CHAMELEON

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. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through any openings.
The power cord should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS EQUIPMENT. THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE SERVICED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. DO NOT MAKE ANY INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS OR ADDITIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT AT ANY TIME. DO NOT TAMPER WITH INTERNAL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AT ANY TIME. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY OF THIS EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS CAUSING SHOCK HAZARD.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

This unit accepts power from the 9VAC/2A adaptor supplied with the unit. This 9 volt RMS AC voltage is internally processed by a voltage doubler which generates a bi-polar +/-15 volts to maintain the headroom and sound quality of professional, studio quality equipment. Using an external power source such as this minimizes excessive noise and hum problems often associated with internal transformers, providing optimal performance for the user.

OPERATING TEMPERATURE

Do not expose this unit to excessive heat. This unit is designed to operate between 32° F and 104° F (0° C and 40° C). This unit may not function properly under extreme temperatures.

Copyright ©1994 Rocktron Corporation.
All rights reserved.


CONTENTS


1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Rocktron Chameleon™! The Chameleon™ is a 24 bit DSP professional guitar preamp providing 12 unparalleled effect algorithms and superb sound quality never before heard from a digital guitar preamp. Complete programmability and full MIDI implementation are coupled with a user friendly operating format to ensure that designing unique and useful preset sounds is as simple as possible.

In addition, the Chameleon™ also features:

For a thorough explanation of the Chameleon and its features, please read this manual carefully and keep it for future reference. After removing the Chameleon™ from the box, save all packing materials in case it becomes necessary to ship the unit.

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2. FRONT PANEL

1 POWER switch

2 RECALL button
This button is used to recall the displayed preset.

3 PRESET control
This control scrolls through the successive presets.

4 CONFIG button/led
The status of this button determines whether the Chameleon™ will display either the preset number and titlc or the configuration of the currently displayed preset. The configuration display indicates the effects that the displayed preset executes and, in most cases, the order in which they are executed.

The LED above the CONFIG button is lit when the configuration is displayed.

5 DISPLAY panel
The DISPLAY panel provides 16 characters consisting of 14 segments each.

6 EFFECT BYPASS button/led
When lit, the Pre and Post effects are bypassed and only the Compressor/Preamp signal is passed to the Chameleon™ outputs This button does not affect the condition of the Speaker Simulator.

7 COMPARE button
The COMPARE button may be used to compare an altered parameter value to its stored value.

This button may also be used to compare between the altered and stored values of multiple parameters under the same function heading (i.e. "Reverb", "Mixer", etc.).

8 PARAMETER ADJUST control
This control is used to adjust a displayed parameter value. When the parameter is changed from its original value, the LED above the STORE button will light until either the new value is stored, a new preset is selected or the parameter is returned to its original value.

9 STORE button/led
This button is used to store values into the Chameleon™ memory when altered. See "Storing Changed Preset Parameters" for more information on this procedure.

10 PARAMETER SELECT control
the available parameters under the current function heading. In the "Title Edit" function, this control will scroll through the character locations to be edited.

11 FUNCTION SELECT control
This control allows access to each function of the Chameleon™, depending on what configuration is currently recalled.

12 SPEAKER SIMULATOR indicator
When lit, this LED indicatcs that the Speaker Simulator is activated for the current preset.

13 OUTPUT LEVEL control
This control is used to adjust the output level of the unit at the unbalanced outputs.

14 INPUT LEVEL meter
These LEDs provide visual indication of the peak level of the input signal when in the Preset Select mode. For the optimal signal-to-noise ratio, it is best to adjust the input level so that the last LED (0dB) is rarely lit. This will guard against the possibility of overdriving the unit.

These LEDs also display the final digital mixer output levels when any other functions are selected. This will help you to guard against clipping the output of the mixer at the digital-to-analog converter.

15 INPUT LEVEL control
This control adjusts the unit's gain to match the signal level at the input of the Chameleon. Use the INPUT LEVEL meter to determine the setting of this control.

16 INPUT jack
This standard, unbalanced mono 1/4" jack is used to provide input to the unit. It is front panel mounted for easy access.

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3. REAR PANEL

1 BALANCED OUTPUT LEVEL control
This control determines the output level at the XLR BALANCED OUTPUTS. Note that the balanced outputs pass the same signals as the unbalanced outputs, except that the levels are independently adjustable.

2 (L) BALANCED OUTPUT connector
This balanced XLR connector provides the left balanced output of the Chameleon™ for direct use into a mixing console.

3 (R) BALANCED OUTPUT connector
This balanced XLR connector provides the right balanced output of the Chameleon™ for direct use into a mixing console.

4 (L) UNBALANCED OUTPUT jack
This 1/4" unbalanced RTS jack provides the left unbalanced output of the Chameleon™ for use with a guitar amplifier or rack system setup.

In addition, this jack also allows for the connection of stereo headphones (600ohms impedance or greater).

5 (R) UNBALANCED OUTPUT jack
This 1/4" unbalanced RTS jack provides the right unbalanced output of the Chameleon™ for use with a guitar amplifier or rack system setup.

6 FOOTSWITCH jack
This 1/4" mono jack allows for the connection of a momentary footswitch to control the Tapped Delay feature of the Chameleon™. The Tapped Delay feature allows the player to set (or reset) the current delay time by tapping the footswitch. The new delay time will be based on the length of time between two taps. For more information on this feature, refer to the "Tap Delay" section .

7 REMOTE jack
This 7-pin DIN connector is provided for the connection of a Rocktron All Access™ MIDI footswitch, which can be configured to act as a dedicated remote footswitch for the Chameleon™. This feature allows the user to access Chameleon™ functions and parameters via the remote footswitch.

8 PHANTOM POWER jack
This 2.5mm PIN jack offers the ability to power Rocktron MIDI foot controllers from a 7-pin MIDI cable which connects from the Rocktron MIDI foot controller to the MIDI IN jack on the rear panel of the Chameleon™. This eliminates 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 footswitch. Instead of inserting the AC adaptor into the "POWER" jack of the footswitch as you would normally, plug it into the "PHANTOM POWER" jack on the Chameleon™. This will power the Rocktron MIDI foot controller through pins 6 and 7 of the MIDI cable connecting the two units. A 7-pin MIDI cable must be used and is available from your Rocktron dealer.

9 MIDI IN jack
This 7-pin DIN connector must be connected to the MIDI OUT jack of the transmitting MIDI device via a standard MIDI cable, or to the MIDI THRU jack of the preceding device (if the Chameleon™ is within a chain of MIDI devices).

Pins 6 and 7 of this connector carry the phantom power to power a Rocktron MIDI foot controller when a 7-pin MIDI cable is used.

10 MIDI THRU/OUT jack
This standard 5-pin DIN connector can be connected to the MIDI IN jack of another device via a standard MIDI cable. There are limitations to the number of devices that can be chained (or series connected) in this fashion.

11 POWER jack
This 4-pin DIN connector accepts power from the 9VAC adaptor supplied with the unit.

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4. CONNECTIONS

Using the Chameleon™ with a stereo power amp and guitar cabinets

Using the Chameleon™ directly into a mixing console

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5. OPERATING FORMAT

The Chameleon™ provides 254 stored sounds called presets Any of the 254 presets can be called up at any time via the front panel PRESET control (used to select a preset) and RECALL button (used to call up the selected preset), or by a remote MIDI footswitch.

The root of each preset's sound is its confgurafion. The configuration determines both the effects available for a given preset and the order in which those effects are executed. The Chameleon™ provides 12 fixed configurations to achieve a wide array of preset sounds, any of which may be instantly called up at any time.

VooDu Chameleon™ Configurations:

To see the configuration of each preset, press the CONFIG button on the front panel of the Chameleon™ - the LED above the CONFIG button will light and the display will show the configuration for the current preset. Turning the PRESET control will then scroll through each successive preset (displaying its configuration instead of its preset number and title)

The configuration of each preset can also be changed from within the desired preset. For more information on selecting a configuration, see "Selecting a Configuration" in "Operating the Chameleon™".

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Chameleon™ Functions and Parameter Descriptions

Each Chameleon™ preset is divided up into individual blocks called functions (such as "Mixer", "Reverb", etc.). Within each function of each configuration is a set of controls which allow you to manipulate various aspects of that function. These controls are called parameters. It is the setting of each of the parameters which determines the overall sound of each preset.

The Chameleon™ is set up to allow you to first access each function (via the FUNCTION SELECT control), then the parameter list for each function (via the PARAMETER SELECT control) and finally the adjustable value for each parameter (via the PARAMETER ADJUST control).

The functions available for each preset are dependent upon which configuration is currently recalled. The remainder of this section will describe each of the effect-based functions and the associated adjustable parameters they provide.

The remaining functions are utility-based, and are described in "Operating the Chameleon™".

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GLOBAL Function

The first function displayed after turning the FUNCTION SELECT control is the Global function. The parameters provided in this function affect all presets (i.e. the settings stored for these parameters are the same for all presets).

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these Global parameters:

OUTPUT
The OUTPUT parameter determines whether the output of the Chameleon™ is a stereo (left and right) signal or two mono signals.

SPKR SIM
This SPEAKER SIMULATOR parameter under the Global function allows you to globally (all presets) lock the Speaker Simulatoroff (LOCKOFF) so that it will always be off for all presets - regardless of the status of the "SPKR SIM" parameter under the Speaker Simulator function. It may also be locked on for the left channel (LOCK L) or on for both channels (LOCK B).

HUSH® OFFSET
The HUSH® OFFSET parameter allows you to globally (all presets) adjust the HUSH® Expander Threshold. This means that if this parameter is altered from 0dB to +3dB, the Expander Threshold will be 3dB higher for all presets. This feature can be useful when switching from a quiet guitar with passive electronics to a noisy guitar with active electronics - as the active guitar would require a higher Threshold level in all presets.

MUTE
The MUTE parameter allows you to mute the output of the Chameleon™. This feature is especially useful when changing guitars during a live set. If a Rocktron All Access™ is used in remote mode with the Chameleon™, a single All Access™ button can be configured as a momentary switch which will mute the output when it is held down. (See "Using a Chameleon™ with a Rocktron All Access™ in REMOTE mode".)

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

GLOBAL         OUTPUT (Output Level)                       Stereo, Mono
               SPKR SIM (Speaker Simulator Lock)           Unlock, Lock Off, Lock L, Lock B
               HUSH® OFFSET                                -10 dB to +30 dB
               MUTE                                        Off, on

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MIXER Function

The next function displayed after turning the FUNCTION SELECT control is the Mixer function. The Mixer function parameters are included in all presets - regardless of which configuration is currently recalled - 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 configuration and stores these levels for each preset.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these Mixer parameters:

VOLUME
The VOLUME parameter determines the overall signal level of the current preset.

LEFT OUT LVL
The LEFT OUT LEVEL parameter allows you alter the level of the left channel output of the current preset independent of the right channel.

RIGHT OUT LVL
The RIGHT OUT LEVEL parameter allows you alter the level of the right channel output of the current preset independent of the left channel.

MIX DIR/EFF
The DIR/EFF MIX parameter is used to define the ratio of direct signal level to effect (Chorus, Flange, Pitch Shift) signal level.

DIR PAN
The DIRECT PAN parameter allows you to pan the direct signal to the left or right.

DELAY LVL
The DELAY LEVEL parameter determines the overall level of the delayed signal at the output relative to the direct signal and other effect signals. This parameter can also be accessed from the Delay function parameter list.

REVERB LVL
The REVERB LEVEL parameter determines the level of the reverb signal at the output relative to the direct signal and other effect signals. This parameter can also be accessed from the Reverb function parameter list.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

MIXER          VOLUME (Volume Level)                       0 to 127
               LEFT OUT LVL (Left Channel Output Level)    -oo to +6dB
               RIGHT OUT LVL (Right Channel Output Level)  -oo to +6dB
               MIX (Direct/Effcct Mix Level)               DIR <0 to 100> EFF
               DIR PAN (Direct Signal Panning)             L <0 to 100> R
               DELAY LVL (Delay Signal Level)              -oo to +0dB
               REVERB LVL (Reverb Signal Level)            -oo to +6dB

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HIGH GAIN Function

The HIGH GAIN function is only accessible in configurations which display "H-GAIN" in the configuration title. The preamp stage in these configurations is set up to provide high gain levels for maximum sustain and distortion.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these High Gain parameters:

GAIN
The GAIN parameter determines the gain value in the distortion stage.

VARlAC ADJUST
The VARIAC ADJUST parameter adjusts the level at which the preamp stage in the Chameleon™ 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. For years, many guitarists have plugged their amplifier heads into a Variac and reduced the voltage coming into the amplifier from the AC wall outlet. This allows the amplifier tubes to reach saturation at a lower input level and increases the gain produced. The VARIAC ADJUST parameter operates in a similar manner as a conventional Variac - where lowering the parameter value lowers the level at which saturation will take place.

BASS LVL
The post BASS LEVEL parameter adjusts the amount of low frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ function, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

MID LVL
The post MID LEVEL parameter adjusts the amount of mid frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ function, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

TREBLE LVL
The post TREBLE LEVEL parameter adjusts the amount of high frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ function, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

PRESENCE LVL
The post PRESENCE LEVEL parameter also adjusts the amount of high frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ configuration, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

HIGH GAIN      GAIN (Gain Level)                           12dB to 78dB
               VARIAC ADJUST (Variac Level Adjustment)     -6dB to 0dB
               BASS LVL (Post Bass Level)                  -15dB to +15dB
               MID LVL (Post Midband Level)                -15dB to +15dB
               TREBLE LVL (Post Treble Level)              -15dB to +15dB
               PRESENCE LVL (Post Presence Level)          -15dB to +15dB

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LOW GAIN Function

The LOW GAIN function is only accessible in configurations which display "L-GAIN" in the configuration title. The preamp stage in these configurations provides four distortion types, and can also be used for clean tones.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these Low Gain parameters:

GAIN
The GAIN parameter determines the gain value in the distortion stage.

DIST
The DISTORTION TYPE parameter allows you to select between four different distortion types - Solid State, Pentode, Triode A and Triode B. The Solid State setting provides the hardest clipping, while the Pentode type provides a softer clipping and the Triode A and B types provide the softest clipping. Triode A emulates a triode tube operating in Class A, with non-symmetrical clipping - and therefore more even harmonics produced. Triode B emulates a pair of triode tubes operating in Class B, with symmetrical clipping. The differences between these types are most pronounced at moderate gain settings of about 30dB or less, where Triode B produces the least amout of upper harmonics.

BASS LVL
The post BASS LEVEL parameter adjusts the amount of low frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ function, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

MID LVL
The post MID LEVEL parameter adjusts the amount of mid frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ function, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

TREBLE LVL
The post TREBLE LEVEL parameter adjusts the amount of high frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ function, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

PRESENCE LVL
The post PRESENCE LEVEL parameter also adjusts the amount of high frequency information at the output of each preset. This parameter is also accessible from the "Post EQ (Expert)" function. (In the Post EQ configuration, the center frequency and bandwidth of this EQ section are also adjustable.)

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

LOW GAIN       GAIN (Gain Level)                           0dB to 48dB
               DIST (Distortion type)                 Solid State, Pentode, Triode A, Triode B
               BASS LVL (Post Bass Level)                  -15dB to +15dB
               MID LVL (Post Midband Level)                -15dB to +15dB
               TREBLE LVL (Post Treble Level)              -15dB to +15dB
               PRESENCE LVL (Post Presence Level)          -15dB to +15dB

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HUSH® Function

The HUSH® function is accessible in all presets - regardless of the configuration currently recalled.

HUSH® is Hush Systems' patented single-ended noise reduction system. The HUSH® system contained in the Chameleon™, though modeled after the latest analog HUSH® design, is a fully digital implementation achieved through Digital Signal Processing (DSP).

The low level expander of the HUSH® system operates like an electronic volume control. The analog version of the HUSH® utilizes a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) circuit which can control the gain between the input and the output from unity to 30, 40 or even 50dB of gain reduction. When the input signal is above the user preset threshold point, the VCA circuit remains at unity gain. (This means that the amplitude of the output signal will be equal to that of the input signal.) As the input signal level drops below the user preset threshold point, downward expansion begins. At this point the expander acts like an electronic volume control and gradually begins to decrease the output signal level relative to the input signal level. As the input signal drops further below the threshold point, downward expansion increases. A drop in the input level by 20dB would cause the output level to drop approximately 40dB (i.e., 20dB of gain reduction). in the absence of any input signal, the expander will reduce the gain so that the noise floor becomes inaudible.


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 Chameleon™ is digital, it is virtually noise-free (even in the high-gain mode). Therefore, a quiet input signal to the preamp will result in a quiet output signal.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these Hush parameters:

HUSH I/O
The HUSH I/O parameter simply determines whether the HUSH® circuit is active for the current preset.

HUSH® THRESH
The HUSH® THRESHOLD parameter determines the level at which downward expansion begins. For example, if the HUSH® THRESHOLD was set at -20dB and the input signal dropped below -20dB, downward expansion would begin.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

HUSH®          HUSH® (Hush In/Out)                         Out, In
               EXP THRESH (Expander Threshold Level)       -90dB to -27dB

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PRE EQ (EXPERT) Function

The PRE EQ (EXPERT) function is available in all presets - regardless of which configuration is currently recalled.

This function 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 PARAMETER SELECTcontrol will allow you to access these PRE EQ parameters:

LF LEVEL
The pre-LF (low frequency) LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost the low frequencies from - 15dB to +6dB prior to the distortion stage. This EQ section is a shelving-type.

LF FREQ
The pre-LF (low frequency) FREQUENCY parameter allows you to select a frequency band with an upper frequency between 63Hz and 500Hz to be cut or boosted by the pre-LF LEVEL parameter.

MID LEVEL
The pre-MID LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost the mid-band frequencies from -15dB to +12dB prior to the distortion stage.

MID FREQ
The pre-MID FREQUENCY parameter allows you to select a mid-band center frequency between 500Hz and 4KHz to be cut or boosted via the pre-MID LEVEL parameter.

MID BW
The pre-MID BANDWIDTH parameter determines how wide or narrow the bandwith of the selected mid-band frequency is (in octaves). A small bandwidth only boosts or cuts frequencies close to the center frequency, while a large bandwidth affects the level of frequencies up to two octaves from the center frequency.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

PRE EQ         LF LEVEL (Pre Low Frequency Level)          -15dB to +6dB
(EXPERT)       LF FRBQ (Pre Low Frequency Select)          63Hz to 500Hz
               MID LEVEL (Pre Midband Level)               -15dB to +12dB
               MID FREQ (Pre Mid Frequency Select)         500Hz to 4kHz
               MID BW (Pre Mid Bandwidth)                  0.2 to 2.0 octaves

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POST EQ (EXPERT) Function

The POST EQ (EXPERT) function is available in all presets - regardless of which configuration is currently recalled.

This function 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.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these POST EQ parameters:

BASS LVL
The post-BASS LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost the low frequencies by 15dB after the distortion stage.

BASS FREQ
The post-BASS FREQUENCY parameter allows you to select a center frequency between 63Hz and 500Hz to be cut or boosted by the post- BASS LEVEL parameter.

BASS BW
The post-BASS BANDWIDTH parameter determines (in octaves) the width of the selected bass band.

MID LVL
The post-MID LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost the mid-band frequencies by 15dB after the distortion stage.

MlD FREQ
The post-MID FREQUENCY parameter allows you to select a mid-band center frequency between 250Hz and 2KHz to be cut or boosted via the post-MID LEVEL parameter.

MID BW
The post-MID BANDWIDTH parameter determines (in octaves) the width of the selected mid-band.

TREBLE LVL
The post-TREBLE LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost the high-band frequencies by 15dB after the distortion stage.

TREBL FRQ
The post-TREBLE FREQUENCY parameter allows you to select a high-band center frequency between 1KHz and 8KHz to be cut or boosted via the post-TREBLE LEVEL parameter.

TREBLE BW
The post-TREBLE BANDWIDTH parameter determines (in octaves) the width of the selected high band.

PRESENCE LVL
The post-PRESENCE LEVEL parameter allows you to cut or boost another high-band frequency by 15dB after the distortion stage.

PRES FREQ
The post-PRESENCE FREQUENCY parameter allows you to select a high-band center frequency between 2KHz and 8KHz to be cut or boosted via the post-PRESENCE LEVEL parameter.

PRES BW
The post-PRESENCE BANDWIDTH parameter determines (in octaves) the width of the selected high band.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

POST EQ        BASS LVL (Post Bass Level)                  -15dB to +15dB
(EXPERT)       BASS FREQ (Post Bass Frequency Select)      63Hz to 500Hz
               BASS BW (Post Bass Bandwidth)               0.2 to 2.0 octaves
               MID LVL (Post Midband Level)                - 15dB to + 15dB
               MID FREQ (Post Mid Frequency Select)        250Hz to 2kHz
               MID BW (Post Mid Bandwidth)                 0.2 to 2.0 octaves
               TREBLE LVL (Post Treble Level)              -15dB to +15dB
               TREBLE FRQ (Post Treble Frequency Select)   1kHz to 8kHz
               TREBLE BW (Post Treble Bandwidth)           0.2 to 2.0 octaves
               PRESENCE LVL (Post Presence Level)          -15dB to +15dB
               PRES FREQ (Post Presence Frequency Select)  2kHz to 8kHz
               PRES BW (Post Presence Bandwidth)           0.2 to 2.0 octaves

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COMPRESSOR Function

The COMPRESSOR function is available only in configurations which display "L-GAIN" in the configuration title.

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 PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these COMPRESSOR parameters:

COMPRESSOR I/0
The COMPRESSOR IN/OUT parameter determines whether the compressor is active for the current preset.

COMP THRESH
The COMPRESSOR THRESHOLD parameter determines the input level (in dB) at which compression will begin. Lower settings of this parameter will result in more compression.

COMP ATTACK
The COMPRESSOR ATTACK parameter determines the speed (in milliseconds) in which the compressor will reach its maximum compression level after the input signal has exceeded the threshold level (set by the COMPRESSOR THRESHOLD parameter).

COMP RELEASE
The COMPRESSOR RELEASE parameter determines the speed in which compression will cease after the input signal has dropped below the threshold level.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

COMPRESSOR     COMPRESSOR (Compressor In/Out)              Out,In
               COMP THRESH (Compressor Threshold Level)    -24dB to 0dB
               COMP ATTACK (Compressor Attack Time)        1ms to 75ms
               COMP RELEASE (Compressor Release Time)      0.05 to 2.0s

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SPEAKER SIMULATOR Function

The SPEAKER SIMULATOR function is included in all presets and provides a realistic approximation of a miked speaker cabinet for applications involving connecting the Chameleon™ directly to a mixing board, recording system or other full range system.

When a preset is recalled which has the Speaker Simulator on for either the left channel or both channels, the front panel SPKR SIM LED will light.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these SPEAKER SIMULATOR parameters:

SPKR SIM I/O
The SPEAKER SIMULATOR parameter allows you to select whether the Speaker Simulator is on for BOTH outputs, on for only the LEFT output or OFF.

SPKR TYPE
The SPEAKER TYPE parameter determines the type of speaker to be simulated. 15",12",10", 8" and full range speakers are available.

MIC PLACEMENT
The MIC PLACEMENT parameter simulates a microphone placed anywhere from the center of the speaker cone out to the edge of the cone. Positive parameter values simulate moving the microphone toward the center of the speaker, while negative values move it to the edge.

REACTANCE
The REACTANCE parameter simulates the characteristics of the the interaction between a tube amplifier and a guitar speaker cabinet. The higher the parameter value selected, the more these characteristics will be apparent. Negative values of reactance can be used to simulate an open-back cabinet.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

SPEAKER SIM    SPKR SIM (Speaker Simulator Status)         Off, Left, Both
               SPKR TYPE (Speaker Type)                    15, 12, 10, 8, Full
               MIC POSITION (Microphone Position)          -15dB to +15dB
               REACTANCE (Reactance Level)                 -15dB to +15dB

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WAH-WAH Function

The WAH-WAH function is available only in configurations which display "WAH" in the configuration title.

The Chameleon™ 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.

To use an expression pedal as a wah-wah pedal, connect it to a MIDI controller (such as a Rocktron MIDI Matetm) and set the controller's MIDI channel to correspond with the Chameleon™'s receiving MIDI channel. Then set the pedal's control number on the MIDI Matetm to match the Wah Frequency parameter's control number on the Chameleon™. This control number is set on the Chameleon™ in the "CONTROLLER ASSIG" function. (See "Controller Assignments" for more information on assigning control numbers.)

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these WAH-WAH parameters:

WAH-WAH I/O
The WAH-WAH I/O parameter determines whether the wah-wah is active for the current preset.

WAH FREQ
The WAH FREQUENCY parameter allows you to manually sweep the frequency range of the wah-wah via the PARAMETER ADJUST control. Selecting a frequency for this parameter and storing the WAH-WAH parameter IN allows you to use the wah-wah as a fixed wah.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

WAH-WAH        WAH-WAH (Wah-Wah In/Out Status)             Out, In
               WAH FREQ (Wah Frequency Select)             310Hz to 2.7KHz

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PHASER Function

The PHASER function is available only in configurations displaying "PHAS" in the configuration title.

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 PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these PHASER parameters:

PHASER I/O
The PHASER IN/OUT parameter determines whether the Phaser is active for the current preset.

DEPTH
The DEPTH parameter determines the modulation depth of the phase shift effect. Higher parameter settings result in the sweep of the filtering effect occurring over a wider frequency range.

RATE
The RATE parameter determines the speed at which the phase shifted signal is modulated.

RESONANCE
The RESONANCE parameter adds feedback to the Phaser so that it has a more pronounced effect.

STAGES
The STAGES parameter determines how many stages of phase shift are to be active. A parameter setting of "4" produces a result similar to a vintage Phase 90, while a setting of "6" emulates other phaser pedals.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

PHASER         PHASER (Phaser In/Out Status)               Out,ln
               DEPTH (Amount of Modulation)                0 to 100
               RATE (Rate of Modulation)                   0 to 254
               RESONANCE (Amount of Feedback)              0 to 100
               STAGES (Number of Stages)                   4, 6

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FLANGER Function

The FLANGER function is available only in configurations displaying "FLAN" in the configuration title.

Flanging involves splitting the input signal into at least two individual de- layed 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 PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these FLANGER parameters:

FLANGER I/O
The FLANGER IN/OUT parameter determines whether the Flanger is active or bypassed for the current preset.

LEVEL 1
The LEVEL 1 parameter determines the volume of Voice 1 relative to Voice 2.

PAN 1
The PAN 1 parameter allows you to pan Voice 1 to the left or right channel.

DEPTH 1
The DEPTH 1 parameter adjusts the amount of modulation of Voice 1 . Lower DEPTH settings produce more subtle effects, while higher settings will result in a more drastic effect.

RATE 1
The RATE 1 parameter determines the speed at which Voice 1 is modulated.

LEVEL 2
The LEVEL 2 parameter determines the volume of Voice 2 relative to Voice 1.

PAN 2
The PAN 2 parameter allows you to pan Voice 2 to the left or right channel.

DEPTH 2
The DEPTH 2 parameter adjusts the amount of modulation of Voice 2. Lower DEPTH settings produce more subtle effects, while higher settings will result in a more drastic effect.

RATE 2
The RATE 2 parameter determines the speed at which Voice 2 is modulated.

REGEN
The REGENERATION parameter determines how much of the the delayed output signal is fed back into the input. More regeneration produces a more pronounced "jet airplane" type of effect.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

FLANGER        FLANGER (FlangerIn/OutStatus)               Out, In
               LEVEL 1 (Voice 1 Level)                     -oo to 0dB
               PAN 1 (Voice 1 Panning)                     L <0 to 100> R
               DEPTH 1 (Voice 1 Modulation Depth)          0 to 100
               RATE 1 (Voice 1 Modulation Rate)            0 to 254
               LEVEL 2 (Voice 2 Level)                     -oo to 0dB
               PAN 2 (Voice 1 Panning)                     L <0 to 100> R
               DEPTH 2 (Voice 2 Modulation Depth)          0 to 100
               RATE 2 (Voice 2 Modulation Rate)            0 to 254
               REGEN (Flanger Regeneration Level)          -oo to 0dB

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TREMOLO Function

The TREMOLO function is available only in configurations displaying "TREM" in the configuration title.

The Tremolo effect continuously varies the volume of the signal.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these TREMOLO parameters:

TREMOLO I/O
The TREMOLO IN/OUT parameter determines whether the Tremolo is active or bypassed for the current preset.

LOCATION
The LOCATION parameter determines whether the Tremolo is located Pre-Reverb or Post-Reverb. Most vintage amplifiers configured the Tremolo (or vibrato) Post-Reverb.

DEPTH
The DEPTH parameter determines the amount of modulation for the Tremolo signal. Lower DEPTH settings produce more subtle tremolo effects, while higher settings will result in a more extreme tremolo effect.

RATE
The RATE parameter determines the speed at which the tremolo signal modulates (or increases and decreases in volume).

SHAPE
The SHAPE parameter determines the waveshape of the tremolo signal. Selecting a different waveshape produces a different tremolo effect.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

TREMOLO        TREMOLO (Tremolo In/Out Status)             Out, In
               LOCATION (Pre or Post Reverb Location)      Pre-Rev, Post-Rev
               DEPTH (Modulation Depth)                    0 to 100
               RATE (Modulation Rate)                      0 to 254
               SHAPE (WaveShape)                           Triangle, Square

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PITCH SHIFT Function

The PITCH function is available only in configurations displaying "PSHF" in the configuration title.

Pitch Shifting is used to change the pitch of the input signal to produce a harmony note based on the input signal. The harmony voice may be of any fixed interval - up to one octave above the input signal to two octaves below - and is selected in 20-cent increments. Fine adjustment can be made in one cent (1/ 100th semitone) increments.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these PITCH SHlFT parameters:

PITCHSHIFT I/O
The PITCH SHIFT IN/OUT parameter determines whether the Pitch Shifter is active or bypassed for the current preset.

LEVEL
The LEVEL parameter determines the volume of the pitch shifted signal. The DlR/EFF MIX parameter in the Mixer function also affects this volume.

PAN
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 Chameleon™ 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). Each 100 cents (or five 20-cent steps) above or below "0" represents the number of half-steps the shifted signal will be from the input signal.

This parameter is adjustable from "-2400" to "+1200", where "-2400" = two octaves below the input signal, "0" = unison and "+1200' = one octave above the input signal. Refer to the table below to determine the cent value for each fixed interval.

FINE
The FINE parameter allows for adjustment in 1-cent steps for fine adjustment of the harmony note

SPEED
The SPEED parameter determines the amount of time delay used in the shifting process. SLOW results in the longest delay and the highest quality shifted signal (especially at larger amounts of pitch shift), FAST results in the least delay, but the lowest quality shifted signal. This setting should only be used for slight amounts of pitch shift.

PITCH SHIFT INTERVALS

           PARAMETER    CORRESPONDING
               VALUE    INTERVAL

               +1200    one octave
               +1100    Major 7th
               +1000    minor 7th
                +900    Major 6th                          
                +800    minor 6th
                +700    perfect 5th                voices above the 
                +600    diminished 5th                 input signal
                +500    perfect 4th
                +400    Major 3rd
                +300    minor 3rd
                +200    Major 2nd
                +100    minor 2nd
                   0    Unison --------------------Equal to input signal
                -100    Major 7th
                -200    minor 7th
                -300    Major 6th
                -400    minor 6th
                -500    perfect 5th
                -600    diminished 5th
                -700    perfect 4th
                -800    Major 3rd
                -900    minor 3rd
               -1000    Major 2nd                  voices below the 
               -1100    minor 2nd                      input signal
               -1200    1 Octave                             
               -1300    One octave plus a Major 7th
               -1400    One octave plus a minor 7th
               -1500    One octave plus a Major 6th
               -1600    One octave plus a minor 6th
               -1700    One octave plus a perfect 5th
               -1800    One octave plus a diminished 5th
               -1900    One octave plus a perfect 4th
               -2000    One octave plus a Major 3rd
               -2100    One octave plus a minor 3rd
               -2200    One octave plus a Major 2nd
               -2300    One octave plus a minor 2nd
               -2400    2 Octaves

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™ or MIDI Matetm foot controller) is assigned to the PITCH parameter to change the pitch by remote means.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

PITCH SHIFT    PITCH SHIFT (Pitch Shift In/Out Status)     Out, In
               LEVEL (Pitch Shift Signal Level)            -oo to 0dB
               PAN (Pitch Shift Signal Panning)            L <0 to 100> R
               PITCH (Pitch Shift in 20-cent steps)        -2400 to +1200
               FINE (Pitch Shift in 1-cent steps)          -20 to +20
               SPEED (Pitch Shift Signal Speed)            Slow, Medium, Fast

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CHORUS Function

The CHORUS function is available only in configurations displaying "CRS" in the configuration title.

The Chorus effect in the Chameleon™ 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. Using different detune amounts, modulation rates, modulation depths and pan settings for each delayed signal will produce a greater perceived spaciousness.

The PARAMETER SELECTcontrol will allow you to access these CHORUS parameters:

CHORUS I/O
The CHORUS I/O parameter determines whether the Chorus is active or bypassed for the current preset.

LEVEL 1
The LEVEL 1 parameter determines the volume of Voice 1 in relation to Voice 2. The DIR/EFF MIX parameter in the Mixer function also determines the Chorus level.

PAN 1
The PAN 1 parameter allows you to pan Voice 1 to the left or right channel.

DEPTH 1
The DEPTH 1 parameter adjusts the amount of modulation of the Voice 1 signal. A lower depth setting will produce a more subtle detune effect, while a higher setting will produce a more extreme detuning of Voice 1 .

RATE 1
The RATE 1 parameter determines the sweep speed (or the speed at which Voice 1 is modulated). Lower parameter settings will result in slower speeds, while higher settings will result in faster speeds.

DELAY 1
The DELAY 1 parameter allows you to select the minimum delay time (in milliseconds) for Voice 1. This delayed signal (along with Voice 2) is detuned and modulated to produce the chorus effect. Using shorter delay times will result in a tighter sounding chorused signal, while longer delay times will produce a larger ambient effect.

LEVEL 2
The LEVEL 2 parameter determines the volume of Voice 2 in relation to Voice 1 .

PAN 2
The PAN 2 parameter allows you to pan Voice 2 to the left or right channel.

DEPTH 2
The DEPTH 2 parameter adjusts the amount of modulation of the Voice 2 signal. A lower depth setting will produce a more subtle detune effect, while a higher setting will produce a more extreme detuning of Voice 2.

RATE 2
The RATE 2 parameter determines the sweep speed (or the speed at which Voice 2 is modulated). Lower parameter settings will result in slower speeds, while higher settings will result in faster speeds.

DELAY2
The DELAY 2 parameter allows you to select the minimum delay time (in milliseconds) for Voice 2. It is this delayed signal (along with Voice1) that is detuned and modulated to produce the chorus effect Using shorter delay times will result in a tighter sounding chorused signal, while longer delay times will produce a larger ambient effect.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

CHORUS         CHORUS (Chorus In/Out Status)               Out, in
               LEVEL 1 (Voice 1 Level)                     -oo to 0dB
               PAN 1 (Voice 1 Panning)                     L <0 to 100> R
               DEPTH 1 (Voice 1 Modulation Depth)          0 to 100
               RATE 1 (Voice 1 Modulation Rate)            0 to 254
               DELAY 1 (Voice 1 Delay Length)              2ms to 40ms
               LEVEL 2 (Voice 2 Level)                     -oo to 0dB
               PAN 2 (Voice 2 Panning)                     L <0 to 100> R
               DEPTH 2 (Voice 2 Modulation Depth)          0 to 100
               RATE 2 (Voice 2 Modulation Rate)            0 to 254
               DELAY 2 (Voice 2 Delay Length)              2ms to 40ms

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DELAY Function

The DELAY function is available in all presets.
Delay is a reproduction of the input signal, occurring at a prescribed time (usually expressed in milliseconds) following the input signal. The Chameleon™ provides two discrete delays (Delay 1 and Delay 2), each of which has its own parameters to determine its particular characteristics.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these DELAY parameters:

DELAY
The DELAY parameter determines whether the Delay is active or muted for the current preset.

MUTE TYPE
The MUTE TYPE parameter allows for muting the delay at its input (PRE), its output (POST) or BOTH.

Muting the input (PRE) of the delay will not allow any signal to enter the delay section until the delay is switched in. When using a moderate amount of regeneration, switching out the delay with the input muted will allow you to generate a non-delayed signal which will play over the decaying regenerated signal which continues on after the delay is switched out.

Muting the output (POST) of the delay will result in the delayed signal being immediately turned off when the delay is switched out. This means that delays and regeneration will not continue when the delay is switched out. If the output were not muted, signals that were input before the delay was switched out would be allowed to regenerate, even after switching out the delay.

It is also possible to mute both the input and the output (BOTH) so that no signal enters or exits the Delay section when it is not switched in.

DELAY LVL
The DELAY LEVEL parameter determines the overall level of the delayed signal at the output relative to the direct signal and other effect signals. This parameter can also be accessed from the Delay function parameter list.

MIX
The MIX parameter is used to define the ratio of Source 1 signal to Source 2 signal to be input to the Delay section. Source 1 is the Voice 1 output frorn the previous effect in the signal chain (chorus, flanger, pitch shifter, etc.), while Source 2 may be the Voice 2 output from the previous effect in the signal chain or the direct signal (selectable via the SOURCE 2 parameter).

In configurations where there is no effect immediately preceding the delay, Source 1 and Source 2 will be the preamp output (direct) signal.

SOURCE 2
The SOURCE 2 parameter is used to select whether the Source 2 input will be the VOICE 2 output from the previous effect in the signal chain or the direct signal (DIR).

DLY HF DAMP
The DELAY HIGH FREQUENCY DAMPING parameter controls the amount of high frequency content in the delayed and regenerated signals. Higher amounts of damping will result in less high frequency information in the delayed signal.

OUT LEVEL 1
The OUTPUT LEVEL 1 parameter determines the volume of Delay 1 in relation to Delay 2.

PAN 1
The PAN 1 parameter allows you to pan the Delay 1 signal to the left or right channel.

DLY TIME 1
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 Chameleon" for detailed descriptions of each).

REGEN 1
The REGENERATION 1 parameter determines the number of times the Delay 1 signal will repeat itself. This is achieved by feeding the delayed output back into the input. Higher parameter settings will result in more repeats. The displayed value represents the attenuation (in dB) that the regeneration signal is subjected to at each repeat.

OUT LEVEL 2
The OUTPUT LEVEL 2 parameter determines the volume of Delay 2 in relation to Delay 1.

PAN2
The PAN 2 parameter allows you to pan the Delay 2 signal to the left or right channel.

DLY TIME 2
The DELAY TIME 2 parameter determines the length of time after the input signal that the Delay 2 signal will begin. This length of time is measured in milliseconds.

REGEN 2
The REGENERATION 2 parameter determines the number of times the Delay 2 signal will repeat itself. This is achieved by feeding the delayed output back into the input. Higher parameter settings will result in more repeats.

* The Delay features a regeneration limter, since setting both REGEN parameters to high levels would result in louder and louder echos until a severe overload occurs. The limiter senses when this condition would occur and automatically turns down both REGEN levels to avoid such an instability. This is especially important when REGEN levels are being adjusted in real-time, via MIDI control change messages, during a performance.

The regeneration levels can be reset by recalling the preset or by accessing the REGEN 1 and REGEN 2 parameters and turning the ADJUST control.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

DELAY          DELAY (Delay Status)                        Muted, Active
               MUTE TYPE (Mute Type Status)                Pre, Post, Both
               DELAY LVL (Delay Level)                     -oo to 0dB
               MIX (Source 1/Source 2 Mix Level)           S1 <0 to 100> S2
               SOURCE 2 (Source 2 Select)                  Dir, Voice 2
               DLY HF DAMP (Delay High Frequency Damping)  0 to 99
               OUT LEVEL 1 (Delay I Level)                 -oo to 0dB
               PAN 1 (Delay 1 Panning)                     L <0 to 100> R
               DLY TIME1 (Delay 1 Length)                  0 to 1000 ms
               REGEN 1 (Delay 1 Regeneration)              -oo to 0dB
               OUT LEVEL 2 (Dclay 2 Level)                 -oo to 0dB
               PAN 2 (Delay 2 Panning)                     L <0 to 100> R
               DLY TIME2 (Delay 2 Length)                  0 to 1000 ms
               REGEN 2 (Delay 2 Regeneration)              -oo to 0dB

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REVERB Function

The REVERB function is available in all presets.

Reverb is a multitude of echos spaced so close together that, to the human ears 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' of the sound.

The PARAMETER SELECT control will allow you to access these REVERB parameters:

REV INPUT
The REVERB INPUT parameter determines whether the input to the Reverb section is ACTIVE (passing a signal) or MUTED (will not pass a signal).

MIX DIR/DLY
The MIX DIRECT/DELAY parameter is used to define the ratio of direct signal to delayed signal to be input to the reverb section.

REVERB LVL
The REVERB LEVEL parameter allows you to control the level of the reverb signal at the output in relation to the direct signal and other effect signals. This parameter is also accessable from the Mixer function.

REV DECAY
The REVERB DECAY parameter determines the length of time that the reverb signal will sound before it has completely died out.

REV HF DAMP
The REVERB HIGH FREQUENCY DAMPING parameter is used to control the decay rate of high frequency information in the reverb signal. Higher parameter settings will result in a faster decay of high frequency information.

FUNCTION       PARAMETER LIST                              RANGE

REVERB         REV INPUT (Reverb Input Status)             Muted, Active
               MIX (Direct/Delay Mix Level)                Dir <0 to 100> Dly
               REVERB LVL (Reverb Signal Level)            -oo to 0dB
               REV DECAY (Reverb Decay Length)             0 to 99
               REV HF DAMP (Reverb High Frequency Damping) 0 to 99

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6. CHAMELEON CONFIGURATIONS

Click on a configuration to see a block diagram of that configuration.

Refer to section 5. "Operating Format" for Chameleon™ Functions and Parameter descriptions.

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7. OPERATING THE CHAMELEON

Selecting a preset

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Changing preset parameters

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Storing changed preset parameters

If you do not wish to copy the title from the altered preset, skip Step 4 and turn the PRESET or FUNCTION SELECT control to exit the store procedure.

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Selecting a configuration

When a new configuration is stored into a preset, each of the parameters contained in the new configuration that were contained in the previous configuration will retain the same values. All new configuration parameters that were not contained in the old configuration will be set to their default value (or their lowest value).

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Editing a preset title

Note: The STORE button must be pressed to save the new title. Exiting the Title Edit function before pressing the STORE button will erase any editing that was done in Title Edit. Also, after flashing "STORED", the Chameleon™ will remain in the Title Edit mode. you may either (a) turn the PRESET control to display and edit other preset titles without exiting and re-entering Title Edit, or (b) turn the FUNCTION SELECT control to exit the Title Edit mode.

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Controller Assignments

The Controller Assignment function allows for specific Chameleon™ 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 controller cannot exceed. For example, when using an expression pedal with a Rocktron All Access™ to send continuous control changes to control the "PITCH" parameter, an upper limit of +300 can be set and a lower limit of -200 can be set - even though the actual parameter range is from +1200 to -2400. When the expression pedal is at its heel position in this example, the "PITCH" parameter will be at -200, while at its toe position it will be at +300.
Up to eight controllers can be assigned for each individual preset.

This parameter (NUMB 1 only) also gives you the option of selecting "ADJ". When "ADJ" is selected, the parameter assigned to the first controller (PARA 1) can be instantly accessed by turning the PARAMETER ADJUST control when the preset title is displayed. This allows you to access a parameter that you adjust frequently without paging through function headings and parameters.

Selecting a lower limit value that is greater than the upper limit value will invert the response of the controller - i.e. the toe position of the expression controller will provide the minimum value, while the heel posilion will provide the maximum value.

NOTE: Steps 1-13 are repeated seven times for a total of eight controllers. To exit Controller Assign at any time, turn either the PRESET or FUNCTION SELECT control. Only changes that have been stored will be saved after exiting the Controller Assign function.

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Tap Delay

The Chameleon™ allows you to change the current delay time settings for the Delay 1 and Delay 2 parameters while you are playing by connecting a momentary footswitch to the rear panel FOOTSWITCH jack. When the Footswitch function is activated, tapping the footswitch will change the current delay time based on the amount of time that passes between taps. The Chameleon™ 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 - less than one second apart - will be required to change the delay time again).
After the Chameleon™ detects the length of time between each tap, it then multiplies or divides that time based on the type of note stored in each of the DELAY 1 and DELAY 2 parameters of the Footswitch function. The resulting delay time can be:

The maximum delay time the Chameleon™ provides is 1000ms, therefore the Tap Delay feature will default to a lower parameter value when the time between taps requires a delay time over 1000ms. For example, if the WHOLE setting is stored for the Delay 1 parameter and the time between taps is 300ms, a delay time of 1200ms would be required (i.e. 300ms x 4). Because the maximum delay time is 1000ms, the Chameleon™ will default to the next lower multiplier (HALF) and provide a delay time two- times the delay time detected (600ms). if the delay time was over 1000ms again, the unit would then provide the QUARTER note equivalent.
NONE can also be selected for the Delay 1 and Delay 2 parameters so that they will not respond to taps on the footswitch.

The DELAY 1 and DELAY 2 parameters can be stored differently for each preset.

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Program Changes

Program Changes allow for different MIDI program numbers to be assigned to Chameleon™ preset numbers. For example, MIDI program #58 can be mapped to Chameleon™ 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 Chameleon™.
The Program Changes Map table is shipped from Rocktron at a one-to-one Correspondence (i.e. MIDI program #1 is mapped to Chameleon™ preset #1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc.).

Program Changes status options

ON - Execute MlDI program changes as received by a MIDI controller
MAP - Use mapping table when a program change is received
OFF - Do not execute MlDI program changes

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MIDI Channels

The Chameleon™ can receive MIDI commands from other MIDI transmitting devices, as well as transmit MIDI program changes to other MlDI-based equipment when a preset is recalled on the Chameleon™ via the front panel RECALL button. The MIDI Channels function allows you to select the MIDI channels that the Chameleon™ will receive and transmit MIDI information on.

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MIDI Dump/Load

Any or all of the Chameleon™ presets may be dumped to a sequencer or another Chameleon™ via system exclusive 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 Chameleon™, the dumped preset may be loaded into any preset location on the receiving Chameleon™.

To dump a single Chameleon™ preset into another Chameleon™:

IMPORTANT: Do not allow a looping connection from the MIDI OUT/THRU of the receiving Chameleon™ back to the MIDI IN of the transmitting Chameleon™.

Click here to see a graphic of the MIDI hook up.

To dump the Chameleon™ memory into a sequencer:

Click here to see a graphic of the MIDI hook up.

To reload user data from a sequencer:

IMPORTANT: Do not allow a looping connection from the MIDI OUT/THRU of the receiving Chameleon™ back to the MIDI IN of the transmitting sequencer.

Click here to see a graphic of the MIDI hook up.

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Factory Restore

The Factory Restore function allows you to restore altered Chameleon™ presets to their original condition as shipped from the factory. Either the entire Chameleon™ memory can be restored, a single preset can be restored to any preset location, or the controller information alone can be restored.

Restoring a single factory preset:

!! CAUTION !!
Pressing the STORE button at this time will overwrite
the current preset with the displayed factory preset.

Restoring all factory presets:

!! CAUTION !!
This procedure will permanently erase all user presets (1-254) and replace
them with the original factory presets. If you have altered and stored presets
which you do not want to erase, do not perform the following procedure.

! ! WARNING ! !
Pressing the STORE button at this time will permanently erase all
user presets and replace them with the original factory presets. If
you have altered and stored presets which you do not want to erase,
turn the FUNCTION SELECT control to exit this function.

Restoring the Chameleon™ controller assignments:

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Selecting a Power on Preset:

The Chameleon™ allows you to store a Power On preset which will always be recalled when the unit is turned on.

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Using the Chameleon™ with a Rocktron All Access™ in REMOTE mode

A Rocktron All Access™ MIDI footswitch can act as a dedicated remote control for the Chameleon™ - allowing direct access to specific Chameleon™ features and parameters from the footswitch at any time.

Click here to see a graphic of the MIDI hook up.

To set up the Chameleon™ for remote operations do the following:

To set up the All Access™ for remote operation perform these steps from the All Access™ SETUP program:

When operating in Remote mode with a Chameleon™, switches 1-10 act as normal preset switches, while switches 11-15 each perform a special function.

Click here to see a graphic of the All Access™ switch set up.

Upon proper setup and connection of the units, the All Access™ will provide the functions shown in the graphic.

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8. APPENDIX

ERROR MESSAGES

Message                Possible Reason               Corrective Action


MEMORY ERROR CODE BYTE IS NOT CORRECT IN MAKE SURE EEPROM IS TIGHT IN EEPROM MEMORY. SOCKET MAKE SURE WITHIN CORRECT OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
DUMP ERROR MIDI INFORMATION IS BEING DISCONNECT MIDI CORD AT MIDI RECIEVED AT THE MIDI IN AS IN OR TRANSMITING CHAMELEON. THE SAME INFORMATION IS BEING DUMPED.
RECIEVE ERROR MIDI EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION BULK LOAD WAS TRANSMITTED WAS NOT RECIEVED CORRECTLY. TOO FAST. CHECK SUM BYTE WAS NOT CORRECT. DATA STRINGS NOT CORRECT LENGTH. DATA STRINGS OUT OF ORDER.
XMEM ERROR EEPROM MEMORY IS NOT BEING MAKE SURE EEPROM IS TIGHT STORED TO CORRECTLY. IN THE SOCKET. MAKE SURE WITHIN THE CORRECT OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
LOAD ERRORS MIDI SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE CHECK RECIEVE ERROR AND INFORMATION WAS NOT XMEM ERROR RECIEVED CORRECTLY OR STORED CORRECTLY.

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MIDI IMPLEMENTATION

Chameleon™
Date: May 10, 1993 Version: 1.0

0=YES
X=NO

                 FUNCTION    TRANSMITTED    RECOGNIZED     REMARKS

BASIC            DEFAULT         1-16          1-16     May be saved in
CHANNEL          CHANGED         1-16          1-16   non-volatile memory

MODE             DEFAULT          X             X 
                 MESSAGES         X             X
                 ALTERED          X             X

NOTE
NUMBER           TRUE VOICE       X             X

AFTER TOUCH      KEY'S            X             X
                 CHANNEL          X             X

PITCH BEND                        X             X

CONTROL CHANGE**                  X             0

PROGRAM CHANGE*                   0             0

SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE                  0             0       For Bulk Dump/Load
                                                       and Preset Dump/Load
SYSTEM COMMON    SONG POSITION    X             X
                 SONG SELECT      X             X
                 TRUE REQUEST     X             X

SYSTEM           CLOCK            X             X
REAL TIME        COMMANDS         X             X

AUXILIARY        LOCAL ON/OFF     X             X
MESSAGES         ALL NOTES OFF    X             X
                 ACTIVE SENSING   X             X
                 SYSTEM RESET     X             X

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TECHNICAL DATA

                      INPUT IMPEDANCE    470Kohms

                  MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL    + 20dBu

                           INPUT JACK    1/4" mono

                     OUTPUT IMPEDANCE    less than 150ohms

                 MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL    +20dBu

                         OUTPUT JACKS    1/4" unbalanced Left and Right. 
                                         Left jack can drive stereo 
                                         headphones of 600ohms or more 
                                         (AKG studio phones, for example).

                                         XLR balanced Left and Right.

                              MIDI IN    7-pin DIN

                        MIDI THRU/OUT    5-pin DIN

                   POWER REQUIREMENTS    9VAC/2A

                           DIMENSIONS    19" X 7" X 1 3/4"

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CHAMELEON FACTORY PRESETS

Note: Presets 1-127 are repeated in locations 128-254 with the speaker simulator tumed ON. Presets 128-254 share
the same titles as presets 1-127, and may have slight EQ modifications to best accommodate full range speaker systems.

1/128   LIZARD LICKS    44/171  MARSHALL 2      86/213   HUMMER
2/129   BRONTOCHORUS    45/172  SATRIANI        87/214   RAW
3/130   VINTAGE STAK    46/173  DRAGON AUGHT    83/215   MYSTERIOUS
4/131   PSYCHOSIS       47/174  THE B BOY$      89/216   FALLING
5/132   TWIN TREMOLO    48/175  GODZILLA        90/217   ROCK ME
6/133   TROWER POWER    49/176  STUDIO ROCK     91/218   RHYTHM UNDER
7/134   SHEEN           50/177  STEREOPAN Dl    93/219   DOWN HOME
8/135   BEETHOVEN 5     51/178  BLUES 4 YOU     93/220   FLYING PIGS
9/136   ATOMIC SPUNK    52/179  AURORA          94/221   PLAY ITJIMI
10/137  TINPAN ALLEY    53/180  PEPPY           95/222   BLUEMAN
11/138  HOUSES OF       54/181  SPACE TRAIN     96/223   DUSTY BLUES
12/139  LEAD CHORUS     55/182  LEAD FLANGE     97/224   TWIN
13/140  COLISEUM CRS    56/183  PAIN CAVE       98/225   CRUNCH/TREM
14/141  MIRRORS         57/184  CALL ME WAH     99/226   SPINNING
15/142  MONEY 4NUTIN    58/185  BIB RHYTHM      100/227  ABALENE
16/143  SATURATION      59/186  ROTATING        101/228  VERBY CRUNCH
17/144  OVER DA HILL    60/187  ROTATE SLOW     102/229  STONED TWIN
18/145  WET> DRY        61/188  SHIMMERING      103/230  12 STRING
19/146  DANCING PAN     62/189  VALLEYS         104/231  BENSON+HEDGE
20/147  FUZFACE         63/190  SHARK RIP       105/232  SYNCOTRIPLET
21/148  BURNING         64/191  CHUNK FLANGE    106/233  INEBRIATED
22/149  DOG             65/192  REC CRUNCH      107/234  THAT CHIME
23/150  VULGAR          66/193  AMBIENT BLUE    108/235  TONE ZONE
24/151  INSECTEOR       67/194  PHASE FOUR      109/236  POLY FLANGE
25/152  LITHIUM         68/195  BLACK WHITE     110/237  ULI CLEAN
26/153  R/l/P           69/196  EDGE            111/238  CLASSY
27/154  LEAD VERB       70/197  TURBO FLANGE    112/239  MR CLEAN
28/155  TAPE DELAY      71/198  OFF AXIS        113/240  CRYSTAL
29/156  Dl LIZARD       72/199  BRIDE SIGHS     114/241  CLEAN CRS
30/157  BOUNCE LEAD     73/200  MELLO GRIND     115/242  SPACER
31/158  NIGHTMARES      74/201  LESS PAIN       116/243  CHINA-BELLS
32/159  OCTAVIA         75/202  CRUNCH/VERB     117/244  GLIMMER
33/160  BAGEL ROCK      76/203  ROBIN           118/245  ECHO/PLEX
34/161  UTALKIN 2 ME    77/204  DRY CRUNCH      119/246  ARENA CRS DL
35/162  CONFUSED        78/205  CRUNCHY ECHO    120/247  SPREAD
36/163  SLAP VERB       79/206  FAT STRAT       121/248  WATERFALL
37/164  MARSHALL WAH    80/207  DEUCE           122/249  PLUNK THIS
38/165  CALL PSYCHO     81/208  SINGLE COILS    123/250  AOUA CLEAN
39/166  LEFT VERB       82/209  BLUES POWER     124/251  ATLANTIS
40/167  WICKED          83/210  ANGUS           125/252  LOUS BLUES
41/168  RIGHTSHADOW     84/211  PETESCHUNK      126/253  FIFTH GUN
42/169  LABROSE         85/212  IN YER FACE     127/254  SPIC-N-SPAN
43/170  MOBY DICK

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