Fishman PRO-LBT-700 Loudbox Performer Instruction Manual

Fishman PRO-LBT-700 Loudbox Performer

Introduction

Our most potent acoustic amplifier, the Loudbox Performer, enables you to be heard solo or in an ensemble in any scenario. You may now easily and cleanly add backing tracks or other accompaniment to your performances, jam sessions, and practice sessions with the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The Loudbox Performer has two flexible input channels that accommodate both 1/4″ and XLR sources for instruments and microphones, 180 watts of clear bi- amplified acoustic sound.

GETTING STARTED

Here are some basic setup tips to help get you going. To operate the Loudbox Performer safely, please read the entire manual, especially the Important Safety Instructions on page 2.

If your amplifier has an operating voltage of 120V, plug the provided AC line cord into the back of the amplifier.

If your amplifier operates at 100V or 230V, you must supply your own detachable power cord. The cord you supply must have an IEC-style 320 connector at one end and a male AC plug appropriate for your area at the other.

1. Locate the Power switch (above the rear panel power cord terminal) and switch it off (down position), then connect the power cord.
2. Plug the Loudbox Performer into an electrical outlet with the appropriate AC voltage.
3. Turn down the Master Volume control and turn on the Power switch.
4. Connect your instrument to the Channel 1 input with a shielded ¼” cable.
5. 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.
6. Set the tone controls “flat” as illustrated below.
7. 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.
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 pre- recorded music on your breaks.
16. MASTER VOLUME Set the overall level of the Loudbox Performer 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.
17. POWER Lights up when the amplifier power is on.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. TWEETER LEVEL Turn this control to attenuate the tweeter’s output level to where it sounds best to you.
21. 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. For 120V amplifiers purchased in the USA, Canada and Mexico, plug in the supplied detachable AC power cable. For 100V and 230V amplifiers purchased outside the USA and Canada, you will need to supply your own detachable AC cable. This cable must have an IEC- style 320 connector at one end, and a male AC plug appropriate for your region at the other. 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 stompbox- style 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 stompbox- style 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 Per- former’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 Performer. 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 Loudbox Performer BT 180-Watt 1×5 Inches + 1×8 Inches Acoustic Combo Amp with Tweeter (9)

1/4” Input                        5MOhm

XLR Input                         2.4kOhm Balanced

Aux Input (stereo)             10kOhm

Phantom Power

XLR Input                         24VDC / 1.2kOhm DC source impedance per pin

Tone Controls and Anti-feedback:

Low                                ±12.5dB @ 50Hz (resonant)

Mid                                ±10.5dB @ 750Hz (resonant)

High                               ±12.5dB @ 10kHz (shelving)

Anti-Feedback range         -14dB @ 15Hz – 330Hz (Hi-Q resonant notch)

Channel 1 & 2 D.I. output:

Output Impedance            440Ohm balanced Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated

Channel 1 & 2 Effects Sends: Output Impedance                2.2kOhm Operating Level                                        -10dBV Nominal

Channel 1 & 2 Effects Returns:

Input Impedance               28k Ohm

Input Voltage                   -10dBV Nominal

(Sends and returns are compatible with battery operated effects processors)

mix D.I. output:

Output Impedance            440Ohm balanced Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated

Speaker System:

Woofer                           8” paper cone, acoustic suspension

Midrange                         5” poly cone, acoustic suspension

Tweeter                           1” cloth dome, neodymium magnet

Tweeter Level                   Up to 6dB cut @ 10kHz

Crossover                        Bi-amplified with active/passive hybrid crossover 500Hz, active; 3.5kHz, passive

Baffle Angle                      10 Degrees

Rated Power:

Cumulative                      180Wrms

Woofer Amp                   120Wrms continuous Mid/Tweeter Amp      60Wrms continuous SPL @ 1 Meter 114dB SPL Frequency Response    80Hz – 20kHz (-4dB)

Power Consumption: 200W max

fuse Rating:

100V, 50/60Hz: T2.5AL 250V (2.5A slow-blow)

120V, 50/60Hz: T2.5AL 250V (2.5A slow-blow)

240V, 50/60Hz: T1.25AL 250V (1.25A slow-blow)

Physical:

Dimensions                      18.2” H x 15.8” W x 11.5”D (462mm x 401mm x

292mm)

Weight                           29.4 (13.3 kg)

FAQs

Can you plug in 2 instruments at the same time (violin and cello) on the mini?****

There’s an instrument plug in and a mike plug in. Unless you have a DHL attachment you can’t plug a second instrument in directly.

Will this cover fit a Fishman Loudbox 100?****

I own the cover in question. According to research I did, it will fit loudbox 100. I am happy with product, what shows is what I received. Comes with Fishman Logo.

How many hours does this amp last on a fully charged battery? Are there issues with battery charge life shortening?****

Six, I believe. Every time you charge any battery, it shortens its life a bit.

Can I use the loudbox mini charge as an amplifier for my synthesizer/keyboard?****

I use mine for violin viola cello guitar and bass guitar and it has worked great I would not go too loud on piano or bass though just to be safe.

What would you say ideal room/venue size and reachable crowd size is for this if playing an indoor or outdoor gig using both a mic & acoustic guitar?****

I have a Loudbox Performer 700 that I use and if you are playing outdoor, I highly recommend moving up to that. The 500 should be adequate depending on the size area you are playing.

Can you use a Bluetooth transmitter. I have an older one that does not pair. If anyone has been successful with this perhaps could offer a suggestion****

If you have an older model, it’s probably not equipped with the Bluetooth option. Newer, Bluetooth units have a Bluetooth pairing button on the faceplate.

What devices will play over this bluetooth****

Any device that stores or steams music and has Bluetooth can be played. e.g. iPhone, iPad, other cell phones.

Does it have any bottom end or produces a bright sound like all the other 6.5″ speakers? has anyone played this side by side against a bugera ac60?****

I have not.

Can a cd player be plugged into the “aux. input” on the back of the unit? My player’s cord is 1/4″ and input looks to be 1/8″. Is there an adapter?****

Should be able to. You could also get a cable with a stereo mini and a stereo phone plug.

How is this amp at real low volume? I live in an apartment and I don’t want to bother the neighbors…****

I find the amp very acceptable at low volume. My acoustic uses a Fishman pickup so it and the amp are nicely compatible. I feel like it would work well in an apartment.

Can this unit be switched to 220 Volt? If so, how?****

For the Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge 60W the answer is yes, because the power supply is charging a battery not directly powering the amp. I just looked at my encapsulated power supply and it is rated 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 1.5A Max. It has a USA plug so you will need to get an adaptor. But not a voltage adapter.

is it loud enough to use for church services? playing and singing through****

Only up to perhaps 100, 150 people. Just you playing and singing, yes. I’ve used mine in a room of only 48 people, a lot of them talking (a wine bar) and only had the volume up to half, still plenty of headroom.

How long is available on the loop****

There is no loop effect on this amplifier.

So it’s 220 v ?****

Not mine! Don’t know that there is a 220v version. Mine is 120V.

What is the replacement battery for this unit?****

No battery. AC powered.

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