Rocktron Taboo ARTIST User manual

May be covered by one or more of the following: U.S. Patents #4538297, 4647876, 4696044, 4745309, 4881047, 4893099, 5124657, 5263091,
5268527, 5319713, 5333201, 5402498 and 5493617. Other patents pending. Foreign patents pending.
USER'SMANUAL

Copyright©1998RocktronCorporation.
All rights reserved.
YourTabooArtistfootpedalhasbeen tested andcomplies with thefollowing Standards and
Directivesas set forthby the EuropeanUnion:
CouncilDirective(s): 89/336/EEC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Standard(s): EN55022, EN50082-1
This means that this product has been designed to meet stringent guidelines on how
much RF energy it can emit, and that it should be immune from other sources of interfer-
ence when properly used. Improper use of this equipment could result in increased RF
emissions, which may or may not interfere with other electronic products.
To insure against this possibility, always use good shielded cables for all audio input and
output connections. This will help insure compliance with the Directive(s).

RocktronCorporation
2870TechnologyDrive
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
WWW: http://www.rocktron.com
E-mail: [email protected]
F398 0498
098-0218

Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................... 1
Operating Precautions .......................................................................... 2
Power Requirements ............................................................................ 2
Operating Temperature ......................................................................... 2
2. Quick Reference ..................................................................... 3
3. Top Panel .............................................................................. 4
4. Back Panel ............................................................................ 7
5. Connections ........................................................................... 9
Used with a stereo power amp and stereo cabinet ........................................ 9
Using direct into a mixing console ........................................................... 10
Using headphones with the Artist ............................................................ 11
6. Using the expression pedal ...................................................... 12
Attaching the mounting plate .................................................................. 12
Securing the plate ............................................................................... 13
Connecting the pedal to the Artist ............................................................ 14
Securing the pedal parallel to the Artist (option 1) ......................................... 13
Securing the pedal at an angle (option 2) ................................................... 14
Controlling parameters via the expression pedal ......................................... 15
Programming the Volume Status ON or OFF .............................................. 17
7. Operating Format ................................................................... 18
Artist Functions and Parameter Descriptions .............................................. 19
GLOBAL Function .............................................................................. 20
MIXER Function ................................................................................. 21
HIGH GAIN Function .......................................................................... 22
LOW GAIN Function ........................................................................... 23
HUSH® Function ............................................................................... 24
PRE EQ (EXPERT) Function ................................................................. 25
POST EQ (EXPERT) Function ............................................................... 26
COMPRESSOR Function ..................................................................... 27
SPEAKER SIMULATOR Function ........................................................... 28
WAH-WAH Function ............................................................................ 29
PHASER Function .............................................................................. 30
FLANGER Function ............................................................................ 31
TREMOLO Function ........................................................................... 32
PITCH SHIFT Function ........................................................................ 33
CHORUS Function ............................................................................. 35
DELAY Function ................................................................................ 36
REVERB Function .............................................................................. 38
8. General Operation .................................................................. 39
Selecting a preset ............................................................................... 39
Changing preset parameters ................................................................. 41
Storing modified presets ....................................................................... 42
Selecting a configuration ....................................................................... 44
Editing a preset title ............................................................................. 47
Controller Assignments ........................................................................ 49
Tap Delay ........................................................................................ 53
MIDI Program Changes ....................................................................... 55
MIDI Channels .................................................................................. 57
MIDI Dump/Load ................................................................................ 59
Factory Restore ................................................................................ 66
Selecting a Power on Preset .................................................................. 70
9. Appendix ............................................................................. 71
Error Messages ................................................................................. 71
Artist Preset / MIDI Program Number table ................................................ 72
MIDI Implementation ............................................................................ 74
Specifications .................................................................................... 75

1
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Rocktron Taboo Artist!
The Artist is a complete 24-bit DSP professional guitar preamp and footswitching system,
providing 12 unparalleled effect algorithms and superb sound quality. Complete programmabil-
ity and full MIDI implementation are coupled with a user-friendly operating format to ensure
that designing unique and useful preset sounds is as simple as possible.
In addition, the Artist also features:
252 available presets, configured as 63 banks of four
presets.
Advanced speaker simulation provides a strikingly re-
alistic approximation of a miked speaker cabinet at line-
level for direct mixer input or headphone monitoring.
Full parametric pre and post EQ provide complete EQ
control over each preset.
HUSH®noise reduction provides ultra-transparent noise
reduction while playing and complete silence when not.
Variac simulation, like a conventional Variac, adjusts the
level at which the Taboo Artist begins to distort. This pro-
vides more gain in high-gain applications, and allows for
full-bodied cleaner presets which just begin to distort when
the strings are attacked harder.
Included Ernie Ball expression pedal can be assigned
to control any of the Artist's parameters, such as wah-
wah, volume, gain, etc.
High-quality digital effects, including:
- Reverb - Phasing
- Tremolo - Flanging
- Pitch Shifting - Compression
- Chorus - Delay
For a thorough explanation of the Artist and its features, please read this manual carefully
and keep it for future reference.

2
Operating Precautions
NOTE: ITIS VERYIMPORTANT THAT YOUREAD THIS SECTIONTOPROVIDE YEARSOF
TROUBLEFREEUSE.THIS UNITREQUIRESCAREFULHANDLING.
• All warnings on this equipment and in the operating instructions should
be adhered to and all operating instructions should be followed.
• Do not use this equipment near water. Care should be taken so that
objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through any
openings.
• The power cord should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused
for a long period of time.
DONOTATTEMPTTOSERVICETHISEQUIPMENT.THISEQUIPMENT SHOULDBESERVICED
BYQUALIFIEDPERSONNEL ONLY. DONOTMAKE ANYINTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS ORADDI-
TIONSTOTHISEQUIPMENTAT ANYTIME.DONOTTAMPERWITHINTERNALELECTRONIC
COMPONENTSATANYTIME. FAILURE TOFOLLOW THESEINSTRUCTIONSMAY VOIDTHE
WARRANTYOF THISEQUIPMENT, AS WELLAS CAUSINGSHOCK HAZARD.
Power Requirements
This unit accepts power from the 9VAC/2A adaptor supplied with the unit. This 9 volt RMS AC voltage is
internally processed by a voltage doubler which generates a bipolar ±15 volts to maintain the headroom and
sound quality of professional, studio quality equipment. Using an external power source such as this
minimizes excessive noise and hum problems often associated with internal transformers, providing optimal
performance for the user.
Operating Temperature
Do not expose this unit to excessive heat. This unit is designed to operate between 32° F and 104° F (0° C
and 40° C). This unit may not function properly under extreme temperatures.

3
2. Quick Reference

4
3. Top Panel

5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
FUNCTION control
TheFUNCTION controlprovides access toeachof the primaryfunctionsof the current
Artist preset. These include effects, MIDI functions and various utility functions. The
functions that are available for a particular preset depend on which configuration is
selected for the current preset (see page 18 for more information).
PARAMETER control
OnceafunctionheadinghasbeenselectedviatheFUNCTION control,thePARAMETER
control can be used to scroll through each of the available parameters for the selected
function.
ADJUST control
The ADJUST control is used to change the value of the displayed preset.
DISPLAY panel
STORE switch
The STORE switch is used to store new parameter values into the Artist memory. See the
section entitled “Storing modified presets” on page 42 for more information.
OUTPUT control
This control determines the overall volume of the Artist at the rear panel left and right
outputs.
1 /TAP DELAY switchandLED
The function of this switch is dependent on the status of the “2nd” LED.
When the Artist is in “normal” mode (2nd LED off) this switch is used to instantly recall
the first preset within the current bank.
When the Artist is in “2nd” mode (2nd LED on) this switch is used for the Artist Tap
Delay feature, which allows you to change the current delay rate on-the-fly based on the
length of time between taps of the switch. Refer to the “Tap Delay” section on page 53
formoreinformation.
2 /EFFECT BYPASS switchandLED
The function of this switch is dependent on the status of the “2nd” LED.
When the Artist is in “normal” mode (2nd LED off) this switch is used to instantly recall
the second preset within the current bank.
When the Artist is in “2nd” mode (2nd LED on) this switch is used to bypass all pre and
post effects. When the LED above the Effect Bypass switch is lit, only the Compressor/
Preamp signal is fed to the Artist outputs.
7

6
9
10
11
12
3 /MUTE switch
The function of this switch is dependent on the status of the “2nd” LED.
When the Artist is in “normal” mode (2nd LED off) this switch is used to instantly recall
the third preset within the current bank.
When the Artist is in “2nd” mode (2nd LED on) this switch is used to mute the outputs of
the Artist.
4 /BOOST switch
The function of this switch is dependent on the status of the “2nd” LED.
When the Artist is in “normal” mode (2nd LED off) this switch is used to instantly recall
the fourth preset within the current bank.
When the Artist is in “2nd” mode (2nd LED on) this switch is used to boost the output
level of the current preset by 6dB.
BANK pp
pp
p/BANK qq
qq
qswitch
The function of this switch depends on the status of the “2nd” LED.
When the Artist is in “normal” mode (2nd LED off) this switch is used to increment the
current bank of presets to the next bank.
When the Artist is in “2nd” mode (2nd LED on) this switch is used to decrement the
current bank of presets to the previous bank.
2ND switchandLED
This switch activates the secondary functions for each switch. (The secondary functions
are listed below each switch, while the normal functions are listed above.)

7
4. Back Panel
INPUT jack
This ¼” unbalanced mono jack accepts the output from a guitar.
LEFT OUTPUT jack
This ¼” jack provides the left unbalanced mono output of the Artist for use with a guitar
amplifier.
This jack also allows for the connection of stereo headphones (600 ohms impedance or
greater).
Note: The connection of headphones to the LEFT OUTPUT jack requires
that no connection is made to the RIGHT OUTPUT jack for proper
operation.
RIGHT OUTPUT jack
This ¼” jack provides the right unbalanced output of the Artist for use with a guitar
amplifier or rack system setup.
EXPRESSIONPEDALjack
This ¼” stereo RTS jack connects to the Ernie Ball expression pedal included with the
Artist.
3
4
1
2

8
MIDI IN jack
This 5-pin DIN connector must be connected to the MIDI OUT jack of the transmitting
MIDI device via a standard MIDI cable, or to the MIDI THRU jack of the preceding device
(if the Artist is within a chain of MIDI devices).
MIDI OUT/THRU jack
This standard 5-pin DIN connector can be connected to the MIDI INjack of another device
via a standard MIDI cable. There are limitations to the number of devices that can be
chained (or series connected) in this fashion.
Note: Inherently in MIDI there is a limit to the number of devices which can
be chained together (connected in series). With more than 3 devices, a
slight distortion of the MIDI signal can occur (due to signal degrada-
tion) which can cause an error in MIDI signal transmission. Should
this problem arise, a MIDI Thru box can be used which connects
directly to the MIDI device which transmits MIDI information and has
multiple connectors for the multiple devices receiving MIDI. MIDI
cables should not exceed 50 feet (15 meters) in length.
POWER jack
This 4-pin DIN connector accepts power from the 9VAC adaptor supplied with the unit.
5
6
7

9
5. Connections
Used with a stereo power amp and stereo cabinet

10
Using direct into a mixing console

11
Using headphones with the Artist

12
6. Using the expression pedal
The Ernie Ball®expression pedal (included) can be attached to either side of the
Artist, and can be mounted parallel to the Artist or on a 10° angle. The following steps
illustrate how to mount the pedal to the Artist.
AAttaching the mounting plate

13
B
C
Securing the plate
Securing the pedal parallel to the Artist (option 1)

14
EConnecting the pedal to the Artist
DSecuring the pedal at an angle (option 2)

15
To access the Controller Assign function, turn the FUNCTION
control clockwise to “CONTROLLER ASSIGN”.
11
11
1
controller assig
22
22
2
Turn the PARAMETER control to access the first parameter of
the Controller Assign function. This parameter allows you to
select a controller number for the NUMB 1 parameter to
respond to. (The NUMB 1 parameter represents the first of up
to eight (8) parameters that may be controlled per preset.)
44
44
4
After selecting a controller number, press the STORE button to
save the controller number for the NUMB 1 parameter.
“STORED” will flash briefly on the display.
stored
55
55
5
Turn the PARAMETER control one step clockwise to display
the Artist parameter that is currently mapped to the NUMB 1
control number.
para1 output
Turn the ADJUST control to scroll through the available
parameters for the current configuration.
66
66
6
para1 wah frq
Example: Configuring an Artist preset to control the Wah Frequency parameter with the expression pedal
numb 1 XXX
Use the ADJUST control to select the controller to be assigned
to the NUMB 1 parameter. Any number from 0 to 120 may
be selected, as well as OFF (will not respond to MIDI control
changes) or PED (where the selected parameter is controlled
by the expression pedal).
33
33
3
numb 1 8
If a controller number (i.e. 0-120) is selected, match the
number selected for this parameter with the controller number
on the MIDI transmitter.
Any Artist preset can be configured so that the Ernie Ball expression pedal can simultaneously
control as many as eight (8) different parameters in real-time. For example, the pedal can be
assigned to the Volume parameter so that the preset's volume can be adjusted by moving the
pedal whenever that preset is recalled.
The ability to control specific parameters with an external controller (such as an expression
pedal) is achieved via controller assignments, which are described on page 49. It will also be
described briefly in this section with regard to the use of the expression pedal as the controlling
device.
The Controller Assign function allows for controllers to be assigned to preset parameters in the
following manner:
1. Set the controller number for the first parameter to be controlled.
2. Select the parameter to be controlled.
3. Select upper and lower limits for the parameter that the controller will not exceed (if
desired).
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for up to eight controllers.
The following section describes each of these steps in further detail.
77
77
7
After selecting the parameter that you which to assign to a
controller (in this case the Wah Frequency parameter), press
the STORE button to save it. The Artist will flash “STORED”
briefly.
stored
FControlling parameters via the expression pedal

16
88
88
8
Turn the PARAMETER control one step clockwise to display
the current upper limit parameter for the current controller.
99
99
9
Use the ADJUST control to select the highest value that the
parameter is not to exceed through MIDI control changes.
After selecting a value for the upper limit, press the STORE
button to save it. “STORED” will flash briefly on the display.
1010
1010
10
Turn the PARAMETER control one step clockwise to access the
lower limit parameter for the current controller.
1111
1111
11
ulim c1 xxx
ulim c1 -2
stored
LLIM C1 -¥
Use the ADJUST control to select the lowest value which the
specified parameter is not to fall below through MIDI control
changes.
1212
1212
12
LLIM C1 -12
After selecting a value for the lower limit, press the STORE
button to save it. “STORED” will flash briefly on the display.
1313
1313
13
stored
Steps 1-13 are repeated seven times for a total of eight controllers. Turn
theFUNCTION controlat any time toexittheControllerAssignfunction.
Only changes that have been stored will be saved after exiting the
Controller Assign function.