Gibson G-Node User manual

Gibson G-Node
Gibson G-Node™
™
Audio Interface Manual
Audio Interface Manual
copyright 2011 Gibson Guitar Corp.
G-Node manual version 1.0d
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FCC and IC Compliance
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
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 no: 202WWSM11 690412
This device should not be modified (otherwise the granted designation number will become invalid)
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Important Safety and Warranty Information
Important Safety 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 G-Node™
Audio Interface, please read and follow all safety warnings and operating instructions
before using this product, and keep all documentation for future reference.
Environmental Factors
Environmental Factors
Heat and moisture can harm your Gibson G-Node™ Audio Interface. Please do not install or
operate 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 G-Node™
will be much happier if you store and operate this product under safe conditions.
Power Sources
Power Sources
Use only the power sources included in the 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 may experience extreme power differentials, which can potentially harm you and
the product.
Service
Service
Please do not attempt to service G-Node™ yourself—let our expert technicians handle any
repairs for you.
Speaking of experts, always send the 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 the G-Node™
The G-Node™ have been exposed to water, dropped, or otherwise damaged
A marked change in the G-Node's™ performance
You hear anything rattling around inside if you shake the G-Node™ gently
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Warranty Protection
Warranty Protection
It is extremely important to us that you are satisfied with G-Node™. Register it and activate
your warranty protection by mailing the warranty card included with The X Series Guitar 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, the G-Node™ is 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 the G-Node™ 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 the G-Node™ 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 the guitar to
Gibson USA, Department W, P.O. Box 100087, Nashville, TN 37210-0087.
Warranty Limitations
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.
Wear and tear based on normal usage.
Factory installed electronics after more than one year following the original date of
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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 G-Node™.
Gibson® is a trademark of the Gibson Guitar Corp.
Windows® and Windows 7® are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc.
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
The G-NodeTM USB 2.0 high-performance audio interface is a product of Echo Digital Audio,
which introduced its first computer audio interface 30 years ago. The company now makes
a line of pro audio interfaces for Mac and Windows computers. If you want to expand the
total amount of inputs and outputs, G-Node can run concurrently with other Echo Digital
Audio interfaces.
If You Own the ark Fire or usk Tiger
If You Own the ark Fire or usk Tiger
G-Node™ is not compatible with previous Gibson high-tech guitars. Please continue to use
the Robot Interface Pack (RIP) interface provided with those guitars.
G-Node™ Overview
G-Node™ Overview
G-Node™ can send the main X Series Guitar output and each individual string into a
computer for recording or live use. Setting up G-Node involves three main steps, done in
this order:
Installing Editor software on your computer. On Windows, this includes drivers—
small programs that let G-Node™ communicate with the computer. Mac OS X already
includes suitable drivers. For both computers, a Control Panel program—very much
like a hardware digital mixer—lets you adjust the G-Node’s levels and routing within
the computer.
Hooking Up G-Node™. G-Node™ transfers audio to the computer via an industry-
standard USB 2.0 high-speed cable (included; please use only cables designated for
USB 2.0 high-speed use). This physically connects G-Node’s USB 2.0 port to a USB 2.0
port on your computer. Most computers include a USB 2.0 port, but you can add USB
2.0 ports to desktop and laptop computers via accessory cards. G-Node draws its
power from the USB 2.0 bus and requires no AC adapter, but can also be battery-
powered for live use if no computer is available. Batteries also offer “cleaner” power
that may result in less noise with high-gain amp setups.
Customizing G-Node for your particular computer or application. This involves
making adjustments to the Control Panel, and/or assigning G-Node’s inputs and
outputs within a host program like Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition.
Although G-Node is designed and optimized for music programs, it can also provide
traditional “sound card” capabilities for Windows and Mac computers (see Appendix D).
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G-Node-Related Accessories
G-Node-Related Accessories
The X Series Guitar package contains the following components needed by the G-Node
interface system:
Gibson G-Node interface box
USB 2.0 cable
Bluetooth antenna for anticipated future applications
Certificate of Authenticity. This is required to download and authorize software.
Store this in a safe place!
Minimum System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
Using G-Node requires a desktop or laptop computer with:
Available USB 2.0 port. USB 1.1 is not supported.
At least 1GB RAM (more RAM is highly recommended for audio applications)
If you plan to record audio, a fast, high-capacity IDE, SCSI, SATA or USB 2.0 hard
drive
Software capable of running at 48kHz (G-Node is fixed at that sample rate and
cannot be changed)
Mac: Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.4 or higher (when available, Mac Lion
compatibility will be announced to registered users).
Windows: Windows 7, which provides superior performance for working with audio
than previous Windows versions. G-Node’s true 64-bit drivers are fully compatible
with 32- and 64-bit versions.
Users can try other operating system versions, but Gibson cannot provide support.
Guitar Rig 4 Pro and Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition
Guitar Rig 4 Pro and Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition
In addition to the Editor, two complimentary downloadable programs that work seamlessly
with G-Node are available to X Series Guitar owners.
Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig 4 Pro (full version) includes multiple amp models,
effects, and utilities. It works as a stand-alone processor, or as a plug-in with Mac
and Windows recording/editing software such as Ableton Live, Avid Pro Tools 9 (or
higher), Cakewalk Sonar, Apple Logic, MOTU Digital Performer, Steinberg Cubase, etc.
Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson Studio Edition provides innovative audio and MIDI
recording, sequencing, and editing; it can also host Guitar Rig 4 Pro as a plug-in. An
upgrade path is available for updating to the full version.
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Overview: Basic Computer Setups
Overview: Basic Computer Setups
Here's an overview of what the X Series Guitars can do when connected to a computer.
For a basic computer-based live performance setup, load Guitar Rig 4 Pro into a
laptop or other computer. his software turns your computer into a “virtual guitar rack”
with dozens of virtual amp and effect options, while the G-Node interface provides an
input for the guitar along with mono or stereo analog outputs for your mixer, PA, or
active speakers, and digital outputs for computers or other audio interfaces.
For a computer-based live performance setup that takes advantage of X Series
Guitar s individual string processing possibilities, load Ableton Live Lite 8 Gibson
Studio Edition into a laptop or other computer. Again, G-Node provides physical inputs
and outputs for this “virtual rack.” All eight signals (main out and six individual string
outputs) are available in Ableton Live as eight individual channels, and you can load
plug-ins like Guitar Rig 4, or the plug-ins included in Ableton Live, to process these
signals. Live provides the routing and mixing for outputs, which then go to your
amplification system via G-Node's analog or digital outs.
For a computer-based studio setup, G-Node provides an interface between your
guitar and computer, sending all guitar outputs through the USB 2.0 connector
directly to your computer. Any modern DAW (digital audio workstation) program will
recognize these outputs, and allow you to route, process, mix, and record them
within the audio software you're using (called the “host program”). Because G-Node
also acts as a high-quality computer interface/sound card, your host program will be
able to send its output through the USB 2.0 cable to the G-Node. From there, the G-
Node’s stereo output jacks can patch directly to a set of active monitor speakers (or
to a mixer, headphone distribution amp, etc.). You can also monitor the output via G-
Node’s headphone output.
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Chapter 2: G-Node Connections
Chapter 2: G-Node Connections
G-Node offers several types of connections. The input accepts the guitar's output. The
outputs are all available simultaneously.
The analog line outputs can connect to mixers, PAms, recorder analog inputs, etc.
The ADAT optical output sends signals to devices with ADAT-compatible inputs,
including audio interfaces and recorders.
The headphone output allows monitoring the X Series Guitar or your computer’s
output.
The USB connection provides bi-directional signal flow (input and output) between
the G-Node and Mac or Windows computers. Note: G-Node is a class-compliant USB
device, so it can be removed without having to safely eject.”
G-Node Front Panel
G-Node Front Panel
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X Series Guitar input: Plug the X Series Guitar output into this jack using the
supplied stereo (TRS) 1/4” cable.

The plugs used with a stereo cable have tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS) connections.
Status LE : Green indicates that the G-Node recognizes the guitar. Yellow indicates
the guitar is either not plugged in, not turned on, or not functioning properly.
S card slot and recorder controls: Reserved for future expansion.
String activity LE s: These indicate which strings are outputting a signal.
Headphone jack: Plug standard, 1/8” stereo headphones into this jack.
Headphone level control: This adjusts the headphone level, but not the level of the
rear-panel outputs.
Bluetooth antenna: Reserved for future expansion.
G-Node Rear Panel
G-Node Rear Panel
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Battery on-off switch: Push in to enable G-Node’s internal battery (the battery door
is located on G-Node’s bottom panel). Note: Battery power is "cleaner" than USB
power, and may reduce noise when the analog outs connect to a high-gain guitar
amp. If the G-Node connects to USB, battery power will override power coming from
the USB cable unless the battery discharges below 5V, after which USB power takes
over.
USB 2.0 Type B port: This connects G-Node to an available USB 2.0 port on your
computer. (Type B indicates that this is a physically smaller version of the standard
USB connector.)
Bluetooth antenna and Bluetooth pairing switch: Reserved for future expansion.
MI I out: Reserved for future expansion.
S card slot and recorder controls: Reserved for future expansion.
A AT output: Optical connector that carries the two main guitar outs and individual
outputs for each string (eight outputs total).
Line outputs: Standard balanced or unbalanced, line-level, 1/4” phone jack outputs
that can patch to analog mixers, other audio interfaces, PA systems, etc. These
outputs are available simultaneously with the ADAT output, and signals traveling over
USB.
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Chapter 3: General Installation Instructions
Chapter 3: General Installation Instructions
Check the Gibson Website for Updates
Check the Gibson Website for Updates
Gibson is committed to enhancing G-Node’s performance. For the latest G-Node updates
and updated documentation, go to the Visionaries Club at http://fbx.gibson.com. You’ll
also find update for other X Series Guitar system software, free patches, and more.
Installing from a ownloaded File
Installing from a ownloaded File
All X Series Guitar software is available as a convenient download rather than from physical
media. When downloading new software, note where your computer stores downloads. If
you’re not sure, create a text file with a distinctive name (e.g., Downloadtestfile.txt),
email it to yourself as an attachment, then download the attachment. Use your computer’s
search function to find the file after it’s downloaded, and note the folder that contains it.
This folder is where you will find any other files you download.
Caution:
Caution: USB 2.0 Connector Orientation USB 2.0 Connector Orientation
Never force a USB connection. If the USB plug does not slide easily into its matching
connector, rotate the plug 180 degrees and try again.
Connect irectly to a USB Port on Your Computer, not through a Hub
Connect irectly to a USB Port on Your Computer, not through a Hub
Audio requires much higher bandwidth than a peripheral like a USB keyboard or mouse. As
expansion hubs can reduce bandwidth, plug G-Node into a USB 2.0 port on the computer
itself, or a USB 2.0 card plugged into your computer. G-Node wants the most direct path
possible to your computer.
G-Node Automatic Fault etection
G-Node Automatic Fault etection
G-Node can detect faulty cables or bad USB 2.0 connections. If you open the Gibson G-Node
Control Panel and its GUI (Graphic User Interface) does not appear, check your connections.
If the Control Panel disappears for no apparent reason while the application is open, the USB
2.0 cable has likely been unplugged or become unseated from its connector. Restoring these
connections restores the Control Panel’s GUI.
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Chapter 4: Macintosh Installation
Chapter 4: Macintosh Installation
1. If a previous G-Node Control Panel installation exists, uninstall the program as described
in Appendix B.
2. Check that there’s at least 130MB of free disk space on your main system drive.
3. Download the latest G-Node software for Mac as described at the beginning of Chapter 3,
and save it to your desktop. If the file has a .ZIP suffix, double-click on it to extract the
Firebird.pkg installation file. This will appear on your desktop.
4. Plug the smaller connector of the included USB 2.0 high-speed cable into the USB 2.0
port on the G-Node’s rear panel, and the larger connector into an available USB 2.0 port on
your Mac (there's usually one on the Mac’s front panel; otherwise, check the rear panel).
5. Double-click on the Firebird.pkg file. The installation window appears. Click on
Continue.
6. The Standard Install window appears. This notifies you of the free space required on your
hard drive for installation, and gives the option to change installation to a drive other than
your main system drive. Gibson strongly recommends using the default installation path.
Click on Install.
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7. If necessary, enter your password to allow the installer to make changes to your
computer, then click on OK.
8. Installation begins. When complete, the successful installation screen appears. Click on
Close.
You’ll find X Series Guitar files in the following locations.
Presets: Finder > Go > Home > Firebird X > Presets
Editor: Finder > Go > Applications > Firebird
G-Node Control Panel: Finder > Go > Applications > Firebird X
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Do not click on FirebirdDFU; this program launches automatically to check your system
firmware when you open the X Series Guitar Editor.
Note: For quick access, click on the Firebird icon to highlight it, then go File > Make Alias.
Drag the Alias to your desktop so you can double-click on it to open the Editor.
Proceed to Chapter 6 on updating your system firmware.
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Chapter 5: Windows 7 Installation
Chapter 5: Windows 7 Installation
Note: The installation procedure for 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 is virtually
identical.
1. Power-up your Windows computer, and log in as an Administrator—either with the
“Administrator” account or any other account with administrative privileges. Otherwise,
you will not be able to install the G-Node software. Caution! DO NOT connect the Gibson
G-Node to your com uter’s USB 2.0 ort yet.
2. If a previous G-Node Control Panel installation exists, uninstall the program as described
in Appendix C.
3. Make sure there is at least 0MB of free disk space on your main system C: drive.
4. Download the latest G-Node software for Windows as described at the beginning of
Chapter 3, and save it to your desktop. If the file has a .ZIP suffix, double-click on it to
extract the FBX_Setup.exe installation file; this will appear on your desktop.
5. Double-click on the FBX_Setup.exe icon.
6. If User Account Control is enabled, you’ll be asked if you want the program to make
changes to your computer. Click on Yes.
7. When the Installation Options screen appears, verify that all three check boxes are
checked. Click on Next.
8. The Installation Folder window appears. This notifies you of the space required on your
hard drive for installation, and the available space. You also have the option to change
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installation to a drive other than your main system drive. Gibson strongly recommends
using the default installation path. Click on Install. Note: With 32-bit Windows 7, Editor
will install to the Program Files folder. With 64-bit Windows 7, it will install to the
Program Files (x86) folder.
9. The installer will ask you to connect your G-Node to your computer. Plug the smaller
connector of the included USB 2.0 high-speed cable into the USB 2.0 port on the G-Node’s
rear panel, and the larger connector into an available USB 2.0 port on your computer. Then,
click on OK.
10. A window informs you that G-Node driver installation is complete. Click on OK.
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11. Another window informs you that Setup is complete. Click on Close. Three shortcuts
will have been placed on your desktop.
You’ll find X Series Guitar files in the following locations.
Presets: Start > Computer > C: Drive > Users > Owners > Firebird X > Presets
Editor, additional icons for Presets and Licks, and uninstall: Start > All Programs >
Firebird X
Bin data and drivers: Start > Computer > C: Drive > Program Files (x86) > Firebird X
G-Node Control Panel: Start > Computer > C: Drive > Program Files > Gibson > G-Node
Do not click on FirebirdDFU; this program launches automatically to check your system
firmware when you open the X Series Guitar Editor.
Proceed to Chapter 6 on updating your system firmware.
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Chapter 6: How to Update System Firmware
Chapter 6: How to Update System Firmware
The X Series Guitar, G-Node, and Blue LightningTM Pedalboard and Switchboard all have
firmware that determines how they operate. Firmware is the “brains” of these units, and
may be updated to add new features or optimize performance. Updates are included in the
Editor, so installing a new version of the editor may also involve updating firmware.
Update the Guitar and G-Node
Update the Guitar and G-Node
1. Turn on your computer, and wait until the booting process is complete.
2. Install the Editor software as described in Chapters 3 (Mac) and 4 (Windows).
3. Make sure that:
G-Node connects to your computer with the supplied USB 2.0 high-speed cable
The X Series Guitar is plugged in to the G-Node guitar input using the supplied stereo
cable
The X Series Guitar is turned on with a fully charged battery. Caution! Power should
never be interrupted during a firmware update. Gibson highly recommends having
your computer connected to an uninterruptible power supply while doing firmware
updates. Another option is to update using a battery-powered laptop so that if
there’s a power failure, the laptop will remain operational. Also, make sure all
cables are secure before updating.
4. If these connections are correct, the LED to the immediate right of the input jack will
glow green. Do not have the pedals powered-on when updating the guitar and G-Node.
5. Open the Editor. It will query the guitar and G-Node for their firmware versions (this will
take several seconds), and if all devices are up-to-date, will display a screen showing the
firmware versions and then open the editing screen. Im ortant! If a screen says that it
does not recognize the firmware version or can’t read it, close the dialog box and let
the editor o en. Then un lug the stereo cable from the guitar, wait a few seconds,
then lug it back in again. This solves most connection roblems.
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6. If any device is not up-to-date, the software will ask if you want to update the firmware.
Confirm that you do, and be patient—updating all components can take several minutes.
Caution! Do not do anything with your computer, X Series Guitar, or G-Node until
updating is complete.
7. Updating will complete automatically. Follow any additional on-screen instructions (e.g.,
you may be asked to turn off the G-Node and turn it back on again so it can load the new
firmware). When updating is complete, the editing screen will appear.
8. Im ortant! After all updating is complete, turn off the guitar, unplug G-Node from USB
(and turn off the battery if battery-powered), and re-boot your computer. Then plug G-
Node back in to USB and turn on the guitar.
Update the Blue Lightning
Update the Blue LightningTM
TM Pedalboard and Switchboard Firmware
Pedalboard and Switchboard Firmware
The pedal firmware updating procedure is similar to updating the X Series Guitar and G-
Node firmware. The same caution applies about not interrupting power during the
updating process. If you have an uninterruptible power supply, use the
Pedalboard/Switchboard AC adapter to power the pedals. Otherwise, power each pedal
with a fully charged battery.
To update the Pedalboard firmware:
1. Turn on your computer, and wait until the booting process is complete.
2. With the Pedalboard power off and AC adapter disconnected, remove the Pedalboard’s
rear battery compartment.
3. A USB Type Mini-B connector is located in the Pedalboard battery compartment. Connect
the supplied USB 2.0 high-speed cable from your computer to this connector. Do not
connect the G-Node interface.
4. Connect the AC adapter to the Pedalboard.
5. Turn on the Pedalboard by pushing down on the pedal until it clicks and the display turns
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