USER GUIDE LOUDBOX MINI CHARGETM Whenever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the users manual for this amplifier. Wherever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. CAUTION Risk of electric shock. Do not open. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualied personnel. Do not expose to rain or moisture. Important Safety Instructions To ensure your personal safety and the safety of others, operate this apparatus only after reading these instructions and heeding the warnings listed below. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. 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 the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 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. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a 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. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing liquids and do not place objects filled with liquids (such as a beverage container or a vase) on the apparatus. 16. Warning To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to moisture. 17. The device is designed and evaluated under the condition of non-tropical climate; and, it can be only used in locations in non-tropical climate areas. Using the device in tropical climate areas would result in high safety risk. Normal operating environmental temperature range: 0 C [32 F] to 35 C [95 F]. 18. 19. WARNING: The battery (battery or batteries or battery pack) shall not be exposed to excessive heat 20. 21. 22. such as sunshine, fire or the like. CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. To replace battery use Fishmans approved battery kit only at Certified Service Centers No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. Do not install this equipment in a confined or building-in space such as a book case or similar unit, and remain a well ventilation conditions at open site. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, table-cloths, curtains etc. Warning: The mains plug/appliance coupler is used as disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Copyright 2017 FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC. 2 Hear This!
The Loudbox Mini Charge amplifier is capable of cleanly reproducing the sound of your instrument at very high volume levels. Prolonged repeated exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) without protection can cause permanent hearing loss. OSHA has set guidelines and specified permissible sound-
exposure limits for those who work in high SPL environments. Permissible Noise Exposures Duration per day, hours Sound level dBA slow response 8 6 4 3 2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1/4 or less 90 92 95 97 100 102 105 110 115 To ensure against permanent hearing loss, wear hearing protection when you perform with amplification. This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. For more information on disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop where you bought this product. FCC Compliance Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a 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 to 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. Changes and modifications not expressly approved by FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications Commissions rules. M/N: 494-000-582 FCC ID: RMU-494000582 IC: 10812A-494000582 3 FCC Compliance 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, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. EU Declaration of Conformity CE: Hereby, Fishman declares that this Loudbox Mini Charge is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU. This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s): Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Cet appareil est conforme aux normes Industry Canada exemptes de licence standard RSS(s):
Son fonctionnement est sujet aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) cet appareil ne peut pas provoquer dinterfrences et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interfrence, y compris les interfrences susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement indsirable. Bluetooth The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Fishman Transducers is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. WARNING!
FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCCs and ICs RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment under the following conditions:
1. This equipment should be installed and operated such that a minimum separartion distance of 20cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) & users/nearby persons body at all times. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. 2. Before using Loudbox Mini Charge, carefully read the following:
Important Safety Instructions (page 1) Getting Started (page 5) Good habits to prolong battery life (page 14) 4 Welcome Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are proud to offer the finest acoustic amplification products available; high-quality, professional-grade tools which empower you to sound your very best. 5 Getting Started Your new Loudbox Mini Charge is a portable, battery-powered amplifier de-
signed to faithfully reproduce the sound of acoustic instruments and a diverse assortment of vocal or recorded accompaniments. With the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can now easily and neatly add backing tracks or other accompaniment to your performances, jams, or wherever your Loudbox Mini Charge takes you and your music. Here are some basic setup tips to help get you going. To operate your Loud-
box Mini Charge safely, please read the entire manual, especially the Important Safety Instructions on page 2. 1. Locate the Power switch (next to the rear panel power cord socket) and switch it off, then connect the provided AC adapter into the back of the amplifier and the provided line cord into the AC adapter. 2. Plug the Loudbox Mini Charge line cord into an electrical outlet with the appropriate AC voltage, 100-240VAC 50/60 Hz. 3. Turn down the Master Volume control and turn on the Power switch. The Power Indicator should illuminate. Either the Battery Indicator will illuminate if the battery is fully charged or the Low Battery Indicator will illuminate if the battery needs charging. 4. Connect your instrument to the Instrument input with a shielded cable. 5. Gradually increase the Instrument channel Gain:
For instruments featuring active (battery-powered) onboard preamps, start with the control around 10 oclock. For passive pickups, you may start with the control set much higher. It is normal to run this control near its maximum with many passive soundhole pickups. 6. Slowly raise the Master Volume to the desired level. Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master pairing battery low battery charging Phase mild heavy off Mic 6 power Front Panel 1. Instrument Input This 1/4 input accepts all types of passive or active acoustic pickups. 2. Phase Use the Phase switch to improve bass at low volume and suppress feedback at high volumes. 3. Gain Use the Gain knob to set the signal level for the instrument input. 4. Low Boost here to add weight to the sound. In general, boost bass at low volumes and cut bass at higher levels. With the dial set at 12 oclock, the control is effec-
tively 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 oclock, 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 oclock, the control is effectively out of the circuit. 7. Reverb Controls the amount of digital reverb in the Instrument channel. 8. Chorus Controls the depth of two separate chorus presets. Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master Phase mild heavy off pairing battery low battery charging power 1 2 3 4 7 5 6 7 8 Mic 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Front Panel (cont.) 9. Mic Input Plug in a balanced microphone into this XLR input for vocal or for your instrument. The Loudbox Mini Charge makes an excellent mini PA or vocal monitor. You may also connect an outboard preamp with balanced XLR out to this input. 10. Gain Use the Gain knob to set the signal level for the Microphone input. 11. Low Boost here to add weight to the sound. In general, boost bass at low volumes and cut bass at higher levels. With the dial set at 12 oclock, the control is effectively out of the circuit. 12. High Boost highs to add air to the sound of the microphone. With the knob set at 12 oclock, the control is effectively out of the circuit. 13. Reverb Controls the amount of digital reverb in the Microphone channel. 14. Master Volume Set the overall level of the Loudbox Mini Charge with the Master Volume. In general, put the Master Volume as high as possible using less Gain (2 oclock to 5 oclock) to achieve the cleanest sound. 15. Power Lights up when the amplifier power is on. The Power switch is located behind the amp next to the power cord socket. pairing battery low battery charging Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master Phase mild heavy off power 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mic 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8 Front Panel (cont.) 16. Bluetooth Indicator This green indicator will display a medium flash indicating the Bluetooth module is ready for pairing. It will display a slow flash indicating the module is ready for reconnection with a previously paired device. The indicator will be on when play-
back is active and display a fast flash when playback is paused. 17. Bluetooth Pairing To pair a Bluetooth enabled device for the first time, hold the Pairing button more than 5 seconds. You will hear an ascending tone and the Bluetooth Indicator will change from a slow flash to a fast flash indicating it is ready to pair. Ensure your Bluetooth enabled device is in pairing mode. Once paired the indicator will stop flashing and will allow you to stream music to the amplifier. If the button is pressed during paired playback, the playback will be paused and the Bluetooth Indicator will display a fast flash. Press the button again to resume playback and the Bluetooth Indicator will return to on. To activate Bluetooth for a previously paired device, hold the Pairing button for approximately 1-2 seconds (must be less than 5 seconds). An ascending tone will play briefly to indicate the Bluetooth is powering on. The Bluetooth Indicator will slowly flash informing it is ready to reconnect and will pair if your device is in pairing mode. To turn off the Bluetooth when already paired, hold the button for 1-2 seconds. A descending tone will indicate that the connection is powering down and the Bluetooth Indicator will turn off. 16 17 pairing battery low battery charging Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master Phase mild heavy off Mic power 9 Front Panel (cont.) 18. Green Battery Indicator When on, this green indicator tells you that the battery is charged, functional and power is available. 19. Red Low Battery Indicator When on, this red indicator denotes that the batterys available charge is low. All indicators will turn off and the amplifier will shut down if the battery no longer has enough charge to power the amplifier. At this point, the ampli-
fier cannot be powered up until the AC adapter has been plugged in to recharge the battery. The amplifier can be used normally while charging. 20. Yellow Charging Indicator When on, this yellow indicator denotes that the battery is charging. It only illuminates when the AC adapter is plugged in and the battery is receiving external power to recharge. After the battery is fully charged, this indicator will turn off. The Charging Indicator will also be off if the AC adapter is not connected or receiving power. Be sure to check out our Good habits to prolong battery life on page 14. pairing battery low battery charging 18 19 20 Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master Phase mild heavy off Mic power 10 Rear Panel 1. DC In Operate the amplifier only at the voltage indicated on the rear panel. Plug in the supplied DC cable into the DC In power socket on the amp. Plug the provided AC cable with the female IEC-style 320 connector into the AC Adapter and the male AC plug appropriate for your region into an outlet. The DC In is the power input, and when connected appropriately as described above, it will also simultaneously charge the battery if it is below full charge. The amplifier may be used while charging and may be charged when powered down. See the battery indicators on the front panel for battery charge status. 2. Power switch Lower the Master Volume before you turn on the amp. Flip the power switch to the up position for On. 3. Aux Input - 1/8 Plug in a line-level stereo audio source such as a CD or MP3 player in this input. The input is stereo; however, the left and right signals are mixed to mono within the amplifier. 4. Mix D.I. (Post) Plug in here when you wish to send signals from both Channel 1 and 2, plus 1/8 Aux and Bluetooth signals, to a mixing console or a slave amplifier. This post-EQ output is always ground-isolated to prevent ground loop hum. DC In 12V 5A Aux Input 1 2 3 4 11 Tone Tips Set up For reference, start with the tone controls set straight-up, (twelve oclock). In this position, there is no additional boost or cut equalization applied to your sound. Begin at a very low volume and work your way up. As you turn up, try adjusting the Loudbox Mini Charges tone controls as recommended below. 1. Low volume At a low volume (just above conversation level) our ears are not very sensi-
tive to bass and treble, so give the Low and High controls a good boost. Try three oclock on the dial. Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master Phase mild heavy off Mic power pairing battery low battery charging 2. Medium volume At medium 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 oclock 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. Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master Phase mild heavy off Mic power pairing battery low battery charging 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 oclock. Our perception of bass and treble flattens out at high volumes, so you wont need much, if any, Low or High boost. Set the Low and High knobs to between twelve and one oclock. In many cases, you can also improve the tone at very high volume if you cut bass. Try setting the Low knob between ten and eleven oclock. Instrument Gain Low Mid High Reverb Chorus Gain Low High Reverb Master pairing battery low battery charging Phase mild heavy off Mic 12 power Block Diagram Instrument Input Class-A Buffer Hi-pass Filter Gain Low, High Middle Phase Mix D.I. Output
(mic level) Instrument Reverb Level Mic Reverb Level Instrument Chorus Chorus In Digital Effects Reverb In Master Volume Limiter Power Amplier Crossover Tweeter Woofer Mic Input Mic Preamp Hi-Pass Filter Gain Low, High Stereo Aux Input 1/8 Tip = Left Ring = Right Bluetooth 13 Good habits to prolong battery life Loudbox Mini Charge houses a sealed lead acid battery, so you can take it nearly anywhere. Similar to a common car battery, proper maintenance will lead to a long life span of up to 5 years, possibly longer. Here are some helpful tips to prolonging battery life. Always charge it to full before playing for an extended period of time. While charging, your Loudbox Mini Charge will continue to perform without any impact to output level or sound quality. When the Low Battery light comes on, plug it in and recharge it to full. Like a car battery, if you let it sit for months after the Low Battery light has lit, the battery will begin to lose its ability to reach full capacity and impact its performance. If left for long periods of time, especially if the Low Battery light was on before sitting, it may take as long as 24 to 48 hours to charge back up to capacity. The longer it sits uncharged, the longer it will take to return to full charge. Due to the chemistry of lead acid batteries, an older battery left this way may not ever return to full charge and you may see performance times shorten. If you feel you need a battery replacement, do not attempt to replace the battery yourself without first contacting Fishman Support at https://www. fishman.com/support/. We offer a replacement kit containing an approved battery with instructions on how to replace it yourself. Only use the supplied power adapter to power and charge the Loudbox Mini Charge. Do not attempt to connect a battery directly to the power inlet Do not attempt to replace the internal battery with one of larger capacity. The charge circuit is matched to the battery specified for this amp and any modifications will void your warranty. 14 Technical Specifications Ratings applicable to internal battery or external power source Output rating:
SPL @ 1 meter Frequency Response 108 dB (measured) 80 Hz 20 kHz Power rating:
60 W Battery:
Est. Performance Times Charge Time Input impedance:
Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Aux Input (stereo) Tone controls:
Low Mid High Mix D.I. out:
Output Impedance Speaker system:
Woofer Tweeter Baffle Angle Physical:
Dimensions Weight Connectivity:
Playback 18 hours (low volume) 12 hours (average volume) 4 hours (full volume) 10 hours 10 M 2 k 10 k 12 dB @ 80 Hz (resonant) 10.5 dB @ 750 Hz (resonant) 12.5 dB @ 15 kHz (shelving) 600 balanced, mic level Phantom power tolerant 6.5 paper cone 1 soft dome 10 degrees 9.7 [D] x 13.7 [W] x 12 [H]
(24.7 cm x 34.9 cm x 30.5 cm) 21.2 lbs (9.6 kg) Bluetooth 4.0 We reserve the right to change any of the specifications and information in this manual without notice. 15 fishman.com Fishman and Fishman Transducers are trademarks or tradenames of Fishman Transducers Inc. 513-300-271 r3