Zoom AC-3 Acoustic Creator Pedal

Description

Designed for acoustic guitarists and singer/songwriters, the Zoom AC-3 is a direct input device that seeks to replicate the authentic sound of your guitar, compensating for the tonal quality that is often diminished when utilizing standard acoustic pickups. This pedal includes 16 Source presets, ensuring that whether you play a dreadnought or a parlor guitar, it provides the appropriate sonic profile for your instrument. Additionally, it features a Target knob with 12 more sonic profiles for further customization. For instance, if you are using a Martin D-18 dreadnought guitar, you can adjust the Source knob to ‘dreadnought’ and the Target knob to ‘D-18’ to achieve your desired tone.

The onboard pickup selector switch allows for the selection between magnetic and piezo options, enabling customization of the pedal’s mechanics for each system type. A three-band equalizer facilitates tone balancing for your instrument, complemented by features such as reverb, adjustable volume, anti-feedback control, a single-band compressor, and a built-in tuner. Notably, the device offers two independent reverbs: one that can be continuously adjusted and another within the effects section, allowing for the application of a slap effect to an already reverberated guitar sound, which is not only feasible but also encouraged. The Zoom AC-3 is equipped with a boost switch that provides up to 9 dB of gain for lead breaks or solos. Additionally, regardless of the tone selected, the high-quality, low-noise preamp ensures a rich and resonant sound. The prominent volume knob manages both input gain and output level, removing any uncertainty in sound level matching.

The device features a standard instrument input for pedal connectivity. For outputs, users can select between stereo 1/4″ jacks (with one serving as a headphone output) or two balanced XLR connections. This versatile configuration enables routing to amplifiers, mixers, PAs, and audio interfaces. Additionally, a pre/post switch on the XLR section allows for the transmission of a direct, unprocessed signal to the house if desired. Furthermore, a USB port supports MIDI control and enables direct recording into computers. A Zoom FS01 footswitch, sold separately, can be integrated into the pedal for momentary control over effect parameters. The Zoom AC-3 can be powered using the included power supply, two AA batteries, or via USB.

Additional Features

• 16 source guitar-type/body presets for accurate tone re-creation
• 15 target guitar-type/body presets for tonal refinement
• 1 x 1/4 input
• 2 x XLR balanced DI outputs for connections to mixers, PAs, audio interfaces, and more
• 2 x 1/4 outputs for mono or stereo connection to guitar amps, headphones, and audio interfaces
• Low-noise preamp
• 9 effects with adjustable parameters
• Piezo/magnetic input pickup select
• Built-in compressor
• Easily-implemented 3-band equalizer
• Input and output gain/sensitivity adjustable via single volume knob (patent pending)
• Clipping indicator
• Anti-feedback control
• Boost switch for up to 9 dB of additional gain
• Built-in chromatic visual-LED tuner
• USB connection for firmware updates
• Three power options: 2 x AA batteries, the included Zoom AD-16 power adapter (9V DC in), or bus-power via micro-USB port