Laney A-FRESCO Acoustic Guitar Combo Amplifier User Manual

Laney A-FRESCO Acoustic Guitar Combo Amplifier User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read & Retain these Instructions carefully before installing or operating this product.

2. Comply with Warnings: All warnings and instructions for these products should be adhered to.

3. Unpacking: On unpacking your product please check carefully for any signs of damage that may have occurred whilst in transit from the Laney factory to your dealer. In the unlikely event that there has been damage, please re-pack your unit in its original carton and consult your dealer. We strongly advise you to keep your original transit carton,since in the unlikely event that your unit should develop a fault,you will be able to return it to your dealer for rectification securely packed.

4. Amplifier Connection: In order to avoid damage, it is advisable to establish and follow a pattern for turning on and off your system.With all system parts connected,turn on source equipment,CD/MP3 players,mixers/recorders,etc,BEFORE turning on your guitar amplifier.Many products have large transient surges at turn on and off which can cause damage to your speakers.By turning on your guitar amplifier LAST and making sure its level control is set to a minimum,any transients from other equipment should not reach your loud speakers.Wait till all system parts have stabilised,usually a couple of seconds. Similarly when turning off your system always turn down the level controls on your guitar amplifier and then turn off its power before turning off other equipment.

5. Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the DC Power Supply 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.

6. Placement: This electrical apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and care should be taken not to place objects containing liquids, such as vases, upon the apparatus.
   Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not block any of the ventilation openings.
   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.
   

7.  When using the DC power Supply: Only use the approved DC power supply provided by the manufacturer. Rating 24VDC 1.5A. Protected by a 125°C thermal fuse.
   Protect the power cord on the DC power Supply from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point they exit from the apparatus.(See notes on using the DC Power Supply page 5).

8. Battery Pack: Use the A-FRESCO Li-Ion battery pack only. (See notes on fitting and replacing batteries page 8).

9. Sound Levels: Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time.
   The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures: According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Earplugs or protectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above.To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

10. Maintenance: Clean only with a dry cloth.

11. Pole Stand: Don’t over-extend poles/tripods; ensure at least 4 x the diameter is still inside the outer pole.

Make sure the legs have a good splay on the tripod, but do not obstruct doorways or other access-ways. Ensure the unit is stable and cannot fall over.

WELCOME

Dear Player,

Thank you very much for purchasing your new Laney product and becoming part of the worldwide Laney family.

Each and every Laney unit is designed and built with the utmost attention to care and detail, so I trust yours will give you many years of enjoyment.

Laney products have a heritage which stretches back to 1967 when I first began building valve amplifiers in my parents’ garage.

Since then we have moved on from strength to strength developing an extensive range of guitar, bass, public address, multi instrument and keyboard amplification products along with a list of Laney endorsees that includes some of the world’s most famous and respected musicians.

At the same time we believe we have not lost sight of the reason Laney was founded in the first place – a dedication to building great sounding amplification for working musicians.

Warm Regards,
Lyndon Lane
Chairman and Founder.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome and thank you for choosing the A-FRESCO
The A-FRESCO is a professional, compact and portable acoustic guitar amplifier, that can be powered using either the battery pack or high-quality PSU, both supplied and is dedicated to delivering a clean and clear amplified acoustic guitar tone wherever and whenever you need it.

Whether in the studio, on stage or out-doors, the A-FRESCO delivers every time.
The A-FRESCO was designed with complete portability in mind and features a compact cabinet an ergonomic carrying handle and comes fitted with top hat for pole or tripod mounting.
The A-FRESCO gives you total freedom to play where you want indoors or out.
When you are out and about, a fully charged battery pack can deliver up to 24hrs of non–stop amplification. The battery pack features an elegant, easy to use, quick release mechanism meaning the time take to change a battery pack is kept to an absolute minimum.

The A-FRESCO features two independent channels capable of accepting either XLR or Jack inputs via the combi inputs so whatever output system your acoustic guitar has the A- FRESCO has it covered.

Although designed primarily for acoustic guitar the A-FRESCO is equally at home handling a keyboard or a vocal mic, making the
A-FRESCO ideally suited as a small PA system for party jams or street performances.
Please continue to read the rest of this manual as it is the key to getting the best out of your A-FRESCO.

QUICK START

1. CONNECT
   Guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin or violin for example.
   

2. POWER-UP
   For battery power options, please see before continuing. The Power switch located on the Rear panel will bring the A-FRESCO to life.

3. SET LEVELS:
   Slowly increase the Level control until the Peak led begins to flash during the loudest peaks of the music.
   
   Increase the Volume control until the required listening level is achieved.
   

4. ADD EQ:
   Fine tune your sound with the 3-band EQ and Shape control, add to the overall tone with Cabinet EQ (17), or experiment with a mixture of the three.
   

5. ADD FX
   If required, add independently assignable Chorus and Reverb.
   
   

FRONT PANEL CONTOLS

1. CH1/CH2 MIC/LINE INPUT: Combi sockets provide the flexibility to connect either a balanced XLR or unbalanced jack terminated cable. Set Level control (2) to minimum before connecting a device to the Mic/Line inputs. For best results, always use a good quality instrument/mic cable

   • Phantom Power (15V non switchable) is available from the XLR Inputs only. This is for use with condenser microphones, but dynamic mics won’t be damaged if used Please note that some 48V condenser Mics may not work.

2. LEVEL/PEAK: Use together to find the optimum level for your signal. Adjust the Level so the Peak only lights during the very highest peaks of the connected signal.
   Peak illuminates constantly = possible distortion. Damage won’t occur to the amplifier, but audio quality may suffer.
   Peak is never illuminated = slightly reduced signal to noise ratio as amplifier is not running at optimum levels.

3. SHAPE: Engages an EQ circuit to give a brighter, more extended top end and scooped mid to provide more definition.

4. EQ: A traditional set of tone controls giving the player a natural set of tools to shape their ideal sound. As a starting point, set the EQ controls to the 0 position.

5. CHORUS: To engage the Chorus press the Chorus switch. The adjacent LED lights only when the effect is active.To adjust the chorus amount, press and hold the Chorus switch (while the chorus is active) and adjust using the Reverb control. Once you release the Chorus switch, the LED will briefly flash to indicate the setting has been stored.
   The amplifier is shipped with a Chorus level of 3

6. REVERB LEVEL: Use these to independently control the reverb/chorus for channels 1 and
   The Reverb Level increases progressively as you move the control from 0 to 10.
   Also controls Chorus Level (when the Chorus button is pushed down).
   
   Audio feedback is caused when a loop occurs between a microphone or guitar pickup and the loudspeaker. Commonly caused by pointing a microphone at a speaker or simply by the two being too close.The result is an unpleasant screeching or whistling sound. The A-FRESCO is equipped to deal with this.

7. ANTI-FEEDBACK: When the Anti-Feedback control is enabled the A FRESCO actively and automatically searches for any signs of feedback (over multiple frequencies) and greatly reduces the possibility of it before becoming a serious problem.
   It is recommended that Anti-Feedback is enabled if acoustic guitars or microphones are connected.

8. PHASE: Switches the phase of the signal from the amplifier. When you play any acoustic guitar the sound it produces is a waveform, the same applies to an acoustic guitar plugged into an acoustic amplifier. It is not uncommon for these two waveforms to be out of phase with each other. To a player sat close to an amplifier this poses a small problem if the wave forms are out of phase as they are destructive to each other and cancel each other out. This would cause the guitar to sound a little thin and lack-lustre. Engaging the phase switch switches the phase of the amplified signal removing the problem of destructive interference. However sometimes the low frequencies being in phase can cause acoustic feed back problems, to avoid this try operating the phase reversal switch. Most times this will cure the problem. One thing to point out is that the audience does not hear any phase problems as by the time the sound wave reaches them any phase differences have been cancelled out naturally.

9. VOLUME: To control the overall output level from Phones, FX Send and Speakers

10. MUTE: This will mute Inputs 1 and 2, but not signals connected to AUX IN or FX RETURN.
    The Power Led will flash when the Mute is enabled.

11. POWER: Illuminates when the Power Switch is set to on.
    **REAR PANEL CONTROLS

**

12. PHONES: For silent practice or late night playing just connect your favourite headphones to the 3.5mm jack socket.
    When headphones are connected, the internal loudspeakers are automatically turned off

13. AUX IN: Play along to your favourite tracks by connecting an MP3 player (or any other line level device) using a stereo 3.5mm jack.

14. FX LOOP: Gives you the option to route the pre-amp signal through an additional FX unit.This could be in addition to or as an alternative to the onboard FX.

15. REMOTE: Connect an FS2-Mini (2-way) foot switch and independently control Reverb and Chorus remotely
    Ring: Chorus
    Tip: Reverb

16. D.I. OUT: This socket provides a balanced output for direct injection of the amplifier signal into a mixing desk mic input. Using the Source switch, choose if the signal is Pre or Post EQ, FX and Mute. Refer to the block diagram.
    Finally, a ground lift switch is also provided to reduce the possibility of earth loop induced hum (when connecting to other equipment)

17. EQ: This dual function switch allows you to select one of four pre-defined EQ curves allowing you to adjust the tonal balance.To toggle from one to the next simply press the switch momentarily.
    An adjacent LED will clearly indicate what’s selected.The EQ setting will be stored in memory, ready for use next time.
    Flat: General purpose EQ setting – ideal for floor use.
    Bass: An increase in the low frequency content of your audio. Use when the A-FRESCO is pole mounted to compensate for bass loss.
    Loud: An increase in both low and high frequencies. Ideal for pole mounted use with added definition
    Vocal: Decreases the amount of bass and emphasises the vocal content. Also ideal for outdoors.
    BATTERY MONITOR: Used to quickly and easily see the battery pack charge status. The FULL led will illuminate when the battery pack has a charge capacity of 90% or greater, with the battery low led illuminating when around one hour of use remains (the time will vary depending on settings). The battery status is displayed at power up, or can be checked at any time by pressing and holding the EQ switch.
    
    Please note: for maximum visibility, the battery low led will flash even without the battery check switch pressed. A full charge, sooner rather than later is recommended when the battery warning illuminates

18. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: The A-FRESCO comes with a quick release (no tools required) high quality 14.8V Li-Ion power pack. For more information on battery use, please see.

19. CHARGE LED: An indication of the current charge status of the battery
    RED: Battery pack charging.
    GREEN: Battery pack fully charged.

20. DC INLET: The A-FRESCO comes supplied with a high quality universal 24V Power Supply unit which will work around the world with all regional mains voltages.

21. POWER: The main power switch for the unit.
    For extended battery life, the A-FRESCO has a sleep function. The factory setting is Sleep mode disabled.
    To enable / disable the sleep mode, press and hold the EQ button (17) for one second whilst turning the power on. The two leds in the image to the right indicate the sleep mode state.
    During the transition from one mode to the other, the current mode state led will flash, followed by the new one
    The setting will remain current (even after a power cycle) until the mode is switched using the method above.
    Sleep mode active: The amplifier will enter a sleep state after a short period of inactivity. As soon as signal is detected at channel 1 or 2 inputs, the amplifier will exit the sleep mode will be ready for use.
    Sleep mode over-ride: The sleep mode is disabled.
    Use this mode when a signal is connected to the Aux input only, ie no signal connected to CH1 or CH2 or when do not want the A-FRESCO to enter a sleep slate.

BATTERY MONITOR: Used to quickly and easily see the battery pack charge status. The FULL led will illuminate when the battery pack has a charge capacity of 90% or greater, with the battery low led illuminating when around one hour of use remains (the time will vary depending on settings). The battery status is displayed at power up, or can be checked at any time by pressing and holding the EQ switch.

Please note: for maximum visibility, the battery low led will flash even without the battery check switch pressed. A full charge, sooner rather than later is recommended when the battery warning illuminates

BATTERY COMPARTMENT: The A-FRESCO comes with a quick release (no tools required) high quality 14.8V Li-Ion power pack.

CHARGE LED: An indication of the current charge status of the battery.
RED: Battery pack charging
GREEN: Battery pack fully charged.

DC INLET: The A-FRESCO comes supplied with a high quality universal 24V Power Supply unit which will work around the world with all regional mains voltages.

POWER: The main power switch for the unit.

For extended battery life, the A-FRESCO has a sleep function. The factory setting is Sleep mode disabled.
To enable / disable the sleep mode, press and hold the EQ button (17) for one second whilst turning the power on. The two leds in the image to the right indicate the sleep mode state
During the transition from one mode to the other, the current mode state led will flash, followed by the new one.
The setting will remain current (even after a power cycle) until the mode is switched using the method above.
Sleep mode active: The amplifier will enter a sleep state after a short period of inactivity. As soon as signal is detected at channel 1 or 2 inputs, the amplifier will exit the sleep mode will be ready for use. Sleep mode over- ride: The sleep mode is disabled.

Use this mode when a signal is connected to the Aux input only, ie no signal connected to CH1 or CH2 or when do not want the A-FRESCO to enter a sleep slate.

The A-FRESCO Li-Ion battery pack is removable so can quickly be replaced with a second pack (available separately, part number BPS18650-4) for prolonged portable use.

HOW TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK

1. Turn off the power to the A-FRESCO.
2. Turn the release mechanism clockwise and carefully slide the power pack out of the unit
3. Before removing the battery pack, unlock by turning the release mechanism anti-clockwise.
   
   
   

CHARGING

The A-FRESCO will charge the onboard power pack from flat to full in around three hours. The Charge rate will be fastest when the A-FRESCO is not in use (either with the power switch on or off). Charging will still occur (at a reduced rate) when the unit is in use.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

BATTERY SAFETY

If used incorrectly, batteries may leak or explode and cause damage or injury, please take the following precautions.
Only charge the Li-Ion battery pack with the A-FRESCO.
Only charge the Li-Ion battery pack with the A-FRESCO.
The battery has short circuit protection, we do however suggest that the battery pack is kept away from conductive items such as paper clips or coins when removed from the unit.
Do not dispose of used batteries in fire or water systems. Batteries must not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunlight, fire or the like.

Used batteries should always be disposed of in compliance with the current regulations applicable to the country/region where you live.

SAMPLE SETUP

CONNECTION IDEAS

BLOCK DIAGRAM

FCC COMPLIANCY STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, that may cause undesired operation.

Warning: Changes or modification to the equipment not approved by Laney can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 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 and 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.

This product conforms to the requirements of the following European Regulations, Directives & Rules:
CE Mark (93/68/EEC), Low Voltage (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU),
RoHS (2011/65/EU), ErP (2009/125/EU).
In order to reduce environmental damage, at the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of along with normal household waste to landfill sites. It must be taken to an approved recycling centre according to the recommendations of the WEEE
(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive applicable in your country.

SPECIFICATION

Shape: 3 Band Preshape EQ
FX Channel1:| Reverb: Adjustable amount
Chorus: Adjustable amount
FX Channel2| Reverb: Adjustable amount
Chorus: Adjustable amount
Other| Anti-Feedback control| Auto 12 Position notch filter
 | Phase
D.I. Out| Balanced XLR with source switch and GND lift
Aux In| 3.5mm Stereo jack
Headphones| 3.5mm Stereo jack
(Speaker mutes when headphones are connected)
 | 2.1mm DC inlet for 24V/1.5A supply (included)
14.8V Li-Ion Battery pack (included)
Pole cup| For use with a standard 35mm pole stand (not included)
Unit dimensions (HWD| 350 x 265 x 245mm, 13.8″ x 10.4″ x 9.6″
Unit weight| 7.8Kg, 17.2 lbs
Carton dimensions (HWD| 450 x 310 x 285mm, 17.7″ x 12.2″ x 11.2″
Packed weight :| 9.3Kg, 20.5 lbs
Optional Extras| Li-Ion Battery pack – Part number: BP-S18650-4
FS2-Mini Foot switch PN: FS2-MINI
Gig Bag PN: GB-AFRESCO

Mic

In the interest of continued development, Laney reserves the right to amend product specification without prior notification.

1. GROUND
2. HOT
3. COLD

Line In, FX Send/Return

Remote

TIP: REVERB REMOTE
RING: CHORUS REMOTE
SLEEVE: GROUND
Aux In, Phones

TIP: LEFT
RING: RIGHT
SLEEVE: GROUND
D.I. Out

1. GROUND
2. HOT
3. COLD

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