Environment

Built-in auto-chromatic tuner
The integrated tuning function lets you quickly and precisely tune your instrument on stage.
Dual power supply enables operation anywhere
The dual power supply principle allows the unit to be powered either from an AC adapter or from four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Continuous operation time on batteries is 8 hours with manganese batteries and 28 hours with alkaline batteries.
Compatible with foot switch and pedals
An optional foot switch (FS01) or expression pedal (FP01/FP02) can be connected to the CONTROL IN jack. The foot switch is useful for quickly detecting the feedback frequency, and the expression pedal allows adjusting the volume or effect tone in real time.
Improved successor to 504
While inheriting the sound characteristics of the very successful ZOOM model 504, the 504 II is even more compact and carries a lower price tag. What's more, it incorporates the world's first wah effect specifically designed for acoustic guitar, plus several other novel effects such as the EMPHASIZER which duplicates the characteristic sound of a resonator.

ZOOM 504 II ACOUSTIC

Terms Used in This Manual
This section explains some important terms that are used throughout the 504 II documentation. Effect parameter The effects of the 504 II consist of a succession of modules that determine the sound. These individual modules are called the effect parameters. As shown in the following illustration, the 504 II has 10 different effect parameters. Changing the setting of an effect parameter is like turning the control knob on a compact effect, leading to a change in the sound.

Effect parameters

Play mode/edit mode The internal status of the 504 II is referred to as the operation mode. The two major modes are play mode, in which you can select patches and use them for playing your instrument, and edit mode, in which you can modify the effects. The [PLAY/EDIT] selector serves for switching between the play mode and edit mode.

Terms Used in This Manual / Using the unit on batteries
Global parameters Normally, effect parameter settings are stored individually for each patch, but some effect parameters affect all patches. Such parameters are called global parameters. The global parameter settings do not change also when the patch is switched.
F.B. PATCH TYPE LIMIT/ LOW/ HIGH/ AIR EFFECT DLY& De-AMP EDGE BODY TOP REV SUPPRESSOR LEVEL

Global parameters

Using the unit on batteries
1. Turn the 504 II over and open the cover of the battery compartment on the bottom. Press the latch to release it and then raise the cover. 2. Insert four fresh IEC R6 (size AA) batteries into the battery compartment.
Effect type Some effect parameters comprise several different effects which are referred to as effect types. For example, the DLY&REV parameter has the four effect types LARGE, SMALL, DELAY, and DLY+REV. Only one of these can be selected at a time. Patch In the 504 II, effects are stored and called up in units referred to as patches. A patch comprises information about the setting and on/off status of effect parameters. The memory of the 504 II holds up to 36 patches. Bank A group of six patches is called a bank. The 504 II manages a total of six banks, labelled A through F. The patches within each bank are numbered 1 through 6. To specify a patch, the 504 II uses the following format: "A1". This means that patch number 1 from bank A is selected. Therefore "b6" would refer to patch 6 from bank b.

BANK F

PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 5 PATCH 6
Insert all batteries with the same orientation.
Four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries Tab Battery compartment cover

Rear of 504 II

3. Close the cover of the battery compartment. Close the cover of the battery compartment. Push the cover in until the latch audibly snaps into place.
BANK E BANK d BANK C BANK b BANK A
PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 5 PATCH 6 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 5 PATCH 6 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 5 PATCH 6 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 5 PATCH 6 PATCH 1 PATCH 2 PATCH 3 PATCH 4 PATCH 5 PATCH 6
Use four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. When the batteries are getting low, a dot (.) in the bottom section of the display starts to flash.
While not using the 504 II, you should disconnect the cable plugged into the INPUT jack, to prevent draining the batteries.
Controls and Functions / Connections

Top Panel

[PLAY/EDIT] selector
This knob serves for switching between play mode (in which you use the patches for playing) and edit mode (where you can edit patches to your liking).

Rear Panel / Connections

[+]/[-] keys
Serve for switching banks up and down, adjusting parameters, and other functions.

INPUT jack

Serves for connecting the output of the pickup (preamplifier) attached to an acoustic guitar, or the output of an electric guitar. When the 504 II is operated on batteries, the unit will be turned on when a plug is inserted in this jack.

[STORE] key

Serves for storing edited patches, copying patches to another location, and other functions.

Display

Shows patch numbers, setting values, and other information required for operation of the 504 II.

[ ]/[ ] foot switches

These switches are used for selecting patches, controlling the tuner, and other functions.

[Setting the input gain]

When using a magnetic pickup, a single-coil electric guitar, or any other pickup with low output level, the input gain can be raised as follows. Turn the 504 II on while holding down the foot switch [ ]. The indication "HI-GAIN" scrolls on the display, and the input gain is set to high.

CONTROL IN jack

Serves for connection of the optional foot switch (FS01) or expression pedal (FP01/FP02).

OUTPUT jack

This stereo phone jack serves for connection to the guitar amplifier. It is also possible to plug a pair of stereo headphones into this jack, or to use a Y cable for sending the output to two amplifiers.
The input gain setting is not stored in the internal memory. Repeat the setting as required every time you turn the unit on.

DC 9V (AC adapter) jack

To use the 504 II on AC power, plug an AC adapter (ZOOM AD-0006) with a rated output of 9 volts DC, 300 mA (center minus plug) into this jack. When a plug is inserted in this jack, the 504 II is turned on.
Selecting Patches for Play
To try out the 504 II, we recommend that you simply play your instrument while switching patches. This will let you quickly see what the 504 II can do.

Power-on

When using the 504 II on batteries, plug a shielded cable with mono phone plug into the INPUT jack of the 504 II. When using the 504 II with the AC adapter, plug the adapter into the outlet and plug the cable from the adapter into the DC 9V jack on the 504 II. Turn on the guitar amplifier and adjust the volume to a suitable position.

Change the parameter value

Use the [+]/[-] keys.

Holding down one of these keys will continuously change the value. Additionally pressing the opposite key will cause a faster change. Pressing both keys simultaneously skips values in larger steps.
Select the effect parameter
Use the [PLAY/EDIT] selector to select the effect you want to change.
The value of the currently selected parameter is shown on the display. (When the 504 II is in edit mode, a dot (.) is shown in the bottom right section of the display.)

Parameter value

Changing the parameter on/off condition
Press both [ together. ]/[ ] foot switches
The parameter is turned off, and the indication "oF" appears on the display. Pressing both foot switches together once more turns the parameter on again. This operation is not possible for the patch level and TYPE parameters (step , parameters (1) and (2)).
Parameters selectable with [PLAY/EDIT] selector
(1) Patch level (2) TYPE parameter (3) LIMIT/EDGE parameter (4) LOW/BODY parameter (5) HIGH/TOP parameter (6) AIR parameter
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1) (10) (6)
(7) EFFECT parameter (8) DLY&REV parameter (7) (9) De-AMP parameter ( (8) (10) F.B.SUPPRESSOR parameter ( ) )

Terminate the edit mode

To terminate the edit mode and return to the play mode, set the [PLAY/EDIT] selector to the "PLAY" position.

= global parameter

Unless you store the edited patch in memory, the settings you made will be lost when you select a different patch after returning to the play mode. Do not forget to store an edited patch that you wish to keep, as described on page 14.

Storing/Copying Patches

An edited patch can be stored at any desired location in the internal memory of the unit. It is also possible to copy an existing patch and store it at another location.
Press the STORE key in play mode or edit mode.
The bank and patch number on the display are flashing.
Press the STORE key once more.
When the store/copy process is completed, the unit reverts to the original mode, with the target patch being selected.
Use the [ ]/[ ] foot switches to select the target location in which to store the patch.

5. If feedback occurs during play, press the
FS01 twice. F.B.SUPPRESSOR is switched on/off and the 504 II automatically detects the feedback frequency for attenuation.
Using F.B.SUPPRESSOR in play mode
If feedback occurs while playing the instrument, the optional foot switch (FS01) connected to the CONTROL IN jack can be used to automatically detect the feedback frequency.
Using F.B.SUPPRESSOR in edit mode
The following method allows finding the feedback frequency in edit mode, either automatically or manually.
1. Insert the plug of the FS01 into the CONTROL IN jack of
the 504 II, then turn power to the 504 II on. Using the Feedback Suppressor
1. If feedback occurs while playing the
instrument, set the [PLAY/EDIT] selector to "F.B.SUPPRESSOR". The 504 II switches to the edit mode. Using the Feedback Suppressor
If the FS01 is plugged into the CONTROL IN jack while the 504 II is already on, malfunction may occur. Be sure to turn on the 504 II only after connecting the foot switch.
2. Set the [PLAY/EDIT] selector to
"F.B.SUPPRESSOR".
2. Use the [+]/[-] keys to change the display
indication to "SC". If "SC" is already set, change the value and then select "SC" again, or press both [ ]/[ ] foot switches (or the foot switch FS01 connected to the CONTROL IN jack) twice, to switch the F.B.SUPPRESSOR parameter off and then on again.
3. Use the [+]/[-] keys to change the display
indication to "SC". "SC" is the attenuation setting value based on automatic detection of feedback frequency. Automatic detection starts when the F.B.SUPPRESSOR parameter is set to "SC" or set to off and then on again.
When wishing to retain the "SC" setting also while the unit is turned off, store the currently selected patch.
3. If feedback is not satisfactorily reduced by
step 2, set the F.B.SUPPRESSOR parameter to a value between 1 - 30 that yields the best reduction.
When wishing to retain the F.B.SUPPRESSOR parameter setting also while the unit is turned off, store the currently selected patch.

Linking Effects

The patches of the 504 II consist of ten effect parameters (including two global parameters). By setting these parameters to the desired values, you can control the sound of a patch. It is also possible to switch individual parameters on and off, and to program the expression pedal to adjust the value of a specific parameter.

Effect Parameters

This section describes all parameters and their setting values.

How to read the listing

Shows the position which is used to call up the parameter.
Shows the setting range that is available for that parameter.

ACOUSTIC

FLAT NATURAL MILD RHYTHM BRIGHT

LIMIT/EDGE

LIMITER EDGE

LOW/BODY

LOW BODY

HIGH/TOP

HIGH TOP

EFFECT

RICH CHORUS LIGHT CHORUS 12-STRING DOUBLING TOUCH EMPHASIZER DRY MIX WAH

DLY&REV

LARGE SMALL DELAY DELAY+REVERB

PATCH LEVEL

DELAY&REVERB
Mixes a delayed component and reverb component to the original sound, producing a feeling of depth and ambience.

ELECTRIC

THRU NORMAL JUMBO PIEZO GUT

DELAY+REVERB

De-AMP

BRIGHT COMBO COMBO STACK

F.B.SUPPRESSOR

AUTO MANUAL

This is an effect which combines delay (delay time 210 mS) and reverb. Higher values result in deeper reverb effect and higher delay sound mixing ratio.

PEDAL DELAY+REVERB

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the delay sound mixing balance (reverb depth is fixed).
The parameters TYPE, LIMIT/EDGE, LOW/BODY, HIGH/TOP have separate settings for acoustic and for electric guitar. Depending on whether ACOUSTIC or ELECTRIC is selected for the TYPE parameter, the content of the other three parameters changes as follows.
When ACOUSTIC is selected
Sets the DELAY&REVERB parameter to OFF.

Expression pedal

A pedal icon ( ) in the listing indicates that the parameter can be controlled with the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) when the value is selected.
If there is no parameter marked with a pedal icon selected in the entire patch, the expression pedal operates as a volume pedal.

Parameter on/off

Except for the TYPE parameter, all parameters have an " " setting which disables the parameter. (The effect is the same as when both [ ]/[ ] foot switches are pressed together in edit mode.)

LIMITER

TYPE, LIMIT/EDGE, LOW/BODY, HIGH/TOP function as a "preamp" that adjusts the character and dynamics of the acoustic guitar sound.

Global parameter

When ELECTRIC is selected
Global parameters that apply to all patches are marked with a "

".

TYPE, LIMIT/EDGE, LOW/BODY, HIGH/TOP function as a "simulator" for changing the sound of an electric guitar into that of an acoustic instrument.
This parameter serves for attenuating frequency bands that can sound harsh when an acoustic guitar is reproduced via a guitar amplifier. Choose the BRIGHT COMBO, COMBO, or STACK
Adjusts the overall volume of the patch. A value of 25 corresponds to unity gain (input level and output level are equal).

LIMITER/EDGE

Adjusts the action of the limiter. Higher values result in stronger limiter action for more effective suppression of level peaks.
Adjusts the action of edge effect. Higher values result in stronger emphasis of the acoustic guitar sound.
Selects the preamp characteristics for acoustic guitar.
Sets the LIMITER/EDGE parameter to OFF.
Simulator for changing the sound of an electric guitar to that of an acoustic instrument.
Adjusts the low-range EQ boost. Higher values result in stronger bass sound.
The sound of the acoustic guitar is output with flat frequency response.
Simulator is not used and sound of electric guitar is output as is.
Adjusts the size of the simulated guitar body. Higher values result in stronger emphasis of the body sound.

NATURAL

Natural sound character suitable for most music genres and playing styles.

NORMAL

Simulates conventional acoustic guitar sound.
Sets the LOW/BODY parameter to OFF.
Mild and warm sound, particularly suited for acoustic guitar with a piezo pickup.
Simulates the sound of an acoustic guitar with a large body.
Adjusts the high-range EQ boost. Higher values result in stronger treble sound.

RHYTHM

Tight sound suitable for chord stroking.
Simulates the sound of an acoustic guitar with a piezo pickup.
Adjusts the top frequency range. Higher values result in brighter sound.

BRIGHT

Bright sound suitable for fingering.
Simulates the sound of a classic guitar with nylon strings.

Sets the HIGH/TOP parameter to OFF.
Simulates the ambient character of sound picked up with a microphone. Higher values result in greater simulated distance between the guitar and the microphone.

DOUBLING

Creates a doubling effect like two players playing the same tune with a slight shift. Higher values result in larger shift between original sound and effect sound.

PEDAL DOUBLING

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the intensity of the DOUBLING effect.
Sets the AIR parameter to OFF.
This effect aligns the picking touch. Higher values result in distinct notes even with soft picking.

PEDAL TOUCH

Allows choosing one out of eight different effects that shape the sound in various ways. The effect intensity can also be adjusted.
Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the intensity of the TOUCH effect.

EMPHASIZER

This effect adds higher harmonics to emphasize the sound character. Higher values result in more dazzling sound.

RICH CHORUS

Generates a deep, rich sounding chorus. Higher values result in stronger chorus effect.

PEDAL EMPHASIZER

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the intensity of the EMPHASIZER effect.

PEDAL RICH CHORUS

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the mixing ratio of the RICH CHORUS effect.

DRY MIX

Mixes the original guitar sound to the signal after passing the AIR parameter. Lower values result in stronger AIR parameter influence and higher values result in stronger original sound.
Signal after passing AIR parameter
TYPE LIMIT/ EDGE LOW/ BODY HIGH/ TOP AIR

LIGHT CHORUS

Generates a light chorus with soft modulation. Higher values result in stronger chorus effect.

PEDAL LIGHT CHORUS

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the mixing ratio of the LIGHT CHORUS effect.

Original sound

PEDAL DRY MIX
Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the mixing balance between the signal after passing the AIR parameter and the original sound.
The actual sound that will be produced by this effect depends on the settings made for the various parameters before the AIR parameter. If the sound after the AIR parameter and the original sound is not very different, the effect will be weak.

12-STRING

Produces an effect resembling the sound of a 12-string guitar. Larger values result in a stronger effect.

PEDAL 12-STRING

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the intensity of the 12-STRING effect.
This is an auto wah effect that works on single notes. Higher values result in stronger auto wah.

PEDAL DELAY

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the delay sound mixing balance (delay time will be set to 250 mS).

PEDAL WAH

Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to manually adjust the WAH effect. When no pedal is used, the parameter functions as auto wah.
Sets the EFFECT parameter to OFF.
Simulates the reverberation in a fairly large room. Higher values result in a deeper reverb effect.
This parameter serves for attenuating frequency bands that can sound harsh when an acoustic guitar is reproduced via a guitar amplifier. Choose the BRIGHT COMBO, COMBO, or STACK setting depending on the amplifier that is used, and adjust the value as required.
PEDAL LARGE Effect Parameters
Allows using the expression pedal (FP01/FP02) connected to the CONTROL IN jack to adjust the reverb sound mixing balance.
Simulates the reverberation in a fairly small room. Higher values result in a deeper reverb effect.

BRIGHT COMBO

Designed for use with combo type amplifiers having a bright sound. Higher values result in stronger attenuation effect.

PEDAL SMALL

Designed for use with regular combo type amplifiers. Higher values result in stronger attenuation effect.
This is a delay effect with a delay time of 370 mS maximum. Higher values result in longer delay time (longer delay sound intervals).
Original sound Delay sound

Delay time

Value Delay time 1 100ms 2 150ms 3 180ms 4 215ms 5 230ms 6 250ms 7 280ms 8 340ms 9 370ms
Designed for use with stack type amplifiers. Higher values result in stronger attenuation effect.
Sets the De-AMP parameter to OFF.
Reduces acoustic feedback by attenuating the frequency band where the feedback occurs. The frequency can be detected automatically or manually.

Dimensions

145 mm (D) x 125 mm (W) x 40 mm (H) Weight280 g (without batteries)
0 dBm = 0.775 Vrms Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Patch List

For ACOUSTIC GUITAR

BANK PATCH PATCH NAME

AUTO SCAN
Automatically detects the frequency where feedback is occurring.

COMMENT

Basic acoustic lead sound for band ensemble. 12-string acoustic guitar sound. Compressed sound for subtle passages. Rich chorus sound with delay and reverb. Overdriven Acoustic guitar sound. New acoustic guitar sound with wah effect. Early Folk guitar sound. Lap steel guitar sound. Ideal for bottle neck and delta blues styles. Exotic instrument sound from the Far East. Articulate sound with room ambience. Nylon(Gut) acoustic guitar sound. Classic Dobro style sound. Spacious chorus effect sound. "Graphite body" acoustic guitar simulation sound. Special effect sound. Recording quality strumming sound. Bright arpeggio effect with detuned Chorus. Recording quality finger picking sound. Basic acoustic guitar with short reverb. Powerful sound for open chord strumming. Clear intonation sound with Capo effect. Rich, full sound for open tuning playing. Excellent lead sound for group playing. Expressive Nylon/Gut-string acoustic guitar. Country style sound for "thumb pick" style playing. Ideal acoustic sound for movie soundtracks. Mellow tone for pick and finger style playing. Ideal for Bossa Nova and Spanish acoustic styles. Funky Auto-Wah sound.
DLY+REV Large Volume Volume Volume Wah Volume DLY+REV Emphasizer 12-string Volume Volume Volume Volume Volume Volume DLY+REV Volume Volume Volume Volume Volume DLY+REV Light chorus Dry mix Volume Volume Large Volume Volume

MANUAL

Allows the user to set the frequency to be suppressed. Higher values shift the attenuated band towards higher frequencies.

[DEMO]

Sets the F.B.SUPPRESSOR parameter to OFF. For details on how to use the F.B.SUPPRESSOR effect, see pages 18 - 19.

[WORLD]

Specifications
Built-in effects Banks and patches A/D converter D/A converter Sampling frequency Input Output max. 10 simultaneous / 33 total 6 banks x 6 patches = 36 patches (rewritable, with memory store capability) 16 bit, 64 times oversampling 16 bit, 8 times oversampling 31.25 kHz GUITAR input: standard mono phone jack (rated input level -20 dBm/input impedance 470 kilohms) Standard stereo phone jack (doubles as line and headphone jack) (maximum output level +5 dBm/output load impedance 10 kilohms or more) For optional FP01 or FP02 / FS01 2-digit 7-segment LED Separately available AC adapter, 9 V DC, 300 mA (center minus plug) (ZOOM AD-0006) Four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries Battery life: approx. 28 hours continuous operation (alkaline batteries) / approx. 8 hours continuous operation (manganese batteries)

[VARIATION]

[PLAY]
[for ELECTRIC GUT GUITAR]
BAND LEAD SPACY-12 NUANCE WHITE PAD ACOUSTIC DRIVE ACOUSTIC WAH J-FOLK HAWAIIAN STEEL DELTA BOTTLE ORIENTALIZE STREET BLUES SPANISH GUT RESONATOR DIMENSION GRAPHITE BODY MIRACLE STUDIO STRUM ARPEGGIAN STUDIO FINGER ACOUSTIC MASTER POWER CHORD THE CAPO BRILLIANT UNIT LEAD EMOTION THROB SCENE WET BRIGHT BOSSA FUNKY
Effect Parameters/Specifications
Specifications/Patch List
* When using a guitar amplifier, it is recommended to adjust the De-AMP parameter.
Control input Display Power requirements
ACOUSTIC SIMULATION for ELECTRIC-GUITAR
Standard acoustic simulation sound. Piezo pickup electric-acoustic sound. Acoustic 12-string sound. Warm tone with Auto-Wah effect. Bottle neck slide playing sound. Solo Nylon-string sound.
Volume Rich chorus 12-string Wah Delay Volume
STANDARD EL-ACOUSTIC 12-PLUS WARM QUALITY SLIDE BOTTLE NYLON
* ACOUSTIC SIMULATION is suitable for single pickup at front position.

Usage Precautions

Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the 504 II has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from external interference. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the 504 II, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the 504 II included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage.

Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the 504 II. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface.
Please keep this manual in a convenient place for future reference.

Troubleshooting

No power
Refer to "1. Power-on" on page 8.

Low volume

Pickup with low output is being used? See page 6.

Patch does not change

Check whether patch call method is set to pre-select (see page 16).

Battery life is short

Are manganese batteries being used? Continuous operation time is 28 hours with alkaline batteries but only 8 hours with manganese batteries. The use of alkaline batteries is recommended.

ZOOM CORPORATION

NOAH Bldg., 2-10-2, Miyanishi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0022, Japan PHONE: +81-42-369-7116 FAX: +81-42-369-7115 Web Site: http://www.zoom.co.jp Printed in Japan 504 II-5000