Trance Audio VT, DV Amulet Ultra Multi Stereo User Guide

: August 20, 2024
: TRANCE AUDIO

Table of Contents

Trance Audio VT, DV Amulet Ultra Multi Stereo User Guide
Product information
Product Usage Instructions
Amulet Ultra System in your guitar
Installing your Amulet Ultra System
Trim control
system power
Endpin Jack Installation
Phantom Power
Amulet Ultra Guaranteed

Trance Audio VT, DV Amulet Ultra Multi Stereo User Guide

Product information

feature

Product Name : Amulet Ultra True Stereo
Model : VT and DV
System Components : Upgrade Kits (endpin assembly with preamp and pickup input adapter)
Controls : VT – master volume and tone control, DV – 2 volume controls

Product Usage Instructions

Preamp controls
- Each Amulet Ultra True Stereo Preamp has specific controls. The VT has a master volume and tone control for high-end roll-off, while the Ultra DV has 2 volume controls for individual pickup volume adjustments.
To adjust the volume:
- Set the volume thumbwheel to the low or off position when plugging in the amp to avoid sudden loud noises. Gradually adjust the desired volume.
Pre mounting the amp:
- To pre-mount the amp, use the supplied Velcro. Make sure the bass side of the soundhole has a secure attachment. Create a suitable mounting location by applying velcro surface and securing with wire clips to prevent cable noise during operation.
Connecting the endpin and pickup plug:
- Endpins and pickup plugs have a keyed design for proper orientation. The top of the connector should face the silver strip when installing to ensure a proper connection.
Power Slide Switch:
- Set the power slide switch on the side of the preamp to your preferred operation mode.

First of all, thank you for purchasing what we believe is the best acoustic guitar pickup system available today. As you use your Amulet Ultra, we’re sure you’ll feel the same way!
The Amulet Ultra True Stereo VT and DV Complete System includes:

Acoustic lens pickup (pair) assembly plus installed items (see Acoustic Lens Pickup Installation Guide for details)
Soundhole-mounted Ultra Dual Mono preamp
Endpin/battery clip assembly
Cable clip
Battery bag
Custom Shop Options : Amulet Ultra True Stereo VT & DV Upgrade Kits (endpin assembly with preamp and pickup input adapter)

Please read all of these instructions before installing your system and contact us with any questions!
Each Amulet Ultra True Stereo Preamp has 2 thumbwheel controls – the VT has a master volume and tone control (high-end roll off), the Ultra DV has 2 volume controls giving you on-the-fly control of each pickup’s volume independently (see page 4). We recommend that you make sure that the volume thumbwheel is set to the low (or off) position when plugging in the amplifier, and then adjust it to your desired volume to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Amulet Ultra System in your guitar

Install the battery bag on or near the neck block for easy battery access

Installing your Amulet Ultra System

For detailed pickup installation instructions, please see our guide at https://tranceaudio.com/support/
It is very important to prepare the surface of the guitar where you are going to apply the adhesive, be it the Velcro patch used for the battery bag and amp, stick-on cable. Clip or self pickup. The interior surfaces of the guitar collect dust and dirt, and the guitar finishing process often leaves sawdust as well as lacquer or other types of spray.
After deciding where to place the adhesive, prepare this surface by lightly sanding with 100 grit sandpaper on a small sanding block to remove any surface dirt. Blow off any dust using compressed air if possible and wipe the surface with a small clean cloth lightly dampened with water or Windex to pick up any residue. Allow these areas to dry completely (at least half an hour) before applying adhesive. Failure to clean and prepare the surface will result in premature failure of the adhesive.

Pre MountingAMP
The Amulet Ultra preamp module is extremely lightweight, and is therefore very easy to mount securely to the bass side of the soundhole on most guitars using the velcro supplied with the system. Most guitars have a brace mounted near the soundhole, and this brace varies greatly in shape and location. Some braces are flat and thin, while others are rounded or raised, and some are closer to the soundhole, while others are further away.

The preamp doesn’t need to grip the entire surface of the velcro to create a strong attachment, so you can help tip the preamp by using the surface of the brace to tip the amp thumbwheels toward the outer surface of the soundhole, bringing the wheels to the top of the instrument at a slight angle to make them easier to access while playing.
The ideal mounting situation is to have the velcro on the front of the preamp attached to the front of the soundhole, while the center or rear amp is attached to the velcro covering the soundhole brace, tipping the preamp towards the edge of the soundhole.

Once the two Velcro surfaces are together, moving the pre back and forth and twisting it slightly will create a better connection between the Velcro hook and loop and a more secure mounting amp for the pre.
Preamp modules have the hook portion of the Velcro already applied, so the loop portion of the Velcro is applied to the soundhole; The loop material is much softer and more flexible, so it’s easier to apply and mold the inside top and place braces around the soundhole to create the perfect surface to securely mount the pre.amp module.

Once you’ve created a suitable mounting location for the preamp, you can plug the endpin connector and input connector into their respective locations (see page 9), set the power slide switch on the side to your preferred operation mode (see page 12), and install the pre can.amp module securely in place. Move and twist the Velcro a bit to help lock it together, and use the provided wire clips to secure the cables so they don’t rattle and make noise during your performance.

The pickup input assembly and endpin/battery clip assembly jack have a keyed design so that it plugs in properly with a plug facing only one direction.

This is called a polarized connector, and it ensures that all cable wires are connected correctly during installation. To ensure you can easily and correctly install the endpins and pickup plugs, they each have a silver stripe printed on the top of the connector. Make sure this strip faces the amp jack when you install the connector

The endpin connector socket is easily visible on the left rear of the unit, while the input connector socket for the pickup is recessed somewhat inside the unit,
labeled “INPUT” directly on the top cover of the unit.

You can use the colored heatshrink tubing on the connector as a handle to guide it inside the unit, directly to the print on the top cover. When properly aligned, you will feel the connector slide into place and lock. It helps to practice this a few times with the pickup and endpin assembly before installing it into the device so you know how the connectors feel when installed correctly.
To unplug the connector , gently pull on the heatshrink handles near the connector and gently wiggle them until the connector is unlocked and removed.

Trim control

Each preamp channel has its own easily accessible gain trimmer that allows you to set the perfect balance between pickups. These can also be used to match the level of your instrument to your amplification system, and match the level between multiple instruments allowing for smooth transitions between instruments during a performance.

This control can be adjusted using the provided 3mm Phillips head screwdriver or a small flat-blade screwdriver or a #1 size Phillips head screwdriver. As with any regular trimmer, there are mechanical stops at each end of the rotation, so be careful not to push it past its limits when adjusting, or you could damage it. Gain trimmers for the pickups are readily available on the edge of the soundhole, allowing for quick and easy adjustments even after the system is installed.

Turning the trimmer to the right (CW) will increase the gain, and turning it to the left (CCW) will decrease the gain
Careful adjustments will allow you to achieve the perfect balance between your instrument’s bass and treble strings.
The adjustment range is typically 18db, which is wide enough to set any desired balance between pickups
Trimmer 1 adjusts the channel 1 (bass side/blue) pickup and trimmer 2 adjusts the channel 2 (treble side/red) pickup.

Note : The frequency response of the preamplifier channels are identical, and if preferred, the blue/red pickups can be used on both bass/treble.

Trimmers are set to center at the factory, which is usually a good starting point. By setting the thumbwheel volume control(s) to maximum volume, you can adjust the trimmer up or down to the desired balance and overall volume for your particular setup.

system power

Battery/Phantom Power Switch
Your Amulet Ultra preamp can be powered by a single 48V battery (on the back of the preamp) when the switch is set to B (toward the thumbwheel controls) or via 9v phantom power when set to P. After connecting a new battery to the battery cable, make sure it is securely fastened with the Velcro closure in the battery bag, so that it does not come loose in the instrument while performing. Note: If you have a battery installed, you do not need to remove it when using the phantom power option; When the switch is in the phantom position, the battery will be turned off.
The Ultra Stereo system goes into your mixer as 2 separate channels.

You have several cabling options:
Cable for Battery Power – Use a 1/4” TRS to Dual 1/4″ Male Mono insert cable to plug into your mixer.

Cable for Phantom Power r – Use a female XLR to dual unbalanced male XLR to 4/48” TRS to male XLR cable with a Y-splitter in your mixer with 1V phantom power supplying power to the Ultra system. 1/4″ TRS to Dual XLR Male Y-Splitter stereo breakout cables can also be used.

Alternatively, you can use a 1/4″ TRS to XLR in the Phantom Power box and use a Y-splitter cable on its output to go into your mixer. Please contact us with any questions about suitable cables and our custom shop cables and phantom power boxes.

The Amulet Ultra preamp is designed to operate with 48 volt phantom power. The preamp will not work with lower phantom power levels such as 24 or 12 volts. While these lower volumes may be useful for some types of small microphones, they will not properly power the Amulet Ultra, so be sure and check the manufacturer’s information for any unit you are considering using with our system. See page 18 for more information on Phantom Power.

Endpin Jack Installation

The endpin jack serves as the system’s audio output, power on/off switch, and strap button where you can secure the back of the strap to your instrument. When using batteries to power the system, be sure to unplug the cable when not in use to preserve battery life.
Please Note : In order to install the Amulet Ultra Endpin Jack, your guitar must have a standard size endpin jack hole (1/2”). If your guitar does not already have an endpin jack hole, this must be added by a professional luthier or experienced guitar repair technician as it can damage your instrument if done incorrectly.

Amulet Ultra’s endpin can accommodate endblock depths up to 7/8″. This is not a problem for most modern guitars, but some older instruments may have thicker endblocks. If necessary, you can check the endblock depth yourself.
Remove the strap nut, small hex nut, and small flat washer from the Amulet Ultra endpin assembly.
From the inside of the guitar, insert the endpin assembly through the endblock hole, making sure the large flat washer and locking washer do not fall out. Adjust the large hex nut so that the large threads are about 1⁄16″ shy of the outside of the endblock.
Thread a small flat washer and small hex nut, then insert a 3⁄32″ (2.3 mm) or smaller diameter shaft through the small hole in the front of the endpin shaft (a small screwdriver or drill bit should work well for this).
Tighten the nut with a 1/2″ open end or crescent wrench while you put the jack in place and preamp a small screwdriver, drill bit, etc. From turning with. Then install the strap nut and hand tighten.

Note : When installed correctly, the end of the jack will be flush or slightly forward of the strap nut, so when the plug is inserted, it will snap securely into place. If the end of the jack is too recessed, the cable plug will not plug in all the way and will not engage properly and may come out.
Adjust the large hex nut to get the proper fit of the strap nut when installed.
Once the endpin is properly installed, screw the endpin jack cover until it locks into place and does not rattle.

Ultra upgrade

If you’re upgrading your old Amulet system or using another manufacturer’s pickup, you’ll need an input adapter assembly with a jack to plug your pickup into. Plug the input adapter assembly connector into the preamp input (see page 9 for keyed plug design details).
To prevent the plug and input adapter assembly from your pickup from moving around in your guitar, attach the jack and plug assembly to the back of your guitar using Velcro.

Phantom Power

Many modern mixers have 48 volt phantom power built into their microphone preamp channel which means you can plug the Amulet Ultra directly into your mixer’s mic input, turn on the 48V phantom power and play. Some devices advertise phantom power capabilities, but actually have low phantom volume stages that won’t power our system, so be sure to carefully examine any manufacturer’s literature for any device you’re considering for this purpose. There are also instances when a device may provide 48 volts of phantom power, but much less current than usual (just enough to power a small microphone) and not properly power our system.

This is usually the case with very cheap gear. If you’re not using a mixer or other device with the required 48 volt phantom power, there are low-cost standalone phantom power supply units available from a variety of sources. These typically have input and output XLR connectors, connectors for plug-in power adapters, and internal electronics to supply phantom power.

Trans Audio Custom Shop offers refurbished Rolls or Sterling Phantom Power boxes with some added features, as well as 10 feet of right angle 1/4″ TRS to male XLR cables and female XLR to dual unbalanced male XLR y-splitter cables. Please contact us for details!

Amulet Ultra Guaranteed

This warranty covers all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase from the original owner. There may be cases where our service department or Trans Audio’s authorized service center may ask for a copy of your sales receipt to facilitate warranty service. Please keep your purchase receipt in a safe place.
Trans Audio does not cover:

Damage caused by improper or inadequate maintenance, accident, abuse, misuse, alteration, unauthorized repair, failure to follow normal procedures or failure to follow normal procedures as outlined in the t.amp owner’s manual.
Damage occurring during any shipment of the product for any reason.
Trans Audio, Inc. Any product modified by anyone other than LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES

The warranty described in this one-year warranty is in lieu of any other warranty, express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
EXCLUSION OF SPECIFIC DAMAGES
Trans Audio’s liability for a product found to be defective is limited to repair or replacement of the unit at our option. IN NO EVENT SHALL TRANS AUDIO BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OF USE OF THE UNIT, LOSS OF TIME, INTERRUPTION OF OPERATION OR BUSINESS LOSS OR ANY OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON THE INCONVENIENCE.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON THE DURATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
HOW TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE
All Trans Audio products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. If you find that your transducer or preamp needs service, it can only be done through a Trans Audio service center. Please contact Trance Audio at – Tel: 1(831)688-9699 Email: info@tranceaudio.com .
When returning a product to the factory, you will be issued a return authorization number. Please label all cartons, shipping documents and correspondence with this number. Caution
Trans Audio recommends that Acoustic Lens and Amulet Ultra installation be performed by a professional luthier or guitar repair technician.
Installers: Please read the installation instructions carefully and please contact us by phone or email with any questions. We will not be responsible for any damage to the guitar or personal injury caused by the installation of this product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I adjust the tone on the VT model?
The VT model has a tone control for high-end roll-off. You can adjust this control to create a tone to your liking.

Where should I install the battery bag for easy access?
Install a battery bag on or near your guitar’s neck block for convenient battery access.

How do I ensure proper installation of endpins and pickup plugs?
The plug has a silver strap that should be facing forward to properly orient when installing the amp jack