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.
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.
Used for instructions
intended to alert the user to
the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be
used improperly.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
5
Introduction
MEMO
MEMO
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS AD-3 Acoustic Instrument Processor.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.