AER Compact 603 Acoustic Guitar User Manual

AER Compact 603 Acoustic Guitar

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: Compact 603
• Model Number: Twin Channel Acoustic Amplifier
• Manufacturer: B

Introduction

Safety instructions

1. Carefully read these safety notes before you use the device!
2. Keep these safety notes in a safe place.
3. Pay attention to all warnings, instructions, and additional texts on the unit.
4. Do not install or use your device close to water or if you are wet yourself.
5. Use your device in a safe place where nobody can step on cables or trip over and damage them.
6. Always pull the mains plug before cleaning your device. Use only a dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid the use of detergents and do not let any liquids seep into the unit.
7. Never install your device close to units with strong electromagnetic fields such as large mains transformers, revolving machines, neon illumination etc. Do not lay signal cables parallel to power current cables.
8. There are no user-serviceable components inside the unit. To avoid the risk of an electric shock, the unit must not be opened. All maintenance, adjustment, and repair work should be carried out by qualified staff only. Any unauthorized tampering will void the 2-year warranty.
9. In keeping with the EMV regulations screened cables with correctly fitted connectors must be used for all signal connections.
10. Always use an earthed power supply with the correct mains voltage. If you are in doubt about the power outlet’s ground, have it checked by a qualified technician.
11. Cable up your device only when it is powered off.

Controls and connections

Front side

1. input (ch. 1) – signal input, socket for 6,3 mm mono jack plug
2. high/low – input sensitivity switch, attenuator = off = on
3. clip – overload indicator
4. gain – input level control
5. colour-tone colour filter activation switch = not active = active
6. bass – bass frequency level control
7. middle – middle-frequency level control
8. treble – treble frequency level control
9. input (ch. 2) – signal input, combo-socket for 6,3 mm mono jack plug and XLR-connectors
10. line/mic – signal source selector switch: line (only via jack plug) for instruments (pickup) and other line-level sources, mic (only via XLR-connector) for microphones
11. pan-effect signal distribution control
12. select – effect select switch
13. level – -level control internal effect efx
14. power – on/off status indicator
15. master – master level control mains & master

Product Usage Instructions

Starting up

Cabling and switching-on
To start using the Compact 603, follow these steps:

1. Connect the signal source to the appropriate input (ch. 1 or ch. 2) using a 6.3mm mono jack plug or XLR connectors.
2. Set the input sensitivity switch (high/low) based on your signal source and desired attenuation level.
3. Adjust the input level control (gain) to set the desired volume level.
4. If needed, activate the tone colour filter by flipping the colour switch to the active position.
5. Adjust the bass, middle, and treble frequency level controls to shape your sound.
6. For ch. 2, select the appropriate signal source (line or mic) using the signal source selector switch.
7. Adjust the effect signal distribution control (pan) to set the desired effect level.
8. Use the effect select switch (select) to choose the desired effect.
9. Adjust the level control (level) for internal effects (efx).
10. Turn on the amplifier by pressing the power button.

Level adjustment
To adjust the overall volume level of the Compact 603, use the master level control (master). This control adjusts the output level of the amplifier.

Functional characteristics

• Equalization
  The Compact 603 features bass, middle, and treble frequency level controls that allow you to adjust the tonal balance of your sound. Use these controls to enhance or cut specific frequency ranges to achieve the desired sound.

• Effects
  The amplifier has built-in effects that can be activated using the effect select switch (select) and adjusted using the level control (level). Experiment with different effects to add depth and texture to your sound.

• Footswitch
  The Compact 603 supports the use of a footswitch for hands-free control of the effects. Connect a compatible footswitch to the appropriate port on the rear side of the amplifier.

• Phantom powering
  If you are using a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, make sure to activate the phantom power option on the rear side of the amplifier. Connect your microphone to the XLR connector of ch. 2 and adjust the input level accordingly.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use the Compact 603 with a microphone?
  A: Yes, you can use a microphone with the Compact 603. Connect the microphone to the XLR connector of ch. 2 and set the signal source selector switch to “mic”. Adjust the input level control accordingly.

• Q: How do I clean the Compact 603?
  A: Before cleaning, always pull the mains plug to ensure safety. Use a dry cloth to clean the exterior of the amplifier. Avoid using detergents or letting any liquids seep into the unit.

Introduction

Welcome to AER!

Thank you for choosing the Compact 603. The Compact 603 is a professional, compact and powerful amplifier system. Specially developed for the enhancement of acoustic instruments it is also suitable for other (also electrical) instruments. Our conceptional design was focussed on the sin-ger-/songwriter who requires outstanding reproduction of instruments and vocals as well as a handy unit with a gigbag for easy travelling even with public means of transport, astonishing audiences as well as sound engineers through excellent sound and professional instrumentation. All AER systems are subtly dynamically controlled, which ensures absolute reliability in full load opera-tion despite strikingly small sizes and little weight.

Read on and have fun using your Compact 603!

Safety instructions

The following guidelines shall help minimize the risk of injury through fire or electric shock.

1. Carefully read these safety notes before you use the device!
2. Keep these safety notes in a safe place.
3. Pay attention to all warnings, instructions and additional texts on the unit.
4. Do not install or use your device near water or if you are wet yourself.
5. Use your device in a safe place where nobody can step on cables or trip over and damage them.
6. Always pull the mains plug before cleaning your device. Use only a dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid the use of detergents and do not let any liquids seep into the unit.
7. Never install your device close to units with strong electromagnetic fields such as large mains transformers, revolving machines, neon illumination etc. Do not lay signal cables parallel to power current cables.
8. There are no user-serviceable components inside the unit. To avoid the risk of an electric shock, the unit must not be opened. All maintenance, adjust-ment and repair works should be carried out by qualified staff only. Any unauthorized tampering will void the 2-year warranty.
9. In keeping with the EMV regulations screened cables with correctly fitted connectors must be used for all signal connections.
10. Always use an earthed power supply with the correct mains voltage. If you are in doubt about the power outlet’s ground, have it checked by a qualified technician.
11. Cable up your device only when it is powered off.

Controls and connections

1. input (ch. 1) signal input, socket for 6,3 mm mono jack plug
2. high/low input sensitivity switch, attenuator = off = on
3. clip overload indicator
4. gain input level control
5. colour tone colour filter activation switch = not active = active
6. bass frequency level control
7. middle-frequency level control channels 1 + 2
8. treble frequency level control
9. input (ch. 2) signal input, combo socket for 6,3 mm mono jack plug and XLR connectors
10. line/mic signal source selector switch: line (only via jack plug) for instruments (pickup) and other line level sources, mic (only via XLR-connector) for microphones
11. pan effect signal distribution control
12. select effect select switch
13. level control internal effect efx
14. power on/off status indicator
15. master master level control mains & master

Rear side

1. line out
   The line out supplies a pre-amp signal taken after tone-control, effects and master for forwarding to other appliances.

2. headphones
   This output enables you to connect stereo headphones and mute the loudspeaker.

   • Warning: Only use headphones with stereo jack plugs in this output socket

3. send
   Send is an output to connect to an external effect device and in conjunction with return (input) forms a loop here designed as an external effect loop. The effect can be switched on or off via footswitch.

4. return
   Return as part of the effect loop operates as signal input from an external effect device (from output of the effect device). The effect can be switched on or off via footswitch. Return on its own can also be used as quasi- auxiliary signal input (-10 dbV).

5. tuner
   The tuner output supplies a pre-master signal (-9 dbV) to connect an external tuner to the Compact 603.

6. footswitch
   Connection socket for a double-footswitch (on-/off-switch, tip = internal effect/ring = external effect on/off).

7. DI-out
   Preamp-output with symmetrical signal, after tone control, pre-master, without effects.

8. power on
   Combined mains switch with mains socket and fuse holder.

Starting up

Cabling and switching on
Before connecting to mains, please ensure that your local mains voltage is suitable for the voltage of the device (e.g. 120V in the USA, 230V in Europe). The relevant specs and safety symbols are printed on the rear side of the unit. Connect all cables according to your application and switch the amplifier on. The green power control LED indicates operational readiness.

Level adjustment

Note: Level adjustment

• By setting the level correctly we mean the signal level in one or several devices in a signal chain is neither too high nor too low. This applies equally to all circuits in a complete circuit design (EQs, preamps etc.)
• Consequently, care must be taken that no part of the circuit is overloaded or that distortion is unintentionally added to the signal.
• We have carefully designed the circuit to achieve this objective whilst also providing controls for „manual“ intervention.
• First ensure, that the master level control is zeroed (over to far left), so that when you are setting the sound level, the signal passes through the electronics only and does not reach the loudspeaker. By pressing the high-/low- (attn.) resp. line-/mic-switches you can adapt the amplifier to your signal sources (guitar pickups, microphone etc).
• Turn the gain control clockwise until the red clip indicator flashes momentarily when playing with a strong attack. Thus you make sure that your signal source (e.g. instrument) provides the input stage of the amplifier with the necessary input.
• The clip-LED indicates an overload. A short flicker is of no danger to AER devices. During operation a short flicker can be accepted, to be on the safe side you should reduce the gain slightly to achieve an optimal and distortion-free performance.
• Finally set the desired overall volume level with the master level control.

Functional characteristics

Equalization
The triple-/dual-band equalizer of your Compact 603 provides you with an active and high-quality sound interaction tool that supports the natural tone of instruments and voice whilst simultaneously offering you the possibility of a controlled accentuation.

• With all controls in mid position, the filters are set to produce a very pleasing and natural sound impression that you can „colour up“ by using the colour filter with the effect of lowering the mids and lifting the trebles. The tone becomes more open and light and is especially suited for fingerpicking techniques.
• The equalization can support or soften the effect of the colour filter and allow a differentiated mids-accentuation.

A: with a colour filter (switch pressed)
reduce treble to soften possible sharpness

B: without colour filter (switch not pressed) boost treble to brighten the sound

Note:
The active equalization of the Compact 603 affects the signal adjustment. If you spot an intensified flickering of the clip indicator, level the signal level with the gain control (s. 4.2 Level adjustment).

Effects
The Compact 603 has a built-in (internal) digital effect processor, with the select switch you can choose between 4 different effects:

• 1 = reverb 1 (short)
• 2 = reverb 2 (long)
• 3 = delay (320 ms)
• 4 = chorus

The fx-level-control determines the intensity of the internal effects (left stop = no effect). Furthermore, an additional effects unit (external effect) may be connected to the Compact 603. For this purpose use the send and return sockets on the rear side of the amplifier (send goes to input, return to the output of the external effects device). The intensity of the effect is adjusted at the external effects unit. With the efx-pan control, the different effects are blended with the original signal. The efx-pan works as follows:

• left stop:
  • internal effect on Channel 1
  • external effect on channel 2
• mid position:
  • internal effects on channels 1 + 2
  • external effects on channels 1 + 2
• right stop:
  • internal effects on channel 2
  • external effects on channel 1

Footswitch
A standard double-footswitch (on-/off-switch) can be plugged into the footswitch socket on the rear side of the amplifier via stereo cable. With this footswitch, the internal and external effects can be switched on and off.

Phantom power

• Microphones requiring 48V phantom power can be connected to the XLR socket of channel 2 directly. Factory-provided phantom power is activated but, if required, may be deactivated by an internal jumper.
• In contrast, 9V phantom power, if required, can additionally be activated in channel 1 by an internal jumper.

Please note:
For both alterations the device must be opened, therefore only qualified service personnel may carry out the modifications concerning the de-/activating of phantom power.

General Note: Use of 48V or 24V phantom power
(Phantom power = remote supply, here: powering an audio device via the connected audio line)

• Turn on the phantom power only if the unit connec-ted to an XLR socket is designed to handle it!
• In general, suitable units are e.g. condenser microphones, active DI-boxes and other special audio devices, whose power supply is drawn from the phantom power. Such devices are also labelled accordingly; please heed the permissible power consumption (max.10mA).
• High-quality dynamic microphones with a balanced signal need no phantom power but can handle it anyway.
• Other devices, which have not been designed explicitly for phantom power operation, can suffer from considerable malfunctions and damage may result as well.

Examples of devices that may be damaged by incorrect application of phantom power include:

• Low-cost dynamic microphones with a mono jack plug (unbalanced signal) that were fitted afterwards with an XLR connector.
• Audio devices with a balanced XLR output (e.g. DI-boxes, effects devices, instrument preamps with a DI output etc.) which are not protected against phantom power applied to their XLR output. (The DI connectors on AER products are protected against applied phantom power.)
• Other audio devices (such as preamps, effects pe-dals etc.) whose unbalanced line output was replaced by an XLR socket.

If in doubt please consult the manufacturer of the device you are using.

Technical specifications

Inputs (notes 1, 2, 4)

Channel 1

• High impedance, unbalanced input for instruments (pick-ups) and line-level sources
• Mono jack socket, ¼” (6.35 mm)
• Sensitivity: 22 mV (–33 dBV)
• High/low (attenuator) switch: –10 dB
• Impedance: 2.2 Meg
• Equivalent input noise, A-weighted: 1 uV (–120 dBV)
• Phantom power (optional): 9 V DC/max. 100 mA, short-circuit protected

Channel 2

• Switchable instrument or microphone input
• Combo socket, XLR + jack ¼” (6.35 mm)

line mode

• High impedance, unbalanced input for instruments (pick-ups) and line-level sources Jack socket only
• Sensitivity: 27 mV (–31 dBV)
• Impedance: 1 Meg
• Equivalent input noise, A-weighted: 2.4 uV (–112 dBV)

mic mode

• XLR (balanced), stereo jack (balanced), or mono jack (unbalanced) input
• Sensitivity: 3.3 mV (–50 dBV)
• Impedance (balanced mode): 1.2 k
• Impedance (unbalanced mode): 2.7 k
• Voice filter: –10 dB at 270 Hz (referred to as 10 kHz)
• Equivalent input noise, A-weighted: 0.8 uV (–122 dBV)
• Phantom power (XLR only): 48 V, max. 10 mA, short-circuit protected

clip indicators for ch. 1 and 2

• Headroom: min. 8 dB

return

• Input from an external parallel effect loop, or supplementary input, before the master volume
• Mono jack, ¼” (6.35 mm)
• Sensitivity: 320 mV (–10 dBV)
• Impedance: 20 k (note: impedance changes to 5 k while the external effect is switched OFF by the footswitch)

Outputs (note 3)

• phones
  • Headphones output. When plugged in, the internal speaker is muted.
  • Stereo jack socket, L/R connected, ¼” (6.35 mm)
  • Max. output power: 2 x 100 mW / 1000 ohm
  • Input sensitivity for 2 x 50 mW / 1000 ohm: 23 mV (–33 dBV) at channel 1 input
  • Impedance: 470 ohms (common for L and R)
  • Note: Suitable for headphones with stereo jack.
  • Does not work with mono jacks.
• tuner
  • Tuner output
  • Mono jack socket ¼” (6.35 mm)
  • Output voltage: 340 mV (–9 dBV)
• line out
  • Preamplifier output after tone controls, with effects, and after the master volume
  • Mono jack, ¼” (6.35 mm)
  • Output voltage: 1.4 V (+3 dBV)
• DI-out
  • Balanced XLR output before master, after tone controls, without effects
  • 1 = ground
  • 2 = positive
  • 3 = negative
  • Differential output voltage: 140 mV (–17 dBV)
• send
  • Output to external parallel effect loop
  • Before master, after tone controls
  • Mono jack, ¼” (6.35 mm)
  • Output voltage: 1.4 V (+3 dBV)

Footswitch connector

• footswitch
• • Stereo jack socket ¼” (6.35 mm) for a dual footswitch
  • Tip = internal effect on/off
  • Ring = external effect on/off
  • Sleeve = common (ground)

The effect is OFF when the footswitch is ON.

Tone controls

• ch. 1
  • colour –3 dB at 700 Hz, +10 dB at 8 kHz
  • bass ±8 dB at 100 Hz (shelf type)
  • middle ±6 dB at 800 Hz
  • treble ±8 dB at 10 kHz (shelf type)
• ch. 2
  • bass ±8 dB at 100 Hz (shelf type)
  • treble ±11 dB at 10 kHz (shelf type)

Effects

• Internal effects
  • 1 Reverb 1
  • 2 Reverb 2
  • 3 Delay
  • 4 Chorus
• External effect Parallel effect loop (see also send and return).
• eff. pan Blends both internal and external effects between channels 1 and 2, with a reverse direction of rotation for the external effects.

Power

• Power amp

  • 60 W / 4 ohm, DMOS, monolithic I.C.
  • Dynamic range, A-weighted: 92 dB (note 2)

• Limiter threshold 50 W

• Analog signal processing
  Dedicated equalizer, subsonic filter, adaptive peak limiter

• Speaker system 8” (200 mm) twin cone full-range speaker, bass reflex enclosure

• Mains Power

  • Mains voltage (depending on model): 100, 120, 230, or 240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
  • Power consumption: max. 120 W

• Mains fuse

  • 5 x 20 mm
  • T 1 A L/250 V for 230 and 240 V models
  • T 2 A L/250 V for 100 and 120 V models

General

• Cabinet 12 mm (0.47”) birch plywood
• Finish Waterbased acrylic, black spatter finish (standard model)
• Dimensions
  • 260 mm (10.2“) high
  • 325 mm (12.8“) wide
  • 235 mm (9.25“) deep
• Weight 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs)

Notes:

Notes:

1. Sensitivity
   Input sensitivities refer to 50 W into 4 ohm, full gain and master settings, neutral tone control settings, and 1 kHz sine-wave test signal.

2. Noise and dynamic range

3. Equivalent input noise voltages are typical values obtained by measuring noise voltage at speaker output and dividing by the voltage gain of the amplifier for white noise. Full gain and master settings, neutral tone control settings, input shorted, measuring bandwidth 20 Hz – 20 kHz.

4. Dynamic range of power amplifier: Ratio of between output signal at limiter threshold to A-weighted output noise with a master in zero position.

5. Output levels
   Output levels refer to 50 mV/1 kHz sine-wave test signal at channel 1 input, full gain and master settings, neutral tone control settings, and send fully clockwise.

6. Options

   • The gain of channel 2 in mic mode can be decreased by 4.6 dB by an internal jumper.
   • 48 V phantom power can be deactivated by an internal jumper.
   • 9 V phantom power for channel 1 can be applied by an internal jumper to the “ring” terminal of the input jack.
     Caution: Use this option with care. Read the operating instructions.

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

Circuit Diagram

www.aer-amps.com.

References

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