NOVA System User’s Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth.
EMC / EMI & CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY EMC/EMI This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a EMC/EMI & Certificate of Conformity . . . . . . . .b Table of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 OPERATION NOVA System – Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 NOVA System – Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 SETUPS Basic Setup . . . . . . .
INTRODUCTION NOVA System - All-in-One Extravaganza The Audible Choice NOVA System is the complete, floor-based effects solution for the dedicated guitar player who knows quality when he sees it. Its unique inclusion of an all-analog distortion/overdrive section under preset and expression control makes it the perfect choice whether you want to trim down your rack setup, step up from your pedal patchwork or simply just want the ultimate combination of operational simplicity and audio superiority.
OVERVIEW 6
OPERATION 1 - Effects edit / Select buttons Press once to enter edit mode for the current effect. Press again to toggle between the different effect types. Press and hold to exit the effects edit mode without saving. 2 - Variations For each selected effect type, 4 instant variations can be stored. When creating new presets this function makes is very easy to combine your favorite reverbs with your favorite compression settings etc. Example: - Press COMP edit to enter the compression block.
OPERATION - Encoder C changes characters - Encoder D selects recall, delete or store mode When selections are made press STORE to confirm. 7 - Levels Output levels can be set for each preset. All other parameters in the levels menu are “global” parameters and do not change with presets. All preset parameters are marked with a “P” in the right side of the display.
REAR PANEL VIEW 1 - Drive Input Input for guitar. Use this input to utilize the programmable analog drive section of NOVA System. Connection type: 1/4” jack. 2 - Line Input In case you want to use the NOVA System in an effects loop of an amp, the “Effects Loop Send” should be connected to the NOVA System Line In. Then the NOVA System pre-amp section is bypassed and you use the preamp section of your amp for drive. 3/4 - Balanced Outputs Balanced outputs on 1/4” TRS jack.
TYPICAL SETUPS Basic setup This is a typical basic setup combining NOVA System with one combo amp (or two for stereo) running a clean channel. All effects and overdrive/distortion are generated by NOVA System. A G-Switch (optional) is connected and the NOVA System is then automatically in stomp mode. Presets are then recalled using the GSwitch.
TYPICAL SETUPS NOVA System in an effects loop In this setup we use the preamp section of your combo amp to generate the drive. We use the Line input on the NOVA System and thereby bypass the NOVA Systems drive section. An expression pedal is connected to pedal in for real-time control of e.g. volume. Connections • • • • Connect guitar to the input of the combo amp. Connect the effects loop “send” of the amp to NOVA Systems Line input.
MENU - ROUTING Routing NOVA System has three ways of routing the chain of effects: Serial, Semi Parallel and Parallel. Basics • Press MENU • Select Routing using encoder D • Press MENU to confirm • Set values using encoders A, B and C • Change pages using encoder D • Confirm by pressing MENU • Exit by pressing MENU again Serial The Serial routing connects all effect blocks “in a straight line”. This means that each effect block affects the following effect(s).
MENU - ROUTING Semi Parallel The Semi Parallel routing connects most effect blocks serially, but the reverb and delay blocks are now connected in parallel. Consequently, the delay and reverb effects do not affect each other. This means that no reverb is added to the delay repeats. Parallel In the Parallel routing, the same signal is fed to the input of the modulation, delay and reverb sections, and therefore these effects will not affect each other.
MENU - LEVELS Levels menu Basics • Press LEVELS to access • Set values using encoders A, B and C • Change pages using encoder D Where nothing else is stated the range of the level parameters is -100 dB to 0 dB. Clipping indication If you change the input gain considerably, e.g. by switching to a different guitar or changing levels on a pedal placed before the NOVA System, the input of the NOVA System may be clipping.
MENU - LEVELS BOOST FUNCTION Advanced Boost Boost Max - press LEVELS to access the levels menu select “Advanced” and set this parameter to “on” scroll to BoostMax and set your boost max level - then exit the menu and select the preset you want to set up a boost level on. press DRIVE and set the boost level within the Boost Max range. Range: On or Off Select “on” to gain access to the following “advanced” level parameters.
MENU - PEDAL Pedals menu Basics • Press MENU to access • Select Pedal using encoder D • Press MENU to confirm • Set values using encoders A, B and C • Change pages using encoder D • Confirm selection by pressing MENU if
MENU - PEDAL Master If an expression pedal is connected to the pedal input and a preset is recalled, NOVA System can be set up to respond to either the current position of an expression pedal or to the value stored with the preset. Preset: The parameter value stored as part of the preset applies – regardless of the current position of the expression pedal. Pedal: The position of the expression pedal is identified at the moment of preset change, and the value stored as part of the preset is discarded.
MENU - UTILITY Utility Basics • Press MENU to access • Select Utility using encoder D • Press MENU to confirm • Set values using encoders A, B and C • Change pages using encoder D FX Mute The FX Mute parameter determines how the Reverb and Delay effects should behave when changing between presets and when bypassing one of these effects. Soft: Delay and Reverbs will “ring out” Delays have true spillover, meaning that if you e.g.
MENU - UTILITY The NOVA System EQ section is not available when SpeakerSim is invoked. Always set the SpeakerSim parameter to “off” when plugging the NOVA System outputs into a regular guitar amplifier. Otherwise you will have both a speaker and a filter emulating a speaker at the same time. With this combination you will most likely find your gear sounding dull. Footswitch Range: Pedal or Preset Pedal mode: In pedal mode all footswitches act as effects on/off switches (+Tap tempo).
THE TUNER Basics • • • • To activate the Tuner, press and hold the TAP TEMPO switch Set values using encoders A, B and C Change pages using encoder D Press any footswitch to exit. Too high In Tuner mode the following parameters can be set. Tuner Out Mute: Output is muted when in tuner mode. On: Output is not muted when in tuner mode. Too low Tuner Ref Range: 420 to 460 Hz This parameter sets the general tuner reference. Default setting is 440 Hz.
MIDI MIDI Setup menu Navigation • • • • • Press MENU to enter menu Select MIDI Setup menu using Encoder D Press MENU to enter Change page using encoder D Change parameters using encoder C MIDI Channel Range: Off, 1 to 16 or Omni When Omni is selected, the NOVA System receives MIDI information on all channels. When set to “Off”, the NOVA System does not respond to any incoming MIDI data.
MIDI • Set your sequencer to record on all MIDI channels (“Omni”) and start recording. • Set the NOVA System to dump either all data (System) or User Bank (see above) and press ENTER. *A computer with a standard MPU 401 MIDI interface is recommended and tested for best results. MIDI Clock With this function enabled you can receive a MIDI clock from an external MIDI unit and thereby enter the global tempo this way instead of tapping the tempo.
MIDI MIDI CC menu This menu allows for external MIDI control of effects on/off, tap tempo function and real-time control of the parameter assigned to the expression pedal. Basics • Press MENU • Select MIDI CC and press MENU • Select parameters using encoder D • Set MIDI CC values using encoder A, B or C MIDI CCs For each function you can set a MIDI Cc (control change) number. This is the number the external device must address followed by a value to control the parameter.
RECALL - EDIT Recall Edit In Preset mode In Edit mode you have several options: Recalling presets are done in slightly different ways depending on whether you are in Preset or Pedal mode. As soon as one of the seven EFFECTS EDIT switches are pressed NOVA System is in edit mode. Presets are recalled pressing the switches marked 1, 2, or 3. Selecting effects: Press one of the EFFECTS EDIT buttons to enter edit mode.
STORE - DELETE Store A preset can be stored in two ways. We call them “Quick store” and “Normal store”. “Quick store” is typically used when you have made changes to a preset and want to store the preset with the same name at the same location. “Normal store” is used if you want to change preset location and maybe the name as well. Quick store - press and hold STORE for 2 seconds. The preset is now stored at the current location with the same name.
EFFECTS - DRIVE NOVA Drive Technology - a unique, new drive and distortion circuit that gets you the best of both worlds: World-class analog distortion and overdrive with digital control. This is the real deal – no modeling. While the NDT™ is 100% analog and physically separated from the digital effects, its control potmeters are digital. This way you can tweak, store and recall as many drive settings as you want - you can even hook up an expression pedal and control the amount of distortion in real-time.
EFFECTS - COMPRESSOR Compressor Introduction A compressor is used to control the dynamic content of a signal. It can be used both for leveling out the signal’s dynamics (thereby letting your guitar sound stand out clearer) and also for more radical, very recognizable effects. NOVA System offers three types of compression.
EFFECTS - COMPRESSOR Level Range: - dB to +12 dB Depending on you compression settings you may prefer to lower the output level of the compression block by a few dB. Use the compressor Level parameter to do so. Sustaining and Percussive Types The Sustaining and Percussive Types hold fewer handles than the Advanced mode. Individually tuned these types allow you two easily setup commonly used compression styles.
EFFECTS - EQ & NOISE GATE EQ NOVA System features a 3 band EQ that can be set either for individual presets or as an overall EQ for the entire unit.
EFFECTS - EQ & NOISE GATE Mode Range. Hard or Soft General overall mode that determines how fast the Noise Gate should attenuate/dampen the signal when below Threshold. Threshold Range: -60 dB to 0 dB The threshold point determines at what point the Noise Gate should start attenuating the signal. To set this parameter; set the Damp parameter to e.g. 50 dB. Then start turning up the Threshold value from -60 dB to the point where desired dampening is actually achieved.
EFFECTS - PHASER Phaser The electronic phasing effect is created by splitting an audio signal into two paths. One path treats the signal with an all-pass filter, which preserves the amplitude of the original signal and alters the phase. The amount of change in phase depends on the frequency. When signals from the two paths are mixed, the frequencies that are out of phase will cancel each other out, creating the phaser’s characteristic notches.
EFFECTS - TREMOLO Tremolo A tremolo is basically a change of the signal level controlled by an LFO. The NOVA System offers variations of this effect; ranging from soft and smooth to hard and aggressive. Speed Range: 0.050 Hz to 20 Hz This parameter sets the speed of the effect. Tempo Range: Disable, 1 to 1/32T (T=Triplet & D=Dotted). When set to any value between 1 and 1/32T, the NOVA System’s Global Tempo is subdivided according to this setting.
EFFECTS - PANNER Panner Introduction The Panner simply pans the signal between the left and the right channel. Use this for extreme stereo perspective effects. Speed Range: 0.050 Hz to 20 Hz Sets the speed of the effect. Tempo Range: Ignore, 2 to 1/32T (T=Triplet & D=Dotted) When set to any value between 2 and 1/32T, the NOVA System’s Global Tempo is subdivided according to this setting. When set to “Ignore”, the speed set by the Speed parameter is used instead.
EFFECTS - CHORUS Chorus The NOVA System Chorus offers a full range of parameters allowing you to create from simple classic chorus sounds to the more exotic types. The basic idea of a chorus effect is to split the signal and pitch modulate one of the signals slightly, then mix the two signals again. Speed Range: 0.050 Hz to 20 Hz This parameter sets the speed of the effect.
EFFECTS - FLANGER Flanger – Introduction The Flanger belongs to the same “family” of modulation effects as the Chorus effect. The signal is split, and one of the signals is pitch modulated. The characteristic “flanging” sound occurs when part of the signal is slightly delayed and fed back to the input of the effect algorithm. Experiment with the Feedback parameter to get a feeling for the achievable effects. Speed Range: 0.050 Hz to 20 Hz This parameter sets the speed of the effect.
EFFECTS - VIBRATO Vibrato The vibrato effect modulates the pitch of the incoming signal. The result is similar to the vibrato technique used by vocalists. In contrast to a chorus or flanger effect, no direct signal is combined with the pitch-modulated signal. Speed Range: 0.050 Hz to 20 Hz Sets the speed of the effect. Tempo Range: Disable, 1 to 1/32T (T= Triplet & D= Dotted). When set to any value between 2 and 1/32T, the NOVA System’s global tempo is subdivided according to this setting.
EFFECTS - PITCH Detune The detune effect is – to some extent – similar to a chorus: The source signal is split and a specified amount of the signal is detuned by an adjustable amount of cents (100 Cent = 1 semitone). The main difference between the detune effect and the chorus effect is that the detune amount does not change: the modulating pitch is specified as an offset to the original pitch. The detune effect comprises two voices.
EFFECTS - PITCH Octaver The Octaver gives you an additional voice with a fixed pitch distance of either one or two octaves above or below the Input note. Dir - Direction Range: Up or Down This parameter sets whether the added voice should be above or below the input note. Range Range: 1 or 2 octaves This parameter sets the interval of the added voice. Use the Direct parameter to determine whether the added voice should be above or below the Input signal.
EFFECTS - PITCH SHIFTER Pitch Shifter The NOVA System’s Pitch Shifter gives you two voices, each with a fixed pitch distance to the input note. The maximum range for this effect is +/- one octave. The signal processing within the NOVA System is so fast that you will never notice any “searching” for notes as with many older pitch shifting units or octaver stomp boxes. Voice 1 Range: -1200 to 1200 Cent This parameter specifies the pitch of the first voice.
EFFECTS - PITCH Intelligent Pitch Shifter The NOVA System Intelligent pitch-shifter is a 2 voice pitch-shifter that allows you to play harmonies within a variety of scales in any key. The range of the voices range from minus 13 scale-steps below to 13 scales steps above which equals +/- one octave plus a diatonic sixth. Key To allow the intelligent pitch-shifter to generate the correct voices it is necessary to enter which key you are playing in.
EFFECTS - DELAY Delay – Introduction The NOVA System offers not only standard delay types but also a few new ones. We believe that the following types should cover all your delay needs: • • • • • • Clean Analog Tape Ping Pong Dynamic Delay Dual Delay All delays feature true “spillover” – meaning the repeats of the delay can ring out when you change presets. The tempo of the delay can be defined in relation to a Global tempo, which can be tied to an incoming MIDI clock.
EFFECTS - DELAY Clean The Clean Delay effect is the most simple and basic delay type in the NOVA System. It comprises a single delay line with all the common parameters. All Common Parameters Please refer to the section “Delay – Introduction” for a description of this Delay’s parameters. Analog This delay simulates analog style delays, including the clipping sound that occurs when the feedback parameter is yanked past the 100% point.
EFFECTS - DELAY Sense – Sensitivity Range: -50 to 0 dB The sensitivity parameter determines how soon the delay repeats should become audible in relation to the Input signal level. This parameter acts a threshold between your guitar signal and the delay repeats. Damp Range: 0 to 100 dB As explained in the introduction, the Dynamic Delay attenuates the delay repeats level based on the present Input. The Damp parameter sets the amount of attenuation.
EFFECTS - REVERB Reverb Types The NOVA System features four different reverb classics. All types have the same editable parameters, but the reverbs’ characteristics vary. Spring The Spring algorithm is designed to reproduce the sound of old spring reverbs, such as the ones used in vintage guitar amps. Hall The Hall algorithm simulates a rather large hall and preserves the natural characteristics of the source material. Excellent when you strive for a discrete reverb with medium to long decay times.
EFFECTS - REVERB Lo Color range: Thick, Round, Real, Light, Tight, Thin, NoBass These parameters give you six variations of the reverb’s low and high frequency ranges. The two Color parameters can really change the characteristics and style of the reverb – from “dark” and “ambient” to “crisp” and “bright”. Hi Lev & Lo Lev – (High Level/Low Level) Range: -25 to 25 Use the Hi Lev and Lo Lev parameters to emphasize or attenuate the selected Hi and Lo Color types.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Analog Inputs Connectors, balanced: Impedance - Balanced/Unbalanced Line Input Level @ 0 dBFS: Line Sensitivity @ 12 dB headroom: Drive Input Level @ 0 dBFS: Drive Sensitivity @ 12 dB headroom: THD: Crosstalk: A to D Conversion: Analog Outputs D to A Conversion: D to A Delay: Connectors, balanced: Output Impedance: Max.
