NUX MG-300 Modeling Guitar Processor Owner's Manual

Introduction

NUX aimed to develop a versatile, compact multi-effects processor. The goal was to offer beginners and working musicians a compact size, great sound, and an affordable price. This was a significant challenge, and NUX is proud to have achieved it.

The MG-300 features the TSAC-HD Amp Modeling algorithm, providing excellent sound response and playability. It includes the CORE-IMAGE post-effects sound library, user-friendly interface, PC edit software, Impulse Response (IR) loading, and USB audio streaming with re-amp functionality. It is considered the best value-for-money multi-effects unit on the market.

Features

• TSAC-HD Pre-effect and Amp Modeling delivers realistic feel and playability.
• Core-Image post-effects offer studio sound quality.
• Quick Tone™ edit software for quickly choosing and tweaking patches.
• Load 3rd party IRs to expand sound capabilities.
• USB audio stream for recording interface with routing setup.
• 56 drum beats and 60 seconds auto tempo detection phrase loop.
• Global 3-band EQ for quick adjustment in live applications.

Important Safety Instructions

Before connecting, read instructions.

1. Use only the supplied power supply or power cord. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
2. Do not place near heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, or appliances which produce heat.
3. Guard against objects or liquids entering the enclosure.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
7. 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.
8. 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!

Panel Description

Front Panel Controls

The front panel of the NUX MG-300 features various controls for sound shaping and navigation:

• Save Button: Saves presets.
• Edit/EXIT Button: Enters/exits edit mode.
• TAP Button: Used for tap tempo and other functions.
• JAM Button: Activates looper and drum functions.
• LCD: Display screen for settings and information.
• Mode Button: Selects output modes.
• Pedal Button: Assigns expression pedal functions.
• Group Module Buttons: Navigates preset banks and selects units in edit mode.
• Master Knob: Controls master output level in preset mode; adjusts alternate parameters in edit mode.
• Select Knob: Switches presets in preset mode; changes selected drive/effect unit or turns it OFF in edit mode.
• Gain Knob: Adjusts the first parameter on the selected unit in edit mode.
• Level Knob: Adjusts the second parameter on the selected unit in edit mode.
• Loop Switches (Left Footswitch): Controls looper functions (REC/PLAY/DUB, STOP, CLEAR).
• Drum Switches (Right Footswitch): Controls drum functions (DRUM, BYPASS/TUNER).

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides essential input and output connections:

• USB Interface (Micro B USB Port): Connects to a computer for software editing, preset management, and firmware updates.
• Power (DC 9V): Power input jack.
• Aux In (3.5 mm / 1/8-inch stereo input): Connects external music players.
• Input (6.35 mm / 1/4-inch mono instrument jack): Connects your guitar.
• Output (6.35 mm / 1/4-inch main output): Connects to an amplifier, mixer, or audio interface. Also functions as a headphone output for silent practice.

Connection Panel Diagram Description

The connection diagram illustrates how to connect the MG-300 to various devices:

• Guitar to INPUT: Connect your guitar to the MG-300's input.
• OUTPUT to Amplifier: Connect the MG-300's output to a guitar amplifier.
• AUX IN to Mp3 Player: Connect an Mp3 player to the AUX IN for backing tracks.
• USB to Computer: Connect the MG-300 to a computer via USB for software editing and recording.
• DC 9V Power Adapter: Connect the included 9V power adapter to the DC 9V input.

Operation

Footswitches

The MG-300 features multi-functional sensitive footswitches. They are used to switch presets UP and DOWN (e.g., 1A → 1B → 1C) in preset mode, and also control the looper and drums in JAM mode.

Preset Mode Display

There are two preset displays on the MG-300: Preset Name and Pedalboard view. Push and hold the EDIT button to change the view. The display shows the preset name (e.g., "70's Hard Rock") and the current bank/preset number (e.g., "9A").

Tuner

To tune your guitar, push both UP/DOWN footswitches at the same time to enter chromatic tuner mode. The display shows the note, cents deviation, and target frequency (e.g., "E", "440HZ", "CHROMATIC").

Select Knob

• Preset Screen: Turn the knob clockwise to switch to the next preset, or anti-clockwise to the previous preset (e.g., 1A, 1B, 1C, etc.).
• Edit Screen: Changes the selected drive/effect unit on the signal path, or turns it OFF.

Gain Knob

• Edit Screen: Adjusts the first parameter on the selected unit.

Level Knob

• Edit Mode: Adjusts the second parameter on the selected unit.

Master Knob

• Preset Mode: Controls the master output level.
• Edit Mode: Some effects have 3 or more adjustable parameters. When "PGE" appears on the screen, use the MASTER KNOB to reach alternate parameters for the selected effect. PARAMETER 1 is controlled by the Gain knob, and PARAMETER 2 by the Level knob on the EDIT Screen. The control list can be found on the EFFECTS LIST page.

Edit/EXIT Button

• You can completely customize a selected preset. Push the EDIT/EXIT button to enter the EDIT page. To quit without saving your tone, push the EDIT/EXIT button again.

Save Button

• Preset Mode: Push the Save button to change the preset name. Choose letters with the Select knob, and move to the next letter with Group Module left and right buttons. Then click Save button to store the name, or click the Edit button to cancel.
• Edit Mode: After building your own tone, push the Save button to save it permanently. It is recommended to use the save button often while working on your tone to avoid losing progress.

Mode Button (Output Modes)

The MG-300 has 5 output modes for optimal connection and sound.

• Studio Direct: Connect the MG-300 directly to a mixer, active speakers, or an audio interface.
• You can change the output mode using the Select knob.
• Combo Front: For connecting to the front instrument input of a combo amplifier.
• Combo Rear: For connecting to the FX LOOP (Return) input of a combo amplifier.
• Stack Front: For connecting to the front instrument input of a head amplifier.
• Stack Rear: For connecting to the FX LOOP (Return) input of a head amplifier.

Jam Button

The MG-300 includes a loop station with 24-bit high recording quality, 56 drum beats in 8 different music styles, and a metronome with 7 different sounds. Refer to the JAM Function menu for the looper guide.

Tap Button

Adjusts Delay Time by tapping the button.

EXP Function Assignment

1. Press EDIT/EXIT button to enter EDIT mode.
2. In edit mode, press PEDAL button to adjust assignment for WAH, EFX, AMP, MOD, DLY, RVB.

You can control the volume or effects with the expression pedal. Assign the effect by pushing the PEDAL button in edit mode:

• WAH: Controls the WAH filter.
• EFX: Controls GAIN(DRIVE) parameter of OD/DIST. Controls PITCH parameter of PITCH BENDER.
• AMP: Controls LEVEL parameter of AMP.
• MOD: Controls MIX level of Modulation effects.
• DLY: Controls MIX level of Delay effects.
• RVB: Controls MIX level of Reverb effects.

EXP Pedal Calibration

Hold EDIT/EXIT & SAVE buttons for 3 seconds to enter SYSTEM MENU. Move to PEDAL and press EDIT to PEDAL CALIBRATION. Follow the display instructions to do calibration: "SET PEDAL TO MIN, THEN PRESS ▼" and "SET PEDAL SWITCH POSITION". Press SAVE to exit.

Group Module Buttons

• Preset Mode: When you push the Group Module left or right buttons, you can switch between the preset banks (e.g., 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A).
• Edit Mode: You can select a unit on the signal path for customizing the selected effect.

How to Write Your Own Tone

Writing a new tone or customizing an existing one is very simple. Press the EDIT button and use the GROUP MODULE buttons to move the cursor left and right to select an effect unit, and adjust with the GAIN, LEVEL, and MASTER knobs.

Use the GROUP MODULE buttons and select a unit ← →

Effect Signal Chain

The complete effect signal chain of the MG-300 is as follows:

Input signal → CMP (Compressor) → EFX (Pre-effect) → AMP (Amp Modeling) → EQ (Equalizer) → NG (Noise Gate) → MOD (Modulation) → DLY (Delay) → RVB (Reverb) → Output signal

As shown above, the MG-300's effect modules can be considered as eight single effects combined. Each effect module contains several effect models. Each model's effects and parameters can be independently and flexibly adjusted (on, off, adjusted, saved) according to user preferences.

Effect Model Position Adjustment

The MG-300's MOD and DLY effect modules support position adjustment. In the effect module's PAGE option, you can find POST or PRE. Turn the corresponding knob to select whether to place the effect module before or after the amplifier.

Effects List

The MG-300 offers a wide range of effects with adjustable parameters. Below is a detailed list of available effects and their controls.

AMP Menu Options

There are 3 options under the AMP menu: Amplifier / Speaker Cabinet / Microphone. You can choose an amp and a speaker cabinet separately to create your own combination.

AMP List

COMPRESSION

EFX - DRIVE EFFECTS / PITCH SHIFTER

MODERN DISTORTION

DIST+

REDIRT

RC BST

CRUNCH

AC BST

TUBE DR

DIST ONE

RED FUZZ

T SCREAMER

MUFF DIST

BLUES DRIVE

PITCH BENDER

MORNING DRIVE

EQ (You can adjust 6-band equalizer)

NG (Noise Gate)

MOD (Modulation effects)

CHORUS +

CE-1 CHORUS

U-VIBE

ST CHORUS

TREMOLO

FLANGE

ROTARY SPEAKER

FLANGER

EH CHORUS

PH90 PHASER

PH100 PHASER

DLY (Delay effects)

ANALOG DELAY

MEMORY GUY

DIGI DELAY

MOD DELAY

TAPE ECHO

REVERSE DELAY

ANALOG DELAY (Second Instance)

ANALOG DELAY (Third Instance)

RVB (Reverb effects)

ROOM REVERB

HALL REVERB

PLATE REVERB

SPRING REVERB

JAM Function

Push the Jam button to activate the Looper function. You can select a beat and Play/Stop drums with the bank "UP" footswitch. Use the looper actions with bank "DOWN" footswitch.

• Press Once (REC → PLAY → OVERDUB): Starts recording. Press again to finish recording and start loop playback. Press again to overdub.
• Hold (PLAY → UNDO → REDO): During loop play, pushing and holding the LOOP switch for 1 second will stop the last recorded track only.
• Press Twice (PLAY → STOP): During loop play, push the footswitch twice and the loop will stop.
• Press & Hold (CLEAR): After the loop stops, push and hold the loop switch for 1 second to clear the loop.

Drum Beats

Group Module Buttons: Select the music style ← →

Save Your Preset

After creating your tone, remember to SAVE before switching the preset. When you click the SAVE button, you can edit the preset name.

• SELECT KNOB: Choose letter.
• GROUP MODULE BUTTONS ← →: Move to the next/previous space.

Specifications

• Sampling Frequency: 48KHz
• A/D Converter: 32bit
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20000Hz ±1db
• THD+N: <0.03%
• Dynamic: 110dB
• Input: -20dB
• Output: -10dB
• Power: DC 9V ␦ ⊖
• Dimensions: 230(L)x160(W)x58(H)mm
• Weight: 754g

*Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

Engineering Mode Instructions

1. Factory Reset

Hold EDIT/EXIT and SAVE buttons together to enter SYSTEM MENU. Navigate to the FACTORY option, select YES, and click SAVE to restore factory settings.

2. Expression Pedal Reset (Calibration)

Enter the PEDAL option. Follow the on-screen instructions: lift the pedal and click the left footswitch; then press the pedal down and click the left footswitch. This completes the expression pedal calibration.

3. USB Output Option

Enter the USB output option. REC LEVEL adjusts recording volume (corresponds to GAIN knob). PLAY LEVEL adjusts playback volume (corresponds to LEVEL knob). ROUTING MODE is the USB output mode option (corresponds to MASTER knob). You can select NORMAL, REAMP, or DRY OUT.

4. Info Option

Click to view the current firmware version of the unit.

Included Accessories

• Owner's Manual
• DC 9V Power Adapter
• USB Data Cable
• Certificate of Conformity

*Technical specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Information on Hazardous Substances in Products

This document explains the specific hazardous substances contained in Cherub Technology Co.'s products and their safety. This information applies to products manufactured by Cherub Technology Co. on or after March 1, 2007.

Environmental Protection Use Period

⓪ This mark applies to electronic information products sold in China and indicates the environmental protection use period in years. The environmental protection use period refers to the specified period from the date of manufacture during which the hazardous substances contained in the product will not cause environmental pollution or severe adverse effects on human health or property. The environmental protection use period is only valid under the condition that the product is used correctly according to the product instructions. Improper use may lead to the leakage of hazardous substances.

Names and Contents of Toxic and Hazardous Substances or Elements in Products

• ●: Indicates that the content of this toxic and hazardous substance in all homogeneous materials of this component is below the limit requirements of SJ/T11363-2006 standard.
• ✖: Indicates that the content of this toxic and hazardous substance in at least one homogeneous material of this component exceeds the limit requirements of SJ/T11363-2006 standard. This is because, given current technical capabilities, there is no alternative substance.

Quality Commitment

Dear NUX user, please read the product manual carefully when using this product. If you have any questions or difficulties, please call the after-sales service hotline: 400-990-9866.

• ● Within one week of quality issues, returns are accepted.
• ● Within one year of quality issues, free repair is provided.
• ● Within one month of quality issues, exchanges are accepted.
• ● Lifetime consultation and maintenance services are provided.

*Please obtain a valid purchase certificate from the seller for preservation.

Repair and Replacement Policy

I. Replacement Policy:

1. Within one month from the date of purchase, if the product experiences non-human performance failures under normal use, and the product's appearance and packaging are intact, consumers can exchange the product at the original dealer.
2. When exchanging the product, consumers should present the purchase receipt and warranty card issued by the dealer; otherwise, the dealer may refuse to exchange.

II. Warranty Policy:

Products are eligible for free repair services within one year from the date of purchase. For products that are more than one year old or damaged due to human factors or irresistible forces, Cherub Technology Co. can provide paid repair services.

Manufacturer Information

Manufacturer: Shenzhen Cherub Technology Co., Ltd.

Manufacturer Address: Room 507, Building 1, Nanhai E-Cool, Xinghua Road 6, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City.

Phone: 0755-26869866

Website: www.nuxefx.com

Producer: Zhuhai Cherub Technology Co., Ltd.

Producer Address: No. 10, Kejiu Road, Tangjiawan Town, High-tech Zone, Zhuhai City.

Phone: 0756-3689866

After-sales Service Address: No. 10, Kejiu Road, Tangjiawan Town, High-tech Zone, Zhuhai City, Zhuhai Cherub Technology Co., Ltd. After-sales Service Department.

Postal Code: 519085