Boss AD3 Owner’s Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly.

*Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.

The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled.

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 circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

• Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.

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•Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor.

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•Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” leaflet.

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• Never use or store the unit in places that are:

•Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct,

on top of heat-generating equipment); or are

•Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are

•Exposed to rain; or are

•Humid; or are

•Dusty; or are

•Subject to high levels of vibration.

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• Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.

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• Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-Series), and make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor’s body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

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•Avoid damaging the power cord. Do not bend it excessively, step on it, place heavy objects on it, etc. A damaged cord can easily become a shock or fire hazard. Never use a power cord after it has been damaged.

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•This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an audiologist.

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•Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft

drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.

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•Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” leaflet when:

•The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has been damaged; or

•Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the unit; or

•The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet); or

•The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.

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•In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit.

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• Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)

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•Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially careful when using extension cords—the total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through.

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•Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” leaflet.

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•Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water.

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•The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation.

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• Always grasp only the plug or the body of the AC adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

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• Whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time, disconnect the AC adaptor.

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•Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children.

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•Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.

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• Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

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• Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and all cords coming from external devices.

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• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 8).

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• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.

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•If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please read and observe the following precautions (p. 8).

•Carefully follow the installation instructions for batteries, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.

•Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.

•Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.

•If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area with running water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.

•Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.

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• Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be observed in the region in which you live.

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Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY ..................................................	2
IMPORTANT NOTES ............................................................	5
Introduction .........................	6
Main Features ..........................................................................	6
Panel Descriptions................	7
The Power Supply................	8
Loading the Batteries ..............................................................	8
Using an AC Adaptor.............................................................	8
Getting Ready to Play ..........	9
Connections..............................................................................	9
Turning the Power On..........................................................	10
Turning the Power Off ........................................................	10
Making the Settings ...........	11
Adjusting the Input Level ....................................................	11
Adding Breadth to the Sounds (2 x 2 Chorus)..................	11
Adding Reverberations to the Sounds (Reverb)...............	12
Playing with a Guitar Amp
(Acoustic Guitar Amp Simulator) ................................	12
Adjusting the Bass Sound (Bottom) ...................................	13
Adjusting the Treble Sound (Top) ......................................	13
Reducing Acoustic Feedback (Anti-feedback)..................	14
Making the Setting with the Knob
(the Anti-feedback Knob) .............................................	14
Automatic Detection with the Pedal
(the Anti-feedback Auto Pedal) ...................................	14
Switching On the Anti-feedback Auto Function.............	15
Redoing Automatic Detection............................................	15
Switching Off the Anti-feedback Auto Function ............	15
Appendices ........................	16
Troubleshooting ....................................................................	16
Block Diagram .......................................................................	16
Setting Samples .....................................................................	17
Blank Chart ............................................................................	18
Specifications .........................................................................	19

IMPORTANT NOTES

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” 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 that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system).

•The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.

•The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.

•When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you may have connected. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

•Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to enable testing.

•Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

Placement

•Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.

•This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.

Maintenance

•For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

•Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.

Additional Precautions

•Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.

•When connecting/disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal elements.

•To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s volume at reasonable levels (especially when it is late at night).

•When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.

Introduction

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS AD-3 Acoustic Instrument Processor.

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Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 2; p. 5). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

A go-anywhere, floor-type effects processor for electric acoustic guitars, designed especially for live performances

•Equipped with two pedals (chorus and antifeedback auto)

•Low-profile, rugged steel body

Chorus and reverb tuned exclusively for electric acoustic guitars

•Uses a stereo band-splitting chorus (2 x 2 chorus) to apply effects separately to the bass and treble bands

•A newly developed, built-in reverb

•The same level of quality as the full-featured AD-5

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 of an acoustic guitar, even with a guitar amp

Bottom and top control designed exclusively for electric acoustic guitars

•The AD-3 has on-board bottom and top control for special filters that work differently for boost and cutoff. This makes for a natural acoustic sound.

Double anti-feedback reduces acoustic feedback

•Along with the anti-feedback that sets the frequency with a control knob, the AD-3 has a built-in automatic anti-feedback function that automatically detects the frequency by operating a pedal.

•You can use the two anti-feedback functions at the same time.

MEMO “Anti-feedback” is a feature that reduces acoustic feedback (howling) between the guitar and amp.

Balance output

•The AD-3’s output is balanced, so you can connect it directly to PA systems.

MEMO “Balanced output” is a system that reduces noise when using stereo cables and so on to send musical signals to a PA system or another balanced device.

Dual Power Supply

•In addition to running the AD-3 off batteries (six AA cells), you can use the AC adaptor. This means you can use batteries for an onstage performance or the AC adaptor when in your room.

BOSS CORPORATION

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