OBOSS ACOUSTIC A D = 3 INSTRUMENT PROCESSOR === OWNER’S MANUALSING THE UNIT SAFE! ‘About 4 WARNING and 4\ CAUTION Notices INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS ‘About the Symbols Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly. AXWARNING a4 The A. symbol alerts the user to important instruc: tions.oF warnings The specific meaning ofthe symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle In the case ofthe symbol at lett its used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be AScaution |""tipepenty The © symbol alens the user to hem that must never be carried out (ae forbkiden), The specific thing that must not be done is indicated By the design contained within the circle In the ease of the Symbol at left means thatthe wait must never be dsassembled * Material damage refers to damage or other adverse bffects eatsed with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets € The @ symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the cicle, In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING - co X\WARNING SWARNING + Before using this units make ste 1 ead the ZN, instructions helo a the Owners Manual Do not open (or modi in any way) the nit or AC adaptor Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts ‘within (except when this manual provides spect tc instetions directing you to do 80) Refer all ser- icing to your retailer. the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, a ist- txt on the “information” leaflet. Neverueorstretbeuntinplaestatare @) + Subject to temperatre extremes (eg, direct sun- Hig nan ened vee nee ating dt ‘on top of heat generating equipment or are + Damp (eg, baths, seashrooms, on wet Rooms ot epee to ins or are + Hamid: or are 1 Subject to high levels of vibration, Mote ure you aay have the ait pac 0 ts level and sure to remain stable, Never place it on stands that could wale, orn ncn surfaces + Us ont the pd AC adr SA Sen. ond eal ge atthe installation matches the inpul voltage specified on the AC aafaptors boy. Other AC adaptors may use a ferent polarity, or be designe hr ditferent volt tig, 20 thee ae coll well in damage, walfune tion, oF elect shock, ‘Avoid damaging the power cord Oo not bend iG) cxcossvely, step om place heavy abject oni, te ‘A damaged cond can easly become a shock or fire hazatd. Never use a power cond after it has been damaged This i itera oi canioton with a ©) amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be ‘capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss, Do not operate for along, period of time ata high volume level, of ata level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hear ing loss or ringing inthe eats, you should immed ately stop using the unit, and cassult an audio sist Do not allow any abject eg, flammable material | coins, pins) oF liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks te.) to penetrate he itZXWARNING AX CAUTION ‘+ Immediately turn the power off, emove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by the nearest Roland Service Center, or fn authorized Roland distributor, a Usted om the “Information” tae when +The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has ben damagetor + Objects have fallen into, oF liquid has been spilled onto the unitsor +The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet or +The unit does not appear to operate normally oF ‘exhibits marke change in performance Im householls with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential fr the safe opera ion ofthe unit | {Onnet drop) A Dena toe he ts powersupply oe tse ©) an outlet withan unreasonable numberof other levies Be spec tet when sing extension cords—the total power used by al devies you have connected to the extension cords outlet must, never exceed the power rating (atls/amperes) for the extension cor Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through. efor sing the wit na os cont, const, with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, an authorized Roland distributor, as Hist ‘don the “Information” elt, Battores must never be recharged, heated, taken ©) A\ CAUTION Atays grap onthe athe ay ofthe AC ‘adaptor when plugging info, of unplugging from, fan outlet oe this unt ‘+ Whenever the unit is to remain unused for an 0 ‘extended perio of time disconnect the AC adaploe + Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming ‘entangled. Also all cords and cables should be place 90 they are out ofthe reach of cir, warner iS) © Neve na the AC aapor fx pas + Before ming thet dns te AC adaptor anna conde coming from external devices. + Before cleaning the unit, tum off the power and Lmplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 8) + Whenever yu spt he pss ofan your ares, disconnect the AC adaptor fom the ule + ire improper bates nay expo teak ZA eee ray rare Waves ated ses 0 pc deh ara si eer we iy fede fasenead heer ‘+ Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance o with whatever regulations fr ther ste dispnal that _may be observed in the region in which ys iveUSING THE UNIT SAFELY 2 IMPORTANT NOTES 5 Introduction 6 Main Features 6 Panel Descriptions. The Power Su; Loading the Batteries. Using an AC Adaptor. Getting Ready to Play. Connections. 9 ‘Turing the Power On. 10 Turning the Power Off 10 Adjusting the Input Level u Adding Breadth to the Sounds (2 x 2 Chorus). 1 Adding Reverberations to the Sounds (Reverb). 12 Playing with a Guitar Amp (Acoustic Guitar Amp Simulator) Adjusting the Bass Sound (Bottom) Adjusting the Treble Sound (Top) 1B Reducing Acoustic Feedback (Anti-eedback). 4 Making the Setting withthe Knob (the Anti-feedback Knob) “4 Automatic Detection with the Peal (the Ant-eedback Auto Pedal 4 Switching On the Antfeedback Auto Punction 15 Reding Automatic Detection 6 Switching Off the Ant-feedback Auto Funetioh su endices Troubleshooting 16 Block Diagram 16 Setting Samples v7 Blank Chart 18 Specifications S —IMPORTANT NOTES In addition ote items listed under “USING THE UNITSAFELY" on page 2, please read and observe the following: Power Supply: Use of Batteries + Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device tht will generate line noise (such as an eect motor or variable lighting system). ‘The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This normal, and isnot @ ‘The use of an AC adaptor i recommended as the unit's power consumption i relatively high Should you pre fer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type When installing or replacing batteries, always turn of the power on this unst and disconnect any other Alevices you may have connected. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or ‘ther deviews. Batteries ane supplied with the unit. The le ofthese hateres may be ited, however, since their primary purpose wastes esting. Betoee connecting this unit to other devices, tur ofthe posser to all units, This wil help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices, Placement + Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equip ment containing large power tnsformers) may induce Inum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation ofthis unit or move i farther away from the source of Interference This device may interfere with radio and television eception. Do ot use this device inthe vienty of sch Maintenance For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with Water. To remove stubborn dir, use a cloth imprest ‘cd witha mild, nonabrasive detergent, Afterward, be sure ta wipe the unit thoroughly wth a sof, dry cloth 1 Never use benz thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or sleformation Additional Precautions Use a reasonable amount of care when using the it’s buttons sliders, or other controls: and when using it jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to mal functions When connecting disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself—never pull onthe cable, Ths way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable's ‘eternal element To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try t keep the unit's volume at reasonable levels expscally when ii late at igh. When you nes to transport the unit, package itn the tox (including, padding) that it came in, if possible Otherwise, you wil need to use equivalent packaging materialsIntroduction Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS AD-3 Acoustic Instrument Processor. lly rnd the sections ent Before using this unit NOTES” (p. 2p 5). Those sections provide important format Additionally, inorder to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp ofc tnit this manual should be read in its mire. The reference Main Features a: ral sho "IMPORTANT the proper operation ofthe unit “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” a ry feature provided by your new ld be saved and Kept om hand 0s @ conve A go-anywhere, floor-type effects proces- sor for electric acoustic guitars, designed especially for live performances ‘+ Equipped with two pedals (chorus and anti feedback auto) + Low-profile, rugged steel body Chorus and reverb tuned exclusively for electric acoustic guitars + Uses a stereo band-spliting chorus (2x 2.cho- rus) to apply effects separately to the bass and treble bands + Anesly developed, built-in reverb + The same level of quality as the full-featured ADS An acoustic guitar-amp simulator you can hook up and use with a guitar amp + The AD-3 has an on-board acoustic guitar amp simulator approaches the original sound fof an acoustic guitar, even with a guitar amp Bottom and top control des: ‘exclusively for electric acoustis + The AD-3 has on-board bottom and top con trol for special filters that work differently For boost and cutoff. This makes for a natural Copyright ©1998 BOSS CORPORATION Double anti-feedback reduces acoustic feedback ‘+ Along with the antifeedback that sets the fre quency with a control knob, the ADS has a built-in automatic antifeedback Function that automatically detects the frequency by oper ating a pedal + You car use the two anti-feedback functions at the same time Sam "“Anticfeedbnck” iso feature that reduces MMEEMD «cousic feedback Uhooling) been the gr tara an, Balance output + The AD.3's output is balanced, so you can connect it directly to PA systems MED ie wen ming stole send musival signals to 0 PA and so System or ‘another balanced device Dual Power Supply + In addition to running the ADS off batteries (six AA cells), you can use the AC adaptor. This means you can use batteries for an on: stage performance or the AC adaptor when in All rights reserved, No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permis: sion of BOSS CORPORATION, 6Panel Descriptions =al Aaal 1a rower rea OG ‘AD-. Qo: OUTPUT SELECT Switch OUTPUT Jack L, R Ae Let oF teat ses Cord Hook =I LEVEL Knob INPUT Jack AC Adaptor Jack POWER SwitchThe Power Supply Loading the Batteries Make sure the “+” and “-" ends of the batteries are When the batteries are depleted, the power indica oriented correctly. tor grows dark. If this happens, replace with new batteries. When replacing the batteri AA batteries. Also, do not mix new and old bt teri or batteries of diferent types. Doing 50 ‘may cause fluid to leak from the batteries, id WR Me mconntetenety Nor Battery life may vary according to battery type pected battery life under continuos use Alkaline: Approx: 17 (Carton: Approx. 9 hours These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use Using an AC Adaptor buteries i the unit while an AC The BOSS FSA Series AC adaptor Gold separately) agg hr can be used to run the AD-3 from a household elec- auaptor is being used, normal operation trical outlet. continue should the line woltage be interrupted AC Adaptor ly), and to avoid applying th the power cord sin undue stress to stration WSR [Meinl etal AC aaron (BOSS PSA Series). Never try to use another AC adaptor, because doing may result in incorrect operation or breakforn, ode HookGetting Ready to Play Connections Connect your guitar and amp to the AD-3 as shown below Electric Acoustic Guitar Guitar Ampitior If you're using a guitar amp, connect the OUTPUT R jack to the guitar amp and set the OUTPUT SELECT switch to GMP. If you're using stereo output and connecting the AD-3 to an audio amp, a mixer, a multi-track recorder, or the like, set the OUTPUT SELECT switch to LINE Spe To newent speakers or other devices, alays turn down, fhe volume, and turn off the power on all devices bafre making any connections. function and/or damage to Turn on the power om all connected equip ore ‘ment tyre you turn up the volume on your ‘The ADS supports balanced output, For balanced output, use a commercially available stereo star dard cord of a stereo (standard) ++ Canon conver- sion cord, for -o a GNDTurning the Power On ‘Once the connections have been completed (p. 9), tum on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong, ‘order, you risk causing malfunetion and/or dam= age to speakers and other devices ., Output Equipment AP'S * (Guitar Amp or Other Device) 1. Switch on the power for the AD-3. The power indicator lights up and the power 2. Turn on the output equipment. NOTE This unit i equipped with a protection cir- cull. A briaf interval (a few seconds) after power-up is required before the unit will fperate normally. The peak indicator Binks for afew seconds, then you van use the AD-3 for playing When runing off batteries, the AD.3 won't switch on unless there's something plugged into the INPUT jack, This helps prevent ra hing doco the batteries, Be careful, because if ou rmplug the equipment plugged into the INPUT jack, the poroe switch 10 Turning the Power Off Power down in the reverse order: first the output ‘equipment, then the AD-3, Output Equipment (Guitar Amp of Other Device) * i 1. Turn off the output equipment. 2. Switch off the power for the AD-3.Making the Settings Adjusting the Input Level Output levels may vary greatly with the particular fultar that's connected. Unsuitable or incorrect ev els may prevent fall expression of the AD-3s abil ties. In such cases, adjust the Input Level knob on the AD-3 to match the guitar’s output level 1, Adjust the knobs as shown below. Input Leve! knob ‘MIN Anti-feedback knob OFF Bottom knob Conteres Top knob Centered 2x2 Chorus knob —_Left-most setting Reever knob OFF smygouce soon 198 ee = © 2. Adjust the Input Level knob so that the peak indicator lights up momen- tarily when you play the guitar forcefully. justin the input level and the var MOTE is knots, play he guitar. If the peak indie Sia The peak indicator lights up at 6 dB below HREM rnping lve (hen distortion begins fo Adding Breadth to the Sounds (2 x 2 Chorus) Chorus can add a broader, thicker effect to sounds. The chorus used in the AD-3 is a band-splitting stereo type for acoustie guitars. Chorus can be applied simultaneously to both bass and treble ranges in both left and right channels, You use the Chorus pedal on the AD'S to toggle the chorus effects on and off 1, Press the Chorus pedal. The pedal indicator lights up to show that Chorus ison, Press the pedal again to turn off Chorus, 2. Adjust the 2 x 2 Chorus knob. 2x2 CHORUS Turning the control knob clockivise deepens the chorus effects, Turning it counterclockwise ourpur a lessens the effects tot usAdding Reverberations to the Sounds (Reverb) Reverb is the reverberant effect achieved when sounds reflected by walls and floors overlap and blend. The actual reverb changes according to fac tors such as size and shape of the space (such as a room of hall), the composition of the surface (a wall, for example) reflecting the sound, and so on. With the AD-3, these elements are digitally simu lated to obtain the optimal reverb for the acoustic sitar. 1. Adjust the Reverb knob. REVERS Turning the control knob clockwise deepens the reverb effects. Turning it counterclockwise lessens the effects, and turning it all the way ‘counterclockwise turns it off 12 Playing with a Guitar Amp (Acoustic Guitar Amp Simulator) This feature makes what you play sound closer to an authentic acoustic guitar, even when you're playing with a guitar amp hooked up. 1. Set the OUTPUT SELECT switch to G.AMP, tO aes ee When set to G.AMP, the acoustic guitar amp sim- lator ison Seam Whe on, output iss flows men” ipt iss fol G.AMP: (Output passes through the acoustic gui tar an simulator (non) LINE (MONO. Output does not ‘acoustic guitar amp simulator (nono) 2 Hhrough theAdjusting the Bass Sound (Bottom) This knob adjusts the sound of the guitar's sound box, or supprestes excess bass notes. 1. Adjust the Bottom knob. sorTom Setting this more toward RICH ac ness of the sound-box reverberations, it more toward SHARP suppresses the bands that in setting interfere with vocals and the like, thus helping to prevent acoustic feedback (howling). Setting it t0 ( produces at characteristics, ee “sting the Bottom knob fowartRICH ROPE say result in distortion. If this happens, Toaver the input level (p. 1D: 400 He 00 He Adjusting the Treble Sound (Top) This knob adjusts the harmonic components, or suppresses the idiosyncrasies of piezo pickup sounds 1. Adjust the Top knob. TOP, ° Setting this more toward HARD accents the high: er harmonics, and setting more toward SOFT sup- presses the piezo pickup’s distinctive harshness, fora natural sound, WR Adjusting the Top knol toward HARD mary result in distortion. If this happens, lower the input level (p. 1D. tke eshte 13Anti-feedback is a feature that reduces acoustic feedback (howling) between the guitar and amp. This features attenuates the sounds at the frequen cy where acoustic feedback occurs, thus Suppress- ing the acoustic feedback The AD-3 has two types of built-in anti-feedback features. One sets the howling point with a control knob. The other automatically detects the howling, point when you press the pedal. You can use both fof these a the same time. If hovling isn’t suppressd sing just anti feoback, try adjusting the settings to lower ‘he volume, suppress the lass range, and so PETER hai Gk Gate ut a) Use the control knob to adjust the frequency for applying the antifeedback effect and reduce how! ing. It may be a good idea to set the howling point ahead of time, such as during rehearsal, lessen acoustic feedback (howling). ANTEEEEDBACK Turn the knob clockwise to raise the frequency where the antifeedback effect is applied. Tuning the knob all the way count the effect of lockwise switches FREQ Le ee unk ee U ee e TL ) When acoustic Feedback (howling) occurs, just depress the Anti-feedback Auto pedal to automati cally detect the howling point and reduce the how! ing This can be handy when acoustic feedback (how! ing) suddenly occurs during a live performance or The Anti-feedback Auto pedal uses three noteh fil ters to suppress acoustic feedback (howling) at three points. The effect applied at each of the points is similar to the Anti-foedback knob, 008 14Switching On the Anti-feed- back Auto Function 1, Press the Anti-feedback Auto pedal. The pedal indicator blinks while detection of the hhoveing point isin progress, and lights up steadi ly when detection ends. Sp Suichng ofthe poe tur the pl to NOTE pe : Redoing Automat Detection 1, Depress the pedal again. Switching Off the Anti-feed- back Auto Function 1. Hold down the pedal for two sec- onds or more. The pedal indicator blinks then goes dark, and the Anti-feedback Auto function is switehed off ce Siting off the poser returns the pol fo NOTE iss ao : 15Ny aed Troubleshooting [f there is no sound or if you think that the AD-3 may be malfunctioning, please frst go through the follow ing checkpoints, If after these checkpoints the prob Tem is still unresolved, consult your nearest Roland service center or authorized Roland distributor. Pi eel Are the batteries installed correctly? Make sure the ar 4" and "" ends of the batteries Are the batteries dead? Replace with fresh batteries (p.8) Is the AC adaptor (PSA-Series: sold separately) connected correctly? Check the connection again Is the guitar correctly plugged into the PUT jack? (Check the connection again. nor When runing of batteries, the AD-3 won't ssvitelt unless there's someth into the INPUT jack This helps prevent ra nig doom the batteries. Deo em ue Pee cee ld Is the other equipment connected cor- rectly? Check the connections again, Block Diagram Is the volume turned down on the con- nected amp, mixer, external effects processor, or other equipment? Is the Input Level knob turned down too far? Is the Output Select switch on the rear panel set to G.AMP? When the switch is set to G.AMP, the sounds and volume levels for left and right output are difer Have you adjusted the input level? » Aust the Input Level knob (p. Have the Bottom or Top knobs been turned too far? When the Bottom or Top knob is turned clock wise too far, some input signals may be distorted ‘Adjust the Input Level knob (p. 11) Are the batteries dead? ‘When the batteries run down, the power indicator grows dark, and the unit may not ean normally Replace with fresh batteries (p. ) [essa] So ae INPUT [input |_[eorroms |_[ouat anni} + | a Er} tever |-{*ror |-[reepancx| | Lo oureur [revere Ea eae 16Setting Samples Fusion Fusion agias:) CR AaiGia- 162) a's) Unplugged Rock es faa] Eel eal: SAD 70's Folk 70's FolkBlank ChartRy Satire AD-3: ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PROCESSOR AD Conversion 20 bit AY Method DA Conversion 20 bit AE Method Sample Rate Atk Nominal Input Level 1a dBm Input Impedance 47Ma Nominal Output Level OUTPUT: -10 dBm OUTPUT (balanced) -10 dBm into 600.2 Output Impedance ourrur: 3000 OUTPUT (balanced): 600.8 Controls INPUT LEVEL Knob ANTLEEDBACK Knob BOTTOM Knob TOP Knob 2x2 CHORUS Knob REVERB Knob OUTPUTSELECT Switch ANTI-FEEDBACK AUTO Pedal CHORUS Pedal POWERS Indicators ANTL-FEEDBACK AUTO CHORUS POWER PEAK Connectors INPUT Jack OUTPUT Jacks (L/R 1/4 inch TRS Phone Type) AC Adaptor Jack Power Supply Day battery (LR6 (AA) type) <6 C9 V (PSA-Series; sold separately Current Draw 90 ma, Expected battery life under continuous us Alkaline: Approx. 17 hours Carbon: Approx. 9 hours These figures will conditions of use. ary depending on the actual Dimensions 170 (W) x 156 (D) x 70 1) mm. (63/4 (W) x6:3/16 (D) x2-13/16 (H) inches Weight 10g inching bateries) 2ibs 407 Accessories Dy battery (LR6 (AA) type) x6 (Owner's Manual Information Options AAC Adaptor PSA Series (odBm 775V ems) Inthe interest of product improvement, the SRE ciation andor appearance of tis unit “are subject to change without prior notice 19For the USA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT device, pursuant to Part 15 of , may cause i not occur in a particul this equipment does cause harmful inter jelevision reception, which can be 1ed by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct. ‘of the following measures: = Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. = Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circu diferent from that to which the receiver is connected. = Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Unauthorized changes or m n to this system can void the users authority perate this equipment. ‘This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Lit For Canad NOTICE ‘This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. AVIS Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Raglement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada OBOSS 26017439 Printed in Taiwan '98-8.D3-1CI@Roland® G6017439 (NUM OBOSS