Korg A4 Guitar User manual

KORG
CONNECTION WITH A GUITAR•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ...... 3
PLAYING PRESET PROGRAMS [PROGRAM MODE]•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••4
OPERATING INDIVIDUAL EFFECTS [MANUAUEDIT MODE] ••••••••••••••••••• .. 5
CREATING ORIGINAL PROGRAMS [MANUAUEDIT MODE]••••••••••••••••••• .. •6
SAVING EFFECT PROGRAMS [PROGRAM WRITE] ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••8
OTHER USEFUL FUNCTIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••9
PROGRAM LIST ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••27

II
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
P+f4ij0110[ij :When using electronic products, basic precautions should always be used. Including the following:
1. Read all the instructions before using the product.
2. To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when a product is used nearchildren.
3. Do notusethisproductnearwater-forexample,nearabathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, neara swimming
pool, etc.
4. This product, eitheralone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones orspeakers, may be capable ofproducing
sound levelsthatcould cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period oftime at high volume levels or at
a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss orringing in the ears, consult an audiologist.
5. The product's location orposition should not interfere with its properventilation.
6. The product should be kept away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, and other products that produce
heat.
7. The product should be connected to apowersupply only ofthe type described in the operating instructions or as marked
on the product.
8. The unit's powercable should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
9. Care should be taken so that neitherobjects nor liquids fall into the unit's enclosure through its openings.
10. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged
B. Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled into the product
C. The product has been exposed to rain
D. The product does not appear to operate normally, orexhibits a marked change in performance
E. The product has been dropped, orits enclosure damaged
11. Do notattempt procedures to service the product beyondthose described in the usermaintenanceinstructions. All other
servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
II

Congratulations! And thank you for purchasing the KORG A4 Guitar Performance Signal Processor. To get the
most out ofthis advanced instrument and enjoy it
in its optimum condition forthe longest possible time, please read
this manual carefully and keep it handy for reference.
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE ... :....................................................1
2. Standard Pitch and Calibration ....................................... 12
NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF CONTROLS 3. Example of tuning ...........................................................
12
AND TERMINALS ...............................................................2
4. Tuning .............................................................................12
CONNECTION WITH A GUITAR ..............................................3 EFFECT PARAMETER LIST ...................................................
13
PLAYING PRESET PROGRAMS
1. Compressor [COMPRESSOR] ....................................... 13
[PROGRAM MODE] ............................................................4
2. Distortion/Overdrive [DIST/OD] ...................................... 13
OPERATING INDIVIDUAL EFFECTS
3. Three-Band Equalizer [3 BAND EO] ..............................14
[EDIT MODE] ......................................................................5
4. Pitch/Delay [PITCH•DELA Y] ........................................... 14
CREATING ORIGINAL PROGRAMS
5. Chorus/Fianger [CHORUS/FLANGER] ..........................16
[EDIT MODE] ......................................................................6
6. Reverb [REVERB] ..........................................................17
UTILITY .....................................................................................7 7. Utility ...............................................................................17
SAVING EFFECTS PROGRAMS [PROGRAM WRITE] ...........8 ERROR MESSAGES ..............................................................18
OTHER USEFUL FUNCTIONS .................................................9 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................18
1. Comparison with Preset Data ...........................................9 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................19
2. Using the Optional Volume Pedal .....................................9 PROGRAM LIST .....................................................................27
3. MIDI ................................................................................ 10 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS .........................................28
4. External Control .............................................................. 11
TUNER ....................................................................................12
1. Bypass•Tune Switch ....................................................... 12
THE FCC REGULATION WARNING ---------
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency
energy and
if not installed and used properly, that is, in
strict accordance with the manufacture's instructions, may
cause interference
to radio and television reception. It has
been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B computing device in accordance with the specifi-
cations
in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against such
interference in a residential installation.
If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the useris encouraged
to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna
CANADA
Relocate the equipment with respect to teh receiver
Move the equipment away from the receiver
Plug the equipment into a differntoutlet so that
it and
receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the use should onsult the dealer or an ex-
prienced radio/television technician for additional sug-
gestions. The user may find the following booklet pre-
pared by the Federal Communications Commission help-
ful:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference
Problems".
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402, Stock No. 004-
000-00345-4.
THIS DIGITALAPPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE "CLASS B" LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS FROM DIGITALAPPARATUS
SET OUT IN THE RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATIONS OF THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.
LE PRESENTAPPAREIL NUMERIQUE N'EMET PAS DE BRUITS RADIOELECTRIQUES DEPASSANT LES LIMITES APPLICABLE$ AUX
APPAREILS NUMERIQUES DE LA "CLASSE B" PRESCRITES DANS LE REGLEMENT SUR LE BROUILLAGE RADIOELECTRIQUE
EDICTE
PARLE MINISTERE DES COMMUNICATIONS DU CANADA.
II

I
I
I
II
NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF CONTROLS AND TERMINALS
II
FRONT PANEL
- Input Level
--
This controls the level of the signal re-
ceived at the input jack.
LeveVPeak Indicator -
I
For visual monitoring of the input level while
playing. Adjust the input level so that the 3
color LED lights up green while you play, and
occasionally turns orange. If red appears,
clipping may occur, so lower the input level.
,.....-·
I
I
I -
I
L
&!
.........-
-'11 -
·~
..
'"'
~
. ..
-·
--
•.
~
··:::·:-:.:·:·. ' ' 0 0· ·0· <J
_ _, A 0 C 0 I f
r-
--
.,. __
r-----
eJ
t--
ggggg
ggggg
~
I
~
I
L
EFFECT/PROGRAM LEOs
These LEOs light red to show the chosen program
number when in PrOgram mode (page 4). When in
Edit mode (page 6), these LEOs light red to show the
0 t ut L
up
eve
Controls the volume of the output signal.
Mode/Effect Select Buttons
These up/down buttons are used to select
the effects
to be edited when in the Edit
mode.
Effect LEOs
Effect Names
r
Parameter Names
GUITAR,J.
4 r,:;;.,';;,-
K~
·•
Q-
-· l
:---
IEJoJ
r--
00000
00000
00000
Q-
~-
9=
--·
--
r----- r----- r-----
00000
ggggg
~
00000
00000 00000
~
~
User/Preset Selector
r- Bank & Program Val ue
l
,--"""
This indicates the A4
gram number when in
Guitar's bank and pro-
the Program mode
of parameters when in
(page 4), or the value
the Edit mode (page 6).
[
Write Key
Executes savi ng of edited data.
Prog ram and Edit LEOs
green LED lights when the
am mode is selected and
I
The
progr
the ned LED lights when the Edit
e is selected
mod
~
Bank Up Footswitch
This footswitch selects a
new bank when in the
program mode. (The
bank is not actually
switched until a program
tootswitch
is pressed.)
I -
r-----
&§§§§
¥
..._
Bypass
Program, Edit
Select Footswitch
This switch toggles be-
tween Program mode
and Edit mode.
• Tune Footswitch
This button is used to select either the User or
Press in
Preset program areas. When the User LED is
Bypass
lit, the User program area is selected.
Bypass i
Leffects that
are turned ON.
Parameter Editor Knobs
The value of each effect parameter can be changed
by turning these knobs when in Edit mode (page 6).
'-
EFFECT/PROGRAM Footsw;tches
These switches are used to select the program
number when in Program mode (page 4), or to
toggle the individual effects ON/OFF when in
Edit mode (page 6).
a dry u
output t
g this switch toggles the
function ON/OFF. While
s on, the A4 Guitar sends
nprocessed signal to the
erminals and the chromatic
tuner can be accessed. Holding
down this switch slightly longer
mutes
the output completely and
silent tuning is possible.
2
REAR PANEL
I ~~ :::~t:~a~:~~~o~'::~gh
this receptacle to prevent it from
being accidentally unplugged.
OC9V Jack
This jack is for the
9~volt AC adaptor.
I OUTPUT Jacks {R, L/MONO)
[
VOLUME Pedal
Jack I These Jacks provide stereo output for
For connectton to the output Jack of the op- amphfters, mtxers, etc The UMONO
lienal
KORG KVP~001 volume peda~l (When Jack, when used alone, provtdes mtxed
usmg the KVP-001, set tts volume to 0) output for monaural equtpment
POWER Switch
KORIA4
For transmission and reception of MIDI Program
changes and
MIDI System Exclusive messages.
This switch turns the A4's power on and off. Always make sure that this
switch is at the OFF position before connecting or disconnecting the AC
adaptor to either the A4 Guitar or an electrical outlet.
--~-- INPUT Jack
....._ __ EXT CTRL OUT Jacks (1 ,2)
For connecting the guttar
PHONES Jack
This jack is for stereo monitor~
ing of the A4 Guitar's output.
These jacks can be connected to an amplifier's channel switching
footswitch jacks.
This allows you to switch the amplifier's channels
with program changes
on the A4.

II
CONNECTION WITH A GUITAR
1. Connect aguitar to the INPUTjack on the A4's rear panel.
2. Connect your guitar amplifier(s) to the OUTPUTjack(s) on the A4's rear panel. (For best results, use both jacks for stereo output to two
amplifiers. For monaural (one amplifier) operation, connectto the UMONO jack only.)
3. For volume pedalcontrol, connectthe optional KORG KVP-001 volume pedal. (See page 9 for more details.)
4. Inputsignalscan be monitored in stereo by connecting a pair of stereo headphones to the PHONESjack.
5. After completing connection with instruments and equipment, turn on the A4 Guitar'spower.
6. When playing the guitar, thepeak indicator, which moves in accord with the inputvolume level, will go fromgreen to yellow to orange to red.
When increasing the inputvolume orplaying the guitar strongly, please
do not allow the indicator to go into the red area.
7. Please setthe output volume appropriately. Following the above will allowfor performance conditions.
NOTE:When turning the A4 Guitaron and off, make sure to turn all volumecontrols on all instrumentsand equipmentdown as far as they will
go.
®
HDRiiAll
~~-
=
II
3

PLAYING PRESET PROGRAMS
[PROGRAM MODE]
About Preset Programs
The A4 Guitar has atotal of sixty (60) effects programs, including thirty (30) user programs and thirty (30) preset programs. It is possible to
edit the preset programs, but these edited versions must be stored to the user program area. The user area is also used to store original,
user-created programs. Each program area consists of five memory banks, each capable of holding six programs.
Bank
1
BBBBBB
Bank 2 BBBBBB
Bank3 BB~BB~
Bank4 EJEjB~~B
BankS BBBBBB
Preset Program area
(Read Only Memory)
1. When the power is first turned on, the A4 Guitar automatically en-
ters Program mode. If you are in the Edit mode, simply press the
Prog Edit Selectswitch to go to the Program mode.
....... \ PROG
Press the switch until the
green
PROG LED lights up.
2. Setthe input level while playing the guitar. Adjust the input level so
that the 3color LED lights up green while you play and occasion-
ally turns orange. If red appears, clipping may occur, so lower the
input level.
Adjust the input level so that the Peak
Indicator lights
up as described above.
3. Select the PresetProgram mode. PresetProgram mode is selected
when the User LED is off. If the User LED is lit, press the User/Preset
key to turn off the User LED.
~~
0
USER
0
USER/PRESET
4
Bank 1 I
Program 1 II Progmm 211 Progmm 311 Program 411 Progmm sll Progmm sl
Bank2
I Progmm 1 II Progmm 211 Progmm all Progmm 411 Progmm sll Program sl
Bank 3 I
Progmm 1 II Progmm 211 Progmm all Program 411 Progmm sll Prog~ sl
Bank4
I Progr&n 1 II Progmm 211 Progmm 311 Progmm 411 Progmm s)l Progmm s)
BankS I
Progmm 1 II Program 211 Program sll Progmm 411 Program sll Progmm sl
User Program area
(Random Access Memory)
4. Select a new bank by pressing the Bank Up footswitch.
5. Press any of the EFCT/PROG switches (1 thru 6) to select the effect
program
you wish to play. For example, if Bank 1, Program 1 is se-
lected, the LED should read as below.
\I/
' I
t I
t The bank and program num-
bers blink
in the display when
changed.
6. Play the guitar to hear the effect sound of program 1. To hear the
unprocessed sound, press the Bypass•Tune switch. Pressing the
Bypass•Tune switch again returns the effect sound. (Refer to page
12 for more information on the Bypass•Tune switch.)
7. Repeatsteps 4 and 5to select the variousprograms stored in the A4.
To select another program in the same bank, simply press the ap-
propriate EFCT/PROG switch.
NOTE: Shifting to adifferentbankdoesnotselectprograms in that bank
directly. To select programs in a new bank, you must press one
of the six EFCT/PROG switches after entering the new bank.

OPERATING INDIVIDUAL EFFECTS
[EDIT MODE]
The A4 Guitar's effect system consists of six basic effects that are connected in a row, as in the diagram below. Each individual effect can be
edited and combined with other effects to create an effect program. Each of the six effects in a program can be independently turned on and off.
IN
-Compressor -Distortion/ -3-Band
Overdrive Equalizer
1. Press the Prog Edit Selectswitch to enter the Edit mode':' the red
LED lights up, and the Bank&Program/Value display changes to
indicatethatthe machine is on Edit stand-by.
PROG EDIT I/
00000
00000
00000
~t~
......
\
LED lights up
below EDIT. B
'"" ..... , )
Refer to page 9 for more
details on the dot.
The function of the EFCT/PROG LEDs also changes. In the Edit
mode,the EFCT/PROGswitchescontroltheON/OFFstatusofeach
of the six differenteffects. The EFCT/PROG LEDs light to display
the effects which arecurrentlyturned on.
For example, the following displayappears when the Edit mode is
selectedafterselectingProgram 1in Programmode.Thisisthefirst
effectprogram
in Bank 1.
Program 1-1 consistsofthreeeffects: DIST/OD. PITCH•DELAY,
and CHORUS/FLANGER.
1-
OUT
Pitch·
1-'
Chorus/
1-'
Reverb
......
Delay Flanger
2. Press the EFCT/PROG switches to toggle the effects on and off.
Forexample, pressingthe EFCT/PROG switchimmediatelyunder
(1) COMPRESSORturns on that effect.
...... [jJCOMPRESSOR /
00000
00000
00000
~t~
3. Pressthe EFCT/PROG switches once again to turn off the effect.
Try different effect combinations to hear variations
in the proc-
essed sound.
4. To select and hear individual effects in another program, you
must first return to Program mode. To do so, press the Prog Edit
select switch. The Prog Edit LEOs, the EFCT/PROG LEDs, and
the Bank&Program Value display return to their Program mode
indication. Now, select a new program and press the Prog Edit
Select switch again to return to the Edit mode.
The LED Indicates bank and program number when in Program
mode.
5

CREATING ORIGINAL PROGRAMS
[EDIT MODE]
About Parameters and Editing
"Editing" involvesaltering the settings of individual effects, such as the balance between direct sound and effectoutput. "Parameters" arethose
specific settings within each effect, thatcan be edited.
Preset area
Bank 1 I
Prog~m 1 II Progmm 211 Progrmn all Progmm 411 Progmm sll Progmm sl
Bank2 I
Progmm1 II Prog~211 Progr~all Prog~411Progmmsi1Prog~sl
Bank3 I
Progmm 1 II Progmm 211 Program a(( Progmm 411 Progmm sll Progmm sl
Bank4 I
Progmm 1 II Progmm 211 Program all Progmm 411 Progmm sll Progmm sl
Bank5 I
Prog~ 1 II Progmm 211 Program all Progmm 411 Progmm sll Progmm sl
Edit
1.-Enter Program mode and find a program that sounds closest to
what you want. Theexample below shows selection of Program 1
in Bank
1.
2. Enter Edit mode by pressing the Prog Edit Select switch. The
Prog Edit LEOs, the Value display, and the EFCT/PROG LEOs
will change to indicate Edit mode.
6
User Program area
Bank 1 I
Progmm 1 II Progmm211 Progmmall Progmm411 Progmmsll Progmmsl
Bank2 I
Progmm 1 II Program 211 Progmm all Progmm 411 Prog~ sll Progmm sl
Bank3 I
Progrem1 II Progmm211 Progmmall Progmm411 Progmmsll Progmms(
Bank4 I
Progrem 1 II Progrem 211 Progmm all Progmm 411 Progmm sll Progmm sl
Bank5 I
Progrem 1 II Program 211 Progmm all Progmm 411 Program sll Progmm sl
+
Write
The parameters for this program have been initially set as follows:

3. Press the Effect (Mode) Select buttons to choose the effect you
wish to edit. The figure below shows selection of distortion/over-
drive [DIST/ODJ, for example.
[I) COM?RESSOR
? ll) DISTORTION/OVERDRIVE
@)JBANDEQ
ffii'ITCH•OElAY
[IlCI-ORUS/FLANGER
[!)REVeRB
l!lliTIUTY
.. Press
4. Find the parameter you wish to edit from the parameter names on
the front panel. Adjust that parameter by turning the Parameter
Editor knob (A thru
F) directly below it. To change the GAIN pa-
rameter of DIST/OD, for example, turn the Parameter Editor knob
B below GAIN. You should notice that the distortion varies as the
GAIN value changes.
ATTACK
()..7
DElAY TIME
0-75ms
REVERB TIME
h
MIDICH
1-16
(:(!):)
o B o
5. Turning the Parameter Editor changes the parameter values on
the Value display. (A dot next to a parameter value number indi-
cates the current programmed value.)
t L ~Refer to page 9for an explana·
t J tion of the dot to the right of the
.- • figure.
6. To edit other parameters, use the Mode (Effect) Select buttons
and Parameter Editor knobs. (Each of the individual parameters
is explained on pages
13 thru 17. See the Effect Parameter List
for the parameter values of each preset program.)
NOTE: It is possible to edit the parameters of an effect which is
turned off. Simply make sure that the Effect LED selector
is
in the position of the effect you wish to edit (use the Mode
(Effect) buttons).
7. To edit other programs, switch back
to Program mode and begin
the procedure again.
If you wish to save the edited program,
perform the Program Write operation explained on page
8.
CAUTION: Selecting another program without performing the Pro-
gram Write operation causes loss of the previously ed-
ited data.
II
UTILITY
II
The Utility mode is provided to setparameters used for the A4 as a whole and also parameters necessaryfor each program as awhole (non-
effect parameters).
TUNER CALIS (Calibration)
This is used to set the tuner's standard pitch. (See page 12 for
more details about the tuner.)
MIDI CH (MIDI Channel)
This function is used to set the MIDI channel and for system
exclusive transmission and reception of program data. (See page
10 for more details regarding MIDI Dump.)
EXT CRTL (External Control)
Used to set the status of External Control jacks for each of the
programs. (See page 11.)
AMP SIM (Amplifier Simulation)
Activates or deactivates amplifier simulation for each program.
NR LEVEL (Noise Reduction Level)
Used to set the noise reduction threshold level for each program.
MASTER (Master Volume)
Allows setting of the output level for each of the programs.
The procedure for adjusting these parameters
is the same as the
editing procedures in Edit mode.
7

II
SAVING EFFECT PROGRAMS [PROGRAM WRITE]
II
It is possible tosave upto 30 edited effectprograms to the User area using the Program Write function. Unless you usethis function to save
the data, the changes you have made to the current program will be erased as soon as you select another program.
NOTE: Saving a program into a particular program number in the User area will erase program data currently residing at that number.
(Before leaving the KORG factory, the data from the A4's Preset area
is copied to the user area.)
User Program area
Bank 1 I Prog~ 1 II Prog~211 Program3ll Progrem4ll Progremsll Progmm sl
Bank2 I
Progmm 1 II Progmm 'II Prog•am 'II Prog•am ·II Prog•am sll Progmm ·II
Bank3 I
Progmm 1 II Progmm 211 Program 311 Progrem 411 Progrem sll Progrem sl
Bank4 I
Progrem 1 II Progmm 211 Program sll Progrem 411 Progrem sll Program sl
BankS I
Progmm 1 II Progmm 211 Program 311 Progrem 411 Progrem sll Progrem sl
1. When editing is completed in Edit mode, press the Write key to
save the currently edited program. For this example, an edited
version of Bank 1-Program 1 is saved as a new program.
0000000
0000000
0000000
0000000
WRITE
Press
2. The User LED lights up and the current bank/program number
blinks on the Value display. The flashing number indicates that
the currently edited program is ready to be written
to thatparticu-
lar program number.
Whether it
is an edited version of a user program or a preset pro-
gram, itwill be stored in the User Program area.
\.II
......
/ t
t t
t Blinking
3. Select the program number to which the new program will be
written. Press the Bank Up key to select a particular bank and
one of the six EFCT/PROG switches to select a particular pro-
gram number.
8
Program
Write the program as a separate
program. t
Edit
II, for example, the third program in Bank 4 is selected, the display
should indicate as follows:
II/
-;; ,.--------,--- ~
'-/~
Blinking
t
Select the program number to which
the new program
will be written.
4. Press the Write key again. Oncewriting is completed, both Mode-
LEDs will stop blinking, and you will be returned to the Edit mode.
PROO EOIT I/
00000
00000
00000
Blinking
• To cancel the write operation, press the Prog Edit Select footswitch.
The Write function can also be accessed directly from Program
mode. This feature is useful when you wish
to select programs you
like and place them in a different order (in the User Programs).

II
OTHER USEFUL FUNCTIONS
II
1. Comparison with Preset Program Parameters
The dot on the Value display assists you in editing by providing information in either the User Program or Preset Program area. The dot
appears on the display for your reference in the following cases:
~ v-Thedot
•
When the current effect On/Offstatus matches the program a dot
appears.
Compare Function
I II
t Lt .
When editing program parameters. A dot appears to the lower
right of the value entered if it is the same as the value in the
saved version of the program.
The A4 also has a compare function which allows you
to switch back and forth between edited and saved versions a programs. To use the
compare function, simply press the up and down Mode/Effect select buttons together. To return to the edited version of the program, press
these buttons again.
2. Using a Volume Pedal
With a volume pedal, it is possible to create a long, slow attack sound by gradually pressing down on the pedal after playing a chord or single
note.
Minimum volume
Connect to VOLUME pedal output jack.
Optional
KORG KVP-001
Connect the optional KORG KVP-001 volume pedal's output jack (OUTPUT) into the VOLUME pedal jack (PEDAL) of the A4 Guitar. Make
sure that the KVP-001 's volume slider has been set to the minimum volume of
0.
9

3.MIDI
The A4 Guitar features capabilities for transmitting and receiving MIDI program change messages as well as MIDI dump and load operations.
Saving All Program Parameters (MIDI Dump)
1. Connect the MIDI OUT of the A4 Guitar to the MIDI IN of a MIDI
data filer.
MIDI IN
a MIDI data filer
2. Set the external device to receive MIDI data.
3.
In the Edit utility mode, select a MIDI channel for transmitting
MIDI data.
(:(:):)
' s '
I l-
#0
4. With the MIDI channel lit in the display, press the Write switch.
The Value display changes to read "tr" (transmit)
as the effect
program parameters are transmitted.
0000000
0000000
0000000
0000000
WRITE
Press
5. The MIDI channel indication reappears in the display again upon
completion of transmission.
10
Loading All Program Parameters
1. Connect the MIDI IN of the A4 Guitar to the MIDI OUT of a MIDI
data filer.
MIDI IN r IMIDI OUT
a MIDI data filer
2. In the Edit utility mode, select a MIDI channel for receiving MIDI
data.
ATTACK
()..7
GAIN
0..15
MID fREQ
1-16
PITCH
·12-12
DElAY TIME
()..3 lOrm
DElAY TIME
0..75ms
REVERS TIME
h
(:(:):)
' s '
I l-
#0
3. With the MIDI channel lit in the display, transmitthe datato the A4
Guitar from the external device. The Value display changes to
read "rc" (receive), as the effect program data is automatically
loaded.
4. The MIDI channel indication reappears in the display again upon
completion of the loading process.
NOTE: It is not possible to saveor load program parameters if there
is no MIDI channel visible
in the display. Please select a
MIDI channel (as described above) before saving or load-
ing MIDI data. Also, the MIDI channel setting must be the
same as when the data was originally sent.

4. External Control
The A4 Guitar is equipped with two external control outputs. This function allows you to simultaneously switch the channels of one or two
amplifierswith a program change on the A4 Guitar. The open/close status ofeach EXTCTRLOUTjackcan be set by using the External Control
utility in Edit mode. This function is useful if you would like to switch between your amplifier's clean and distorted channels, thereby incorpo-
rating the amplifier's built-in distortion/overdrive with the A4's other effects.
EXT. CTRL OUT
FOOTSW.
k]
---=:::.Y
guitar amplifier(s)
SYSTEM RESET
To reset the A4 to factory settings:
Hold down the WRITE key and BANK UP footswitch while turning the A4 on. Thedisplaywill flash "PL". Press WRITE again to load the
factory presets into the USER program area.
Note:This procedurewill erase all programs stored in the USER program area. Please save any important programs to a MIDI datafiler
or copy the parameter values on a piece of paper.
11

II
TUNER
II
A digital auto tuner is built into the A4 Guitar.
1. Bypass • Tune switch
If this switch is pressed, the Bypass LED lights and all effects
are turned off.
At the same time, the tuner is turned on.
If the switch is held for approximately one second after reaching
the Bypass condition, the Mute function is activated, and silent
tuning is possible.
2. Standard Pitch and Calibration
For tuning with other musical instruments, "middle A" or "A440"
(A=440Hz} has traditionally been used as the standard pitch. It
is known that this standard pitch has varied slightly frorn time to
time and country to country. With this tuner, you can set the
standard pitch for the A4 Guitar in the 438-445Hz range.
Calibration refers to the setting of the standard pitch.
Calibration is performed by using the Calibration utility
in Edit
mode.
3. Example of tuning
6 5 4 3
standard tuning E A D G
flat tuning
D#
G# C# F#
open-D-tuning D A D F#
open-G-tuning (D) G D G
12
2
B
A
A
B
4. Tuning
1 ). When a note is played on the guitar, the name of the note best
representing the sound is indicated
in the display. (Do not play
two or more notes at the same time.)
C C~
I l I".
This indication refers to #
(sharp).
2). If a wrong note is indicated, the tension of the guitar's string
should be adjusted such that the note on the display shows the
correct note for the string.
3). Once the string's tension is properly adjusted and the correct
note
is indicated in the display. adjust the string's tension so that
only the green center LED in the LED panel lights
up.
CHROMATIC TUNER
-50 00000000 0 00000000 50
t---<J
i
Adjust the string's tension so that the center
LED in the LED panel lights red.
4). Tune the other strings by repeating steps 1 through
3.
5). If the Bypass•Tune switch is pressed again, the tuner becomes
inactive, canceling the Bypass function.
1
E
D#
D
D

II
EFFECT PARAMETER LIST
II
1. COMPRESSOR [COMPRESSOR]
+The COMPRESSOR enables the system to maintain a constant output level by compressing input signals. This effect helps emphasize the
attack sound while picking or helps lengthen the sustain sound by raising the level
as the sound decays.
+Parameters
A SENS [0
~ 15]
The threshold of the compressor effect. This specifies at
(SENSITIVITY) what signal level the compressor will start working.
B
ATIACK
[0 ~ 7] Attack time. "0" selling is slow attack, and "7" is fast.
F
LEVEL
[0 ~ 15] Effect sound level output.
*Note
Set the input volume correctly.
The degree ofthe compressor's effect varies greatly according to the inputsignal. In otherwords, the effect may be enhanced or reduced by
the setting of input volume.The input volume should therefore
be set properly in accordance to the peak indicator. (See page 4.)
2. DISTORTION/OVERDRIVE [DIST/OD]
+DISTORTION/OVERDRIVE function adds distortion to the input sound (simulating the characteristics of an overdriver amplifier).
+Parameters
1:Tube OD
This mode features natural distortion unique to tube amplifiers.
2: Classic
OD
Similar to Tube OD, but with more direct attack sound.
3: SuperOD
This overdrive has a peak in the middle frequency band.
4: Dis!
A
MODE
[1 ~ 7]
This mode produces a smooth distortion with high gain.
5: Super Dist
This
is distortion with a peak in the middle frequency band.
6: Stuck Wah Dis!
This mode produces a distortion sound and simulates the effect of a
wah pedal pressed halfway down.
7: Metal Dist.
This mode produces a harder edged distortion suitable for heavy metal.
B GAIN [0
~ 15] Distortion amount (drive).
c [0
~ 7]
This is used to set the tone.
The larger this value, the
TONE
brighter the sound.
This allows the 3 BAND EO effect to
be switched on/off auto-
matically when the DISTORTION/OVERDRIVE effect is
switched on/off.
D EO LATCH [0,
1]
0: EO is not latched to DISTORTION/OVERDRIVE.
1: The equalizer will be turned on/off whenever DISTORTION/OVER·
DRIVE is turned on/off.
F LEVEL [0
~ 15] Effect sound output level.
13

3. 3 BAND EO
+An equalizer with three frequency bands: BASS, MIDDLE, and TREBLE. The center frequencies for the middle and high bands are program·
mabie.
+ Parameters
A BASS
[-7 ~ 7]
Gain (amplification degree} for the low band.
(BASS GAIN}
The center frequency for the middle band equalizer.
MID FREQ The larger this value, the higher the center frequency.
8 (MIDDLE FREQUENCY}
[1 ~ 16]
1:250 2:350 3:450 4:550 5:650 6:700
7:750 8:800 9:850 10:900 11:950 12:1.00k
13:1.25k 14:1.5k 15:2.0k 16:2.5k
c MID GAIN
[-7 ~ 7]
Gain for the middle band equalizer.
(MIDDLE GAIN}
The center frequency for the high band equalizer.
HIGH FREQ The larger this value, the higher the center frequency.
D ( HIGH FREQUENCY}
[1 ~ 16]
1:850 2:900 3:950 4:1.00k 5:1.25k 6:1.5k
7:2.0k 8:2.5k 9:3.0k 10:3.5k 11:4.0k 12:4.5k
13:5.0k 14:5.5k 15:6.0k 16:6.5k
E HIGH GAIN
[-7 ~ 7]
Gain for the high band equalizer.
F TRIM
[0 ~ 15]
Gain for the input signal.
*Note
Use TRIM to preventclipping.
If the gain for each frequency band is raised near its maximum, the output may be distorted (or clipped} even when the PEAK LED is not lit.
In such situations, turn down the TRIM parameter until the clipping stops.
4. PITCH•DELAY
+ PITCH•DELAY is an effect generated by combining a PITCH SHIFTER which changes the pitch of the input sound, and a DELAY, which
creates repeats of the input sound.
+There are two different modes: the PITCH+ DELAY Mode in which the PITCH SHIFTER and the DELAY are independent, and the SWEEP
DELAY Mode, in which the pitch becomes increasingly higher or lower as the DELAY effect repeats.
FEED BACK
MODE 1 -PITCH+ DELAY-
*Note
If you wish to have only the PITCH SHIFTER effect:
Select MODE 1 and set DELAY MIX at "0."
If you wish to have only the DELAY effect:
Select MODE 1 and set PITCH MIX at "0."
14
IN
-+-
MODE 2 -SWEEP DELAY-
OUT

+Parameters
PITCH SHIFT Block
The function is used to select one of the following modes,
PITCH SHIFTER and the DELAY.
A MODE
[1,2]
1: the PITCH SHIFTER and the DELAY are independent.
2: the PITCH SHIFTER is incorporated in the DELAY feedback
loop.
The PITCH function is used to setthe PITCH SHIFTER's pitch
B PITCH
[-12 -12]
in halftone steps within the variable range. (12 half tones= 1
octave)
The FINE function is used to setthe PITCH SHIFTER's pitch in
c FINE 1centsteps within the variable range. (100 cents = 1 halftone)
(PITCH FINE)
[0- 98]
The sum of the values set by PITCH and FINE represents the
actual variable tone range.
The PITCH HIGH
CUT function is used to set the high cut filter
D PITCH HIGH
CUT
[0- 7]
which is to be applied to pitch-shifted sound.
The largerthisvalue, the darker the pitch-shifted sound.
The PITCH MIX function is used to set a mix ratio between the
direct sound and the Effect sound (pitch-shifted sound) in the
F PITCH MIX
[0- 30] PITCH SHIFTER block in MODE
1.
The setting "0" produces only the direct sound, while "30" pro-
duces onlythe effect sound.
Thisparameter
does not operate in MODE2.
DELAY Block
A DELAY TIME
[0- 9]
The DELAY TIME A function is used to set the delay time in
increments of 1OOm sec.
B DELAY TIME
[0- 9]
The DELAY TIME B function is used to set the delay time in
increments of 1Om sec.
The DELAYTIME C function is used to set the delay time in in-
c
[0- 9]
crements of 1msec.
DELAY TIME Thesum
ofthevaluessetby DELAYTIMEsA, Band Cfunctions
represents the actual delay time.
The FEEDBACK function is used to set the amount of delay
D FEEDBACK
[-15- 15] feedback (number of repeats).
The largerthis value, the higher the number
of repeats. Nega-
livevaluesproduce repeatswith inverted phase.
TheHIGHDAMPfunction isusedtosettheamountofhighdamp.
E HIGH DAMP
[0- 7]
The largerthisvalue, the morethe highbandportion ofthedelay
sound iscut every time the signal is repeated.
The DELAYMIXfunction is used to setthemix ratiobetweenthe
F DELAY MIX
[0- 30] delaysound and the directsound.
The setting "0" produces only the direct sound, while "30" pro-
ducesonly the effectsound.
15

5. CHORUS/FLANGER
+This effectcreates a swirling, warmsound by cyclically modulating the sound's pitch. Depending on how the parameters are set, you can obtain
both CHORUS and FLANGER.
*Creating CHORUS and FLANGER effects
CHORUS
1) Select MODE 1.
2) Set the DELAY TIME to 10m sec. or more.
3) Set the FEEDBACK to "0."
FLANGER
1) Select MODE 2.
2) Set the DELAY TIME to 5msec. or less. In the case of the FLANGER, the shorter the DELAY TIME, the higher the
pitch of the modulation.
IN
3) Set the FEEDBACK to 7 or more (or -7 or less [negative values= inverted phase]).
The higher the FEEDBACK setting, the stronger the modulation.
LFO: /'VV
modulation
.,
MIX
(0---. L
CHORUS/
OUT
FLANGER
Qj--.R
MODE1
LFO: f\/V
t
IN
CHORUS/
FLANGER
MODE2
MIX
0--.L
OUT
0--.R
LFO: /'VV
"
IN
CHORUS/
FLANGER
MODE3
+ Parameters
1: Stereo CHORUS/FLANGER with LFO=TRI (triangle wave).
2: Stereo CHORUS/FLANGER with LFO=SIN (sine wave).
A MODE
[1 - 3]
3: With LFO=TRI, this mode sends the wet signal through the
left channel and the dry (direct) sound through the right
channel.
The DELAY TIME function is used to set the time between the
B DELAY TIME [0.0 -75msec] dry signal and the wet signal. When used together with the
feedback parameter, it controls the frequency of the reso-
nance
c SPEED
[1 -16] The SPEED function is used to setthe speed of modulation.
D DEPTH
[0- 15] The DEPTH
is used to set the depth of modulation. The larger
this value, the greaterthe modulation.
E The FEEDBACKfunction is used to setthe amountofleedback.
FEEDBACK
[-15- 15] Negative
values= inverted phase.
The MIX function is used toset the mix ratio between the effect
F MIX
[0- 30] sound and the directsound.
The setting "0" produces only the direct sound, while "30" pro-
duces only the effectsound.
16
MIX
L
OUT
R

6. REVERB (Reverberation)
+The REVERB effect gives spatial depth to a sound by simulating the reverberation characteristics of natural listening environments, such as a
concert hall or a room.
+Parameters
1: Room Reverberation
A
MODE
[1 - 3]
2: Hall Reverberation
3: Plate Reverberation
[0.3 -2.0] sec.
B
REVERB TIME
(Room:) The REVERB TIME function is used to set the reverbera-
[0.4 - 1 0] sec. !ion time.
(Hall& Plate:)
The HIGH DAMP function is used to set the amount of
c
HIGH DAMP
[0- 15]
high-frequency damping.
The larger this value, the darker the tone as the reverbera-
tion decays.
The MIX function is used to set the mix ratio between the
F
[0- 30]
effect sound and the direct sound.
MIX
The setting "0" produces only the direct sound, while "30"
produces only the effect sound.
7. UTILITY
+The UTILITY function allows for the setting of various parameters other than effect parameters.
+ Parameters
The TUNER CALIB function is used lorcalibrating the tuner by setting
the pitch for "middle A"' within the frequency band of 438Hz to 445Hz.
A
TUNER CALIS
[438- 445] Values
on the displayvary between 38 and45, representing apossible
(Tuner Calibration)
frequency between 438 and 445Hz. It is normallyset at 440Hz. The value
set here will be stored in memory without the need for any PROGRAM
WRITE procedures.
The MIDI
CH function is used to set a MIDI transmission/reception
B
MIDICH
[1- 16]
channel.
(MIDI Ct>annel) Values set here
will be stored in memory without the need for any
PROGRAM WRITE procedures.
TheEXT. CTRLfunction enables
you to switch youramplifier'schannels
from A4program changes. Two EXTCNTRLJacks are providedforuse
EXT. CTRL
with two amplifiers.
c
(External Control)
[00, 10, 01, 11]
The leftvalue represents the settingof EXT. CTRL. OUT1 (O=CLOSED:
1=0PEN)
Therightvalue represents
the setting of EXT. CTRL. OUT2 (O=CLOSED;
1=0PEN)
The AMP SIM function is used to activate or deactivate the amplifier
simulation function which reproduces a guitar amplifier's frequency
characteristics when the
A4 Guitar's output is directly connected to a
D
AMP SIM
[0, 1]
mixer, etc(line out).
(Amplifier Simulation)
O: Amplifier Simulation is off
(use when connected
to a guitar amplifier)
1: Amplifier Simulation
is on
(line out)
The NR LEVEL parameter is used to set the threshold level of the
E
NR LEVEL
[0- 30] built-in noise reduction function.
In setting this level, with the guitar
(Noise Reduction Level)
connected to the A4, start with the lowest NR LEVEL value and raise
this value,
with the strings muted, until almost no noise is perceivable.
F
LEVEL
[0- 30] The LEVEL function
is used to set the overall output level of each ef-
feet program.
*Note
Among these UTILITY parameters, the values for TUNER CALIS and MIDI CH are the same in all effect programs. It is therefore impossible
to set different parameters for each effect program separately.
17

II
ERROR MESSAGES
•
BL (Battery Low)
When the above message appears immediately after turning on the A4 Guitar the battery for internal memory backup needs to be replaced.
Contact the KORG distributor nearest you or your local KORG dealer or service center, and have a qualified technician replace it.
II
II
TROUBLESHOOTING
II
If a problem occurs during normal operation of the A4 Guitar, follow the suggestions below and check the A4 Guitar to spot and remedy the
trouble. If the A4 Guitar still does not function properly, consult the KORG distributor nearest you or your local KORG dealer.
Trouble Countermeasure
1. Check if the Input volume or the Output volume is set to 0. Adjust the level until the
input signal reaches a level strong enough
to light the Peak LED (green or orange), or
raise the output volume until sound can be monitored with headphones.
2. It is possible that the level parameter in one of the effects may be set to
0. In such a
case, sound can be heard only when pressing the Bypass key. Adjust the appropriate
No sound. level parameters.
3. Check to see if the Utility mode's Master Volume is set to
0. If so, reset it to a suitable
level.
4. If a volume pedal is connected, it may be in the up or "no sound" position.
5. The Bypass•Tune's mute function may be activated. Press the Bypass•Tune switch to
deactivate.
1. Check the Prog Edit LEOs to ensure that Edit mode is selected.
2. Check to ensure that the desired effect is properly selected using the EFFECT/PRO-
GRAM Footswitches.
No effect. No change in effect 3. Check to see if Bypass has been turned on. When the bank&program/value display is
blank, the A4 Guitar is in Bypass condition. Press the Bypass key to turn it off.
when editing. 4. Checkto see if the Mix Level parameter in one ofthe effects is set to
0. If so, reset it to
a suitable level.
5. Check to see if any effects have been set to OFF. Make sure the EFCT/PROG LEOs
are lit for the effects you wish to edit.
18