Zoom GFX5 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal

Zoom engineering outdid themselves with their popular GFX8. Its combination of awesome sound, versatility, ease of use, and rock solid construction made the it one of our best selling effects processors and a pro package that is very hard to beat. So what can Zoom do now? Design the GFX5, a compact version of the GFX8, and include all the modeling power of VAMS with 30 amp models, 75 guitar effects (10 simultaneous) that range from acoustic guitar simulation to chest crushing crunch rhythm to stack powered lead settings. The GFX5 also features a **built-in phrase sampler (6 second memory) that can play back at 1/2 or 1/4 speed without pitch change, an on-board drum machine with 60 rhythm patterns and tap tempo control, a very musical 4-band EQ with presence control, easy to use analog controls with a huge LED screen so the on-board chromatic tuner is easy to see standing up, and a chassis and expression pedal that just shrugs off tough stage use. Requires either 4 AA alkaline batteries (10 hour operation) or optional 9 volt AC adapter.

The latest from the masters of effects: It's the new GFX-5. Solid steel body, easy-to-tag pedals, hundreds of possible effect combinations, drum machine, sampling,and that's just the beginning.

Features
Metal chassis

Expression pedal plus 3 assignable pedals

New "Energize" effects class

VAMS Modeling System

AARM adjustable expression modulation

Internal drum-machine with 60 patterns and adjustable tempo

75 effect types (10 simultaneous)

60 preset patches / 60 user programmable

Six second sampler

4 band EQ

Chromatic tuner

Powered by 4 x AA bateries or AD0006D Adapter.

Effects:
The GFX-5 starts with 75 different guitar effects--each one completely rich and realistic. You can use up to 10 effects simultaneously, mixing and matching to create sounds that are all your own.

The coolest thing about Zoom effects pedals are the way you can mix up all kinds of effects and save them as patches. The GFX-5 comes with 60 preset patches, all of which can be tweaked and resaved, and enough memory for you to create and save 60 totally original effects sounds.

The GFX-5 also introduces a whole new effect: "Energize." Energize boosts your tone over-the-top, adding power to leads, or lifting your rhythm playing above the rest of the band. The innovative ENERGIZE effect boosts mid and high frequencies while tightening the low end. You'll feel the energy coming out of your system. This is great for playing in a band, boosting your tone up and over even the loudest rhythm sections. Energize also lets you produce a robust bottom-end even with smaller, low-power guitar amps, and optimize your sound quickly and easily for different acoustic environments.

VAMS - Variable Architecture Modeling System
On top of the nearly limitless effects possibilities, the GFX-5 has Zoom's VAMS amp modeling which allows you to simulate 30 types of classic and high-tech amplifiers. From classic combos to latest high-power stacks, from warm overdrive to radical fuzz. The drive module has an additional Turbo and Edge key, as well as a warm, accurate acoustic simulation.

DRIVE Module
The DRIVE module is comprised of 11 modeling patterns, with three variations of each: Classic, Standard or Modern. The variation control allows you to create new sounds like "STANDARD - OVERDRIVE" or "CLASSIC - FUZZ". Using the drive knob, you can dial-in the sound you want instantly.

TURBO Key
Boosts the sound pressure to create a heavier sound with more powerful distortion. Great for churning out those power chord riffs.

EDGE Key
Adds punch and edge to the high frequencies. In combination with the TURBO key, you can get a seriously hard-hitting metal sound.

GAIN Control
Lets you directly control the GAIN parameter which determines distortion intensity. The actual adjustable range varies according to the selected sound modeling type.

High-Performance Delay Effects
For standard delay types such as mono delay or ping-pong delay where the effect sound alternates between left and right, delay time can be set in musical note steps. For example, you can automatically get a dotted eighth note delay from the tap tempo beat. Vintage-style echo as well as hold delay (max. 2 seconds) for sound-on-sound effects and reverse play are also available.

Built-in Sampling Memory
Up to 6 seconds of any input source can be captured internally. Record a guitar phrase, or audio from a CD player. Record and play functions are controlled with the pedals. You can play back the recorded samples at half or quarter speed without altering the pitch, to help you learn a complex guitar parts. One-shot playback is a handy feature in a live performance, and loop playback lets you overlay lead solos as a backing riff.

Built for the stage
The top panel of the GFX-5 features a logical and intuitive array of controls which allow efficient operation in real time. The 4-band equalizer has dedicated knobs for BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, and PRESENCE. This gives an operation feel similar to that of a guitar amp. In manual mode, the DRIVE, MOD, and REV modules can be switched on and off with your foot, and the delay tempo can also be achieved with the pedals.

Module status keys
LEDs integrated in the keys show the current status at a glance. The module keys are also handy for selecting effects in edit mode, and the VALUE dial makes it a snap to change a setting. A wide array of effect combinations can be quickly programmed.

Real-time modulation pedal
As many as 61 effects can be controlled with the built-in expression pedal. Besides adjusting the Volume, Pedal-Wah, or Pedal-Pitch, the pedal can also be used to adjust distortion effect gain, modulation speed, reverb mix and other parameters. The dedicated PEDAL ASSIGN key makes it easy to switch pedal functions on the fly, with the selected effect module being clearly shown by an indicator. Pushing the pedal fully down will switch the effect on and off. If you assign Pedal-Wah in the OFF mode, you can activate Wah in the middle of a performance without having to switch patches.

74 effect types
With 74 effect types available, you have a formidable arsenal with which to create your own sounds. They're arranged under eight major banks: Boost, Compressor, Drive, EQ, ZNR Noise Reduction, Cabinet Simulator, Modulation and Reverb. Each module has several different options, and all can be mixed and matched for endless variations.

Versatile patch memory
A combination of effects used together is called a "patch". With 60 factory preset patches, you have several industry standard amp sounds used by major guitarists right at your fingertips. Pedal function settings and ARRM settings are also stored as part of a patch. Factory presets can be edited and saved in the user memory. You can save up to 60 of your own patches.

Built-in Drum Machine
Perfect for writing and rehearsing, the GFX-5 comes with a drum machine built in. It features 60 different rhythm patterns are included, covering a wide variety of genres. The 'Tap Tempo control allows you to adjust tempo quickly and easily.

Built-in Sampler
Built-in memory allows for recording up to 6 seconds. You can record a guitar riff, or record any audio phrase via AUX in. Then phrases can be re-played by 1/2 or 1/4 speed without pitch change -excellent for phrase training.

ARRM - Auto-Repeat Real-time Modulation
Zoom has been making the finest expression pedals and effects to go with them for years. And the GFX-5 adds a new dimension with ARRM. This new feature allows the user to control modulation of typical expression pedal effects without using the pedal. For example, the user can adjust Wah speed using the tempo control, and synchronize it with the GFX-5 internal drum-machine.

ZNR - ZOOM Noise Reduction
ZNR is a sophisticated noise reduction technology developed by ZOOM. ZNR eliminates the noise that was unavoidable in the past with high-gain distortion effects. ZOOM's D-GATE noise gate is also provided. Together with the FUZZ effect, this creates a true vintage sound.

Metal chassis
The sturdy chassis of the unit will withstand the rigors of use on stage or in a studio. The pedal is solidly built and weighs enough to remain stable on stage with cables plugged in. Input and output jacks and the internal PC board all are heavy-duty, for further durability. In short: the GFX-5 from ZOOM is built to last.

Designed for long battery life
With a set of four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries, the unit can operate continuously for up to 10 hours. This is great for live performances on stage, or on the street. For extended studio work or long rehearsals, an optional AC adaptor is available.

User Friendly Design and More
Like all Zoom products, the GFX-5 is simple to understand. The playing interface is clearly organized on the surface of the steel chassis. The three main selector pedals are well spaced, and feel great. The LED display is large and easy to read. It indicates patch name, patch number, parameter name and value clearly in any dark stage. Back-lit effect module switch shows what effect is on/off. The GFX-5 has a 4 band EQ, a presence control.

Finally no Zoom effect device would be complete without an accurate, easy to use built-in auto chromatic tuner. The GFX-5 has a dual power supply system that uses batteries or an AC adaptor.

Technical Info

Specifications
Effect Programs: 74 types

Effect Modules: 8 modules

Patch Memory: User 60 + Preset 60, Total 120

Sampling Frequency: 31.25kHz

A/D Conversion: 20 bit, 64 times oversampling

D/A Conversion: 20 bit, 8 times oversampling

Guitar Input: 1/4" monaural phone jack (Rated input level: -20dBm,

Input impedance: 470k ohms)

AUX Input: 1/8 in. stereo phone jack
Rated input level: -20dBm
Input impedance: 20k ohms

Line Output: 2 x 1/4 in. monaural phone jacks
Maximum output level: +3dBm
Output load impedance: 10k ohms or higher

Headphone Output: 1/4 in. stereo phone jack (50mW into 32 ohms load)

Display: 6 digit alphanumeric LED display, 2 digit 7 segment LED display

Sampler: 16 bit linear recording / playback (Maximum recording time: 6 seconds)

Sampler Playback Speed: x1, x1/2, x1/4

Preset Rhythm Patterns: 60

Power Requirements: AA size(LR6) Battery x 4(Optional), or AC adaptor DC9V/300mA/center minus type (Optional, AD-0006)

Battery Life: approx. 10 hours (with alkaline batteries)

Dimensions: 390(W) x 220(D) x 75(H) mm

Weight: 2.8kg (without batteries)

Optional Accessory: AD-0006, AA size Battery