Fender Mustang LT40S User Manual Getting Started

EXPANDED OWNER’S MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

This expanded owner’s manual is a thorough user’s guide to the features and functions of the Mustang LT40S amplifier.

As a complement to the Mustang LT40S Quick Start Guide that comes with each amplifier, this manual presents a detailed look at the amp’s versatile features. This includes navigation and modification of the onboard presets, and comprehensive descriptions of the amplifier and effect models. It also includes illustrated step-by-step instructions for using Mustang LT40S’s onboard tuner, footswitch, USB port and other functions.

While this expanded manual presents the most current version of the amplifier, also check back for updated manual versions that will serve as even more helpful guides as Mustang LT40S and its capabilities evolve. Further, Mustang LT40S offers even more tonal possibilities when paired with the Fender Tone™ desktop app.

Be sure to check fender.com/firmware/support regularly for firmware updates that improve and enhance the Mustang LT40S experience.

CONTROL PANEL

The Mustang LT40S top control panel consists of an INSTRUMENT INPUT, five CONTROL KNOBS, a DISPLAY WINDOW, an ENCODER wheel, four UTILITY pushbuttons, a FOOTSWITCH INPUT, an AUXILIARY INPUT (1/8”), a HEADPHONE OUTPUT (1/8”), a TAP LIGHT and a USB PORT.

• A. FOOTSWITCH (“FTSW”): Connect optional single-button footswitch here (page 17).

• B. INPUT: Plug instrument in here.

• C. AUXILIARY INPUT, HEADPHONE OUTPUT: 1/8” auxiliary input for connecting external audio devices, and 1/8” output for headphone use (page 19). Headphone output disables speaker.

• D. GAIN: Affects gain setting in each preset.

• E. VOLUME: Affects individual volume of each preset.

• F. TREBLE: Affects treble tone setting in each preset.

• G. BASS: Affects bass tone setting in each preset.

• H. MASTER VOLUME: Controls actual overall volume.

• I. DISPLAY WINDOW: Shows preset in use, preset contents and parameters, and other functions (i.e., tuner and other menu functions).

• J. ENCODER: Rotary control with press-switch function. For viewing, selecting and adjusting Mustang LT40S presets, controls and other functions.

• K. UTILITY BUTTONS

  • BACK: Returns user to the previous screen or original preset screen.

  • SAVE: For saving preset modifications, renaming presets and saving presets to a new location.

  • MENU: For accessing tuner, footswitch and other functions (page 15).

  • TAP: For setting delay times (page 12) and accessing built-in tuner (page 16).

• L. TAP LIGHT: Flashes in time with delay effects.

• M. POWER: Turns amplifier on and off.

• N. USB PORT: Amp connection point for USB audio recording (page 19).

• O. IEC POWER INLET (REAR PANEL; NOT SHOWN): Using the included power cord, connect to a grounded outlet in accordance with the input power voltage and frequency specified at the power inlet.

PRESET BASICS

Mustang LT40S features 30 sequentially numbered presets. Each preset consists of an amplifier and one or more effects (or, in some cases, no effects). Note that when turning the amplifier on, the default active preset is always factory preset 01. Further, 30 empty presets are available when using the “REPLACE” feature (page 7).

To scroll through presets, turn the ENCODER; whichever preset is displayed becomes active:

Mustang LT40S’s 30 factory presets are:

1. FENDER CLEAN

2. SILKY SOLO

3. CHICAGO BLUES

4. CLASSIC ROCK

5. DREAMY

6. COUNTRY PICKING

7. SKATE PUNK

8. SOLO MIDBOOST

9. JAZZ AMP

10. BRIT 64 RHYTHM

11. METAL LEAD

12. VINTAGE TREMOLO

13. SUPER DRYCLEAN

14. THRASH OVERKILL

15. CLEAN DELAY

16. OCTOBOT ONE NOTE

17. LITTLE CHAMP

18. PHASER SWIRL

19. 60S FUZZ

20. MYTHIC CRUNCH

21. TOUCH WAH

22. SUPER ROCK

23. NICE FLANGER

24. VIBRA DOOM

25. SURF MUSIC

26. BLUES LEAD

27. ROCK A BILLY

28. GARAGE FUZZ

29. SPACE TRAVEL

30. ACOUSTIC SIM

Be sure to check fender.com/firmware/support regularly for additional presets available for download, and for firmware updates that improve and enhance the Mustang LT40S experience.

EDITING AND SAVING PRESETS

Presets can be easily edited and, if desired, renamed and saved in place or saved in a different location. The controls of each amplifier type can be adjusted, or an amp model can be replaced with a different one. Simila-ry, various effects controls can be adjusted, or effects can be removed from or added to a preset.

When a preset is active, the box containing its number is blue, indicating that no edits have been made. Once an edit is made, the box containing the preset number turns red and the preset title screen will read “UNSAVED”. When edits are saved, the preset number box returns to blue and the “UNSAVED” title clears.

ACCESSING PRESET CONTENTS

To access the contents of a preset, press the ENCODER. From the top down, the DISPLAY WINDOW will then show the number and name of the preset, the amplifier type in use, and four boxes that organize the effects used for that preset (if any). These effects category boxes are labeled STOMP (stompbox), MOD (modulation), DELAY and REV (reverb). When first accessing preset contents, the preset name and amplifier type are highlighted in blue:

Select the amp model or one of the effects category boxes by turning and pressing the ENCODER. The active selection is then highlighted in blue:

EDITING AND SAVING AMPLIFIER CONTROL SETTINGS

To edit and save individual control settings of a preset’s amplifier model, first select the amp model by pressing the ENCODER on it. The DISPLAY WINDOW will then show a list of controls for the amp model in use:

There are two ways to adjust an amp control knob setting. A control parameter that corresponds to an actual physical knob on the control panel can be adjusted simply by turning the physical control knob until the desired value is reached in the DISPLAY WINDOW. In the example below, the amp model’s TREBLE setting is adjusted by turning the physical TREBLE control knob on the control panel:

Alternately, select a control parameter by turning and pressing the ENCODER; its surrounding box will turn from blue to red:

The control can then be adjusted by turning the ENCODER or by turning a corresponding physical control knob on the control panel (if present*):

* Note that for control parameters such as MIDDLE that have no corresponding physical knob on the control panel, this is the only method of adjustment.

At this point, press the ENCODER or the BACK utility button (green arrow) to accept the adjusted control values. Pressing BACK returns the user to the preset contents screen; pressing the ENCODER lets the user continue making controls setting changes, and the box surrounding the control setting will return to blue. When control setting edits are complete, press the SAVE utility button to save the changes to the preset.

📘

IMPORTANT: If edited amp control settings are not saved, the preset will revert to its original amp control settings when returning to the preset after leaving it, or when turning the amplifier off and back on again. To save edited amp control settings, press the SAVE utility button and use the ENCODER to scroll to one of three options—SAVE, SAVE AS or REPLACE. Each is detailed below.

SAVE: Keeps an edited preset in the same location with the same name. To do this, press the SAVE utility button and use the ENCODER to scroll to “SAVE”. Press the SAVE utility button again or press the ENCODER. A brief “PRESET SAVED!” screen will then flash before returning to the original preset screen:

SAVE AS: Enables saving an edited preset in a different position, with or without a different name. To do this, press the SAVE utility button and use the ENCODER to scroll to “SAVE AS”. Press the ENCODER to access a “CHOOSE SLOT” list of locations where the preset can be moved. Select a new location by turning and pressing the ENCODER:

NOTE: When using “SAVE AS”, note that a preset can be moved to a different position even if no edits have been made. Also note that saving a preset to a different location permanently deletes the previous contents of the new location.

Whether renaming the preset or not when using “SAVE AS”, a name must be entered by pressing the ENCODER to activate a cursor, then spelling out the name by turning and pressing the ENCODER to scroll through and select characters. All characters can be cleared by using the ENCODER to scroll to and select “CLEAR ALL”. When name entry is completed for the new location, save it by pressing the SAVE utility button or by using the ENCODER to scroll to and select “SAVE”. A brief “PRESET SAVED!” screen will then flash before returning to the original preset screen:

REPLACE: Any existing preset can be replaced with another by pressing the SAVE utility button, using the ENCODER to scroll to and select “REPLACE” and choosing from 60 replacement presets (the 30 factory presets, plus 30 empty presets). After selecting “REPLACE”, use the ENCODER to scroll to any of the 60 available presets; each one is automatically “previewed” so the user can hear the sound before the preset is loaded. Press the ENCODER to select the preset, confirm it by using the ENCODER to scroll to and select “NO CANCEL” or “YES REPLACE” (not shown) and save it in the chosen slot:

CHANGING THE AMPLIFIER MODEL IN A PRESET

The amplifier model in a preset can be replaced with another one (see list of Mustang LT40S amplifier models on page 8). To do this, acess the contents of a preset by pressing the ENCODER on it; the amp model will automatically be highlighted. Press the ENCODER again to see a list of controls for the amp model in use; the name of the amp model appears at the top of this list.

Press the ENCODER once more to activate the amplifier replacement function; the box surrounding the amp name will turn from blue to red, and white arrows will bracket the amp name. Turn the ENCODER to scroll to a new amp model. Press the ENCODER to accept the amp model change, after which the box surrounding the amp name will return to blue; or press the BACK utility button accept the amp model change and return to the preset contents screen:

📘

IMPORTANT: If an amplifier replacement is not saved, the preset will revert to its original amp type when returning to the preset after leaving it, or when turning the amplifier off and back on again. To save a preset amp replacement, follow the SAVE, SAVE AS or REPLACE instructions on page 6 and at the top of this page.

MUSTANG LT40S AMPLIFIER MODELS

This table lists the amp models in Mustang LT40S. The amp label used in each preset appears in the lefthand column, followed by the amp type and a brief description in the righthand column.

Champ, Deluxe, Bassman, Princeton, Deluxe Reverb and Twin Reverb are trademarks of FMIC. All other non-FMIC product names and trademarks appearing in this manual are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify the products whose tones and sounds were studied during sound model development for this product. The use of these products and trademarks does not imply any affiliation, connection, sponsorship, or approval between FMIC and with or by any third party.

EDITING AND SAVING EFFECTS CONTROL SETTINGS

To edit and save individual control settings of a preset’s various effects (if any), first select the effect category box containing the effect to be edited by turning and pressing the ENCODER. There are four effects category boxes that can each contain one effect: STOMP (stompbox), MOD (modulation), DELAY and REV (reverb):

The DISPLAY WINDOW will then show a list of controls for the effect model in use in that category; use the ENCODER to scroll to a particular effect control. Press the ENCODER to select the effect control; its surrounding box will turn from blue to red. Turn the ENCODER to set a new value for the selected control value:

At this point, press the ENCODER to accept the adjusted effect control value and exit edit mode; the surrounding box will then return to blue. Alternately, press the BACK utility button (green arrow) to accept the effect control value change and return to the preset contents screen:

IMPORTANT: If an edited effect control setting is not saved, the preset will revert to its original effect control settings when returning to the preset after leaving it, or when turning the amplifier off and back on again. To save edited effect control settings, follow the SAVE, SAVE AS or REPLACE instructions on pages 6 and 7.

REPLACING, ADDING AND DELETING EFFECTS

As noted, each of the four effect category boxes can contain one effect. If an effect is present, it can be replaced with another effect in that category, or it can be deleted. If no effect is present, one can be added (see list of Mustang LT40S effects models on pages 13-14). The signal path is Instrument—Stompbox—Modulation— Amplifier—Delay—Reverb—Speaker, as illustrated at left below.

Note that effects category boxes that already contain an effect have a solid outline, whereas effects category boxes that do not contain an effect have a dotted outline, as seen in the image at right below:

Mustang LT40S signal path

To replace an effect, access the contents of a preset by pressing the ENCODER on it, then use the ENCODER to scroll to one of the four effect category boxes. Press the ENCODER again to see the effect contained in the effect category box; the name of the effect model is highlighted at the top of the DISPLAY WINDOW:

Press the ENCODER once more to activate the effect replacement function; the box surrounding the effect name will turn from blue to red, and white arrows will bracket the effect name. Turn the ENCODER clockwise to scroll through other effects models in that category. Press the ENCODER to accept a replacement effect and exit edit mode; the surrounding box will return to blue. Alternately, press the BACK utility button (green arrow) to accept the replacement effect and return to the preset contents screen:

To delete an effect, the steps are very similar to those on page 10. As before, access the contents of a preset by pressing the ENCODER on it, then use the ENCODER to scroll to an occupied effect category box. Press the ENCODER again to see the effect contained in the effect category box; the name of the effect model is highlighted at the top of the DISPLAY WINDOW:

Press the ENCODER once more to activate the effect replacement function; the box surrounding the effect name will turn from blue to red, and white arrows will bracket the effect name. Turn the ENCODER counter-lockwise until the red-highlighted effect label at the top of the DISPLAY WINDOW reads “NONE”. Press the ENCODER on “NONE” (or press the BACK utility button), after which the user is returned to the preset screen with the previously occupied effect category box now empty:

To add an effect to an empty effect category box, first access the contents of a preset by pressing the ENCODER on it, then use the ENCODER to scroll to the empty effect category box. Press the ENCODER again to access the empty effect category box; the red-highlighted label “NONE” bracketed by white arrows will appear at the top of the DISPLAY WINDOW:

Turn the ENCODER clockwise to scroll through effects models in that category. Press the ENCODER on the desired effect, after which the box surrounding the effect name will return to blue and the effect is added— although not yet saved—to that effect category box. Alternately, press the BACK utility button (green arrow) to return to the preset contents screen (see illustrations on next page):

📘

IMPORTANT: If an effect is not saved once it has been replaced, deleted or added, the preset will revert to its original effect model(s) when returning to the preset after leaving it, or when turning the amplifier off and back on again. To save a changed, deleted or added effect model, follow the SAVE, SAVE AS or REPLACE instructions on pages 6 and 7.

SETTING DELAY TIMES WITH THE TAP BUTTON

There are two ways to set delay times for effects in Mustang LT40S’s “DELAY” effects category box. The first way is to use the “Editing and Saving Effects Control Settings” instructions found on page 9, using the ENCODER to scroll to, select and adjust individual effect settings, including delay time.

The second way is to use the Mustang LT40S TAP utility button (yellow arrow). If a preset includes a delay effect, the TAP LIGHT (green arrow) flashes in time with that effect’s default delay time. This time setting can be modified by tapping the TAP utility button two or more times at the desired tempo, regardless of what screen is shown in the DISPLAY WINDOW:

📘

IMPORTANT: If an edited delay time is not saved, the effect will revert to its original delay time when returning to the preset after leaving it, or when turning the amplifier off and back on again. To save an edited delay time, follow the SAVE, SAVE AS or REPLACE instructions on pages 6 and 7.

MUSTANG LT40S EFFECT MODELS

This table lists the effect models in Mustang LT40S, organized into the four categories that appear in each pre-set—STOMP (stompbox), MOD (modulation), DELAY and REV (reverb). The effects labels used in each preset appear in the lefthand column, followed by the effects types and a brief description in the righthand column.

STOMPBOX EFFECTS

MODULATION EFFECTS

All non-FMIC product names and trademarks appearing in this manual are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify the products whose tones and sounds were studied during sound model development for this product. The use of these products and trademarks does not imply any affiliation, connection, sponsorship, or approval between FMIC and with or by any third party.

DELAY EFFECTS

Note that the control panel TAP utility button and TAP LIGHT work in connection with effects in this category only.

REVERB EFFECTS

All non-FMIC product names and trademarks appearing in this manual are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify the products whose tones and sounds were studied during sound model development for this product. The use of these products and trademarks does not imply any affiliation, connection, sponsorship, or approval between FMIC and with or by any third party.

MENU FUNCTIONS

Mustang LT40S features four convenient MENU functions—TUNER, FOOTSWITCH, SETTINGS and RESTORE— all easily accessed by pressing the MENU utility button. The first function (TUNER) is automatically highlighted; use the ENCODER to scroll to and select any MENU function:

TUNER: Enables use of Mustang LT40S’s built-in chromatic tuner (page 16).

FOOTSWITCH: For configuring Mustang LT40S’s single-button footswitch to provide easy hands-free selection of any two presets (page 17).

SETTINGS: Displays the firmware version (page 18). Also includes a gain control for use when recording using the USB audio port on the control panel (page 19).

RESTORE: Enables restoration of factory presets and amplifier settings (page 18).

MENU FUNCTION: TUNER

There are two ways to access Mustang LT40S’s built-in chromatic tuner. The first way is to press and hold the TAP utility button on the control panel until the tuner screen appears in the DISPLAY WINDOW:

The second way is to press the MENU utility button on the control panel; the list of MENU functions will appear in the DISPLAY WINDOW with the TUNER function automatically highlighted atop the list. Press the ENCODER on TUNER to access the tuner screen:

To use the TUNER, sound a note; the letter name of the pitch will appear in the box at bottom and the shorter vertical bars on either side of the longer vertical center bar will illuminate red to indicate varying degrees of sharpness (to the right) or flatness (to the left). When a pitch is precisely in tune, the longer vertical center bar and the two shorter vertical bars on either side of it will illuminate green:

“A” PITCH SLIGHTLY FLAT

“A” PITCH IN TUNE

Note that speaker output is muted when tuning, and that the volume control on the instrument being tuned must be turned up sufficiently to register a TUNER reading.

MENU FUNCTION: FOOTSWITCH

Connect an optional Fender single-button footswitch (PN 0994052000) by plugging it into the “FTSW” jack on the control panel. The footswitch provides convenient hands-free switching between two pre-determined “quick-access” presets. The second MENU function—FOOTSWITCH—enables easy configuration of any two presets for quick-access footswitch use. To do this, press the MENU utility button, then use the ENCODER to scroll to and select FOOTSWITCH:

Two presets will be shown in the DISPLAY WINDOW below the header “QUICK ACCESS”; the upper preset is automatically highlighted in blue. To choose a new preset for this upper quick-access position, press the ENCODER on it; the box surrounding the preset name will turn red. Use the ENCODER to scroll to a new preset for the upper quick-access position:

Press the ENCODER to select the new upper quick-access preset; the box surrounding the preset name will return to blue. To choose a new preset for the lower quick-access position, turn the ENCODER clockwise to highlight the lower preset, then follow the same steps as above:

📘

IMPORTANT: If quick-access footswitch presets are not saved, the quick-access preset slots will revert to their original contents when returning to the preset after leaving it, or when turning the amplifier off and back on again. To save quick-access footswitch presets, follow the SAVE, SAVE AS or REPLACE instructions on pages 6 and 7.

MENU FUNCTION: SETTINGS

The third MENU function—SETTINGS—displays the current firmware version and features a gain control for use when recording using the USB port on the control panel. To access these options, press the MENU utility button and use the ENCODER to scroll to and select SETTINGS. The USB gain control appears at top (see instructions under “USB PORT”, page 19), with the firmware version below (“VERSION”):

Be sure to check fender.com/firmware/support regularly for firmware updates that improve and enhance the Mustang LT40S experience.

MENU FUNCTION: RESTORE

The fourth MENU function—RESTORE—enables restoration of all original factory presets and amplifier settings. To do this, press the MENU utility button, then use the ENCODER to scroll to and select RESTORE:

To initiate restoration use the ENCODER to scroll to and select “YES RESTORE”. To cancel restoration, press the ENCODER on “NO CANCEL”, or press the BACK utility button. While restoration is in progress, a blue waiting screen will briefly appear. When restoration is complete, the user is returned to the first preset screen:

AUXILIARY INPUT AND HEADPHONE OUTPUT

The Mustang LT40S control panel features two 1/8”-inch jacks: an auxiliary input for connecting external mobile/audio devices and an output for convenient headphone use.

Note that when using the auxiliary input, volume levels for external devices are set using volume controls on the external devices themselves (the amp’s volume controls are for overall volume level only and do not affect individual volume of external devices connected to the auxiliary input jack). Also note that when headphones are plugged in, speaker output is muted.

USB PORT

The Mustang LT40S control panel features a USB port for audio recording. Using a micro USB cable (not included), connect a computer with recording software to this port. No external driver is needed to connect to an Apple computer. To connect to a Windows-based computer, the user must download the ASIO driver setup with Fender Mustang device, available at www.fender.com/support/articles/fender-universal-asio-drive.

Note that although the USB port and the auxiliary input can be used simultaneously, the USB port cannot be used to record a signal from the auxiliary input.

When recording using the USB port, a gain control is located in the SETTINGS menu function (page 18). To access and use this gain control, press the MENU utility button and use the ENCODER to scroll to and select SETTINGS; “USB GAIN” will automatically be highlighted. Press the ENCODER on “USB GAIN” to select it; the surrounding box will turn from blue to red:

Turn the ENCODER to set a new “USB GAIN” value. Press the ENCODER to accept the new value; the surrounding box will return to blue (not shown). Alternately, press the BACK utility button (green arrow) to accept the new value and return to the MENU function screen:

Note that the “USB GAIN” control in the SETTINGS menu function is the only one that affects USB recording; the actual physical GAIN control knob on the control panel does not affect USB recording.

FENDER TONE™

Fender Tone—the ultimate desktop companion to Mustang LT amplifiers for Mac and PC—is available as a free download from fender.com/ToneDesktop. With an easy-to-use interface, Tone users can have convenient control over existing Mustang LT40S functions, plus access to additional presets and many other features, including:

• Firmware updates

• Dozens of additional Fender presets for auditioning and downloading

• Preset creation and editing with convenient “undo” feature

• Preset editing (replacing amp and effect models, and modifying parameters)

• Preset saving, renaming, moving and clearing

• Preset backup and restore

• Effect bypass

Learn more about Fender Tone at fender.com/ToneDesktop, and find support materials at fender.com/ ToneSupport.

Be sure to check fender.com/firmware/support regularly for additional presets available for download, and for firmware updates that improve and enhance the Mustang LT40S experience.

SPECIFICATIONS

Product specifications subject to change without notice.

PART NUMBERS / REFERENCIAS / RÉFÉRENCE / NÚMERO DAS PEÇAS / NUMERO PARTI / TEILENUMMERN NUMERY REFERENCYJNE / REFERENČNÍ ČÍSLA / REFERENČNÉ ČÍSLA / REFERENČNE ŠTEVILKE / 部品番号 / 型号

Mustang LT40S

产品中有害物质的名称及含量

*产品含有喇叭单元时有效。

A PRODUCT OF FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. 311 CESSNA CIRCLE CORONA, CALIF. 92880 U.S.A.

AMPLIFICADOR DE AUDIO IMPORTADO POR: Fender Ventas de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. Calle Huerta #279, Int. A. Col. El Naranjo. C.P. 22785. Ensenada, Baja California, México. RFC: FVM-140508-CI0 Servicio al Cliente: 01(800) 7887395, 01(800) 7887396, 01(800) 7889433

Fender® and Mustang™ are trademarks of FMIC. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2021 FMIC. All rights reserved.

PN 7722422000 rev. A