Rocktron TABOO TWIN User Manual
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Rocktron TABOO TWIN User Manual

Tube-driven programmable 24-bit dsp guitar amplifier
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T U B E - D R I V E N P R O G R A M M A B L E 2 4 - B I T D S P G U I T A R A M P L I F I E R
May be covered by one or more of the following: U.S. Patents #4538297, 4647876, 4696044, 4745309, 4881047, 4893099, 5124657,
5263091, 5268527, 5319713, 5333201, 5402498, 5493617 and 5638452. Other patents pending. Foreign patents pending.

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  • Page 1 T U B E - D R I V E N P R O G R A M M A B L E 2 4 - B I T D S P G U I T A R A M P L I F I E R May be covered by one or more of the following: U.S.

  • Page 2: Operating Temperature

    Also, bundle audio cables separately from the AC power cables. These steps will help insure compliance with the Directive(s). For more information about other Rocktron products, please see your local dealer or one of our importers closest to you (listed on the enclosed warranty sheet).
  • Page 3 Restoring a single factory preset: ..................63 Restoring a single factory preset: ..................65 Restoring the Taboo Twin controller assignments: ..............66...
  • Page 4 • Advanced Speaker Simulation on the XLR outputs provides a realistic approximation of a miked speaker cabinet at line-level for direct mixer input or headphone listening. This manual will detail the various features and functions of the Taboo Twin. After read- ing it, please keep it for future reference.

  • Page 5: Operating Precautions

    OPERATING PRECAUTIONS NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS SECTION TO PROVIDE YEARS OF TROUBLE FREE USE. THIS UNIT REQUIRES CAREFUL HANDLING. All warnings on this equipment and in the operating instructions should be adhered to and all operating instructions should be followed. Do not use this equipment near water.

  • Page 6: Selecting A Preset

    RESET automatically. QUICKLY CHANGING PRESET SOUNDS Make sure the Menu button is not lit. (This allows for Taboo Twin parameters to be edited in Instant Access mode.) Use the controls in the Instant Access control group, as well as those...
  • Page 7 RESET This control is used to scroll through the successive Taboo Twin presets. Each preset is automatically recalled when displayed. Effects group (one selection only) This group of buttons provides in/out switching to six of the Taboo Twin's effects (Chorus, Flange, Pitch, Tremolo, Phaser and Wah).
  • Page 8 Menu mode Menu mode allows access to all of the functions and parameters that the Taboo Twin provides. Since this mode allows access to more parameters than Instant Access mode, it provides more control over the overall sound of a preset.
  • Page 9 EVERB EVEL In Menu mode, this control is used to access each of the primary functions of the Taboo Twin. These functions include: Once a function has been selected, the parameters for the function are accessible via the P control.
  • Page 10 NPUT EVEL The Input Level control adjusts the Taboo Twin's gain to match the signal level applied to the input of the unit. This gain can be adjusted from -12dB to +12dB. The Input Level meter provides visual indication of the peak level of the input signal.
  • Page 11 jack UNER The signal fed to the rear panel T jack is not part UNER This ¼" mono jack provides a signal tapped from the front panel input that can be fed to of the signal path. There- a guitar tuner. fore, a dead battery or other malfunction in the tuner will not affect the sound of the...
  • Page 12 REBLE The Global EQ controls provide instant adjustment of the bass and treble frequencies of the Taboo Twin across all presets. This feature is useful when a particular venue provides acoustic characteristics which would require readjustment of the EQ param- eters of all the presets.
  • Page 13 7-pin MIDI cable which connects from the MIDI Mate to the MIDI IN jack on the rear panel of the Taboo Twin, thus eliminating the need to find an AC outlet near where the footpedal would be placed during a performance—or the need to run an extension cord out to the foot controller.
  • Page 14 10 MIDI T jack Inherently in MIDI there is a limit to the number of This standard 5-pin DIN connector passes on the MIDI information that is received at devices which can be the MIDI IN jack to other MlDI-compatible devices via a MIDI cable. It also outputs chained together (series MIDI data when performing a memory dump.
  • Page 15 Connecting a guitar to the Taboo Twin...
  • Page 16 Using the Taboo Twin's Direct Outputs with a mixing console...

  • Page 17: Using The Effects Loop

    Using the Effects Loop • It is important to note that the effects loop must be used in a stereo configuration (i.e., only stereo RTS connections can be made to the rear panel S and R jacks. ETURN...
  • Page 18 Using the Taboo Twin with a powered cabinet for wide stereo separation The Taboo Twin can be used with a powered speaker cabinet to provide wide stereo separation. In the configuration shown below, both speakers of the Taboo Twin provide the left channel output, while both speakers of the powered cabinet provide the right channel output.
  • Page 19 Taboo Twin / Powered Cabinet connections: Cable wiring required for this configuration: Ring of stereo RTS S plug to Ring of stereo RTS plug ETURN Tip of stereo RTS S plug to Tip of mono R I plug NPUT Tip of stereo RTS S...
  • Page 20 Using the Taboo Twin with a powered cabinet in a stacked configuration The Taboo Twin can also be used with a powered speaker cabinet in a stacked configuration. In the configuration shown below, the Taboo Twin and powered cabinet each provide left and right channel outputs.
  • Page 21 Taboo Twin / Powered Cabinet connections: Cable wiring required for this configuration: Ring of stereo RTS S plug to Tip of mono L I NPUT plug. Ring of stereo RTS S plug to Ring of stereo RTS plug ETURN Tip of stereo RTS S...
  • Page 22 Taboo Twin Presets The Taboo Twin provides 128 stored sounds called presets . Any of the 128 presets can be called up at any time via the front panel PRESET control, or by a remote MIDI footswitch. Each Taboo Twin preset is divided up into individual blocks called functions (such as "Mixer", "Reverb", etc.).
  • Page 23 For this reason, the Taboo Twin provides two modes for editing preset sounds. The currently active mode is determined by the front panel M button.
  • Page 24 Instant Access Mode switch is not lit, the amplifier can be edited in Instant Access mode. When the M This mode allows for immediate access to nine of the most commonly edited parameters for any preset: Bass Level , Mid Level , Mid Frequency , Treble Level , Gain Level , Output Level , Effect Level , Delay Level and Reverb Level .
  • Page 25 Taboo Twin Functions and Parameter Descriptions The remainder of this section will describe each of the effect-based functions and the adjustable parameters they each provide. Note that the functions and parameters that are available for a given preset are dependent upon which effects are currently active. There- fore, not all functions and parameters described in this section are available in every Taboo Twin preset.
  • Page 26 When MONO is selected, the left and right outputs of the Taboo Twin are summed together, and the same mono signal is fed through both speakers of the Taboo Twin, as well as each of the outputs. When using the Taboo Twin with an additional powered cabinet, it is common to set this parameter to LEFT.
  • Page 27 The next function displayed after turning the F control is the Mixer function. The Mixer function param- UNCTION ELECT eters are included in all presets—although the parameter values stored in this function are only for the currently recalled preset. This digital mixer allows you to control most signal levels pertaining to each preset’s effect configuration and stores these levels for each preset.
  • Page 28 The GAIN parameter determines the gain value in the distortion stage. VARIAC The VARIAC ADJUST parameter adjusts the level at which the preamp stage in the Taboo Twin ADJUST begins to distort. A Variac is a voltage-attenuating device that plugs into an AC wall outlet and adjusts the voltage level to any device which is plugged into it.
  • Page 29 The LOW GAIN function is accessible in presets which have been stored with the H button not lit. The preamp stage in these configurations provides four distortion types, and can also be used for clean tones. The P control will allow you to access the following Low Gain parameters: ARAMETER ELECT Parameter...
  • Page 30 The HUSH circuit is located after the A/D converter in the signal chain to reduce any noise generated from the guitar and the A/D converter. This ensures a quiet input signal to the preamp section. Because the preamp section of the Taboo Twin is digital, it is virtually noise-free (even in the high-gain mode).
  • Page 31 The PRE EQ (EXPERT) function is available in all presets, and allows you to shape the tone prior to the distortion stage. Considerable tone variations can be achieved by modifying these pre-distort EQ parameters. The P control will allow you to access the following PRE EQ parameters: ARAMETER ELECT Parameter...
  • Page 32 The POST EQ (EXPERT) function is available in all presets, and allows you shape the tone after it has passed through the distortion stage. These post-distortion EQ parameters have a more dramatic effect on the overall tone than the pre-distortion parameters.
  • Page 33 This function allows you to compress the signal prior to the distortion stage. Compression is often used to maintain an even level when using clean tones, and also to increase sustain when using distorted tones. The P control will allow you to access the following COMPRESSOR parameters: ARAMETER ELECT Parameter...
  • Page 34 The Taboo Twin has an internal wah-wah which allows for an expression pedal to be used as a wah-wah pedal through continous control changes. Use of this feature eliminates the need to run long audio cables out to a conventional wah-wah pedal.
  • Page 35 Phase shifting involves splitting the input signal into two signals, then shifting the phase of different frequencies of one signal and mixing it back with the original signal. The P control will allow you to access the following PHASER parameters: ARAMETER ELECT Parameter...
  • Page 36 Flanging involves splitting the input signal into at least two individual delayed signals (Voice 1 and Voice 2) , then modulating these delayed signals so that, when summed back with the direct signal, phase cancellations will occur at some frequencies while peaks in the response will occur at others. The P control will allow you to access the following FLANGER parameters: ARAMETER...
  • Page 37 The Tremolo effect continuously varies the volume of the signal. The P control will allow you to access the following TREMOLO parameters: ARAMETER ELECT Parameter Description TREMOLO The TREMOLO I/O parameter determines whether the tremolo is active or bypassed for the current preset.
  • Page 38 The PAN parameter allows you to pan the shifted signal to the left or right channel. PITCH The PITCH parameter selects what harmony note the Taboo Twin will produce based on the input note. The value displayed for this parameter represents the number of cents that the signal will be shifted (adjustable in 20-cent increments).

  • Page 39: Pitch Shift Intervals

    NOTE: There are 5 steps of the parameter adjust control between each of the intervals shown above (each step equals 20 cents).This allows for smooth pitch change when an expression controller (such as a volume pedal used with a Rocktron All Access ™...
  • Page 40 The Chorus effect in the Taboo Twin is produced by using two delayed signals (Voice 1 and Voice 2), detuning these delayed signals (slightly changing their pitch), then modulating the detune effect so that the amount of pitch detune is constantly varying.
  • Page 41 Delay is a reproduction of the input signal, occurring at a prescribed time (usually expressed in milliseconds) following the input signal. The Taboo Twin provides two discrete delays (Delay 1 and Delay 2), each of which has its own parameters to determine its particular characteristics.
  • Page 42 The DELAY TIME 1 parameter determines the length of time (in milliseconds) after the input signal that the Delay 1 signal will begin. The DELAY TIME can be adjusted via the ADJUST control, MIDI controller changes or via the Tap Delay feature (see "Operating the Taboo Twin" for detailed descriptions of each).
  • Page 43 The REVERB function is available in all presets. Reverb is a multitude of echos spaced so close together that, to the human ear, seem as a single continuous sound. These echos gradually decrease in intensity until they are ultimately absorbed by the boundaries and obstacles within a room. As the sound waves from the sound source strike the boundaries of a room, a portion of the energy is reflected away from the obstacle while another portion is absorbed into it—thereby causing both the continuance of sound as well as the decaying or “dying out”...

  • Page 44: Selecting A Preset

    Selecting a preset Step 1 Turn the P control to the desired preset you wish to recall. The Taboo Twin will recall RESET the displayed preset automatically.
  • Page 45 Changing preset parameters not provided by Instant Access controls Step 1 Enter the Menu edit mode by pressing the M button. The Menu button will be lit at this time. MENU Step 2 With the M button lit, turn the F control to select the function heading which UNCTION ELECT...

  • Page 46: Storing Changed Preset Parameters

    Storing changed preset parameters 1,3,4 Step 1 While viewing a function or parameter title, press the S button to initiate the store proce- TORE dure. The display will now alternate between the current destination preset number and title and "STORE AT PRESET". Turn the P control to select the desired preset number to store the new parameter values Step 2...
  • Page 47 Step 4 After the parameter values have been stored, the Taboo Twin will display "COPY TITLE TOO?". This message is displayed only when storing into a new preset number and allows you to copy the title from the original altered preset into the new preset location.

  • Page 48: Editing A Preset Title

    Editing a preset title Step 1 With the M button lit, turn the F control clockwise until the Taboo Twin UNCTION ELECT displays "TITLE EDIT". Turn the P control clockwise to initiate the Title Edit mode. Turning this Step 2...
  • Page 49 Title Edit. TORE Note! • Also, after flashing "STORED", the Taboo Twin will remain in the Title Edit mode. At this time, you may either (a) turn the P control to display and edit other preset...

  • Page 50: Controller Assignments

    Controller Assignments The Controller Assignment function allows for specific Taboo Twin adjustable parameters to be mapped (or assigned) to a MIDI controller for real-time control by an expression pedal. The Controller Assignment option also lets you store an upper and lower parameter value limit which the control- ®...
  • Page 51 The Taboo Twin will flash "STORED" briefly. The Taboo Twin allows you to select an upper and lower value limit which the parameter cannot exceed. For example, if a parameter has a value range from - to 0dB, yet you would like the range of the parameter to vary from only -12dB to -2dB, you may set a lower limit of -12 and an upper limit of -2 via the Upper and Lower Limit param- eters.
  • Page 52 Turn the P control one step clockwise to display the Upper Limit parameter Step 8 ARAMETER ELECT (for PARA1). Step 9 Use the P control to choose the highest value that the parameter is not to ARAMETER DJUST exceed through MIDI control changes. Step 10 After selecting a value for the upper limit, press the S button to save it.

  • Page 53: Tap Delay

    The Taboo Twin will detect the amount of time between any two taps that are less than one second apart (i.e., if more than one second passes after the first tap, two more taps —...
  • Page 54 The Footswitch TYPE parameter setting is global (i.e. the same for all presets). Turn the P control to select the footswitch type that you will be using Step 3 ARAMETER DJUST (normally "OPEN" or "CLOSED"). Press the S button to save the altered Footswitch Type setting. "STORED" will flash Step 4 TORE briefly on the display.
  • Page 55 Turn the P control to change the current DELAY 2 status. Step 9 ARAMETER DJUST Step 10 Press the S button to save the altered Delay 2 setting. "STORED" will flash briefly on the TORE display. The DELAY 1 and DELAY 2 parameters can be stored differently for each preset.

  • Page 56: Program Changes

    Program Changes allow for different MIDI program numbers to be assigned to Taboo Twin preset numbers. For example, MIDI program #58 can be mapped to Taboo Twin preset #34. Then, when program #58 is selected from a MIDI transmitting device (such as a Rocktron All Access foot controller), preset #34 will be recalled on the Taboo Twin.
  • Page 57 ARAM control to select the preset number to map to. ETER DJUST Taboo Twin Preset Number * The preset number to map to can also be set to "OFF"—thereby not responding to that program change command. Step 8 After selecting both the MIDI program number and the preset number, press the S...

  • Page 58: Midi Channels

    The Taboo Twin can receive MIDI commands from other MIDI transmitting devices, as well as transmit MIDI program changes to other MIDI-based equipment when a preset is recalled on the Taboo Twin. The MIDI Channels function allows you to select the MIDI channels that the Taboo Twin will receive and transmit MIDI information on. Step 1...
  • Page 59 Step 6 Turn the P control to select the channel that the Taboo Twin will transmit a ARAMETER DJUST MIDI program change on. You may select channels 1-16 or OFF (will not transmit a MIDI program change). Step 6 Press the S button to save the new MIDI Transmit channel.

  • Page 60: Midi Dump/Load

    MIDI Dump/Load Any or all of the Taboo Twin presets may be dumped to a sequencer or another Taboo Twin via system exclu- sive messages. The information exchanged when performing a MIDI Dump consists of parameter values, title characters and controller assignment/limit information. When dumping a single preset into another Taboo Twin, the dumped preset may be loaded into any preset location on the receiving Taboo Twin.
  • Page 61 Transmitting Taboo Twin Receiving Taboo Twin After all the information for the dumped preset is stored, the receiving Taboo Twin will display "LOADED". The receiving Taboo Twin also recalls the loaded preset at this time so that it may be verified.
  • Page 62 To dump a single Taboo Twin preset into a sequencer: Connect a standard MIDI cable from the M of the transmitting Taboo Twin to the M Step 1 on the receiving sequencer. Step 2 With the M button lit, turn the F...
  • Page 63 After the Taboo Twin displays "TRANS COMPLETE", stop the sequencer. The sequencer should have recorded all of the data that was dumped from the Taboo Twin. Keep this data stored on a disk in a safe place. Turn the P control to continue.
  • Page 64 Receiving Taboo Twin Step 4 Play back the data stored on the sequencer. The Taboo Twin will display the data strings as it is storing them. Each data string will appear with the word "LOADED". After all the user data has been loaded, the Taboo Twin will display "LOAD COMPLETE". Do not play back the data from the sequencer faster than it was loaded, as errors may occur (errors may also occur if any knob is turned or any button is pressed before the message "LOAD COM-...
  • Page 65 Twin is not transmitted faster than it was originally dumped from the Taboo Twin. If information is sent too fast to the Taboo Twin, an error will occur. When dumping information from a data storage device, such as an Alesis Data...

  • Page 66: Factory Restore

    The Factory Restore function allows you to restore altered Taboo Twin presets to their original condition as shipped from the factory. Either the entire Taboo Twin memory can be restored, a single preset can be restored to any preset location, or the controller information alone can be restored.
  • Page 67 "ERRORS 0". This represents the number of bytes that the Taboo Twin found did not initialize properly. Any number of errors other than "0" means that the Taboo Twin may not have initialized properly and the process should be repeated.
  • Page 68 Turn the P control two steps clockwise to "ALL RESTORE 0". ARAMETER ELECT Step 3 A specific code number must be entered to restore the Taboo Twin memory. Use the P ARAM control to enter the number "220". ETER DJUST...
  • Page 69 After the All Restore process is completed, the display should read "ERRORS 0". This is the number of bytes that the Taboo Twin found that did not initialize properly. Any number of errors other than "0" means that the Taboo Twin may not have initialized properly and the process should be repeated.
  • Page 70 ® in REMOTE mode A Rocktron All Access MIDI footswitch can act as a dedicated remote control for the Taboo Twin—allowing direct access to specific Taboo Twin features and parameters from the footswitch at any time. To use an All Access footswitch as a dedicated remote, connect the M...
  • Page 71 Reinitialize only the controller information for the instant access switches and pedals using a code of "231". If the preset titles from the Taboo Twin are to be displayed on the All Access automatically, Step 11 set the Remote Title Number to match the Unit ID Number parameter on the Taboo Twin.
  • Page 72 Switch 13 switches in or out the reverb effect. Switch 14 can be pressed and held to mute the output of the Taboo Twin for as long as the switch is held down. This is especially useful when switching guitars during a live set.

  • Page 73: Error Messages

    ERROR MESSAGES Message Possible Reason Corrective Action CODE BYTE IS NOT CORRECT IN MAKE SURE EEPROM IS TIGHT IN EEPROM MEMORY. SOCKET. MAKE SURE WITHIN CORRECT OPERATING TEMPERATURE. DISCONNECT MIDI CORD AT MIDI MIDI INFORMATION IS BEING RECEIVED AT THE MIDI IN AT IN OF TRANSMlTTING TABOO THE SAME INFORMATION IS TWIN.

  • Page 74: Midi Implementation

    MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Taboo Twin Date: September 17, 1997 Version: 1.0 FUNCTION TRANSMITTED RECOGNIZED REMARKS Actual MIDI program value sent is 0-253, corresponding to presets 1-254. Optional implementation of program mapping also available. ** The control number may be from 0-120, or OFF. An upper and lower range may also...

  • Page 75: Technical Data

    MIDI THRU/OUT 5-pin DIN POWER REQUIREMENTS 117VAC / 60Hz DIMENSIONS " x 20 " x 10 " CE Approved Rocktron Corporation 2870 Technology Drive Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Customer Service: (248) 853-3055 Fax Number: (248) 853-5937 World Wide Web: http://www.rocktron.com rocktron@eaglequest.com...

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