Zoom Choir 5050 User manual

ZOOM CHOIR
ENGLISH
OPERATION MANUAL

Thank you for selecting the ZOOM Choir 5050 (hereafter simply called the
"5050"). The 5050 is an innovative ambience signal processor incorporating
advanced
ZOOM know-how gained through the development of sophisticatcd
multi-effect devices. 'The product has [he following special features and
functions:
*The latest developrncnts in Zoom's digital technology are
implemented lo
assurenatural-soundinghigh-qualitychorus. reverb and delay effcccs.
Suitable not only for electric guikr, but also for elecuic/acoustic guitar and
bass
enhance men^ Whcn used in combination with the ZOOM Drivcr 5000,
you can achievegrcat conuol over your guitar tone.
Seven sophisticated variations ranging in character from a tight. snappy
sound,
LO a spacious spread, makes it easy to get he right sound for your
creations.
1. CH0 REV
5. DIM WSION
2 CH0 DLY 6. AURA
3. MULTI CH0 7. DELAY
4. DOUBLING
Wide-range con~rolslet you tailor heoutputexaclly to your individualtaste.
Unlike conventionalcompact effwtors. a program mode lets you store your
own 5050settings in mcmory.
The optional foot switch FSOl allows you to change programs easily during
a liveperformance.
Spccially-designed to be used with eihr guitar amplifiers or in line
conneclions.
Please take the time to read this manual carefully, in order to gei the most out
of your 5050and toensureoptimum performance and reliability.

.......................................................
Setup 11
Selecting the Sound Character in Manual Mode ........... 11
Selecting the Sound Character in Program Mode . . .. 12
Usins he Conuols of the 5050 ........................
12
Using
he Foot Switch FS01 .......................... 13
Effective Use of the Program Mode
and Manual Mode ........................................ 17

Safety Precautions
Please observe the following safctytips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use
of the 5050.
Power reuuirements
The 5050 can be powered by six LEC R6 (size AA) batteries or the optional AC
adapter AD-0003. Do not use any other kind of AC adapter to prevent
malfunction and safety hazards.
When wishing to usc the
5050 on AC power in an area with a different line
voltage, pleaseconsult your local ZOOM distributorabout acquiringaproper AC
adapter.
Environment
Avoid using your 5050 in environrnenki where it will be exposed to:
Temperature extremes
High htmidily or moisture
Excessive dust or sand
Excessive vibr:~lion or shock
Handling
Since the 5050 is a precision electronic device,avoid applying excessive force to
the switchesand butlons. Also kake care not to drop the unit. and do not subject it
to shock or excessivepressure.
Alterations
Never open the case of the 5050 or attempt to modify the product in any way
sincethis
can result in damage.
Connecting cables and inout and outout iacks
You should always turn off the power to the 5050 and all other cquiprnentbefore
connecting or disconnec~ingany cables. Also make sure to disconnect
all cables
and the AC power cord before moving he 5050.

Precautions
Electricalinterference
The 5050 uses digital circuitry that may cause interference and noise if placed
too close
to other eleclrical equipment, such as TV seb and radio receivers. If
such problcms occur, nlovc the 5050 further away from the affectcd
equip men^ Also. when fluorescent lights or deviceswith built-in motors an: in
closeproximity to the unit, the
5050 may not function properly.
Cleaning
Use a soft,dry cloth to clean thc 5050. If necessary. slightly moisten the cloth.
Do not use any abrasivecleansers,waxcs, or solvcnls(such as paint thinner or
cleaning alcohol),since these may dull the finish or damagethe surface.
Incase of malfunction
If a problem arises during operation, turn thc 5050 off and disconnect all
cables, Then contact your local
ZOOM distributor with the following
information: model name, serial numbcr, symptom, your name, address and
phonc numbcr.
Keep
this manual in a convenientplace for future reference.

This section will acquaint you with he 5050 and explain some of the tenns
used in this manual. Even if you arealreadyfamiliar with effmors, you should
quickly scan this section.
Manual mode and program mode
In manual mode, you use the controlsof the 5050 to adjust the sound character
in real time, whereas in program mode you use settings that you have stored
previously. Since hecurrent settingsdo not change when you call up program
mode, you can quickly go back and forth between two sound character settings
by switchingbetween the two modes.
Color
The 5050 incorponlesseven different sound variations which arc referred to as
"color". Depending on which color you choose, the
5050 provides different
ellcct and sound charactercombinations. Also note that the colorsetting affects
tl~caction and the
range of the TIME and DEPTH controls.

Front Panel

(1) Effect LEVEL control
Adjusts hemixing doof original signal and effectsignal.
(2) Eftect EQ control
Adjusts the high
frequency contenl of the cffect signal. Turning the control
clockwise emphasizes the highs, creating a brilliant, dazzling sound. Turning
thecontrol coun~erclockwisercsults in a more subdued sound.
Re careful! Settings above 314 Irwl makes some instruments sound very
brightand aggressive.
(3) TIME control
This control adjusts parameters such as revcrb time and delay time, depending
on which colorselling is selectd.
(4) DEPTIl control
This control adjusts
parameters such as rcvcrb deplh and dclay feedback.
dependingon which colorsetting
is selected.
(5) COLOR control
Selects the general sound character. For an explanalion of the
available
settings. please rcfcr 10 page 15- 16.
In bypass mode,the controh (IJ- (S) do not nprmtt.
(6) POWER indicator
Normally, this
LED is on when the unit is turned on. When manual mode is
selected. the indicator is red and when program mode is selected, the indicator
is green. In the bypass mode, thc indicator is out.
Whenthe banerics arc vcnk, the POWER indicator starts tofish. Whenthis
happens,
replace the banrries as soon as possible. Hnnery life is aboutjive
hours
with manganese Imttr*rirs and fen Itrturs wilh alkaline batteries.
(7) Pedal switch
Scrvcs to switch betwccn bypass mode, manual mode. and program mode,

Rear Panel
(8) AC adapter jack
Serves f& connection of the optional AC adapter AD-0003.
Right Side Panel
(9) Foot swilch jack
Serves for connection of he optional foot switch FSOI.
(10) Input jack
Accepts the input signal from thc guitar. Whcn a plug is inserted in this jack.
the unit turns itself on automatically.

Left Side Panel
(11) Output jack
Stereo output for connection to a guitar amplifier or PA system, mixing
console,etc.
By using two amplifiers in astereo configurahn,a natural spread
can
be achieved. For a monaural connection, the L/MONO jack should be
used.
The batterp rompartment is Iocart-d on the bottom of the unit. Insert six
bnncrirs (size AA, IEC R6) into rhe comportment, obsrrting correct polarity
as shown insidr the rase.

Connect the output of the instrument or the UX)h4 Driver 5000 to the input
jack
of the 5050. Conncct the outputjack@) of the 5050 to the input jack(s) of
the guitar amplifier,mixingconsole,etc.
h
Amplifier
5050
FSO 1
Ih4ixingconsole
our LIMONO
......
..........
i 5000 i
IN i
..................
FOOT SW i
FSOl
4 For n monaural connection, use the IlMONO jack.
Whcn nor using I~P 50.50, bc surr 10 remove the cable plug from the input
jack, to prrrcnt bnncry drain.

The 5050 has a manual mode, where the control settings direclly affect the
output signal,and
a program mode, where the stored settings affect the output
signal. This section describes how to use each mode and how to switch
between the two modes.
Selecting the Sound Character in Manual Mode
This is henormal operation mode of the 5050.
1.Connect the
instrument to the input jack of Lhe 5050. The POWER indicator
lights up in red. This shows that he5050 is in manual mode. Srarting with
the controls in lheir ccnter psilions, adjust he controls while playing thc
Instrument.
2.Select the sound chwacter with the COLOR convol. For an explanation of
the available settings,please refer to page 15-16.
3. Adjust the effect level with thc LEVELcontrol.
4.Adjust the delay and depth of the effect with the
TIME and DEPTH controls.
5.Adjust the upper frequency range with the
EQ control.
This completes the adjustmen1procedure in manual mode.
Effecl changes
Pushing die pedal switch will toggle ktwcen modes as follows:

Selecting the Sound Character in ProoramMode
This modc serves to store and recall a group of settings in the internal memory
of the
5050. By switching between manual modc and program mode. you can
quickly select two different sound character settings, for example during a
performance.
The optionalfoot switch FSOl can also be used to give you even
more flexibilityfor mode switching.
Using the Controls of the 5050
1. Insert a cable plug into the inputjack of the 5050 while pressing down the
pedal switch with your foot. The POWER indicator lightsup in green.This
shows that the
5050 is in program modc.
- Input jack
L
2. Adjust the conmls in the same way as for manual mode.
3. Push the pedal switch once more and the current settings are stored. The
POWER indicator then goes out and Lhe 5050 is in the bypass mode. The
next time you choose the program mode. the stored sound character
settings will become active again.
The stored settings are maintained also
while
the unit is lurncd off.
Only the semkgs of controlr fhd were adjusted after activating the program
mode are stored.
4 . When you now push the pedal switch, the POWER indicator ligh~s up in
red and the unit is in manual mode. You can now adjust the wnuols to a
differentsoundcharactersetting.

This completes the program mode and manual mode setup. Whenever you
select program mode, the stored settings will be aclive, regardless of the
current control settings. In manual mode, the currentcontrol settingsareactive.
Efl ect changes
Pushing the pedal switch will cyclcthrough the modes as follows:
m-( Prog am H Bypass bm-(zH eypass l
Using the Foot Switch FSOl
Connect the fool switch FSOl to the foot switch jack and the inslrumentto
the inputjack of the 5050. The
POWER indicator lights up in green. This
shows hat the 5050 is in program mode.
jack
Lights up in green
7 FOOLswitchjack
Adjust the conlrols in the same way as for manual modc.
Push the foot switch FSOl or
the pedal switch on the 5050 and Ihc currenl
settings
are stored. The POWER indicator then goes out and the 5050 is in
the bypassmode.
When you now push the pedal switch, the
POWER indicator lights up in
red and the unit is in manual mode. You can now adjust Ihc mnmls to a
differentsound characterseuing.

Eflecl changes
Pushing thepedal switch will toggle between thc following modes:
Pushing befoot switch FSOl will togglc bctween the following
modes:
If you push the pedal switch and [he foot switch FSOl alternately, thc modes
will change
as follows:
(The pedal switch activatcs thc rnanual modc and the fwt switch FSOl the
prognm mode.)
Pushing the pedal switch in bypass mode srl~rtsmanual mode, and pushing
thefoot
swi~ch PS01 sekrts program mode.
To change the stored program
mode settings, alter the control positions while
the
5050 is in the program mode and then push the pedal switch or thefoot
swi~chto store the new seaings.

You can choose hetwcen seven differentcolor variations. cach with a distinct
character produced by a certain effect and sound cliaracter combination.
Simply put, you can think of the 5050
as seven differenteffecters in a single
unit. By selectingthe color that is most suihble for the currentrequirement,the
5050can be applied to a wide range of uses.
CH0 REV
Combines a refined chorus effect with complex. natural- sounding
reverberation.ranging from small room to hall sizespaces.
TIME control Adjusis the reverb time from 0.5 to 3.5 seconds. Turning
the
controlclockwiseincreases the reverb time.
DEPTH control Adjusts the reverb mixing ratio. Turning the control
clockwise increases the depth.
CH0 DLY
Combines a natural, low-modulation chorus with a ping-pong delay, suitable
especially for rhythmic, percussiveeffects. In a monaural setup, the leil and
right delay componenlsare mixed, reducing the delay time by half.
TIME control Adjusts the delay time from 1 to 220 n~illiseconds.Turning
the control clockwise increases
the delay time.
DEPTfl control Adjusts the delay feedback ratio. Turning the control
clockwiseincreasesthe number of feedback cycles.
MULTI CH0
Multiple chorus effect with up to eigh~voices, produced by a spccial multi-
layer algorithm.As opposed to corwentionaldigital chorusefrects,the sound is
highly na~uraland has rich texture.
TIME control Adjusts the depth of the lime chorus. Turning the control
clockwiseincreasesthe depth.
DEPTH control Adjusts the chorus texture. Turning the conlrol clockwise
increasesthe number of voices, for aricher sound.
DOUBLING
A combination of doubling and carly reflection eKccls. resulting in a solid,
energetic character. Suitable for creating
a compact, thick sound when used
togetherwith distonion.
TIME control Adjusls the early reflection mixing ratio. Turning the control
clockwise increasesthe depth.
DEPTH control Adjusts the doubling time. Turning the conlrol clockwisc
increases Lhe feelingof spaciousness.

DIMENSION
A combination of detuning and chorus effects, with a wide adjustment scope.
ranging from transparentsound with littlc modulation to a forceful modulation
effect.
TIME control Adjusts the chorus modulation rate. Turning the control
clockwiseincreases the rate.
DEPTH control Adjusts the chorus mixing ratio. Turning
the control
clockwiseincreases the feeling of solidityand spaciousness.
AURA
Combinesdetuningand short reverb. Dependingon the position of the DEPTH
control, the effectresembles agalereverb.
TIME control Adjusts the reverb time. Turning thc control clockwise
increasesthe reverberation intensity.
DEPTH control Adjusts the reverb cnvclopc.
@+ a+@
DEPTH
. .
R..;,
time time A time
DELAY
Long delay effectwith delay times up to 1,000 milliseconds.
TIME control Adjusts the delay time from 0 to 1,000 milliseconds.Turning
thc conuol clockwise increases the delay lime.
DEPTH control Adjusts the delay feedback ratio. Turning the control
clockwiseincreases the number of feedback cycles.
Exceptfor DELAY all cohr senings arc stereo effects. ifosever, openusing
theseaings in a monacrralsetup willprovide adequate spread.
Adjusting the
TIME and DEPTH controk while the sound is turned up can
lend to noirc.
This is normal and nor a defect

By combining the program modc and manual mode. you c'm use the 5050 in
many exciting ways. This section describes some examplcs, but you will
certainly be ableto come up with olher uses of your own.
1. Changing the color setting for different songs
Select a different sound charac~crsetting for manual male and progrim mode.
and use the two modcs for different songs. such as up-tcrnponumbers and slow
ballads. You can also switch between doubling (shorr tlclay) and full-bodied
chorus effects.
2 Changing the sound character for lead and backing parts
For example, select DIbENSION and sct the TIME control to a high position
in manual mode and a low setting in program mode. Then use the manual
mode for clean-sounding backing
parts and the program modc for lead solos
with distortion. You can also make
a distinction berwecn playing arpeggiosand
riffs, respectively.
3. Changing the delay time for different songs
When changing the CH0 DLY and DELAY color settings, the delay timc can
be adjusted with the TIME control. By
selecting a different delay time for
songs wilh different tempos, yo~can achievc a quick and smooth transidon
without having to adjust the control during
a performance.
4, Change the effect EQ for different songs
For example: to switch betwcen a soft and sharp sound character, set the EQ
conk01 to diflcrcnt positions in manual and program modes. This allows you to
create slight mood changesbetwcen similarsongs.

Power supply
Power consumption
Controls
Indicator
Conneclors
Input impedance
Output impedance
Dimensions
Weight
Six
IEC R6 (size AA) batteries(supplied)
AC adapter
AD-0003 (option)
EFF LEVEL, EFF EQ, TIME, DEPTH, COLOR
Power LED (also serves for indicationof effect on/off,
mode,andballcry status)
Input,
Output (4MON0, R), Foot switch
116 (W) X 160 (D) X 57 (H) mm
880 g ( 1.96 Ibs.)
(includingba~teries)

EFF LEVEL EFF E0
TIME DEPTH COLOR
JAZZ CLUB
EFF LEVEL EFFE0
BRITISH RHYTHM
@- . .
EFFLEVEL
.S@. . .
nm
CATHEDRAL
*-@. . .
EFFLEVEL
Q
TlME
W
SYMPHONIC ECHO
l@ -. MUI
TlME DEPTH COLOR
ZOOM CHORUS
MUY
EFFLEVEL EFF EQ
ORGAN CHORUS