Rocktron Xpression User manual

Copyright ©2003 GHS Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Your Xpression™has been tested and complies with the following Standards and Directives as set
forth by the European Union:
Low Voltage Directive(s): 72/23/EEC
Council Directive(s): 89/336/EEC (93/68/EEC) Electromagnetic Compatibility
Standard(s): EN55013, EN50082-1, EN55020
Safety: IEC 60065
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 interference 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. Also, bundle audio cables separately from the AC power cables. These steps will
help insure compliance with the Directive(s).
For more information about other Rocktron products see the last section in this manual, or see
your local dealer or one of our importers closest to you (listed on the Rocktron website
www.rocktron.com).

Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1
2. Quick Setup ................................................................................................................................. 3
3. Front Panel .................................................................................................................................. 4
4. Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Connections ................................................................................................................................. 8
6. Operating Format..................................................................................................................... 16
Classic Configuration Block Diagram .............................................................................................17
Rotary Configuration Block Diagram ..............................................................................................18
Xpression Functions and Parameter Descriptions ............................................................................ 19
GLOBAL Function........................................................................................................................... 20
MIXER Function .............................................................................................................................. 21
HUSH Function ................................................................................................................................ 22
COMPRESSOR Function ................................................................................................................ 23
EQ Function ..................................................................................................................................... 24
DELAY Function .............................................................................................................................. 25
REVERB Function ........................................................................................................................... 27
TREMOLO Function ....................................................................................................................... 28
PHASER Function ........................................................................................................................... 29
FLANGER Function ........................................................................................................................ 30
CHORUS Function........................................................................................................................... 31
PITCH SHIFT Function ................................................................................................................... 32
SPEAKER SIMULATOR Function ................................................................................................. 34
ROTARY SPEAKER Function ........................................................................................................ 35
Master Xpression Effects Parameter List .........................................................................................36
7. Operating the Xpression™ ...................................................................................................... 39
Selecting a preset .................................................................................................................................................. 39
Changing preset parameters ................................................................................................................................. 40
Storing changed preset parameters ....................................................................................................................... 40
Editing a preset title .............................................................................................................................................. 41
ControllerAssignments ........................................................................................................................................ 43
Copying Xpression Presets, Titles and Controller Assignments .......................................................................... 47
Tap Delay.............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Program Changes.................................................................................................................................................. 51
MIDI Channels ..................................................................................................................................................... 53
MIDI Dump/Load................................................................................................................................................. 54
To dump a single Xpression preset into another Xpression .............................................................. 54
To dump a single Xpression preset into a sequencer ......................................................................... 56
To reload user data from a sequencer ................................................................................................ 58
-Factory Restore ................................................................................................................................................... 60
Restoring a single factory preset: ...................................................................................................... 60
Restoring the Xpression memory (all presets): ................................................................................. 62
Restoring the Xpression controller assignments: ................................................................................................. 63
Selecting a Power On Preset................................................................................................................................. 64
Selecting a Configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 65
8. Appendix.................................................................................................................................... 66
ERROR MESSAGES ........................................................................................................................................... 66
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................................. 67
TECHNICALDATA ............................................................................................................................................ 68
9. Other Rocktron Products......................................................................................................... 69

1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Rocktron Xpression™guitar and bass effects processor! The Xpression is an
easy to use, yet professional, multi-effects processor where 100% of the processing power is dedicated to producing rich,
lush effects and EQ for guitar and bass. The Xpression is designed to maximize EFFECTS to be used with your favorite
preamp or amplifier, thus there are no distortion presets in the Xpression. 24-bit DSP processing via a Motorola DSP
engine provides a host of high quality digital effects, as well as a number of practical features for guitar and bass players.
•Selectable for Guitar and Bass - The Xpression can be used by guitar and bass players! A built-in Hi-
Pass filter section before the effects processing chain allows the user to choose one of three frequency
(80Hz, 160Hz and 240Hz) cutoff points. This allows lush effect mixing while maintaining everything
below the selected cutoff point to be left un-effected. The result is effects that leave the bottom end tight
and punchy.
Example - when 160Hz Hi-Pass is selected, all signal content above 160Hz is passed into the effect processing
chain. When the direct (original) signal is mixed back in with the effected signal using the Xpression’s mixer
section, the frequencies below 160Hz will remain virtually un-effected.
•Run up to 10 effects at once - The advanced processing power of the Xpression will allow you to run up
to 10 high quality effects at once.
•High quality digital effects include - Multi-voiced delay and chorus, multi-pitch shifting, tremolo,
flanger, reverb, phaser, auto-pan, rotating speaker, HUSH, compressor, speaker simulator, speaker model-
ing and mic position modeling
•Ultra transparent processing - the cleanest and most clear effects around. Rocktron’s direct signal
routing allows for mixing the direct signal with the effected signal to reached the desired effect.
•Pre-loaded with 128 professional presets custom designed for guitar and bass
•Preset Spillover allows for reverb and delays from a current preset to carry over into the next preset and
continue decaying when a new preset has been selected.
•Real Time Control of delay times and modulation rates through tap tempo and rate parameters. Delay
times and modulation rates can be changed instantly by tapping the tap switch on the front panel or
through the use of the Rocktron All Access or MIDI Mate footcontrollers.
•HUSH®noise reduction operates only on incoming preamp noise, and does not affect the digital effects -
which are already ultra quiet.
•Rocktron’s SIMBiotic™EQ - is a custom designed EQ circuit providing the ultimate tool for tonal
shaping of your sounds. It includes four band full parametric EQ and complete mixing capabilities.
•Speaker Simulator - allows you to record direct using your favorite preamp or amplifier. You can also
use it to plug directly into a PA system (with your favorite preamp) - eliminating the need to carry a heavy
cabinet to the gig!
•Mic Position modeling - allows you simulate various speaker micing positions...ranging from placement
near the center of speaker cone out to the edge of the cone. An excellent recording and live tool!
For a thorough explanation of the Xpression and all its features, please read this manual carefully and keep it for future
reference.After removing the Xpression from the box, save all the packing materials in case it becomes necessary to ship the
unit.
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PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS SECTION TO PRO-
VIDE YEARS OF TROUBLE FREE USE. THIS UNIT REQUIRES CAREFUL
HANDLING.
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.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS EQUIPMENT. THIS EQUIPMENT
SHOULD BE SERVICED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. DO NOT MAKE
ANY INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS OR ADDITIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT AT
ANYTIME. DO NOT TAMPER WITH INTERNALELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
AT ANY TIME. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY VOID
THE WARRANTY OFTHIS EQUIPMENT,AS WELLAS CAUSING SHOCK HAZ-
ARD.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
This unit accepts power from the 9VAC/1.5A adaptor supplied with the unit. This 9 volt
RMSAC 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 perfor-
mance 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.
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