FISHMAN Loudbox Artist Bluetooth Amplifier User Guide
- October 30, 2023
- FISHMAN
Table of Contents
FISHMAN Loudbox Artist Bluetooth Amplifier User Guide
Whenever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the user’s manual for this amplifier.
Wherever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
Important Safety Instructions
To ensure your personal safety and the safety of others, operate this apparatus only after reading these instructions and heeding the warnings listed below.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing liquids and do not place objects filled with liquids (such as a beverage container or a vase) on the apparatus.
- Warning” To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to moisture.
- The apparatus should be connected to mains outlet with a protective earthing connection.
Disconnect device is Mains Plug, which should remain readily operable.
Copyright © 2018 FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.
Hear This!
The Loudbox Artist amplifier is capable of cleanly reproducing the sound of your instrument at very high volume levels. Prolonged repeated exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) without protection can cause permanent hearing loss. OSHA has set guidelines and specified permissible sound-exposure limits for those who work in high SPL environments.
This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. For more information on disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop where you bought this product.
FCC Compliance Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes and modifications not expressly approved by FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications Commissions rules.
Loudbox Artist
FCC ID: RMU-494000182
IC: 10812A-494000182 1.0
FCC Compliance Statement
The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
EU Declaration of Conformity CE: Hereby, Fishman declares that this Loudbox Artist is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s): Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Bluetooth®
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Fishman Transducers is under
license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective
owners.
WARNING!
FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement : The device complies with FCC’s
and IC’s RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment under the following conditions:
- This equipment should be installed and operated such that a minimum separation distance of 20cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) & user’s/nearby person’s body at all times.
- This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Before using Loudbox Artist, carefully read the following:
Important Safety Instructions (Page 2)
Getting Started (Page 7)
Welcome
Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are proud to offer the finest acoustic amplification products available; high-quality professional-grade tools which empower you to sound your very best.
Getting Started
Your new Loudbox Artist is a portable amplifier designed to faithfully reproduce the sound of acoustic instruments and a diverse assortment of vocal or recorded accompaniments.
With the addition of Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, you can now easily add backing tracks or other accompaniment to your performances.
Here are some basic setup tips to help get you going. To operate the Loudbox Artist safely, please read the entire manual, especially the Important Safety Instructions on page 2.
- Plug the provided AC line cord into the back of the amplifier.
- Locate the Power switch (above the rear panel power cord terminal) and switch it off (down position).
- Plug the Loudbox Artist into an electrical outlet with the appropriate AC voltage.
- Turn down the Master Volume control and turn on the Power switch.
- Connect your instrument to the Channel 1 input with a shielded ¼” cable.
- Play aggressively and raise Channel 1 Gain until the Clip LED (inside the Pad button) flashes, then back off the Gain until no clipping occurs.
- Set the tone controls “flat” as illustrated below.
- Slowly raise the Master Volume to the desired level.
Front Panel
Controls 1 through 10 are identical for both channels.
1. Channel 1 Input
The 1/4″ input accepts all types of passive or active acoustic pickups. Plug a
balanced mic into the XLR input for vocal or instrument use.
2. 10dB Pad & Clip LED
If you have a high output pickup and the Clip LED (located in the center of
the Pad button) comes on at low Gain settings, push this switch in to put your
pickup level into a more useable range.
3. Gain
Use the Gain knob to set the level of the signal.
4. Low
Boost here to add weight to the sound. In general, boost bass at low volumes
and flatten it out (or cut) at higher levels. With the dial set at 12 o’clock,
the control is effectively out of the circuit.
5. Mid
This control affects how well the instrument blends in or stands out in the
mix. At loud volumes a midrange cut will achieve a more natural sound. With
the dial set at 12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.
6. High
Boost highs to add “air” to the sound of the instrument. With the knob set at
12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.
7. Anti-Feedback
If you encounter low-frequency feedback, sweep this control to isolate and
eliminate it. To learn more about acoustic feedback, see page 15.
8. Phase
Use the Phase switch in conjunction with the Anti-Feedback filter to eliminate
acoustic feedback. To read more about acoustic feedback, see page 15.
9. Effect A Level
Controls the amount of Effect A in the input channel.
10. Effect B On
When this button is lit, the input channel’s audio is processed by Effect B.
11. Effect A
Use this control to select one of four effects for Effect A.
12. Effect A “Time”
Determines the length of time for the delay or reverb effects.
13. Effect B
Use this control to select one of four effects for Effect B.
14. Effect B “Depth”
Adjusts the intensity of Effect B.
15. Aux Level
Use this to control the level of an audio device plugged into the Aux input.
Note that the Aux channel is independent of the Mute switch, so you can play
prerecorded music on your breaks.
16. Bluetooth® Indicator
This green indicator will display a medium flash indicating the Bluetooth®
module is ready for pairing. It will display a slow flash indicating the
module is ready for reconnection with a previously paired device. The
indicator will be on when playback is active and display a fast flash when
playback is paused.
17. Master Volume
Set the overall level of the Loudbox Artist with the Master Volume. In general
put the Master Volume as high as possible (2 o’clock to 5 o’clock) to achieve
the cleanest sound.
18. Bluetooth® Pairing
Press the Pairing button briefly to turn on the amp’s Bluetooth receiver. To
pair a Bluetooth device for the first time, hold the Pairing button for 2
seconds to enter pairing mode. You will hear an ascending tone and the
Bluetooth indicator will flash quickly. Check that your Bluetooth device is
also in pairing mode. Once paired, you will hear a single tone and the
indicator will stop flashing allowing you to stream music to the amplifier. To
turn off the amp’s Bluetooth receiver, press the Pairing button briefly. A
descending tone will indicate that the connection is powering down and the
Bluetooth® Indicator will turn off.
19. Power
Lights up when the amplifier power is on.
20. Headphone Jack
When you plug in stereo headphones here, the speakers shut off. This output
monitors Channels 1 & 2 and the Aux input, so you can play along with pre-
recorded music through the headphones.
21. Channel Mute
The Channel Mute switch shuts off the signals from Channels 1 and 2 to the
speakers and all XLR outputs. The Channel Mute does not affect the Aux Inputs
or the effects sends. When mute is active, its button LED will be lit.
22. Tweeter Level
Turn this control to attenuate the tweeter’s output level to where it sounds
best to you.
23. Phantom Power
Provides 24V to the XLR input on each input channel to power a condenser
microphone. When phantom power is active, its button LED will be lit.
Most condenser and dynamic microphones, as well as some preamps, can be used safely with phantom power.
However, phantom power can damage some audio devices including some unbalanced mics, preamps or stompboxes that have been modified for balanced XLR use. Whenever there is doubt, contact the manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
Rear Panel
1. Power switch
Lower the Master Volume before you turn on the amp. Flip the power switch to
the up position.
2. AC power
Operate the amplifier only at the voltage indicated on the rear panel.
Disconnect device is AC inlet or power switch.
3. Mute Foot Switch
Plug a Fishman dual foot switch into this jack for remote access to Channel
Mute and Effect B Mute.
4. Aux Input – 1/4″ & 1/8″
Plug in a line level stereo audio source such as a CD or MP3 player in either
input. Both inputs may be used at the same time. They are stereo (TRS) inputs,
however the left and right signals are mixed to mono.
5. Mix D.I. (Post)
Plug in here when you wish to send signals from both Channel 1 and 2 to a
mixing console or a slave amplifier. This post-EQ output is always ground
isolated to prevent ground loop hum.
6. Channel 2 Effects Loop (serial)
Patch an external effect through these jacks. Use a standard ¼” shielded
instrument cable to connect the Channel 2 Send to the input of the effect.
Connect the Channel 2 Return jack to the output of the effect. The Channel 2
loop is located post-EQ and is compatible with battery-operated stompboxstyle
effects processors.
7. Channel 2 D.I. Out (Pre-EQ)
Use this output when you want a flat D.I. signal to send to a mixing console.
This pre-EQ output is always ground isolated to prevent ground loop hum.
8. Channel 1 Effects Loop (serial)
Patch an external effect through these jacks. Use a standard ¼” shielded
instrument cable to connect the Channel 1 Send to the input of the effect.
Connect the Channel 1 Return jack to the output of the effect. The Channel 1
loop is located post-EQ and is compatible with battery-operated stompboxstyle
effects processors.
9. Channel 1 D.I. Out (Pre-EQ)
Use this output when you want a flat D.I. signal to send to a mixing console.
This pre-EQ output is always ground isolated to prevent ground loop hum.
Tone Tips
Set up For reference, start with the tone controls flat (straight-up, twelve o’clock). In this position, there is no equalization applied to your sound. Begin at a very low volume and work your way up. As you turn up, try adjusting the Loudbox Artist’s tone controls as recommended below.
1. Low volume
At a low volume (just above conversation level) our ears are not very
sensitive to bass and treble, so give the Low and High controls a good boost.
2. Medium volume
At intermediate levels, when you need to raise your voice to be heard over the
music, the human ear is quite sensitive to midrange. Cut the Mid control to
about ten o’clock or to your taste. At this level our perception of bass and
treble starts to catch up to the rest of the tonal spectrum, so you can back
off the Low and High controls slightly for good tonal balance.
3. High volume
At loud levels, when you must shout to be heard over the music, your ears (and
your audience) will benefit from a deep midrange cut. Set the Mid dial between
nine and seven o’clock. Our perception of bass and treble “flattens out” at
high volumes, so you won’t need much, if any, Low or High boost. Set the Low
and High knobs to between twelve and one o’clock.
About Acoustic Feedback
Feedback usually occurs in the lowest octave of your instrument, generally with two notes about a half step apart. The lower type of feedback (cavity resonance) starts when the sound pressure coming out of the speakers excites the resonant air chamber inside your instrument. We have found that it is effective to tune out an instrument’s cavity resonance feedback with the Anti- Feedback (notch filter) in the Loudbox Artist. For acoustic guitar this occurs at G# on the low E-string, or at about 100Hz. Turn the Anti-Feedback knob to about 11 o’clock to dial out this resonance. Note that the circuit can be effectively defeated by moving the dial to the Off (7 o’clock) position.
The higher range of feedback (top resonance) usually starts about a half or whole step above cavity resonance of the instrument. Top resonance feedback happens when the sound pressure coming off the speakers excites the resonant frequency of the soundboard of your instrument. For acoustic guitar, this occurs at A and above on the low E-string. Push the Phase switch in and out until you find the position that subdues top resonance feedback.
Block Diagram
Technical Specifications
Fishman and Fishman Transducers are trademarks or tradenames of Fishman Transducers Inc.
513-300-179 rev 5
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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