Acoustic

Solutions Compact XL

Manual English
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Acoustic Solutions
Compact XL
Operating Manual

1. Introduction
2. Precautionary Measures
3. Control Elements
4. Summary of Operation
5. Technical Data
6. Regulations for Disposal

1. Introduction
Welcome to AER. Thank you for purchasing the Compact XL.
You have chosen a professional, compact and powerful amplifier that
was specially developed to amplify acoustic instruments.
Two channels make it possible to operate a microphone and an ins-
trument independently. The dynamically controlled power amplifier
and the 2-way loudspeaker system guarantee distortion-free repro-
duction even at high volumes. To obtain maximum enjoyment from
your amplifier please read this manual carefully before using your
Compact XL.

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2. Precautionary Measures
When you use your Compact XL, always take basic safety precautions •D
 o not obstruct the airflow around the amplifier. Never cover air
to reduce to a minimum the risk of injury by fire or by electric shock. vents or grilles.

•R
 ead all the directions in these operating instructions and make
sure that you understand them.
•P
 ay attention to all warnings, instructions and supplementary text
written on the Compact XL.
•A
 lways use a grounded (earthed) mains connection with the appro-
priate supply voltage. If you are uncertain whether the connection
is grounded, have a qualified expert check it.
•N
 ever replace a fuse by one with the wrong value. The correct va-
lue is stated on the label on the back of the amplifier. Never bridge
(bypass) a fuse. If a new fuse blow again, the amplifier should be
checked by a qualified person.
 o not let your Compact XL come into contact with water and ne-
•D
ver touch the amplifier if you have wet hands.
 o not operate your Compact XL near devices with strong electro-
•D
magnetic fields such as large mains transformers, generators, neon
lights etc. Do not lay the signal cable parallel to power lines.
 o insure that your Compact XL is switched off before plugging in
•D
the power cable to the mains.
 efore cleaning your Compact XL, unplug it from the mains supply.
•B
Use a damp cloth to clean it. Do not use cleaning agents, and be
careful that no liquid finds its way into the amp.
• There are no parts within your Compact XL that can be serviced
by the user. Refer all repairs and servicing to an agent authorised
by AER. Any unauthorised repair or servicing will void the two year
warranty!
• Keep these operating instructions in a safe place.

 lways operate your Compact XL in a place where no one can trip

•A
over the cables causing injury to themselves or damage to the
cables.

3. Control Elements
Front (from left to right):

input high clip gain colour bass middle treble input line clip gain bass treble pan select level master
low mic

Compact XL channel 1 channel 2 effect

channel 1 channel 2
input Input socket for a 6.3 mm input Combi-input socket for a 6.3 mm jack and XLR
jack plug, 9V phantom power (see text) plug
high/low Switch to adjust input sensitivity line/mic switch to adjust input sensitivity
high: more sensitive line: sources with line level, instruments with
low: less sensitive active pre-amplifiers, magnetic pick-ups,
jack sockets only.
clip Overload indicator
mic: Microphones
gain Input level control (see text)
Jack socket: without phantom power,
colour mid-range contour filter balanced or unbalanced
XLR socket: with 48V phantom power, balanced
bass tone control for bass
clip Overload indicator
middle tone control for mid-range
gain Input level control
treble tone control for treble
bass tone control for bass
treble tone control for treble
eff. pan panorama control to distribute the
effects between the channels (see text)
select switch for effect selection
level controls intensity of built-in effect
power power indicator
master main volume control

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 Rear (from left to right):
gnd lift disconnects signal ground from protective earth and
thus eliminates hum caused by a ground loop. Generally,
it should be in the ”off” position (not pushed in).
9 V Switch for 9V phantom power (see text)
level Level control for Aux in
aux in Cinch input L/R for CD eg.
footswitch Connection for a double footswitch with which
the effects can be switched on and off
tuner output for a tuner
line out preamplifier output, post master
level Level control for DI-output
DI out Symmetrical XLR output pre master,
with tone control, without effect
send Output for external effect
return Input for external effect or another signal
headphones Headphone output only for stereo headphones
Do not use mono-jacks!
4. Summary of Operations
• Connecting and starting-up
Check westher your local mains voltage (eg. 120 V in the U.S.A 230V in
Europe) corresponds to the voltage that is permissible for the Com-
pact XL. The voltage is stated on a label on the back of the amplifier, e.g.
AC 230V.
(AC means alternating current)
Before switching the amp on, the ‘Master‘ and ‘effect/level‘ controls should be
turned to the zero position (left) and all other controls to middle position. Then
make all necessary cable connections (mains, instrument and/or microphone).
Now you can switch on your Compact XL with the power switch on the rear of
the amp. The green power indicator shows that the amp is operational.
clip gain colour bass middle treble input line clip gain bass treble
• Setting gain and volume mic
The purpose of ‘gain’ control, ‘high/low’, and ‘line/mic’ switches is to adjust the
amplifier to your signal sources (guitar pickup, microphone, etc.) as best as
possible, avoiding unwanted noise or distortion.
First, with ‘master’ in zero position, increase the ‘gain’ setting (clockwise) until
act XL channel 1 channel 2
the red ‘clip’ indicator begins to flicker when you play strongly. From this point,
reduce ‘gain’ (or the volume control at your instrument) a little bit to create
more headroom and prevent any distortion. The ‘clip’ lamp should light up ra-
rely at most. If you have difficulty to find a proper gain setting because the
signal is too strong, push the ‘high/low’ switch additionally (available in chan-
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nel 1). In the second channel you will find the ‘line/mic’ switch instead, which
should correspond to the type of signal source. The ‘mic’ position is suitable for
microphones and ‘line’ for pickups and other sources.
Finally, set the desired volume using the ‘master’ control
• Tone controls
The three and two band tone controls of your Compact XL are designed to
fulfill the special requirements of acoustic instruments as well as the general
demands of other sources.
The ‘colour‘ switch in Channel 1 activates a mid-cut treble-boost filter which is
particularly appropriate for fingerstyle techniques.
Please note that the tone controls sometimes affect the gain of the amplifier.
If you notice that ‘clip’ lights up more frequently, you should correct the ‘gain’
setting accordingly (see ‘setting gain and volume’).
• Effects
The Compact XL has an integrated (internal) digital effect, permitting you to
choose between four effects by using ‘select‘-switch. The ‘level‘-control deter-
mines the intensity of the effect (left = no effect). Furthermore, a supplemen-
tary effect device can be connected (external effect). For this purpose, use the
sockets at the rear of Compact XL ‘send‘ and ‘return‘ (send to the input, return
from the output of the external effect). The intensity will then be set by the
external effect device. The ‘send ‘- ‘return ‘ loop is a parallel loop, i.e. the effect
signal is mixed with the original signal.
Using the ‘effect-pan‘ control, you can mix continuously variable effect por-
tions into the channels, for example:
Left: internal effect on channel 1
external effect on channel 2
Middle: internal effect on channel 1 and channel 2
external effect on channel 1 and channel 2
Right: internal effect on channel 2
external effect on channel 1
A standard double footswitch can be connected to the ‘footswitch‘ socket on
the rear of the amp with a stereo cable. This switch can be used to turn the
internal and external effects on and off.
(see technical data).
pan select level Pos 1:
master short reverb (1,5 s)
Pos 2: long reverb (7 s)
Pos 3: short delay (240 ms)
Pos 4: long delay (330 ms)
effect
9 V phantom power • 48 V phantom power
Channel 1 of the Compact XL is equipped with 9 volts phantom power for sui- Microphones that require 48 V phantom power can be connected to the
table accessories, e.g., guitar preamps, which are connected through a stereo XLR socket of channel 2.
cable. Phantom power is switched-on by the ‘9V‘ switch at the back, and will
then be available at the ‘ring‘ terminal of the input socket. • Further connectors

Equipment that is not phantom-powered can be connected as usual by a DI-out: The composite signal after tone control but without effect and before
mono cable. master control is on the XLR socket. (Appropriate to connect the Compact XL
to a sound system or recording)
Important: Phantom power may damage your pickup or other
devices if used injudiciously. Please note the following hints: Tuner: A tuner can be connected to this output, and need not be switched
between instrument and amplifier, as is often the case. This precludes any ef-
• Use phantom power only for accessories that are explicitly made for it. fect on the sound.
Otherwise keep the 9V switch off.
Line out: The composite signal after tone control, with effect and
• Make sure that the cable is plugged-in completely. Avoid leaving the after master control is connected here. This output can be used to connect an
plug halfway pulled out. additional active loudspeaker.
• For additional safety, use mono cable whenever phantom power is not Headphones: Socket for 6.3 mm stereo headphones
needed. Internal loudspeaker mutes automatically.
Attention: Do not use mono-connectors.
aux in: Cinch (RCA) input for playback signal (e.g. CD-player).
5. Technical Data O.K.? We hope you enjoy your Compact XL!
Inputs (note 1) Footswitch connections
Channel 1 Jack 1⁄4” (6.35 mm), unbalanced input Footswitch Stereo jack,
Sensitivity: 38 mV (-28 dBV) tip = internal effect on/off,
Impedance: 2.2 Megohm ring = external effect on/off,
Noise (note 3): 1.8 µV (-115 dBV), sleeve = ground.
A-weighted Equalizer
Phantom power: Channel 1 Colour: -3 dB at 700 Hz, and +10 dB at 8 kHz
9 V at ‘ring’ terminal (max. 100 mA). Switchable. Bass: ±8 dB at 100 Hz (shelf type)
High/low switch: 10 dB attenuator Middle: ±2 dB at 600 Hz
Channel 2 Jack 1⁄4” (6.35 mm) + XLR combo socket Treble: ±8 dB at 10 kHz (shelf type)
Line mode: Channel 2 Bass: ±8 dB at 100 Hz (shelf type)
Unbalanced mono jack input only Treble: ±11 dB at 10 kHz (shelf type)
Sensitivity: 64 mV (-24 dBV) Effects
Impedance: 1 Megohm Built-in effects 1 short reverb (1.5 s)
Noise (note 3): 2.8 µV (-111 dBV), 2 long reverb (7 s)
A-weighted 3 short delay (240 ms)
Mic mode: 4 long delay (330 ms)
XLR (balanced), stereo jack (balanced), or mono jack Power
(unbalanced) input
Sensitivity: 5.4 mV (-45 dBV) Power amp 200 W / 8 ohms (THD < 1%),
Impedance: 1.2 k (balanced use), discrete bipolar transistor design
or 4.2 k (unbalanced use) Limiter threshold RMS limiter 100 W
Noise (note 3): 2.2 µV (-113 dBV), Analog signal Subsonic filter, low distortion RMS limiter
A-weighted processing
Phantom power: 48 V (XLR only)
Speaker 2-way system, 8” (200 mm) low-midrange + 1” (25 mm)
Voice filter: -10 dB at 270 Hz (referred to 10 kHz)
dome tweeter, light-weight neodymium alloy magnets
Clip indicator Threshold: 8 dB below actual clipping
Mains power AC 100, 120, 230, or 240 V models, 50–60 Hz,
(Ch. 1 and 2) max. 450 W
Aux in Stereo cinch (RCA), L + R mixed and added pre-master. Mains fuse 5 x 20 mm
Sensitivity: 2 x 44 mV (-27 dBV), adjustable slow 3.15 A for 230 and 240 V models
Impedance: 22 k slow 6.3 A for 100 and 120 V models
Return Effect return for parallel effect loop. Effect signal is General
added pre-master. Mono jack, unbalanced
Cabinet 15 mm (0.6”) birch plywood
Relative gain of send-return loop: +2 dB
Sensitivity (note 1): 760 mV Finish waterbased acrylic, black spatter finish
Impedance: 20 k Dimensions Height: 325 mm (12.8”)
Outputs (note 2) Width: 330 mm (13”)
Depth: 285 mm (11.2”)
Tuner Mono jack, unbalanced, 310 mV (-10 dBV), post equali-
zer, pre effects, pre master Weight 10.6 kg (23.3 lbs)
Line out Mono jack, unbalanced, 1.5 V (+3 dBV), post master
DI out XLR, balanced, adjustable 0–130 mV (-18 dBV), post
equalizer, pre effects, pre master Notes:
Send Mono jack, unbalanced, 1.25 V (+2 dBV) if “pan” 1. Input sensitivities refer to 100 watts into 8 ohms at full gain and volume
control is set fully clockwise, post eqalizer, settings, neutral tone control settings and 1 kHz sine-wave test signal.
pre effects, pre master
2. Output levels refer to 50 mV / 1 kHz input at channel one, unless stated
Headphones Stereo jack otherwise.
Output power: max. 100 mW / 32 ohms
3. Equivalent input noise voltage obtained by measuring noise voltage at
Input sensitivity: 30 mV at channel 1 input for
the speaker and dividing by the effective voltage gain of the amplifier for the
2 x 50 mW / 32 ohms
respective input. Full gain and volume settings, neutral tone control settings,
Internal speaker is muted while
input shorted, frequency range 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
headphones are connected.
For stereo headphones only. You should not connect Specifications and appearance subject to change without notice.
anything with a mono jack plug!
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8. Manufacturer‘s Declaration
The disposal of electronic equipment in household waste is not per-
mitted. AER GmbH waste electrical and electronic equipment is not
to be taken to public collection points for disposal.
AER GmbH remains solely responsible for the disposal of AER GmbH
waste electrical and electronic equipment labelled with a dustbin.
To dispose of AER GmbH waste electrical and electronic equipment
that is labelled with a dustbin symbol, please contact us; we will
ensure correct and cost-neutral disposal.
In the case of AER GmbH waste electrical and electronic equipment
that is not labelled with a dustbin, the owner is responsible for cor-
rect disposal in accordance with the law.
However, we are also happy to help in this case and we can present
you with the options of where to dispose of these electrical goods.
European Union, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein
The disposal of electronic equipment in household waste is not
permitted.
All AER electrical equipment affected by WEEE has been labelled
with the symbol of a crossed out dustbin since 13.08.2005. This is
also applicable for Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
This symbol indicates that the disposal of the equipment is not per-
mitted with household waste.
It has been circulated in this form since 13.08.2005.
The European directives of WEEE are anchored in different respec-
tive national laws in all European states. As such, we are unfortuna-
tely unable to provide you with one standard disposal solution.

The telephone number of AER GmbH: +49 (0)2361 891789 The distributor or importer for the respective state is responsible
for the observance of the laws of that state and must ensure the
Here, we will provide you with qualified information on the disposal
disposal of the waste electrical and electronic equipment in accor-
of AER GmbH waste electrical and electronic equipment.
dance with national regulations.
Declaration
The EU directive on the disposal of waste electrical and electronic Other Countries
equipment (WEEE, 2002/96/EC) has been changed to the electrical
For correct disposal of the electrical goods, please ask the local
and electronic equipment act.
dealer or the appropriate authority.
All AER electrical equipment affected by WEEE has been labelled
with the symbol of a crossed out dustbin since 13.08.2005.
This symbol indicates that the disposal of the equipment is not per-
mitted with household waste. It has been circulated in this form sin-
ce 13.08.2005.
In the German registration department EAR, AER GmbH has been
registered under WEEE registration number DE26301529.

www.aer-amps.com 20090916
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