear Shift’s
edge will turn different colors to indicate tuning status. Several strums may be necessary;
the more you use the tuning function, the faster it tunes. Here’s what the colors indicate.
Red: String not in tune, or not yet tuned
Yellow: Robo-Tuners are turning to tune the string. If the corresponding Robo-Tuner
doesn’t turn when its LED flashes yellow, there is a physical or electrical problem.
Green: Individual string in tune
All string LEDs green: Tuning is complete
White: Short circuit detected. If any part of a string touches something metallic
that's not in the normal string path, that string will not tune. Check if a string
touches the tail piece, the bridge, a fret, or another string; make sure that strings
are cut close to the posts, and that all strings are in the bridge saddle's center.
4. When tuning is finished, Firebird X automatically exits tuning mode, unmutes the audio,
and returns to whatever patch was selected when you started tuning. A Gear Shift light
flashes green to confirm the guitar is tuned.
5. Return the silver tog-pot to mid-position.
To experiment with other tunings:
1. Push the silver tog-pot down to Tuning position.
2. Rotate the Gear Shift to the desired tuning. See the following Tuning chart for a listing
(Gear Shift Center is the character that appears in the center; the Gear Shift Symbol
flashes in blue briefly upon selecting a patch.)
3. Strum as described above.
4. Return the silver tog-pot to the middle position when tuning is done.
Page 12

Manual Tuning with the Robo-Tuners
You can tune Firebird X’s Robo-Tuners by hand as an alternative to using Robot tuning
technology.
Caution! Ne er use a manual or mechanical string winding tool, or attempt to tune the
Robo-Tuners manually while they are operating robotically. Either one of these
operations could permanently damage the Robo-Tuners.
Unlike conventional tuning keys, Robo-Tuners all turn in the same direction. The Robo-Tuner
tuning posts have locking nuts to secure the end of each string during tuning operations.
Robot technology includes special functions for changing strings (starting on page 34), as
this is much faster than changing strings manually. Gibson strongly advises using these
functions when changing strings not only due to speed and convenience, but because they
minimize Robo-Tuner wear.
Page 13
Tuning
1flat symbol Standard E A G B e
2arrow ropped A G B e
3eEb Eb Ab b Gb Bb eb
4BA GA A G A
5G Open G G G B
6Open E E B E G# B e
7ALow G C F A
8EOpen A E A E A C# e
9COpen Ab # G# # G# C #
Apin Open G G G B
Bpeg bl rop A G B
Gear Shift
Center
Gear Shift
Symbol
Tuning (Low String
to High)

elect ound Banks
elect ound Banks
Firebird X has 11 Banks (1-9, A, and B), which you select with the Gear Shift knob. Each
Bank has five patches (1- ), also called presets, that you select with the -way Pickup
Selector/Patch Selector. You can freely save, load, and edit patches with the included FBX
Editor software. For example, Firebird X could have basic pickup patches, patches
with effects, some patches with effects and some without, etc. To select a Bank:
1. Set the silver tog-pot to the middle position.
2. Rotate the Gear Shift knob to select a Bank. The knob’s color-coded readout shows the
Bank number or letter. Banks are:
Yellow Banks (pickups only)
1 = Firebird X, 2 = single-coil , 3 = humbucker, 4 = piezo (acoustic Bank)
Blue Banks (single effects)
= modulation, 6 = echo (delay), 7 = reverb
Red Banks (multieffects)
8 = distortion, 9 = distortion leads, A and B = multieffects sounds
elect Patches within a Bank
The -way Pickup Selector/Patch Selector selects patches within a Bank. Position 1 is
closest to the neck, position to the bridge. The following chart lists the factory patch set.
Page 14
Bank # Bank Name Knife Switch Position
12345
Global Hum SC Neck+Mid Hum SC Mid+Bridge Hum
1 Firebird X FBX Neck 335 Neck+Mid FBX Mid Country B+N FBX Bridge
2 Single-Coil SC Neck SC Neck+Mid SC Mid SC Mid+Bridge SC Bridge
3 Humbucker LPS Neck Country Neck LPS Neck+Bridge Country Bridge LPS Bridge
4 Acoustic Piezo J200 Piezo 12- tring Piezo Small Body Piezo Re onator Piezo J45
5 Modulation Choru Tremolo Pha er Vibrato Flanger
6 Echo Analog Delay Rever e Delay Digital Delay Choru Delay Looper
7 Reverb Ducking Co mic Hall Bright Plate Damped Spring Taj Mahal
8 istortion Hi-Gain 80’ 60’ Royal OD 70’ 90’ Metal
9 Lead Octaver Di t Chor Delay Stadium Solo Rock Choru Metal Choru
A FX1 Blue Ziggy Bo Clean Choru Country Lead
B FX2 Old Jazz Reggae Rockabilly Southern Solo Surfer

Change Pickups within Patches
With Banks 1-3, the Pickup Selector/Patch Selector switch is dedicated to pickup selection;
with the other Banks, the Pickup Selector/Patch Selector switch is primarily for choosing
different patches within the Bank. However, although patches in Banks 4 through B load
with specific pickup configurations, you can still change pickups using the Pickup
Selector/Patch Selector.
1. After selecting a Bank and patch, move the silver tog-pot to the up position.
2. The Pickup Selector/Patch Selector switch now selects Firebird X’s five default pickup
options. The Gear Shift knob’s center shows the pickup combination (Pickup Selector/Patch
Selector switch position 1 = neck, 2 = neck+middle, 3 = middle, 4 = middle+bridge, 5 =
bridge).
3. This pickup setting remains until you choose a different patch.
Mix in the Piezo Pickup ound
Tog-pots are not just three-way toggle switches; rotating their shaft is equivalent to turning
a control. The piezo pickup produces an electrified acoustic guitar timbre, with the level
controlled by the silver tog-pot. To mix the piezo sound into any patch, rotate the silver
tog-pot’s shaft clockwise for more piezo signal, and counter-clockwise for less piezo signal.
Alter Volume and Tone
The silver volume knob controls volume, while the black Digital Varitone knob controls
tone. The volume taper and Digital Varitone response are both customizable with the FBX
Editor software.
Page 1

Chapter 3: Editing Firebird X Sounds
Patch Play Mode and Edit Mode
Patch Play Mode and Edit Mode
Firebird X has two playing modes.
Patch Play Mode is Firebird X’s default mode. It provides “foolproof” playing on stage by
locking out the sliders and most blue and red tog-pot functions—even if you hit them
accidentally, your sound won’t change. All controls work normally except:
Changing the red or blue tog-pot switch position has no effect.
Rotating the blue tog-pot shaft clockwise in any patch adds a global reverb effect.
Rotating the tog-pot counter-clockwise reduces the reverb effect; fully counter-
clockwise returns to the original patch sound.
Rotating the red tog-pot shaft clockwise in any patch increases the balance of a
global distortion effect to the dry sound. Rotating the tog-pot counter-clockwise
reduces the distortion blend; fully counter-clockwise removes the distortion Note: In
patches that include distortion, the red tog-pot controls the existing distortion.
Edit Mode “unlocks” the sliders and all red and blue tog-pot functionality so you can tweak
the effects. This essentially places high-quality stomp boxes inside your guitar, with instant
access to their controls via the sliders and tog-pots; the floor pedal readouts indicate the
current settings.
The Digital Varitone control is also a momentary pushbutton. To enter Edit Mode, push down
twice on the Digital Varitone knob within one second (like how you would double-click on a
mouse button). The knob will produce a click sound each time you push it. All colors on the
Gear Shift turn magenta to indicate that Firebird X is in Edit Mode.
Edit with the Blue Tog-pot
The blue tog-pot’s switch chooses the effect category to edit: Modulation, Echo, or Reverb,
as labeled on the switchplate.
For these effect categories, the tog-pot’s shaft is a wet/dry balance control. Turning the
shaft clockwise increases the proportion of wet (processed) signal, counter-clockwise gives
more dry sound.
The blue sliders edit the effect parameters shown on the label to the left of the blue
sliders. For example, with the tog-pot set to Reverb, the sliders control reverb Type,
Feedback (Decay), and Damping.
Page 16

Note: A slider will not take effect until it passes through the existing parameter value. If a
slider does not appear to be working, move it back and forth over its full travel. Also,
when editing Reverb and Echo parameters, there may be a slight delay between moving a
slider and hearing a change.
Note: The Blue LightningTM Pedalboard and Switchboard provide visual indications of the
slider settings, effect types, and more. For now, just play with the sliders to get an idea
of what’s possible; you’ll find that editing is easy and unambiguous when the pedals are
set up, as described starting on page 19.
After you edit an effect, you can move the tog-pot switch to another effect and edit that.
All edits are retained, so if for example you switch the tog-pot to Modulation and dial in a
chorus sound, you can then change the tog-pot to Reverb and add some reverb, then
change the tog-pot again to Echo and introduce delay.
Edit with the Red Tog-pot
The red tog-pot works similarly to the blue tog-pot, but edits the Compressor/Gate,
Distortion, and EQ effects (again, as labeled on the switchplate). The red sliders edit the
selected effect parameters shown on the label to the right of the red sliders.
Exit Edit Mode, ave, and Restore Patches
After tweaking the effects, you can exit Edit Mode and do one of the following.
ave your edits. Push once on the Digital Varitone knob, move the knife switch, or rotate
the Gear Shift. The Gear Shift shows -A-V-E-D to indicate your new sound is saved. This
sound will remain as edited even if you change patches and return to it later.
Restore the original patch sound. You can restore an edited patch to its original patch
settings at any time, whether in Edit Mode or Patch Play Mode, by pushing three times in
quick succession on the Digital Varitone knob. The Gear Shift knob will show R-E- -T-O-R-E-
D as it restores the original patch settings.
Familiarize Yourself with the Effects
To become familiar with the effects, consider choosing a patch from Banks 1-3 (dry electric
guitar sounds) as the various processors’ effects will be obvious. The sliders control the
parameters shown in the following chart, and cover a wide range of possible sounds.
Page 17

With the Modulation, Echo, Reverb, and Distortion tog-pot positions, the Type slider chooses
the different effect types shown in the following chart.
Note: Type slider position 1 is closest to the headstock; moving the slider closer to the
bridge selects higher numbers.
trum Tempo Option
Firebird X can use a Switchboard footswitch to set the delay time (called “tap tempo”).
However, you can also set the delay time with Firebird X’s unique Strum Tempo option.
1. Select any patch that has a Delay effect enabled.
2. Toggle the silver tog-pot rapidly three times between Tuning (down position) and Piezo
(center position).
3. T appears in the center of the Gear Shift knob.
4. Mute the strings with your left hand and strike the strings four times with your right
hand. The onboard computer will calculate the delay time from these peaks.
5. Play Firebird X and determine that the delay time is correct. If not, repeat steps 1-4 and
make you you strike the strings with sufficient force to create strong peaks.
Page 18
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Mod Choru Tremolo Pha er Vibrato Flanger
Echo Digital Delay Analog Delay Tape Delay Choru Delay Ducking Delay Rever e Delay Looper
Reverb Hall Bright Ducking Co mic Plate Damped Spring Taj Mahal
istortion 80’ High-Gain 60’ Royal OD 70’ 90’ Metal
Effect
Block/Tog-
Pot Position < < toward headstock Type Slider Position toward bridge > >
Effect Type
Mod Echo Reverb
Top Slider Type Type Type
Middle Slider Rate Feedback Feedback
Bottom Slider Depth Time Damping
Compression istortion EQ
Top Slider Su tain Type 5.5kHz
Middle Slider Comp Thre hold Bite 1.3kHz
Bottom Slider Noi e Gate Threa hold Drive 200Hz
Slider Position
(top = closest to
FBX top)

Chapter 4: Blue LightningTM Pedalboard and Switchboard
Pedalboard and witchboard Basics
Pedalboard and witchboard Basics
Firebird X’s Pedalboard and Switchboard provide exceptional, fluid control over Firebird X,
both live and in the studio.
The Pedalboard provides visual display of the guitar status, and pedal functions.
The Switchboard primarily selects and edits sounds, as well as provides sophisticated
EchoplexTM Looper functions.
The Pedalboard and Switchboard (as well as Firebird X itself) are Bluetooth devices that
communicate wirelessly. The pedals can use batteries or the supplied AC adapter, and
operate a minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) from Firebird X to a maximum of 100 feet.
These devices need to recognize each other—a process called “pairing”—which is done at
the factory. If for any reason they are not paired, or you need to re-pair, see page 27.
Powering the Pedalboard and witchboard
The pedals can use a common power supply by connecting the two using the Pedal
Power/Data Connector (called “Bone” for short—see the illustration), or be powered
individually. The bone is stored in a slot on the bottom of the Pedalboard; its magnets are
strong, so you may need a screwdriver to pry the bone out of its slot.
Of the following power options, the last two are preferred.
When linked, both pedals can work from a single battery inserted in either pedal (the
battery door is located on the rear of each pedal).
Each pedal can be AC-powered individually.
Each pedal can be battery-powered individually.
When linked, using the supplied AC adapter with one pedal powers both pedals.
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Both pedals have a standard 9V battery connector located in the battery compartment, and
a separate cavity that fits a 9V battery. If a 9V battery is connected, it will work as a
backup power source if the standard rechargeable battery discharges below its shutdown
voltage; switchover to the 9V battery occurs automatically. However, switching on the
pedal with only a 9V battery is not supported.
etting Up the Pedals for Firebird X
1. Remove the Pedal Power/Data Connector, which carries power from the Pedalboard to
the Switchboard, from the bottom of the Pedalboard.
2. Link the underside of the Pedalboard and Switchboard using the Pedal Power/Data
Connector.
3. Place them on the floor (typically Pedalboard to the left, Switchboard to the right but
you can reverse the order).
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