OX Operation Manual Manual Version 180130 www.uaudio.
A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr. Thank you for choosing the OX Amp Top Box as part of your music making experience. We know that any new piece of gear requires an investment of time and money — and our goal is to make your investment pay off. Universal Audio’s family of products represent the best examples of what UA has stood for over its long history; from its original founding in the 1950s by my father, to our current vision of delivering the best of both analog and digital audio technologies.
Table Of Contents Tip: Click any section or page number to jump directly to that page. A Letter from Bill Putnam Jr................................................................... 2 Welcome to OX Amp Top Box!................................................................. 5 About OX Documentation..................................................................................... 6 Critical Operation Notes.........................................................................
OX System Overview............................................................................. 45 OX Wi-Fi Networking............................................................................ 49 OX Wi-Fi Hotspot.............................................................................................. 49 External Wi-Fi Networking................................................................................. 50 OX Registration..........................................................................
Welcome to OX Amp Top Box! Get Legendary Studio Tones from your Tube Amp — Anywhere, at Any Volume. OX is a premium reactive load box and guitar recording system, giving you perfectly studio-miked amp sounds from your favorite tube amp. OX lets you play and record your amp in its sweet spots — from huge clean tones and edge-of-breakup to fully cranked — at any volume level, and with mic, room, and speaker cabinet emulations at the turn of a knob.
Dynamic Speaker Modeling UA’s groundbreaking Dynamic Speaker Modeling faithfully emulates speaker breakup, drive, and cone cry — an essential ingredient to authentic tube amp tones. Using the Speaker Breakup knob in the OX app, you can control the harmonics and sonic complexity that occurs only at certain frequencies and volume levels on various speakers — far beyond a static Impulse Response system — giving you the same sonic phenomenon that occurs with a real speaker cabinet.
Critical Operation Notes Caution: Connecting and/or operating OX incorrectly can cause permanent damage to your amplifier, OX, and/or other equipment connected to OX. Universal Audio is not responsible for equipment damage resulting from improper OX connections and/or operations. Review the important information in this chapter before connecting or using OX! Critical Notes — Avoid Equipment Damage Amp Output Load DON’T operate any tube amp without an output load such as a guitar speaker or OX.
Rated Speaker Power DON’T connect OX’s TO SPEAKER output to any speaker that is rated for a power level that is significantly less than the connected amplifier’s output power to avoid speaker damage. Moisture and Liquids DON’T expose OX to moisture or liquids. Make a habit of never putting beverages on your OX. If liquid is spilled into the unit, immediately unplug the power cord from the AC socket. Cooling Airflow DON’T cover OX’s air vents or otherwise restrict airflow around OX.
Quick Start Caution: To avoid equipment damage, read the Critical Operation Notes before connecting or using OX! This chapter provides brief instructions to help you get started with OX. For complete details about every knob, switch, and jack, see Controls & Connectors. Important Setup Steps Follow these steps to properly connect and power OX and your tube amp. For visual references, see the Amp & Speaker Connections and Output Connections diagrams on the following pages.
Amp & Speaker Connections Caution: Always POWER OFF the tube amp before connecting or disconnecting its speaker output! OX INPUT “FROM AMPLIFIER” Power Supply OX OUTPUT “TO SPEAKER” Amp Speaker Output (to OX input) Tube Amplifier Guitar Speaker Cabinet Speaker Cab Input (from OX output) OX speaker wire connections to amp and speaker cabinet Amp & Speaker Connection Notes Caution: To avoid equipment and/or hearing damage, be careful to connect and power the amp and OX in the proper sequence.
Output Connections Tip: All of OX's output connections are optional. You only need to connect the outputs you want to use. LINE / MON HEADPHONE (front panel) DON'T connect OX outputs to the amp! DIGITAL OX "TO SPEAKER" Guitar Speaker Cabinet Typical OX output connections Guitar Speaker Cabinet Connect a 1⁄4" speaker cable between OX’s rear panel TO SPEAKER jack and the guitar speaker cabinet.
Control Knobs RIG Choose from six complete guitar cabinet+mic+room+effect presets. ROOM Instant access to mic’d studio ambience and air. SPEAKER VOLUME Adjusts the volume of the guitar speaker cabinet connected to OX. Set to 0 for silent operation. LINE OUT Adjusts the level at OX's stereo LINE/MON outputs. HEADPHONE Adjusts the volume of stereo headphones connected here. Quick Operation Notes Tip: See Controls & Connectors for complete details about OX's knobs and jacks.
Controls & Connectors Note: See Quick Start for important power sequence and setup instructions. Front Panel Refer to the illustration below for descriptions in this section. 1 3 4 5 2 6 8 7 OX’s front panel elements RIG (1) Each of the six available RIG knob positions recalls a complete cabinet/mic/room/effects preset. RIG tones are heard in the HEADPHONE, LINE / MON, and S/PDIF outputs, but not in the TO SPEAKER output.
RIG LED (2) The LED beneath the RIG knob illuminates to indicate certain operating conditions. The LED states encountered during normal operation are listed in the table below. Note: If RIG LED states not listed below are encountered, please contact UA Technical Support.
SPEAKER VOLUME (4) This knob adjusts the loudness of the guitar speaker(s) connected at OX’s rear panel TO SPEAKER output jack. Six knob positions and five carefully crafted attenuation levels are available. Position 1 is the quietest available setting. Position 5 is the loudest available setting. At position 0, the speaker is OFF for silent operation. SPEAKER VOLUME does not change the signal level being routed into the digital section, which receives signal before this loudness control.
POWER Lamp (8) The power lamp illuminates when OX is properly connected to AC power and the rear panel POWER switch is in the UP position. When power is OFF, the lamp is unlit. During system startup, OX’s outputs are inactive. Important: OX outputs are active only when OX is powered on and system startup is complete. Rear Panel Refer to the illustration below for descriptions in this section.
POWER Input (10) Caution: Connect only the included external power supply to the POWER input. Using a different power supply could damage OX and void the warranty. This 4-pin locking XLR jack accepts the DC output plug from OX’s included external power supply. OX requires 12 volts DC power and its power supply draws approximately 18 Watts. Connect the included IEC power cable to the inlet of the included external power supply and an AC power outlet.
USB Type-B Port (13) This port is not functional. USB Type-A Ports (14) These ports are not functional. S/PDIF Digital Outputs The S/PDIF digital output ports are for connecting OX’s left/right stereo output signals to the digital input(s) of a computer audio interface or other digital audio equipment. The stereo signal at the digital outputs is same stereo signal as the signal at the MON / LINE and HEADPHONE outputs.
FOOT SWITCH Input (17) This input is not functional. TO SPEAKER Output (18) Caution: This is a high power output! DO NOT connect this output to the input of studio monitors, audio mixers, PA speakers, audio interfaces, computers, or similar inputs. Connect this output to a guitar speaker cabinet ONLY. Caution: DO NOT connect this output to a guitar speaker cabinet that is rated for a power level that is significantly less than the connected amplifier’s output power.
FROM AMPLIFIER Input (20) Caution: To avoid permanent damage to the amplifier and/or OX: • POWER OFF t he tube amp before connecting or disconnecting its speaker output. • DON’T p ower or operate any tube amp without an output load such as a guitar speaker or OX. • DON’T p artially insert ¼” speaker cable plugs halfway or only to the first click. DO fully insert all speaker cable plugs to ensure proper ground returns. • DON’T u se OX with amplifiers exceeding 150 Watts RMS output power.
LINE / MONITOR Outputs (21) The Left and Right LINE / MON outputs are for connecting OX to the analog line-level stereo inputs of studio monitors, a computer audio interface, or other audio equipment. Both ¼” jacks can accept balanced TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip-sleeve) connections. OX’s front panel LINE OUT knob controls the level at these outputs. At the minimum position (0), the outputs are off. Note: Use only shielded line/instrument cables with these outputs.
OX Software App OX includes free software for Mac and iPad (OX registration required). With the OX software application, OX Rigs can be wirelessly accessed, modified, and stored with OX’s built-in Wi-Fi networking. The OX app provides deep access to all RIG and ROOM settings, allowing you to create a near-infinite variety of complete guitar tones and store hundreds of Rig presets.
Essential App Concepts This section outlines several key concepts that will help you understand how the OX app interacts with the OX hardware so you can get the most benefit from your OX system. Similarly, reviewing the OX System Overview and OX Wi-Fi Networking chapters is recommended to help you get the most from the app. OX’s Remote Control The OX app is simply a wireless remote control interface to the completely self-contained OX hardware unit.
App Views The app has three main view screens: RIG, ASSIGN, and SETTINGS. Each view contains the settings related to these functions. RIG – Rig settings are adjusted in Rig view. Every sonic setting that changes the tone of an individual Rig is contained within this view. Individual Rig presets are also managed in this view. ASSIGN – Individual Rigs and Rig Sets are assigned to OX’s RIG knob slots in Assign view.
RIG View All Rig settings are adjusted in Rig view. Every sonic setting that changes the tone of a Rig is contained in this view. Individual Rig presets are also managed within this view. In all, more than 60 parameters (many with dozens, and even hundreds, of possible values) are available for sonic control of a Rig, for vast tonal possibilities. Displayed Settings All settings displayed in Rig view are a mirror of the current RIG knob selection on OX’s front panel.
Modifying Rigs Every control and setting in Rig view is always active. To modify (edit) the Rig, simply adjust any control to any available value, and the new setting is active. Sonic settings available for modifying include the speaker cabinet, two cab mics, stereo room mic, four master effects (each with individual controls), and the mic mixer with its individual channel controls (mic off-axis and low-cut filter, mic EQ, pan, solo, mute, channel faders), and master fader.
Input Level The INPUT LEVEL switch sets the level from the tube amp (after OX’s reactive load) into OX’s processors. The switch helps match the power output of the tube amp with optimum levels for Dynamic Speaker Modeling. As a general guideline when modifying Rigs, this switch should be “set-and-forget” to the following values: • If the tube amp outputs 50 Watts or less, set INPUT LEVEL to 50W. • If the tube amp outputs more than 50 Watts, set INPUT LEVEL to 100W.
Presets Management A preset is one complete set related control values stored within OX. OX has Rig presets and effect presets. Effect presets include the cab/room mic EQ presets and the master effect presets. OX presets are saved, loaded, and renamed within the Presets Manager. Preset Contents • • A Rig preset contains ALL Rig settings, including all mic EQ and effect settings. EQ and effect settings don’t need to be saved separately from the Rig.
Preset Folders By default, the preset manager has three folders: FACTORY, FAVORITES, and USER. All presets are within these folders. • • • FACTORY folders, and their presets, cannot be renamed or deleted. FAVORITES folders cannot be renamed or deleted, but their contents can be changed by tagging favorite presets with the STAR icon. USER folders can be created, renamed, and deleted. More than one user folder can exist for more precise organization if desired.
Loading Presets Important: If a Rig is modified and a preset is loaded before the modified Rig is saved, the modified Rig is discarded. If you want to keep the modified Rig, save the modified Rig as a preset before loading Rig presets. How to load Rig and Effect presets: 1. Access the Presets Manager popover: • • Rig preset – Press the RIG NAME area at top left of RIG view screen. Effect preset – Press PRESETS at top left of the effect editor view.
Saving Presets How a preset is saved varies slightly depending on if you’re saving a modified factory preset, saving an existing user preset, or creating a new user preset. Each method is detailed below. Refer to the Presets Manager illustration if needed. How to save modified factory presets: 1. Press SAVE at the top left of RIG view. The presets manager popover appears. SAVE is visible when a Rig is modified 2. Select any user folder in left column of the presets manager popover.
How to create a new user preset (SAVE AS): 1. Press the PRESET NAME area at top left of RIG view (not SAVE). The presets manager popover appears. To SAVE AS, press the preset name instead of SAVE 1. 1. 2. Select any user2.folder in left column of the popover. To create a new user folder, press the new folder icon at top left of the popover. 3. Press SAVE AS, enter a name for the new user preset, then press OK. The new user preset is created in the selected user folder. 1. 2. 1.
Effect Editors The effect editors are where the controls for each individual effect processor are viewed and adjusted. Press any effect name to open its editor in a popover. Effect presets are also loaded and saved within its effect editor. For details, see Presets Management. Each of OX’s four studio-quality effects — 4-band EQ, 1176 SE compression, stereo modulated delay, and stereo plate reverb — has a unique editor. EQ has two editors; it can be viewed in graphic mode or touch mode.
ASSIGN View Assign view is where Rigs are stored to OX’s hardware RIG knob slots. Individual Rigs can be assigned to a single knob slot, or all six slots can be assigned at once. All Rig assignments in Assign view reflect current assignments stored in the hardware. As with all OX app views, ASSIGN view is simply a mirror of OX’s internal state. Important: Rigs modified in RIG view that are not saved can be discarded by assign operations.
Store Individual Rigs to OX’s RIG Knob 1. In Assign view, press the Rig in any Rig slot. The slot’s Rig selector appears. Rig slot selector — choose any Rig to assign it to the knob slot 2. In the slot’s Rig selector, choose a Rig to store in the slot. The Rig is instantly stored to OX’s RIG knob slot. Store Rig Sets to OX’s RIG Knob 1. In Rig Slot view, press “< Rig Sets” at upper left of the screen. The Rig Sets list is displayed, as shown at right. 2. Press any Rig Set in the list.
SETTINGS View OX’s Wi-Fi networking settings and global system settings are accessed on two different screens in Settings view. System View This view includes a convenient link to the OX Knowledge Base for technical support. Wi-Fi View This view contains the Wi-Fi network selector. Use this function to pair OX to a different external Wi-Fi network. Pairing OX to a Wi-Fi Network For instructions, follow steps 2, 3, and 4 in the OX Registration Procedure.
Rig, Cabinet, & Mic Descriptions This chapter contains descriptions of the guitar speaker cabinets, close cabinet mics, and room ambience mics used in OX’s Dynamic Speaker Modeling and Dynamic Room Modeling, as well as the factory RIG knob assignments and Rig Sets. Default RIG Control Cab & Mic Presets The default Rig values for each of the six RIG knob settings when OX is shipped from the factory are listed in the table below. RIG knob assignments can be changed with the OX app.
Default Rig Sets The default Rig Sets when OX is shipped from the factory are listed in the table below. Rig Sets can be customized, renamed, and/or assigned to OX’s RIG knob in ASSIGN view within the OX app.
Speaker Cabinets The 17 speaker cabinets available with OX’s Dynamic Speaker Modeling are listed below. The cabinets can be individually selected within the OX software app. 1x10 Black Cha This small, open-back vintage 10-inch speaker has that classic small amp honk. When SPEAKER DRIVE is pushed, this speaker has resonant sub-octave tones in the high F and B range. 1x12 Blue J This ‘50s-era cabinet and speaker delivers classic American open-back 12-inch speaker tones.
2x12 Two Verb The classic pairing of american made 12-inch vintage speakers in an open-back cabinet has great bottom and punch. When SPEAKER DRIVE is pushed these speakers break up on high notes around A and C#. 2x12 Black 8H This custom half-closed cabinet features the highly sought after “black” high-wattage speakers favored by early ‘80s metal players. These aluminum-capped speakers cut right through any mix with ease.
4x12 GB25 Punch This vintage closed-back cabinet with four 12-inch speakers is the sound of rock guitar. With original “green” 25-watt speakers, it breaks up on high notes around F#, G#, and C when SPEAKER DRIVE is pushed. This specific vintage cabinet has a moderately scooped midrange delivering a tighter sound. 4x12 Super 80 This custom ported cabinet features four 12-inch vintage “lead” 80-watt speakers. These speakers have a soft treble response, but with an aggressive and forward midrange.
Cabinet Microphones The six close mics (and one DI box) used on each of the speaker cabinets are listed below. The close mics can be individually accessed for any cabinet within the OX software app. Dynamic Speaker Modeling allows any single close mic, or any two different close mics, to be used on any cabinet. The close mics can be panned for stereo captures.
CON 67 The condenser “67” can be heard on the biggest pop and rock records of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. This tube condenser mic has a wide frequency range without sounding harsh or bottom heavy. It has a gentle upper midrange that’s great for distorted rhythm guitars. DIRECT In direct mode you get the raw sound of your amp, without a guitar speaker, while still responding as if the amp is driving a proper reactive speaker load.
Room Microphones The five room mics capture the ambience of a high quality recording studio room for OX’s Dynamic Room Modeling. Matched stereo pairs are available for stereo ambience. The room mics can be individually accessed for every Rig within the OX software app. RIBBON STEREO These ribbon mics are placed in the drum area of the tracking room. In “live” mode (DAMP off), this pair has a warm treble response with an overall vintage ‘50s and ‘60s session vibe.
OX System Overview Note: This chapter provides a general overview of OX features. Complete details about all OX hardware and software functions are provided in other chapters. OX is a reactive load, power attenuator, and speaker cabinet/microphone/room simulator, and effects processor. When combined with a tube guitar amplifier, OX delivers albumquality studio tones without compromise.
Dynamic Modeling OX’s breakthrough Dynamic Speaker Modeling and Dynamic Room Modeling are advanced technologies developed by Universal Audio. Together, these technologies deliver the most authentic simulations available.
Rigs A RIG is a complete album-quality studio tone preset. Each OX Rig is comprised of the various Dynamic Speaker Modeling, Dynamic Room Modeling, and Master Effects settings. Six Rig presets can be instantly recalled with OX’s front panel RIG knob. Complete wireless Rig control is available with the OX app. Rig Set One Rig Set is a collection of six individual Rig presets that can be assigned to OX’s front panel RIG knob.
Analog Speaker Output OX’s SPEAKER OUT is the analog reactive load output without digital signal processing — it’s a pass-through of the tube amp’s output signal after power attenuation. Because the SPEAKER OUT is purely analog and doesn’t contain Dynamic Speaker Modeling, Dynamic Room Modeling, or master effects, the RIG and ROOM controls don’t change the sound of OX’s speaker output. DSP Outputs The LINE / MON, HEADPHONE, and S/PDIF outputs contain OX’s reactive load with digital signal processing (DSP).
OX Wi-Fi Networking OX has built-in Wi-Fi network connectivity. OX’s Wi-Fi is used by the OX software app for wireless remote control of OX’s Rigs, Rig Sets, and all other OX settings. To view all OX app screens and settings, the Mac/iPad running the OX app must be connected to OX via Wi-Fi. The Mac/iPad running the OX app can connect to OX in two ways.
External Wi-Fi Networking The OX hardware can be paired as a client to an existing external Wi-Fi network. By pairing both the OX hardware and the Mac/iPad running the OX app to the same external Wi-Fi network, the Mac/iPad can connect to both the internet and OX at the same time. Tip: Pairing OX and the Mac/iPad to the same external Wi-Fi network is the most convenient setup because you don’t need to change Wi-Fi settings when you want to use the OX app.
OX Registration To enable the OX app, the OX hardware needs to be registered with Universal Audio, and the OX hardware must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi to register. After registration is complete, the OX app can access and control all available OX settings. This chapter will guide you through the Wi-Fi and registration process. Note: The OX registration process needs to be completed only once.
OX Registration Procedure Note: In the following instructions, the “OX app device” is the Mac or iPad device that is running the OX software app. To register OX: 1. Download and open the OX software app. • • Mac: From your computer, visit www.uaudio.com/ox/app iPad: From your iPad, search “OX Amp Top Box” in the iOS App Store 2. Pair the OX app device with OX’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Pair the OX app device to the same external Wi-Fi network as OX. Go to the Wi-Fi system settings within the OX app device (the Mac/iPad device system settings, not settings within the OX app), and pair the device to the same external Wi-Fi network that was selected for OX in step three. Tip: Enter the external Wi-Fi network password, not OX’s hotspot password. 5. Open the OX app and complete registration. The OX app takes you to the OX registration web pages and they will guide you.
Troubleshooting If OX isn’t behaving as expected, first check all system setups, connections, cables, and operating instructions. For answers to most questions and solutions for most issues, or to contact our support team, see the Technical Support page. Wi-Fi Reset OX Wi-Fi reset clears all OX network and password settings. Important: Wi-Fi reset permanently deletes previously-entered network passwords. To perform a Wi-Fi reset: 1. Make sure nothing is plugged into OX’s USB ports. 2.
Specifications Note: All OX Amp Top Box specifications are subject to change without notice.
DIGITAL OUTPUTS Format S/PDIF IEC958 Connector Type 1 Female Phono (RCA) Connector Type 2 Optical TOSLINK JIS F05 Sample Rate 44.1 kHz Bit Depth 24 ELECTRICAL Power Supply External AC to DC Power Supply, Level VI compliant AC Input Connector Type IEC Male AC Requirements 100V – 240V AC, 50 – 60 Hz DC Connector Type XLR 4-Pin Locking Male (Neutrik P/N NC4MDM3-H) DC Requirements 12 VDC ±5%, 1.
OX Amp Top Box AMP GND 57 5 4 3 2 1 OFF XLR MALE 8Ω REACTIVE LOAD 4Ω 16Ω RIG SELECT PUSHBITTON SWITCH ROOM CONTROL RIG LED (RED / GREEN) A/D SYSTEM CONTROL AUDIO PROCESSING AUDIO I/O PCIe D/A D/A RealTime Clock eMMC Flash DDR3 DRAM WiFi + Bluetooth Radio Module WiFi STATUS LED (RED / GREEN) POWER / STATUS LED HEADPHONE VOLUME LINE OUT VOLUME OX Amp Top Box Hardware Block Diagram Internal Power Supplies 10KΩ 200Ω IMPEDANCE SELECT POWER SWITCH POWER SUPPLY INPUT TYPE A USB 2
Notices Warranty Universal Audio provides a limited warranty on all UA hardware products. To learn more, visit help.uaudio.com. The limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary by state or country. Repair Service If OX isn’t behaving as expected, first check all system setups, connections, cables, and operating instructions. Answers to most questions are available in the Universal Audio Knowledge Base at help.uaudio.com.
Disclaimer The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Universal Audio, Inc. makes no warranties of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Universal Audio, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Compliance Important Safety Information Before using this unit, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and the safety suggestions. Afterwards, keep them handy for future reference. Take special care to follow the warnings indicated on the unit, as well as in the operating instructions. 1) Read these instructions. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 4) Follow all instructions. 5) Do not use this apparatus near water. 6) Clean only with dry cloth.
FCC Compliance Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This product does not contain any user serviceable components.
Radiolan Compliance Statements cs Česky [Czech] Universal Audio, Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že tento Radiolan je ve shodě se základními požadavky a dalšími příslušnými ustanoveními směrnice 1999/5/ES. da Dansk [Danish] Undertegnede Universal Audio, Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr Radiolan overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv 1999/5/EF. de Deutsch [German] Hiermit erklärt Universal Audio, Inc.
Technical Support Universal Audio Knowledge Base The UA Knowledge Base is your complete online technical resource for configuring, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing all UA products. You can watch helpful support videos, search the Knowledge Base for answers, get updated technical information that may not be available elsewhere, and more. UA Knowledge Base YouTube Support Channel The Universal Audio Support Channel at youtube.com includes helpful support videos for setting up and using UA products.
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