Korg Pandora PX4A User manual

1
EFG

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Precautions
Location
Using the unit in the following locations can re-
sult in a malfunction.
• In direct sunlight
•
Locations of extreme temperature or humidity
• Excessively dusty or dirty locations
• Locations of excessive vibration
• Close to magnetic fields
Power supply
Please connect the designated AC adapter to an
AC outlet of the correct voltage. Do not connect
it to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for
which your unit is intended.
Interference with other electrical de-
vices
Radios and televisions placed nearby may ex-
perience reception interference.Operate this unit
at a suitable distance from radios and televisions.
Handling
To avoid breakage, do not apply excessive force
to the switches or controls.
Care
If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean,
dry cloth.Do not use liquid cleaners such as ben-
zene or thinner, or cleaning compounds or flam-
mable polishes.
Keep this manual
After reading this manual, please keep it for lat-
er reference.
Keeping foreign matter out of your
equipment
Never set any container with liquid in it near this
equipment. If liquid gets into the equipment, it
could cause a breakdown, fire, or electrical shock.
Be careful not to let metal objects get into the
equipment. If something does slip into the equip-
ment, unplug the AC adapter from the wall out-
let.Then contact your nearest Korg dealer or the
store where the equipment was purchased.

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CE mark for European Harmonized Standards
CE mark which is attached to our company’s prod-
ucts of AC mains operated apparatus until Decem-
ber 31, 1996 means it conforms to EMC Directive
(89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).
And, CE mark which is attached after January 1,
1997 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/
EEC), CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC) and LowVolt-
age Directive (73/23/EEC).
Also, CE mark which is attached to our company’s
products of Battery operated apparatus means it
conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE
mark Directive (93/68/EEC).
THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for U.S.A)
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 in-
terference in a residential installation.This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency en-
ergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guaran-
tee that interference will not occur in a particular in-
stallation.If this equipment does cause harmful inter-
ference 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 dif-
ferent from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV tech-
nician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system
can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

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Contents
Introduction ............................. 6
Main features........................... 6
Installing the batteries .............. 8
Battery Low display ........................ 8
Using the strap holder .............. 8
Controls and connectors ........... 9
LCD screen ................................... 11
Making connections ............... 12
Initial Settings ........................ 13
Quick Edit .................................... 13
Play mode ............................. 14
1. Selecting a program ................. 14
2. Master level ............................. 14
3. Bypass/Mute ............................ 14
4. Tuner ........................................ 15
5. Specifying the function of the Value
Dial .......................................... 16
6. Key Lock function ..................... 17
Rhythm & Bass mode ............. 17
1. Rhythm Pattern ......................... 18
2. Tempo ...................................... 18
3. Bass On/Off & Bass Key .......... 18
4. Rhythm & Bass Reverb Level ..... 19
5. Rhythm & Bass Level................. 19
6. Chain Pattern settings ............... 19
AUX Pitch mode ..................... 20
Phrase Trainer mode .............. 21
1. Select the recording mode ........ 21
2. Recording ................................. 22
3. Playback .................................. 23
4. Pause ....................................... 23

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NOTCH effect and Auto Notch
function ................................. 24
Edit mode .............................. 25
1. Select the effect that you wish to edit
................................................ 25
2. Editing each effect .................... 25
1) DYNA (Dynamic effects) ........ 26
2) TONE (Tone Controls)............ 26
3) BODY (Mic & body modeling) 26
4) MOD (Modulation & Filter Effect
Modeling) ............................... 26
5) DLY (Delay Modeling) ............ 27
6) REV (Reverb Modeling) ......... 27
7) NR (Noise reduction) ............. 27
8) NOTCH (Notch effect)............ 27
9) RENAME................................ 28
10) WRITE ................................. 28
3. Reloading the factory programs
................................................ 29
Troubleshooting...................... 29
Effect Parameter ..................... 31
DYNA (Dynamic effects) ................ 31
TONE ........................................... 31
BODY (Mic & Body Modeling) ....... 32
MOD (Modulation & Filter Effect
Modeling) ..................................... 33
DLY (Delay Modeling) ................... 35
REV (Reverb Modeling) ................. 36
Preset Program Name ............ 37
Rhythm Pattern List ................. 38
Specifications ......................... 40

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the TONEWORKS
PANDORA PX4A acoustic personal multi-ef-
fect processor. In order to enjoy your PANDO-
RA PX4A, please read this owner’s manual
carefully and hold on to it for future reference.
Main features
The PX4A is a highly versatile compact multi-
effect unit designed for acoustic guitar. It makes
it easy to use Korg’s proprietary “ ” mod-
eling technology to create detailed and power-
ful modeling sounds.
82 types of effect variations with a maximum of
eight effects that can be used simultaneously.
IPE (Integrated Parameter Edit) system allows
easy editing of the effect settings.
50 user and 50 preset programs
Mic & body model selector
A selector dial lets you quickly and easily edit
11 of the 13 types of mic and body model.
Control knobs
Control knobs make it easy to adjust the three-
band equalizer and the volume level.You can
adjust the tone and volume even while you're
performing.
Notch effect and Auto Notch function
The PX4A provides a Notch effect that's effec-
tive against acoustic feedback.You can quickly
set the notch point by using the NOTCH button
and the Value dial. Alternatively, you can use
the Auto Notch function to set the notch point
automatically.
Backlit LCD
The LCD screen can be easily viewed even in
dark locations.

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Auto Tuner function
This feature makes tuning fast and easy.You
can also tune “silently” (i.e., while muted).
Rhythm and Bass function
100 types of rhythm and bass patterns or a met-
ronome can be used. 16 multiple patterns can
also be connected for successive playback.
AUX pitch function
You can transpose the pitch of the sound from
a CD player or other audio source connected to
the AUX jack of the PX4A.
Phrase Trainer function
Audio from an external audio source or guitar
can be recorded (maximum of 31.7 seconds),
and then played back as a loop. Since you can
slow down the playback speed without affect-
ing the pitch, this function provides a very con-
venient way to practice phrases from a record-
ing. In addition, you can use Rhythm & Bass
mode to generate a rhythm pattern and record
it at the same time.
TAP button
You can easily set the DelayTime or the tempo
of the Rhythm & Bass function to match the tem-
po of the song.
Value dial
This lets you rapidly select programs or edit the
effects.
What is ?
(Resonant structure and Electronic
circuit Modeling System) is KORG’s propri-
etary sound modeling technology which pre-
ciselyreproducesthe complex characterand
nature of both acoustic and electric instru-
ments as well as electronic circuits in real
world environments. emulates a wide
variety of sound generation characteristics
including instrument bodies, speakers &
cabinets, acoustic fields, microphones, vac-
uum tubes, transistors, etc.

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Installing the batteries
Remove the battery cover located
on the bottom of the
PX4A by sliding it in the
direction of the arrow.In-
sert four AAA alkaline
batteries as shown in
the illustration. Be sure
to insert the batteries
observing the correct polarity.
Battery Low display
When the batteries begin to run low, the Low
Battery icon will light. When this icon lights,
replace the batteries as soon as possible.
Programs and other data (except for the data
being edited) will not be lost even if the battery
is removed and changed.
Batteries that have run down must be removed
from the PX4A. If you leave dead batteries in
the unit, malfunctions (battery leakage, etc.)
may occur.You should also remove the batter-
ies when you do not expect to use the PX4A
for an extended period of time.
An AC adapter is not included with this prod-
uct. It must be purchased separately.
Using the strap holder
1. Pass your strap through the strap holder.
2. Slide the protrusion (A) of the strap holder
into the attachment slot (B) on the rear of the
PX4A.
B
A
C

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3. Press in the direction of the
arrow (a) until locking tab (c)
clicks into place.
4. Shake the PX4A lightly to en-
sure a secure fit.
Removal
1. Press the strap holder locking
tab (c) in the direction of arrow
(b) to release the lock.
2. With the lock released, slide
the PX4A in the opposite direc-
tion from when attaching it, and
remove it from the holder.
Controls and connectors
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
89101112 13
14
15
16
17
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1. Control knobs
These knobs control the tone and volume.
2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
3. TUNE/BYPASS button
4. EXIT button
This button returns you back to Play mode from
any mode.
5. ENTER/REC button
This button is used to switch an effect on/off, or to
start recording in Phrase Trainer mode.
a
C
b

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6. Input level switch
Use this to adjust the input level depending on the
output level of your guitar.
7. Mic & body model selector
Use this to select the desired type of mic & body
model.
8. ▲/▼buttons
Use these buttons to select programs and edit
effects.
9. OUTPUT jack
Connect this jack to your guitar amp, bass amp,
or headphones etc.
10. INPUT jack
Connect your guitar or bass to this jack.
11. AUX jack (stereo)
Connect this jack to a CD player or other audio
source.
12. DC4.5V
The separately sold AC adapter (DC4.5V )
should be connected here.
13. √/®buttons
Use these buttons to select the parameter that
you wish to edit, and to operate the Phrase Train-
er function.
14. Power switch/Backlight switch
This switch turns the power on/off, and also turns
the backlight on/off.
If you are operating the PX4A on batteries, the
operating time will be shorter if the backlight
is on.
15. Value dial
Use this to adjust the master level, edit effects,
and select programs.
16. TAP button
Use this button to set the delay time or the tempo
in Rhythm & Bass mode.
17. NOTCH button
Thisbuttonturns theNotch effectonandtheNotch
effect editing page will appear.
18. Mode buttons
Use these buttons to enter Rhythm & Bass, AUX
Pitch, or Phrase Trainer modes.

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LCD screen
a
b
cdef
g
a. Effect chain
This area indicates the on/off status of the DYNA,
TONE, BODY, MOD, DLY, and REV effects.
b. Program name/Effect type display
This area shows the program name or effect type.
When the PX4A is bypassed or muted, this will
function as the tuner.
c. Low Battery icon
This icon will light when the batteries run low.
d. Mode icons
These icons will light when you are in AUX Pitch,
PhraseTrainer, or Rhythm & Bass modes.
e. EDIT icon, ORIG (Original) icon,
NOTCH icon
The EDIT icon will light when you enter Edit mode,
and the ORIG (Original) icon will light if the pa-
rameter you're editing is set to the same value as
the value written in the program.
The NOTCH icon will light when the Notch effect
is on.
f. Program number / value display
This displays the program number.
When you change the Master Level, its value will
be displayed here for several seconds. During
editing, this displays the parameter values.
g. Master/Value icons, bar graph
When MASTER is lit, the master level of the
program is indicated graphically.When VALUE
is lit, the value of the parameter is indicated
graphically.

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Making connections
When connecting an external device (ie-guitar
amp, CD player, ac adapter, etc) be sure to turn
the unit off.
headphone
*5
mini-component /
stereo etc.
guitar amp /
powered monitor
CD player etc.*2
guitar
AC adapter
*1
*4
*3 *3
*1 Be sure to use only the specified AC adapt-
er (DC4.5V ).
*2 If a CD player or other audio source is con-
nected to the AUX jack, you can play along
to it with your guitar. However the volume
must be adjusted from the connected device.
*3 Connecting cables are sold separately.
*4 The PX4A’s output jack is stereo. If you use
a standard mono cable to connect it to a gui-
tar amp etc., only the L (left) output will be
heard.
*5 The PX4A’s output level and sound quality
will vary depending on which headphones
are used.We recommend using good quali-
ty low impedance headphones, 32 Ohms or
less with a sensitivity rating near 100dB/mW
or above.Many headphones sold for use with
portable CD or cassette players will work just
fine.

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Initial Settings
1. When you finish making connections, set the
power switch to the “ON” position. (This set-
ting is referred to as Play mode.)
Use the ▲/▼buttons to select a program.
2. Set the input level switch for the output level
of your pickups.
Hi: High-output pickups
Lo: Low-output pickups
3. Set the volume control of your guitar to its
usual position. Use the Value dial to adjust
the master level.
Quick Edit
In each mode (except when Mute/Bypass or Key
Lock are active), you can use the Mic & Body
Modeling selector to quickly change the mic
or body modeling type, or use the control knobs
to adjust the tone, or volume.When you move a
control knob, the parameter name and value will
appear for several seconds in the value display.
If the setting matches the original setting, the
ORIG icon will light.
The Delay Time can also be set by pressing
the TAP button twice at the desired interval (ex-
cept when in Rhythm & Bass mode).To check
the Delay Time that was specified, press and
hold the TAP button for two seconds or longer.
Program selection
Program name
Input level
switch
Mic & Body
selection
Adjust the tone,
and volume
Program
number
Set the
delay time
Master level
adjustment
Settings that you make using Quick Edit will
return to the original saved settings if you
change programs or turn off the power before
Writing (see p.28).

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Play mode
Play mode is the mode in which you will nor-
mally use the PX4A.
1. Selecting a program
You can choose from 50 user programs
(U01...U50) and 50 preset programs
(P01...P50). Use the ▲/▼buttons to select a
program. Programs can be selected even when
you are in Rhythm & Bass mode, AUX Pitch
mode, or Phrase Trainer mode (except while
recording).
2. Master level
When the MASTER icon is lit, the value graph
will indicate the master level.
When you turn the Value dial to adjust the mas-
ter level, the master level value will be shown in
the program number / value display for several
seconds.The master level is remembered even
when the power is turned off.
Master level value
Program number display
Master icon
Value graph
You can also adjust the settings so that the▲/▼
buttons will adjust the master level. (See p.16)
3. Bypass/Mute
When you press the TUNE/BYPASS button, the
PX4A will be bypassed, and the original sound
will be dry (no effect).
The effect chain will blink, and the display will in-
dicate “BYPASS” for approximately one second.
If you press and hold the TUNE/BYPASS button
for longer than one second, the output signal will
be muted.
The effect chain will blink rapidly, and
the display will indicate “MUTE” for approximately
one second.
Bypass/mute will be turned off when you press
the TUNE/BYPASS button once again.

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You can also return to Play mode by pressing
the EXIT button. Bypass or Mute can also be
entered from modes other than Play mode.
4. Tuner
The tuner will operate when you bypass or mute.
meter
center mark
sharp
note name
calibration
Play a single string on your guitar.The LCD will
show the note name and the calibration. If the
pitch is more than a semitone higher than the
note name, a sharp symbol will appear at the
upper right of the note name.The display area
will act as a meter to show the pitch.
Tune each string of your guitar so that the indi-
cator above the center mark is lit.
The tuner (bypass/mute) will be turned off when
you press either the EXIT button or TUNE/BY-
PASS button.
You can also return to Play mode by pressing
the EXIT button.
Calibration (frequency of the standard A =
440 pitch)
You can use the Value dial to adjust the cali-
bration in the range of A =438 Hz...445 Hz.
The calibration setting you make will be valid until
the power is turned off.Once the power is turned
off, the calibration will be reset to A = 440 Hz.

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5. Specifying the function of the Value
Dial
You can specify the function that the Value dial
will perform in Play mode. In Play mode, hold
down the EXIT button and press either the √
button or the ®button to assign the following
functions.
●Hold down the EXIT button and press the √
button.
The LCD will indicate “MASTER” for approx-
imately one second.
The Value dial will adjust the master level,
and the ▲/▼buttons will select programs.
Each time the power is turned on, this set-
ting will be in effect.
Adjust the
master level
Select a program
●Hold down the EXIT button and press the ®
button.
The LCD will indicate “PROGRAM” for ap-
proximately one second.
The Value dial will select programs, and the
▲/▼buttons will adjust the master level.
Select a program
Adjust the master level
If you want to change the function of theVal-
ue dial so that it will adjust the master level,
again,hold down the EXIT button once and
press the √button, or turn on the power.

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6. Key Lock function
By activating the Key Lock function, you can
disable all operations except for selecting pro-
grams. This is a convenient way to prevent
accidental operation during a live perfor-
mance.
Hold down the EXIT button and press the
TUNE/BYPASS button.The LCD will indicate
“KEYLOCK” for approximately one second.
The ▲/▼buttons will select programs, and the
other buttons and Value dial will not function.
Only program selection is possible
The Key Lock function will be cancelled when
the power is turned off.You can also cancel
the Key Lock function by performing“5.Spec-
ifying the function of theValue Dial.” (☞p.16).
Rhythm & Bass mode
To enter Rhythm & Bass mode, press the
RHYTHM/AUX PITCH button once when in Play
mode (except if Mute, Bypass, or Key-Lock is
active), AUX Pitch mode, or PhraseTrainer mode.
When you enter this mode, the Rhythm Pattern
selection screen will appear, the selected rhythm
will start, and the Rhythm & Bass mode icon
will light. The indication of the value graph will
change according to the pattern or tempo.
This mode contains the following five parame-
ters.Use √/®to select parameters, and use the
Value dial and the ENTER/REC button to set
the value of each parameter.
If you select “CHAIN” as the rhythm pattern,
there will be more chain pattern settings. (Refer
to p.19, “Chain pattern settings”)

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Rhythm
pattern Tempo Bass On/Off
and Bass Key
Chain
pattern
setting
Additional settings when rhythm pattern is “CHAIN”
Rhythm &
Bass
reverb level
Rhythm &
Bass
level
If you select “JAM” as the recording mode in
Phrase Trainer mode, the rhythm will sound
with the pattern and tempo that you specify
here.
The settings you select here are remembered
even when the power is turned off.
1. Rhythm Pattern
Use the Value dial to select the rhythm pattern
(p.38)
Rhythm Pattern
Rhythm & Bass mode icon
2. Tempo
Set the tempo in the range of 40–208 bpm.
You can also set the tempo by pressing the TAP
button twice at the desired rhythm.
For a 6/8 time signature, the tempo can be set
in a range of   =40–208.
tempo display
3. Bass On/Off & Bass Key
Here you can switch the bass on/off, and spec-
ify the key in which the bass will play.
key display
If you press the ENTER/REC button in this
screen, the bass will play in time with the rhythm.
Depending on the rhythm pattern that you have
selected, some bass lines will include a chord

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progression.When the bass note is on, you can
use the Value dial to set the key in a range of
C, C...A, B, allowing you to practice your gui-
tar in a scale that matches that key.
If“METRONM” – “METRO7”(metronome) is se-
lected as the rhythm pattern, there will be no
bass notes, and this screen will not appear.
When using Chain Patterns, the Bass Key set-
ting will be ignored.
4. Rhythm & Bass Reverb Level
Use the Value dial to set the amount of Reverb
for the Rhythm & Bass.
Reverb level
This uses the same reverb as the program ef-
fect.This parameter has no effect if you have
selected a program that does not use reverb
modeling, or if the reverb effect level is “0.”
5. Rhythm & Bass Level
Use the Value dial to set the level of the Rhythm
& Bass sound. The bass note will be affected
only if Bass is turned on.
Rhythm & Bass
level
6. Chain Pattern settings
These parameters are added only if you select
“CHAIN” as the rhythm pattern. Press the EN-
TER/REC button to access the Chain Parame-
ter Select screen.
Use the √/®buttons to select the location
(1...16) for which you want to change the pat-
tern, and use the Value dial to select the pat-
tern (p.38) that will be used at that location. Use
the ▲/▼buttons to specify the bass key of the
selected pattern.

20
Key
Pattern location
Up to 16 patterns can be chained (connected).
If you want to create a chain of 15 or fewer pat-
terns, select “PTN END” for the last pattern.
Press the ENTER/REC button to exit the Chain
Pattern Select screen.
If you change the pattern location by turning
the value dial while holding down the
√ or ®
button, the pattern at which you were located
will be copied to the destination pattern loca-
tion.This function is convenient when you want
to place the same pattern again.
AUX Pitch mode
In this mode you can transpose the pitch of a CD
or other audio source connected to the AUX jack.
To enter AUX Pitch mode, press the RHYTHM/
AUX PITCH button twice when in Play mode
(except if Mute, Bypass, or Key-Lock is active)
or Phrase Trainer mode.When you are in this
mode, the AUX Pitch icon will light.
Use theValue dial to specify the amount of key
transposition.The key can be transposed in a
range of +/-1 octave.The value can be adjusted
upward and downward for 3 semitones in 10
cent steps, and in semitone steps (100 cents)
for the remainder of the range.
Display of
10 cent units
Display of
100 cent units
Press the EXIT button to return to Play mode.
The output will be mono in AUX Pitch mode.
The AUX Pitch setting is remembered even
when the power is turned off.