Laney A-DUO Acoustic Guitar Amplifier User Manual

USER MANUAL

WWW.LANEY.CO.UK
DESIGNED & ENGINEERED IN THE UK BY LANEY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions safe.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. An apparatus with Class I construction shall be connected to a main socket outlet with a protective connection. 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 third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.

12. 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.

13. The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. The user should allow easy access to any mains plug, mains coupler, and mains switch used in conjunction with this unit thus making it readily operable. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the 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.

15. Never break off the ground pin. Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.

16. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.

17. Note for the UK only: If the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the terminals in your plug‚ proceed as follows:
    a) The wire that is colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E‚ the earth symbol‚ colored green or colored green and yellow.
    b) The wire that is colored blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N or the color black.
    c) The wire that is colored brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L or the color red.

18. 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.

19. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause 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.
    

| Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated ‘DangerousVoltage’ within the enclosure of the product that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
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| Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

CAUTION

| Risk of electrical shock – DO NOT OPEN. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

WARNING:
To prevent electrical shock or fire hazards, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Before using this appliance please read the operating instructions for further warnings.

After unpacking your amplifier check that it is factory fitted with a three- pin ‘grounded’ (or earthed) plug. Before plugging into the power supply ensure you are connecting to a grounded earth outlet. If you should wish to change the factory fitted plug yourself, ensure that the wiring convention applicable to the country where the amplifier is to be used is strictly conformed to. As an example in the United Kingdom, the cable color code for connections is as follows.

NOTE
This manual has been written for easy access to information. The front and rear panels are graphically illustrated, with each control and feature numbered. For a description of the function of each control feature, simply check the number with the explanations adjacent to each panel.
Your Laney amplifier has undergone a thorough two-stage, pre-delivery inspection, involving actual playtesting.
When you first receive your Laney guitar amplifier, follow these simple procedures:
(i) Ensure that the amplifier is the correct voltage for the country it is to be used in.
(ii) Connect your instrument with a high-quality shielded instrument cable. You have probably spent considerable money on your amplifier and guitar – don’t use poor quality cable it won’t do your gear justice.
Please retain your original carton and packaging so in the unlikely event that sometime in the future your amplifier should require servicing you will be able to return it to your dealer securely packed.
Care of your Laney amplifier will prolong its life and yours!

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 that 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 Laney
Chairman and Founder.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome and thank you for choosing the new A-DUO.
The A-DUO is a professional, compact and portable acoustic guitar amplifier focused on quality performance. Uniquely
designed for you to sit on whilst playing, the control panel is placed to be easily accessible during your performance.
The A-DUO is equipped with two independent channels capable of accepting either XLR or Jack inputs via the XLR combi inputs so whatever output system your acoustic guitar has the A-DUO has it covered. With a high-quality onboard Reverb and Chorus, the A-DUO lets you choose to enhance your guitar sound without losing any of the quality of your original guitar tone.
Although designed primarily for acoustic guitar the A-DUO is equally at home handling a keyboard or a vocal mic, making the A-DUO is ideally suited as a small PA system for party jams or intimate performances.
Please continue to read the rest of this manual as it is the key to getting the best out of your A-Duo.

QUICK START

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

2. POWER-UP
   

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 CONTROLS

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 a minimum before connecting a device to the Mic/Line inputs. For best results, always use a good quality instrument/mic cable. for use with condenser microphones, but dynamic microphones won’t be damaged if used. Phantom Power (15V nonswitchable) is available from the XLR Inputs only. This is
   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. amplifier, but audio quality may suffer.
   Peak illuminates constantly = possible distortion. The damage won’t occur to the running at optimum levels.
   Peak is never illuminated = slightly reduced signal to noise ratio as the amplifier is not

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 positions.

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 2. The Reverb Level increases progressively as you move the control from 0 to 10.
   Also controls Chorus Level.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-Duo is equipped to deal with this.

7. ANTI-FEEDBACK: When the Anti-Feedback control is enabled the A-Duo actively and automatically searches for any signs of feedback (over multiple frequencies) and eliminates it before becoming a serious problem.
   If you have microphones connected, enable the Anti-Feedback.

8. PHASE SWITCH: Inverts the phase of the signal from the amplifier output. 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 sitting close to an amplifier, this poses a small problem if the waveforms 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 lackluster. 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 feedback 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 canceled out naturally.

9. VOLUME: To control the overall output level from the loudspeaker, phones, FX Send and D.I. Out.

10. MUTE: This will mute CH1 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 1.
    REAR PANEL
    

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 favorite 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) footswitch 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 on page 8. Note: the DI out level is nominal 500mV.
    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. Ideal when the A-Duo is pole mounted to compensate for the 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 emphasizes the vocal content. Also ideal for outdoors.

18. MAINS INLET AND POWER SWITCH:
    A Universal mains input for worldwide usage without the need to change anything except your power cord and fuse rating. The fuse rating will be correct for the country in which the unit was sold. If used elsewhere, check the fitted fuse is of the correct rating. See information on A-Duo rear panel.
    The unit must be earthed under all circumstances!
    Set Power switch to the off position (0) and disconnect the power connector when the amplifier is not in use.

USING THE A-DUO

SAMPLE SETUP

CONNECTION IDEAS:

BLOCK DIAGRAM

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference
• This device must accept any interference received, that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications 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 devices, 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 (EU2011/65/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 center according to the recommendations of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive applicable in your country.

SPECIFICATION

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

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