Messe: ToneWorks AX3000G Guitar Processor

(Click for a close-up)

	AX3000G Presentation MP3 (17.2 MB)
	An audio only version of the AX3000G video demonstration shot at Musikmesse.

Korg adds to the ToneWorks family with the introduction of the AX3000G at this year's Musikmesse show. Featuring Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling technology, the AX3000G delivers modeling sounds and numerous ways to control those sounds in real time, including an expression pedal, a control switch, and an expression step sequencer.

The AX3000G offers 72 types of amp models and effect sounds. In addition to reproductions of a wide array of vintage and modern guitar amps and cabinets, REMS also provides standard effects such as chorus, delay and reverb. There are also synth effects, and completely new effects such as the Filtron that goes beyond the conventional auto-wah. You can use the Acoustic effect to transform the sound of your electric guitar into that of an electro-acoustic, or Pickup Modeling to transform the tonal character of your pickups without switching guitars. The AX3000G also provides send/return jacks that make it easy for you to connect your favorite effect unit There's even a digital output (S/P DIF optical) jack so you can digitally record your playing.

In addition to using the AX3000G's expression pedal in standard ways, such as to control volume or wah, you can freely assign the pedal to a variety of effect parameters for expressive control. For example, if you assign the "MANUAL" parameter of a flanger to the pedal, you can use the pedal to control the sweep, creating a highly distinctive sound. By assigning the pedal to control the delay time of the "ECHO PLUS" effect (which models the sound of a tape echo), you can use the pedal to control delay time. The pedal can control the reverberation time of a reverb effect, the modulation speed of a chorus, flanger, or phaser, and much more.

The AX3000G also provides a control switch that is a great asset in live performance. For example, you can use it to switch each an effect block (such as the pre-effect and insert effect) on/off, to set effect parameters such as tap tempo of a delay in real time, to switch the rotational speed of a rotary speaker effect, or to control the Expression Step Sequencer (ESS).

The Expression Step Sequencer (ESS) automatically controls most effect parameters in a fixed or random step function. You can assign up to eight steps of effect parameter values in the step sequencer, and specify one of seven ways in which the sequencer will play back these steps: Forward, Backward, Alternate 1/2, Random, Forward (one-shot), and Alternate 1/2 (one-shot). This lets you create sounds with complex movement.

For example, use the ESS with a pitch shifter effect to specify the pitch shift amount of each step and produce sounds that are reminiscent of a synthesizer's arpeggiator. Or use the ESS with a wah effect and create wah sounds that move in stepwise fashion. Of course there's also a Smooth setting that lets you produce a continuous change between steps. Vary the ESS speed in real time with the ESS expression pedal or a control switch. Eight Large-diameter LEDs give you a clear visual indication of the total number of steps in the sequence and location of the step that is currently in use.

There is also a built-in auto chromatic tuner operates automatically when the AX3000G is bypassed or muted. Simply by selecting Mute mode when you're on stage, you can tune without producing sound from your guitar amp. The note name is shown in the bank display, and the pedal indicator and name display provide an accurate pitch indication that is easy to see even on dimly lit stages.

Since the Output of the AX3000G can be connected to a variety of guitar amps (all of which have a different tonality) -- or a mixer/recorder -- four different equalizer settings are provided so you can ideally match the output of the AX3000G for the best results. The output choices are AP1 for connection to an opened-back U.S. combo amp; AP2 for connection to an opened-back U.K. combo amp with a distinctive sounding mid-range; AP3 for connection to a stack with 4 x 12 cabinets; and Ln for use with the Line output (including S/PDIF OUT), to go directly to a mixer/recorder or the power amp input of your guitar amp.

To prevent the switches and knobs from being accidentally changed during live performances, the AX3000G provids a The Key Lock function

The AX3000G can receive program change messages, and can also transmit MIDI messages in response to pedal operations to control other MIDI devices. You can also control the AX3000G from your DAW software, making it an ideal addition even to high-end recording setups.

Korg is also providing "AX3000G Sound Editor" editor/librarian software so you can graphically view the many parameters of the AX3000G and easily edit them, as well as save and organize programs. This software will be available from the website of your regional Korg distributor. The software requiresWindows 98/Me/2000/XP, Mac OS X v10.2 or later

AX3000G Specifications

• Number of Amp Types: 11
• Number of Cabinet Types: 16
• Number of Effects: Pedal Types: 11, Modulation Types: 11, Delay Types: 11, Reverb Types: 11, Noise Reduction: 1
• Number of Programs: 96 (24 Banks x 4 Channels)
• Audio Inputs: INPUT (1/4" phone jack), INSERT RETURN (1/4" phone jack), AUX IN (Stereo Mini-jack)
• Audio Output: OUTPUT x 2 (1/4" phone jacks), INSERT SEND (1/4" phone jack), PHONES (Stereo Mini-jack), LEVEL Knob (adjusts OUTPUT and PHONE), S/P DIF OUT (16-bit, 44.1kHz optical connector (IEC60958, EIAJ CP-1201))
• Signal Processing: A/D Conversion: 20-bit, D/A Conversion: 20-bit, Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
• Tuner: Tuning Range: A0~C7 (27.5Hz ~ 2093Hz), Tuner Calibration: A = 438Hz ~ 445Hz
• MIDI: IN, OUT
• Power Supply: DC9V (included AC adapter)
• Dimensions: 500 (W) x 241 (D) x 72 (H) mm / 19.69" (W) x 9.49" (D) x 2.83" (H)
• Weight: 3.6kg / 7.94 lbs.
• Included Items: AC adapter

Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.