Zoom G3 User manual

Thank you very much for purchasing the ZOOM .
Please read this manual carefully to learn about all the functions of the so that you will
be able to use it fully for a long time.
Keep this manual in a convenient place for reference when necessary.
Usage and safety precautions .......................2
Introduction ...................................................3
Terms Used in This Manual............................ 3
Part Names.................................................... 4
Turn the power on and play ...........................6
Adjusting effects............................................ 8
Selecting Patches ........................................ 10
Storing Patches............................................ 12
Setting specific patch parameters ............... 14
Changing Various Settings ........................... 18
Using the Tuner............................................ 22
Using Rhythms ............................................24
Using the Looper.........................................26
Updating the firmware.................................30
Restoring the to its factory
default settings. ....................................... 31
Using Audio Interface Functions .......................32
Effect Types and Parameters .......................33
Troubleshooting ...........................................49
Specifications ..............................................50
Rhythm List .................................................51
OPERATION MANUAL
Contents
© ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reproduction of this document in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

2
Usage and safety precautions
Usage and safety precautions
In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings
and cautions that you must read to prevent accidents. The
meanings of these symbols are as follows:
Interference with other electrical equipment
In consideration of safety, the has been designed to minimize
the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the device and
to minimize external electromagnetic interference. However,
equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits
powerful electromagnetic waves could result in interference if
placed nearby. If this occurs, place the and the other device
farther apart. With any type of electronic device that uses digital
control, including the , electromagnetic interference could
cause malfunction, corrupt or destroy data and result in other
unexpected trouble. Always use caution.
Cleaning
Use a soft cloth to clean the panels of the unit if they become dirty.
If necessary, use a damp cloth that has been wrung out well. Never
use abrasive cleansers, wax or solvents, including alcohol, benzene
and paint thinner.
Malfunction
If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions, immediately
disconnect the AC adapter, turn the power OFF and disconnect
other cables. Contact the store where you bought the unit or
ZOOM service with the following information: product model, serial
number and specific symptoms of failure or malfunction, along
with your name, address and telephone number.
Copyrights
• Windows®and Windows Vista®are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft®.
• Macintosh®and Mac OS®are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Apple Inc.
• All other trademarks,product namesandcompanynames
mentioned in this documentation are the property of their
respective owners.
Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned in this manual
are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the
copyrights of their respective owners.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Usage Precautions
Warning
Precautions
Something that could cause serious injury
or death.
Something that could cause injury or
damage to the equipment.
Warning
Caution
Other symbols
Prohibited actions
Required (mandatory) actions
Operation using batteries
Use 4 conventional 1.5-volt AA batteries (alkaline or nickel-metal
hydride).
Read battery warning labels carefully.
Always close the battery compartment cover when using the unit.
AC adapter handling
When disconnecting the AC adapter from an outlet, always pull the
body of the adapter itself.
During lightning storms or when not using the unit for a long time,
disconnect the power plug from the AC outlet.
Battery handling
Install the batteries with the correct +/- orientation.
Use a specified battery type. Do not mix new and old batteries or
different brands or types at the same time. When not using the unit
for an extended period of time, remove the batteries from the unit.
If a battery leak should occur, wipe the battery compartment and
the battery terminals carefully to remove all battery residue.
Connecting cables with input and output jacks
Always turn the power OFF for all equipment before connecting any
cables.
Always disconnect all connection cables and the AC adapter before
moving the unit.
Alterations
Never open the case or attempt to modify the product.
Operation using an AC adapter
Use only a ZOOM AD-16 AC adapter with this unit.
Do not use do anything that could exceed the ratings of outlets and
other electrical wiring equipment. Before using the equipment in a
foreign country or other region where the electrical voltage differs from
that indicated on the AC adapter, always consult with a shop that carries
ZOOM products beforehand and use the appropriate AC adapter.
Volume
Do not use the product at a loud volume for a long time.
Product handling
Do not drop, bump or apply excessive force to the unit.
Be careful not to allow foreign objects or liquids to enter the unit.
Operating environment
Do not use in extremely high or low temperatures.
Do not use near heaters, stoves and other heat sources.
Do not use in very high humidity or near splashing water.
Do not use in places with excessive vibrations.
Do not use in places with excessive dust or sand.

3
Feels just like using effect pedals
The three effects each have their own displays, parameter knobs and footswitches, allowing
you to control all of them intuitively.
Realistic amplifier modeling
Using our new ZFX-IV DSP, we have faithfully recreated the distortion rich with harmonics
and the compression characteristic of tube amps.
The precisely-crafted modeled sounds are extremely responsive to picking dynamics and
guitar volume control.
Combine diverse effects as you like
With over 100 types of effects that you can freely combine, the is a multi-effects unit that
will let your imagination run wild.
Looper that can be synchronized with rhythms
The looper can be synchronized with rhythms and record phrases of up to 40 seconds.
Automatic saving
The auto save function reliably stores the changes you make.
Works with ZOOM Edit & Share software
The can be used with Edit & Share software, which is a patch editor and librarian, on a
computer to back up patches and change the order of effects.
See the ZOOM website (http://www.zoom.co.jp/) for further information about Edit & Share.
Introduction /Terms Used in This Manual
Introduction
Terms Used in This Manual
Patch
The ON/OFF status and the parameter settings of each effect are stored as "patches." Use
patches to recall and save effects. The can store 100 patches.
Bank
A set of 10 patches is called a "bank." The has 10 banks labeled A–J.

4
Part Names
Part Names
Guitar amplifier
Guitar
Headphones
FP01/FP02
FS01
ZOOM AC adapter (AD-16)
Top Panel
Rear Panel
Display
INPUT jack
BALANCED OUT connector
OUTPUT jack
CONTROL IN jack
USB connector
DC9V AC adapter jack
POWER (eco) switch
PATCH SELECT keys
PAGE keys
Parameter knobs 1-3
Foot switches 1-3
TAP key
TOTAL key
RHYTHM [ ] key
GLOBAL key
STORE/SWAP key
TYPE keys
ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch
Use this switch to set the INPUT impedance.
Set this to “ACTIVE” (pushed in) if you have an effect pedal
connected between your instrument and the or you are
directly connecting a guitar with active pickups.
Set this to “PASSIVE” (not pushed in) if you are directly
connecting a guitar with passive pickups.
GROUND switch
Use this switch to connect or disconnect the
BALANCED OUT connector with the ground.
Set it to “LIFT” (pushed in) to separate the signal
path from the grounding pin. Set it to “CONNECT”
(not pushed in) to connect it to the grounding pin.
PRE/POST switch
Use this switch to set the point when
the signal is output from the BALANCED
OUT connector.
Set it to “POST” (pushed in) to output the
signal after the effects. Set it to “PRE”
(not pushed in) to output the signal before
the effects.
Computer

5
Part Names
Guitar amplifier
Guitar
Headphones
FP01/FP02
FS01
ZOOM AC adapter (AD-16)
Top Panel
Rear Panel
Display
INPUT jack
BALANCED OUT connector
OUTPUT jack
CONTROL IN jack
USB connector
DC9V AC adapter jack
POWER (eco) switch
PATCH SELECT keys
PAGE keys
Parameter knobs 1-3
Foot switches 1-3
TAP key
TOTAL key
RHYTHM [ ] key
GLOBAL key
STORE/SWAP key
TYPE keys
ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch
Use this switch to set the INPUT impedance.
Set this to “ACTIVE” (pushed in) if you have an effect pedal
connected between your instrument and the or you are
directly connecting a guitar with active pickups.
Set this to “PASSIVE” (not pushed in) if you are directly
connecting a guitar with passive pickups.
GROUND switch
Use this switch to connect or disconnect the
BALANCED OUT connector with the ground.
Set it to “LIFT” (pushed in) to separate the signal
path from the grounding pin. Set it to “CONNECT”
(not pushed in) to connect it to the grounding pin.
PRE/POST switch
Use this switch to set the point when
the signal is output from the BALANCED
OUT connector.
Set it to “POST” (pushed in) to output the
signal after the effects. Set it to “PRE”
(not pushed in) to output the signal before
the effects.
Computer

6
Turn the power on and play
Turn the power on and play
To turn the power on
Lower the amplifier’s volume all the way.
Turn the amplifier’s power on and raise its volume.
When using batteries When using an adapter
• POWERswitchoptions
eco: If the is not used for about 25 minutes, it will be set to standby.
The will not be set to standby as long as there is a signal input from a guitar.
OFF:
When set to “OFF”, the can be powered from a USB bus by connecting it to a computer’s USB port.
HINT
Bottom of the unit
Connect the AC adapter and set the
POWER switch to ON.
Insert batteries into the battery
compartment

7
Turn the power on and play
Display information
Home Screens show the current patch
Edit Screens show parameters being edited
• Thepositionsofthevirtualknobschangewiththeparametervalues.
HINT
• Ifthereare4ormoreparametersthatcanbeadjusted,multiplepagetabswillbeshown.
HINT
Graphic for selected effect Virtual knob
Parameter names
Parameter values
Page tabs

8
1To turn effects ON and OFF
2To select an effect type
• Press,and.
• TurnstheeffectON/OFF.
• Press.
• Theeffecttypechanges.
Adjusting effects
Confirm that the Home screens are shown.
Adjusting effects
NOTE
• AneffectisONwhenitsfootswitchLEDislit.
• AneffectisOFFwhenitsfootswitchLEDisnotlit.
• See page33forinformation abouteffect
types and parameters.
• Adjustmentsareautomaticallysaved.
HINT
OFF ON

9
3To adjust parameters
4To change the page
• Turn,and.
• Theeditingscreenopenswhereyoucanadjustparameters.
• Press.
• Thenextpageopens.
EDIT
Adjusting effects
NOTE
• Time, rate and some other effect
parameters can be set in note durations
that are synchronized to the tempo.
Effect processing capacity
The allows you to combine three effects as you like. However, if you combine
effect types that require great amounts of processing power, it is possible to
exceed the processing capacity of the . If the processing required for the effect
exceeds the capacity of the , “THRU” is shown over the effect graphic and the
effect is bypassed. This can be avoided by changing one or more of the effect types.
• Amp models and the HD Reverb effect require
great amounts of processing.
HINT
NOTE
• Aneffectrequiresthesameamountof
processing power whether it is on or off.

10
1To activate patch selection
2To change the patch
• PressandHoldfor1secondtoactivatepatchselection.
Selecting Patches
Selecting Patches
Confirm that the Home display is shown.
• Thescreensshowthepatchbank,numberandname.
• Presstoselectthenextlowerpatch.
• Presstoselectthenexthigherpatch.
• Turnofthemiddleeffect.
• Thepatchnumberandnamechanges.
• Youcanalsochangepatches
using .
HINT

11
Selecting Patches
4To return to the Home Screens
• Pressandholdfor1second.
3To change the bank
• Press and at the same time to select the next lower bank.
• Press and at the same time to select the next higher bank.
• Turnofthemiddleeffect.
NOTE
• When pressing two footswitches at the same time, the sound could be affected by the footswitch that is
pressed slightly earlier. To avoid this, do not make sound when switching banks.
• Thepatchbankandnamechanges.
PATCH SELECT

12
Storing Patches
• Turnofthelefteffect.
Storing Patches
1
To store a patch or swap with a different patch
2
To select whether to store or swap the patch
• Press.
• blinksandthescreensappearasbelow.
The automatically saves settings when parameters are adjusted.
Store Swap

13
Storing Patches
STORE/SWAP
3
To set where to store or swap the new patch
4To complete patch storing/swapping
To change the patch number where stored/swapped
To change the bank where stored/swapped
• Turnoftherighteffect.
• Press.
• After“COMPLETE!”appearsonthedisplay,thestore/swappatchopens.
• Turnoftherighteffect.
NOTE
• The currently active patch
cannot be selected as the
destination.
• The current setting values
are automatically saved.
• To cancel this, press any
key instead of
.
HINT
Change the patch number
Change the bank

14
Setting specific patch parameters
• Turnofthelefteffect.
• Turn,andofthemiddleeffecttoexchangeeffectlocations.
Setting specific patch parameters
1To activate theTOTAL menu
2To adjust the patch level
• Press.
NOTE
• Settings made for total
parameters are saved
separately for each patch.
NOTE
• Thesettingrangeis0-120.
PATCH CHAIN/NAME CTRL PDL/CTRL SW
• Tochangetheoverallvolumeofallpatches,adjustthemasterlevel
(see page 18).
HINT
3To change the order of the effects

15
NEXT
Setting specific patch parameters
• Pressofthemiddleeffect.
TOTAL
4To change the patch name
: Turn to move the cursor.
: Turn
to change the type of character/
symbol.
: Turn to change the character.
NOTE
• Thefollowingcharactersandsymbolscanbeused.
 !#$%&'()+,-.;=@[]^_`{}~A-Z,a-z,0-9,(space)

16
Setting specific patch parameters
Setting specific patch parameters
5To set an expression pedal function
Set the control destination.
Set the adjustment range.
• Turnoftherighteffect.
• Turnoftherighteffecttosettheminimumvalue.
• Turnoftherighteffecttosetthemaximumvalue.
NOTE
• INPUTVOL: Usethistocontroltheinputlevel.
• OUTPUTVOL: Usethistocontroltheoutputlevel.
• NOASSIGN: Nofunctionisassigned.
• Turntoshowthedifferentparametersthatcanbecontrolledby
the expression pedal.
• See“Effecttypesandparameters”fordetailsabouttheparameters
that can be controlled for each effect.
• Rhythmandlooperoutputlevelsarenotaffectedwhencontrolling
the Output Volume with an expression pedal.
HINT
• Theminimumvaluecanbesethigherthanthemaximumvalue.
When set this way, pushing the pedal down decreases the effect,
while letting it up increases the effect.
HINT

17
Setting specific patch parameters
TOTAL
6To set an optional footswitch function
7To exit theTOTAL menu
• Pressontherighteffect.
• Press.
• Turnoftherighteffect.
NOTE
• When more than one function can be assigned, use to select one.
• Inordertousethefunctionset,thecorrespondingeffectmustalsobeON.
• See“Effecttypesandparameters”fordetailsabouttheparametersthatcanbeassignedforeacheffect.
HINT
BYPASS/MUTE
Sets the effect to bypass or mute.
TAP TEMPO
Press the footswitch repeatedly at the desired tempo to set the
tempo used for rhythms, the looper and effects.
NO ASSIGN
No function is assigned to the footswitch.

18
Changing Various Settings
• Turnofthelefteffect.
• Turnofthelefteffect.
Changing Various Settings
1To activate the GLOBAL menu
2To adjust the master level
• Press.
NOTE
• Globalparametersettings
affect all patches.
NOTE
• Thesettingrangeis0-120.
NOTE
• Thesettingrangeis40-250.
• Thistemposettingisusedbyeveryeffect,rhythmsandthelooper.
MASTER/1-2-3 BATTERY USB AUDIO/VERSION
3To set the master tempo
• Youcanalsosetthetempousing.
HINT

19
NEXT
Changing Various Settings
• Pressonthelefteffect.
• Turntosetthesignalowdirection.
• Turnofthelefteffect.
GLOBAL
4To select the connected equipment
5To change the direction of the signal flow
Setting the tempo by tapping
• Presstwoormoretimesatthedesiredtempo.
• Youcanalsosetthetempo usingan FS01
footswitch (sold separately).
(See page 17.)
HINT
Parameter value Meaning
DIRECT
Use when connected to headphones or monitor speakers
COMBO FRONT Use when connected to an ordinary combo amp input
STACK FRONT Use when connected to an ordinary stack amp input
COMBO POWER AMP Use when connected to an ordinary combo amp return
STACK POWER AMP Use when connected to an ordinary stack amp return

20
Changing Various Settings
Changing Various Settings
• TurnofthemiddleeffecttosetthebatterytypetoALKALINEorNi-MH
(nickel-metal hydride).
• Turnoftherighteffect.
6
To set the amount of time until the backlight dims
7To select the battery type
• Turnofthemiddleeffect.
NOTE
• ThesettingoptionsareONand1–30seconds.
NOTE
• Thisadjuststhebalancebetweenthesignalssentfromaconnected
computer (DAW) and the signal input and processed through the
unit (DIRECT).
• Thesettingrangeis0-100.
• Setto0tomonitoronlytheDIRECTsignalor100tomonitoronlythe
DAW signal.
NOTE
• Setthebatterytypecorrectlyinordertoallowtheremainingbattery
charge to be shown accurately.
8
To adjust the USB audio monitoring balance
• The amount of power consumed can be reduced by dimming the backlight.
HINT
: Operating on batteries
: Operating on adapter power
: Operating on USB bus power