Analog toggle and rocker switches have always been the standard controls in classic guitar effects units.
Zoom's GFX-707 range was developed as a response to the rapid advances in digital effects processors. The half-analog, half-digital configuration was intended to harness recent advances in processing technology, while retaining the simple functionality of analog "stomp boxes." Chunky knobs and foot-switches replaced keypads and scroll wheels. The user interacts with an intuitive analog control surface, but digital microprocessors inside the unit produce modern delays and reverbs impossible with analog gear. This focus on simplicity makes the 707 a piece of equipment that makes it easy to take advantage of all its features.
Instructions
1. Ensure the amplifier is powered off and the volume control is set to zero. Connect one guitar lead to the guitar output jack. Connect the opposite end to the input jack on the rear of the 707. Connect the second lead to the 707's output jack and run that to the amplifier input. Connect the AC adapter to the 707 and connect to the mains, or insert the batteries. Slide the power switch on the 707 to "On" and power on the amplifier. Gradually increase the amplifier volume while playing the guitar until the sound is at a reasonable level.
2. Scroll through the different effects configurations (called "patches") stored on the 707, using the two foot switches as up and down pedals. The expression rocker pedal on the left of the unit can be used to alter various parameters of effects. The patches are stored in banks of five. There are 12 preset banks totaling 60 patches -- 30 that can be edited by the user and 30 that are permanently set.
3. Select a patch you wish to alter or discard, using the foot switches. Press the "Edit" key on the front panel, enabling Edit mode. The 707 models the signal path on a real amp setup. The signal starts in a compressor, then a noise gate, followed by an equalizer and an amplifier simulator. Effects come last, as if they were connected to the amplifier's effects loop. In edit mode the 707 presents each parameter in the effect chain for editing, one at a time, in sequence. The user sets the desired values using the three "Parameter" knobs, then proceeds to the next module in the chain, until reaching the end.
4. Press the "Module " keys to scroll back and forth through the signal chain. Within each module, use the "Bank Type" up and down arrow keys to select between the different processing types. Effects are grouped according to their type; one module will contain all the different reverb types, another will hold different kinds of distortion and overdrive.
5. Press the "Edit" key when finished altering the patch parameters. The 707 will return to standard "Play" mode, and will display a dot in the "Edited" section of the bank window. This indicates the patch has been altered from its saved version. Press "Store" to save the changes, or switch to a different patch to discard them and revert to the original patch.
