NUX MG-20 Guitar Modeling Processor User Manual

: June 7, 2024
: NUX

NUX MG-20 Guitar Modeling Processor

graphical user interface

Thank you for purchasing the NUX MG-20 Guitar Modeling Processor!

MG-20 is one of the easiest guitar modeling processors. If you are familiar with traditional guitar rig, you may have known how to set tones in MG-20. It is also very convenient for live performance! From the panel, you can always see what effects are in the chain. To turn on and off effect modules or to assign functions to the CTRL switch and Expression pedal are quick and easy! We won’t let you lose a beat!

In MG-20, NUX has brought the original TSAC Technology to a new level! It is equipped with 32bit float point DSP. The new algorithm nails every detail of the classic amps and effects. More than 60 effect models, plus various output modes, no matter what style you play, you’ll have great tone on tap!

What is TSAC?

TSAC (True Simulation of Analog Circuit) Since 1950’s, musicians have been using analog devices to create their works. Musicians love the tone of their vintage instruments! The audio signal goes through various electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors and tubes. All these components affect each other to create the result-TONE! TSAC Technology virtually re-constructs the real analog circuits by using DSP chips, and accurately emulates the tone and feel of the vintage instruments!

Features

Large 2.4 Inches Color TFT LCD e CTRL Footswitch
Drum Machine and Looper
More than 60 Models
Built-in Tuner
36 Factory Presets and 36 User Presets
Effects Module Buttons for Quick Tone Editing
Various Output Modes
Expression Pedal
USB for System Updating

Copyright
Copyright 2014 Cherub Technology Co. All rights reserved. NUX and MG-20 are trademarks of Cherub Technology Co. Other product names modeled in this product are trademarks of their respective companies that do not endorse and are not associated or affiliated with Cherub Technology Co.
Accuracy
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and content of this manual, Cherub Technology Co. makes no representations or warranties regarding the contents.

WARNING!-IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE CONNECTING, READ

INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture

CAUTION : To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not remove screws. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

CAUTION: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of 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

The lightning symbol within a triangle means “electrical caution!” It indicates the presence of information about operating voltage and potential risks of electrical shock.

The exclamation point within a triangle means “caution!” Please read the information next to all caution signs.

Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. Using other power supply may cause noise or even damage!
Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.
Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been dropped.
The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Prolonged listening at high volume levels may cause irreparable hearing loss and/or damage. Always be sure to practice “safe listening”.

Follow all instructions and heed all warnings
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Front Panel Description

SELECT knob
Select effects, pages of presets, etc.
DISPLAY
It displays presets, effect control panels, drum & looper interface, and other setting pages.
EDIT/SAVE button
Press this button to enter Edit Mode and save presets.
HOME button
Press this button anytime to return to Preset Mode.
PARAMETER knobs
Use these knobs to set parameters of effects.
EFFECTS MODULE BUTTONS
This series of buttons are designed as the real guitar effects signal chain. Under Edit Mode, press any of these buttons to enter an effect module
PRESET footswitches
Use these two switches to switch presets. Press both switches simultaneously to enter DRUM & LOOP interface.
CTRL footswitch
This is a control pedal that can be set as switch for effects On/Off, volume boost, MP3 Play/Stop or TAP tempo pedal.
EXPNOL pedal
This pedal works as a Volume pedal or an Expression pedal to control other parameters. i.e. Wah, Whammy, Modulation Speed etc.
MASTER LEVEL knob
This controls the master output volume of MG-20.
GROUP buttons
Use these two buttons to quickly switch bank number under Preset Mode.
OUTPUT MODE button
Press this any time to choose the device that you want to output the sound of MG-20 to. Choosing the right output mode helps to get better tone.
TAP button
Use this button to tap in the speed of modulation effects, delay, and drum tempo.
MP3 buttons

Connection Panel Description

INPUT
Connect your guitar here.
AUXIN
Plug in your music player or drum machine here. The sound will be played through MG-20’s outputs.
R-OUT & L-OUT/MONO
These are the main outputs that can be connected to amplifiers or mixer. Connect two amplifiers or for stereo effects. Use the L-OUT/MONO for mono effects.
HEADPHONES jack
This is a stereo jack for headphones.
EXT. PEDAL jack
You can plug an optional Cherub WTB-004 pedal to this jack to switch preset banks.
SD CARD slot
You can insert an SD card and play the music from the SD card by the built-in MP3 Player of MG-20.
USB jack
This is for system updating.
DC jack
Plug the supplied Power Adaptor in this jack.
NOTE: Use ONLY the supplied adaptor or optional NUX ACD-008 Adaptor. Using other adaptor may cause noise or damage!
POWER switch
Turn on and off the power of MG-20 by this switch.

Preset Mode & Edit Mode

The default mode when you turn on the power of MG-20 is Preset Mode.
Press EDIT/SAVE button enters Edit Mode. You can edit tones and save as user presets.

Press HOME button any time will return to Preset Mode.

shape, arrow

To Create Tones

Editing tones on MG-20 is as easy as setting normal stomp-boxes!

Enter Edit Mode and Edit Effect Modules

Press EDIT/SAVE to enter Edit Mode.

MG-20 utilizes 9 Effects Module Buttons to show the guitar signal chain.
Under Edit Mode, press any of these buttons once to enter corresponding effects module. Press this button again can switch this module on and the LED on the button is ON, the third press switches off this module and the LED on the button is OFF.

Effects Module Buttons

diagram

Modulation Effects Position

The default position of MOD module (modulation effects) is behind EQ module. You can change the position of MOD to be before EFX.
Press and hold MOD button for 2 sec to change position. When MOD is positioned before EFX , The LED on the MOD button will be blinking when the MOD module is turned on.

diagram

NOTE: Stereo effects are not available when MOD is before EFX.
MOD position will be saved to presets.

CTRL/EXP Pedal Function Setting

MG-20 has a CTRL control pedal and an EXPNOL pedal that give you superb control on stage!

text

CTRL Functions List

1.SWITCH| Set the CTRL as a footswitch to switch On/Off one of these effect modules: COMP, EFX, AMP, EQ, MOD, DELAY, REVERS

The CTRL footswitch is smartly designed to recognize if you want it to be a latched switch or momentary switch.

2.TAP| Set the CTRL as a TAP Tempo pedal to set MOD Speed or Delay Time.
3.SOLO BOOST| Set the CTRL as a solo boost switch. You can use Parameter 4 knob to set the amount you want to boost the master volume when you switch on the CTRL.
4.DELAY + BOOST| Use the CTRL to switch on the delay effect and boost the master volume at the same time. Boost amount can be set.
5.MP3 PLAY/STOP| Set the CTRL as a PLAY/STOP switch of the built-in MP3 Player.

Press the toe position of the EXPNOL pedal down with a little force to switch it to be Volume pedal or Expression pedal. (The EXP LED lights up when it becomes Expression pedal)
diagram

EXP Functions List

1.WAH STANDARD| Set the expression pedal to be a standard Wah pedal.
2.WAHQ| Set the expression pedal to be a Wah pedal that you can set the Q value and sweeping range. Experience these settings to find your favorite Wah sound.
3.WHAMMY| Set the expression pedal to have pitch bending effect.
4.PARAMETER| Set the expression pedal to control these parameters: EFX DRIVE, AMP GAIN, MOD RATE, DELAY TIME
5.MIN VOLUME| Set the minimum volume when you stomp the pedal to totally heel down position.

NOTE: The function and On/Off status of the CTRL switch and EXPNOL pedal will be saved to presets.

To Save User Presets

Once you find the tone you like, you can save it as a user preset.

Press and hold EDIT/SAVE button to enter Name Editing page.
Use SELECT knob or PRESET footswitches to choose the preset number where you want to save to. Or, use the GROUP buttons to quickly change group number.
Use PARAMETER 1 and 2 to edit the preset name. Turn PARAMETER 1 knob clockwise to start editing the next letter (left -> right); turn it counterclockwise to delete the last letter.
Turn PARAMETER 2 knob to choose the letters.
Press EDIT/SAVE to confirm saving, or press HOME to abandon changes.

To Use Presets

Under Preset Mode, you can choose presets by stomping on the PRESET **footswitches, or tweaking the SELECT knob. Press the GROUP** buttons or use an optional extension pedal to change groups quickly.

Under Preset Mode, you can still easily edit or switch On/Off any effect modules by press the Effects Module buttons, and change the functions of the CTRL pedal and EXP pedal. It is just like switching on or off stomp boxes on the pedal board.
You can press and hold EDIT/SAVE button to save the changes, or switch to another preset to abandon changes.

Example:

graphical user interface
This means Compressor, Amp Simulator, and Delay are turned On and in the signal chain. Others are Off.

Output Mode

You can output the sound from MG-20 to a variety of devices by selecting output modes. Using the right output mode helps you get the best tone from MG-20.
Press OUTPUT MODE button, and use SELECT knob to select the device you want to output the sound from MG-20.

Stack Guitar In| Choose this one when you plug the MG-20 to the Guitar Input of a stack.
---|---
Stack Power| Choose this one when you plug the MG-20 to the power amp of a stack. (Normally the RETURN of the FX Loop)
Combo Guitar In| Choose this one when you plug the MG-20 to the Guitar Input of a combo.
Combo Power| Choose this one when you plug the MG-20 to the power amp of a combo. (Normally the RETURN of the FX Loop)
Mixer Out| Output the sound from MG-20 to a mixer or PA system. MG-20’s speaker simulator will be turned on.

NOTE: Output modes can be changed at anytime. Selecting the output mode is a universal setting that is not saved in presets.

Drum & Looper

MG-20 has a built-in Drum Machine that has 81 rhythm patterns and a Looper with 60 sec recording time.

Drum Machine

Control

| Function| Control|

Function

---|---|---|---
|

To change drum patterns

| |

To adjust drum volume

|

To change drum styles

| |

Start and stop drum

|

To change tempo

| |

Double-press to exit

Looper

Control

|

Function

---|---
| Adjust the playback volume of a loop
| Press this to record, play, and overdub; Press and hold it for 2 sec to cancel the last recording (Undo), and press and hold it again for 2 sec to redo the recording that you just cancelled. (See picture)
| Press it once to stop the loop;
Press and hold it to clear all recording;
Double – press to exit (quickly press the CTRL switch twice within one second).

During looping, you are free to exit to Preset Mode or Edit Mode by double-press the CTRL footswitch, change the guitar tone, and return to the Drum & Looper page to continue looping.

Mp3 Player

MG-20 has a built-in MP3 Player that allows you to play the music from the SD card. It supports MP3 music and most of the WAV and WMA music.

| Press this to enter the interface of MP3 Player. This is also the Play/Pause button.
---|---
| Previous song.
| Next song.
| Use A-B button to repeat a phrase of music.
Press once to set the start point, press the second time to set the end point, and press the third time to cancel repeating.

The MP3 Player also allows you to change the speed of the music without changing the key. This is helpful when you want to slow down a fast lick for learning.

diagram

Tuner

Press the PRESET footswitch and CTRL footswitch at the same time to enter tuner page.

diagram, shape

In Tuner page, press PRESET footswitch for silent tuning. Press PRESET to change tuning modes. Quickly press CTRL footswitch twice in 1 second to exit.

Facto Restore

Press EDIT/SAVE button and HOME button at the same time to enter SETUP page.
Use SELECT knob to select FACTORY RESTORE, and press EDIT/SAVE button to enter.
Press one of the GROUP buttons to toggle to YES.
Press EDIT/SAVE to confirm restoring and exit.

NOTE: All user presets and settings will be restored to factory settings

EXP Pedal Calibration

Press EDIT/SAVE button and HOME button at the same time to enter SETUP page.
Use SELECT knob to select PEDAL CALIBRATION, and press EDIT/SAVE button to enter.
Follow these steps:

Set the EXP pedal to fully heel-down position, and press PRESET footswitch.
Set the EXP pedal to fully toe-down position, and press PRESETT footswitch.
Press the EXP pedal towards fully toe-down position with force, the LCD will show the threshold value.
The harder you press the pedal, the higher the value. Higher threshold value means you need to press the pedal harder to switch between Expression and Volume function of this pedal.
Press PRESET to confirm the adjustment.
If you are not satisfied with the adjustment, you can start over from step 1.

Press HOME button several times to return to Preset Mode

Language Setting, Version Information

Press EDIT/SAVE button and HOME button at the same time to enter SETUP page.
Use SELECT knob to select LANGUAGE SETTING, or VERSION INFORMATION.
Press EDIT/SAVE button to enter.
Follow the instruction on the screen.
Press HOME several times to return to Preset Mode.

Specifications

Sampling Frequency: 44.1 KHz
A/D converter: 24bit
Frequency response: 20Hz-20000Hz ± 1 dB
THD+N: -93dBu(<0.003%)
Dynamic Range: 110dB
INPUT: -20dB
OUTPUT: -10dB
Power: DC 9V
Dimensions: 330(L)x21 0(W)x83(H)mm
Weight: 3.15Kg

Precautions

Environment:

Do NOT use MG-20 in high temperature, high humidity, or subzero environments.
Do NOT use MG-20 in the direct sunlight.

Please do NOT disassemble MG-20 by yourself.
Please keep this manual for future reference.

Accessories

Owner’s manual
DC 9V

• Specifications may change without notice.

NUX MG-20 EFFECTS LIST

MODULE

KNOBS

---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---

NOISE GATE

| NOISE GATE| | THRESHOLD|

DECAY

| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |

COMPRESSOR

| REDCOMP| MXR DYNA COMP| OUTPUT|

SENS ITIVITY

| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |

EFX

|

DISTORTION +

| MXR DISTORTION +| OUTPUT|

DIST

| | | | | |

DIST ONE

| BOSS DS-1| LEVEL| TONE|

DRIVE

| | | | |

S. CREAMER

| IBANEZTS9| LEVEL| TONE|

DRIVE

| | | | |

MODERN DIST

| PROCO RAT| LEVEL| FILTER|

DIST

FREQ.

|

TUBE DRIVE

| CHAN DLER TUBE DRIVER| OUT| HI| LO|

DRIVE

| | | |

FUZZ

| DUNLOP FUZZFACE| VOLUME|

FUZZ

| | | | | |

MUFF Pl

| EH MUFF Pl| VOLUME| TONE|

SUSTAIN

| | | | |

PREAMP

|

JAZZ CLEAN

TREBLE

|

BLACK FACE

TREBLE

|

59’TWEED

TREBLE

|

MINI TWEED

TONE

| |

DELUXE VIBE

TREBLE

|

HIGH WATT

PRESENCE

CALI. CRUNC H

PRESENCE

BRITISH

CUT

CLASSIC LEAD

PRESENCE

PLEXI 45

PRESENCE

SO’S CLASSIC

PRESENCE

SO’S TURBO

PRESENCE

MODERN HIGHGAIN

PRESENCE

SUPER HEAVY

PRESENCE

90 ‘S TREAD PLATE

PRESENCE

NEW M ETAL

PRESENCE

CABINET

|

CALI 1X12

|

BOOGIE1X12

| | | | | | | |

TWEED 1X12

|

FENDER TWEED DELUXE

| | | | | | | |

BLACK 1X12

|

FENDER DELUXE REVERS

| | | | | | | |

JAZZ 2X12

|

ROLAND JC-120

| | | | | | | |

BLACK 2X12

|

FENDER TWIN REVERS

| | | | | | | |

BLUE 2X1 2

|

VOXAC-30

| | | | | | | |

TWEED4X10

|

FENDER SASSMAN

| | | | | | | |

TT54X12

|

MARSHALL WITHT-75

| | | | | | | |

V30 4X12

|

MARSHALL W ITH V-30

| | | | | | | |

GREEN 4X12

|

MARSHALL W ITH GREEN

| | | | | | | |

G12 4X12

|

MARSHALL WITH G12

| | | | | | | |

RECT 4X12

|

MESA BOOGIE 4X12

| | | | | | | |

BOTM 4X12

|

CUSTOM OVERSIZED 4X12

| | | | | | | |

MICROPHONE

|

57 ON AXIS

| | | | | | | | |

57 OFFAXIS

| | | | | | | | |

DYNAMIC

| | | | | | | | |

CONDENSER

| | | | | | | | |

EQ

|

7-BAND EQ

|

| 100| 200| 400| 800| 1.6k| 3.2k| 6.4k|

GAIN

PARAMETRIC EQ

HI FREQ

MODULATION

|

CHORUS

TAP TEM PO

ST. CHORUS

TAP TEMPO

FLANGER

TAP TEMPO

VINTAGE PHASER

TAP TEMPO

U-VIBE

TAP TEMPO

TREMOLO

TAP TEMPO

ROTARY SPK

EFFECT

| | | |

VIBRATO

TAP TEMPO

HARMON IST

| | |

DETUNE

LE VEL

| | | |

DELAY

|

ANA LO G DELAY

TAP TEMPO

DIGITAL DELAY

TAP TEMPO

MOD ULATE

TAP TEMPO

TAPE ECHO

TAP TEMPO

REVERSE

TAP TEMPO

PAN DELAY

TAP TEMPO

REVERB

|

ROOM

HI CUT

| | | |

HALL

HICUT

| | | |

PLATE

HICUT

| | | |

EXP . PEDAL

|

WAH STANDARD

| | | | | | | | |

WAH Q

| | | | Q|

RANG E

| | | |

WAHMMY

| | | | |

OCTAVE

| | | |

PARAMETER

| | | | |

MOD RATE

| | | |
| | | | | | | | |

THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for U.S.A.)

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 a residential installation. 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio(TV technician for help.

CE mark for European Harmonized Standards

CE Mark which is attached to our company’s products of Battery mains the product is in fully conformity with the harmonized standard(s) EN 61000-6-3:2007 +A1 :2011 & EN 61000-6-1 :2007 Under the Council Directive 2004/108/ EC on Electromagnetic Compatibility.

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