Boss AD8 Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS AD-8 Acoustic Guitar Processor.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:
“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
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
●
Using “
acoustic guitar, as captured by a high-quality mic.
●
COSM
six world-famous acoustic guitars along with a number of top-quality condenser mics. Now you can
always obtain the best acoustic sound, whether performing live or recording in your home studio.
●
Built-in “
spatial sounds, from the natural airiness to concert hall reverberation.
●
Includes “
●
Built-in
AD-8’s pedal during tuning.
●“Memory
played or the type of guitar you are using.
Acoustic modeling
modeling recreates the important components of a variety of recording situations. Offered are
reverb
,” developed especially for use with acoustic guitars, lets you produce a wide range of
anti-feedback
tuner
lets you tune up easily, is ready whenever needed. The output can also be muted with the
” function allows you to configure up to four groups of settings to suit the material being
(page 2–3) and
,” the unit converts the output from piezo pickups to the sound of a real
” function that automatically suppresses howling.
“IMPORTANT NOTES”
(page 4).
COSM
(Composite Object Sound Modeling)
Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) is
Roland’s innovative and powerful sound
modeling technology. COSM analyzes the
many factors that make up the original sound,
such as the electrical and physical
characteristics of the original, and then
produces a digital model that can reproduce the
same sound.
Copyright © 2003 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of BOSS CORPORATION.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
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.
001
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
................................................................................................
002c
• Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its
AC adaptor.
................................................................................................
003
• 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” sheet.
................................................................................................
004
• 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
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain; or are
• Dusty; or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration.
................................................................................................
007
• 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.
................................................................................................
008b
• 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.
................................................................................................
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 powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
009
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord,
nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage
the cord, producing severed elements and short
circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock
hazards!
................................................................................................
010
• 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.
................................................................................................
011
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material,
coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
................................................................................................
012c
• 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” sheet when:
• The AC adaptor or the power-supply cord has
been damaged; or
• If smoke or unusual odor occurs
• 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.
................................................................................................
2
013
• 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.
................................................................................................
014
• Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
................................................................................................
015
• 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.
................................................................................................
016
• 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” sheet.
................................................................................................
019
• Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken
apart, or thrown into fire or water.
................................................................................................
101b
• The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so
their location or position does not interfere with
their proper ventilation.
................................................................................................
102d
• Always grasp only the output plug or the body of
the AC adaptor when plugging into, or
unplugging from, this unit or an outlet.
................................................................................................
103b
• At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC
adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe
all dust and other accumulations away from its
prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the
power outlet whenever the unit is to remain
unused for an extended period of time. Any
accumulation of dust between the power plug and
the power outlet can result in poor insulation and
lead to fire.
................................................................................................
104
• 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.
................................................................................................
106
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on
the unit.
................................................................................................
107d
• Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its output
plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or
unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.
................................................................................................
108b
• Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor
and all cords coming from external devices.
................................................................................................
109b
• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet.
................................................................................................
110b
• Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning
in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the
outlet.
................................................................................................
111: Selection
• 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. 5).
1
• Carefully follow the installation instructions for
batteries, and make sure you observe the correct
polarity.
2
• Avoid using new batteries together with used
ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types
of batteries.
3
• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to
remain unused for an extended period of time.
5
• 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.
6
• Never keep batteries together with metallic
objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces,
hairpins, etc.
................................................................................................
112
• 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.
................................................................................................
3
IMPORTANT NOTES
291a
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the
following:
Power Supply: Use of Batteries
301
• 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).
302
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause
for concern.
303a
• 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.
304b
• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before
connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent
malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
306b
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these
batteries may be limited, however, since their primary
purpose was to enable testing.
307
• 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
351
• 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.
352a
• This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
352b
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of
this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience
such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices
so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch
them off.
355b
• When moved from one location to another where the
temperature and/or humidity is very different, water
droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage
or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in
this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must
allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation
has completely evaporated.
Maintenance
401a
• 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.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.
Repairs and Data
452
• Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s
memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs.
Important data should always be written down on paper,
”Setting Memo.” During repairs, due care is taken to avoid
the loss of data. However, in certain cases (such as when
circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret
that it may not be possible to restore the data, and Roland
assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
Additional Precautions
551
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be
irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the
improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against
the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you
periodically save a backup copy of important data you
have stored in the unit’s memory written down on paper,
”Setting Memo.”
552
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents
of data that was stored in the unit’s memory once it has
been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability
concerning such loss of data.
553
• 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.
554
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
556
• 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.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
559a
• 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.
562
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using
some other make of connection cable, please note the
following precautions.
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use
cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this
unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to
be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.
4
Installing Batteries
Installing Batteries
* Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries
may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to
enable testing.
Insert the included batteries as shown in figure, being careful
to orient the batteries correctly.
fig.01-01
Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY................. 2
IMPORTANT NOTES........................ 4
Installing Batteries ......................... 5
Connections ................................... 6
Connecting to Mixers ....................................................6
Mono Connection......................................................6
Stereo Connection .....................................................7
Connecting to Acoustic Guitar Amps
or Multitrack Recorders ................................................7
Mono Connection......................................................7
Stereo Connection .....................................................8
Connecting to Electric Guitar Amps...........................8
Mono Connection......................................................8
Part Names and Functions ............. 9
Front Panel.......................................................................9
BODY TYPE List......................................................10
Rear Panel ......................................................................13
• When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of
newspapers or magazines, and place them under the
four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the
buttons and controls. Also, you should try to orient the
unit so no buttons or controls get damaged.
• When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to
avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.
• Make sure the “+” and “-” ends of the batteries are
oriented correctly.
• When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator gets
dim. If this happens, replace with new batteries.
• When replacing the batteries, use six AA type.
• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In
addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.
Doing so can result in fluid leakage.
• Battery life can vary depending on battery type.
Continuous usage time under battery power is about 23
hours with alkaline batteries and about 9 hours with
carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage
conditions.)
Operation.................................... 14
ON/OFF Pedal Operation ...........................................14
MEMORY t/s Pedal Functions...................................14
Panel Operation............................................................15
Storing Settings (Write Operation)...........................16
Storing the “MANUAL” Sound in Memory .......16
Changing and Storing the “MEMORY” Sound
......16
Setting the Function Used When the
Effects Are Off (Bypass/Mute)
........... 17
Changing How Memory Numbers
Are Indicated
................................. 17
How to Use the Tuner .................. 18
How to Tune Your Instrument ..................................18
Changing the Reference Pitch (PITCH)...................18
How to Use the ANTI-FEEDBACK... 19
Returning Settings
to Their Factory Defaults .............. 20
Troubleshooting........................... 21
Sample Settings ........................... 22
Setting Memo .............................. 23
Specifications............................... 25
5
Connections
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other
devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power
on all devices before making any connections.
* Rise the amp volume only after turning on the power to all
connected devices.
* To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit
(should the plug be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid
applying undue stress to the AC adaptor jack, anchor the power
cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.
fig.02-02
* The pin assignment for the XLR type connectors is as shown
below. Before making any connections, make sure that this pin
assignment is compatible with that of all your other devices.
fig.02-01
* The power comes on when you insert the connector plug into
the INPUT jack.
* Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to
your various devices in the order specified. By turning on
devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/
or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up:
Turn on the power to your guitar amp
When powering down:
Turn off the power to your guitar amp
* Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before
switching on power. Even with the volume all the way down,
you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on,
but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.
last
first
.
.
Connecting to Mixers
Mono Connection
fig.02-06
Acoustic Guitar
(Piezo Pickup)
Stereo Headphones
* The same sounds are output
AC Adaptor
(PSA series)
from A and B when mono
output is used.
Mixer
6
Stereo Connection
fig.02-07
Acoustic Guitar
(Piezo Pickup)
Stereo Headphones
Connections
AC Adaptor
(PSA series)
Mixer
Connecting to Acoustic Guitar Amps or Multitrack Recorders
Mono Connection
fig.02-03
Acoustic Guitar
(Piezo Pickup)
■ Recommended settings for the AC-60
* The AC-60 is designed to produce optimal sound with an electric
acoustic guitar connected directly to the unit. You can produce the
best results when connecting to the AD-8 by setting the AC-60’s
GUITAR CHANNEL as shown in the figure.
Stereo Headphones
GUITAR CHANNEL
Acoustic Guitar Amp
(Roland AC-60 etc.)
AC Adaptor
(PSA series)
MTR
7
Connections
Stereo Connection
fig.02-04
Acoustic Guitar
(Piezo Pickup)
Stereo Headphones
AC Adaptor
(PSA series)
■ Recommended settings for the AC-60
* The AC-60 is designed to produce optimal sound with an electric
acoustic guitar connected directly to the unit. You can produce the
best results when connecting to the AD-8 by setting the AC-60’s
GUITAR CHANNEL as shown in the figure.
GUITAR CHANNEL GUITAR CHANNEL
Connecting to Electric Guitar Amps
Mono Connection
fig.02-05
Acoustic Guitar
(Piezo Pickup)
Stereo Headphones
Acoustic Guitar Amp
(Roland AC-60 etc.)
MTR
AC Adaptor
(PSA series)
8
Electric Guitar Amp
Part Names and Functions
Front Panel
REVERB knob
You can switch this knob to attain any of three
different reverb effects. The effect deepens as the
knob is turned to the right.
No effects are applied with this is switched to OFF.
AMBIENCE:
This provides a sense of distance in the sound, like
that obtained with off-mic recording.
ROOM:
This provides reverb like that obtained in a
recording studio.
HALL:
This provides reverb like that obtained in a concert
hall.
* Graduations for AMBIENCE, ROOM, and HALL
on a panel are for reference. Be sure to check the
sound as you adjust the effects.
OUTPUT LEVEL knob
This adjusts the output volume level.
* The OUTPUT LEVEL knob only
adjusts the volume pertaining to
times when the effects are on. When
the effects are switched off, the
volume remains at a fixed level
(bypass or mute).
EQULIZER
BASS knob
This adjusts the balance of the
lower range.
MIDDLE GAIN knob
This adjusts the balance of the
midrange.
MIDDLE FREQ
(frequency) knob
This specifies the frequency
band to be adjusted with the
MIDDLE GAIN knob. The
band can be specified within
the range from 200 Hz to 1.6
kHz.
STRING ENHANCE knob
Allows you to bring out more of the
pleasant overtones of the guitar strings.
Especially effective with finger picking.
TREBLE knob
This adjusts the balance of the
upper range.
PRESENCE knob
This adjusts the balance of the
frequencies that are even
higher than those adjusted
with the TREBLE knob.
BODY TYPE knob
Select the setting that is closest to the straight,
unaffected sound of the guitar you are using.
“BODY TYPE List” (p. 10)
BODY knob
This adjusts the sound the body puts out.
Turn this knob completely to the left to obtain 100% piezo pickup sound (STRING
ENHANCE, EQUALIZER, and REVERB active). The proportion of piezo pickup
sound relative to modeled sound changes as the knob is turned up towards the
center position. Placing the knob at the center position produces 100% modeled
sound.
Turning the knob even further to the right enhances the body-sound content of the
modeled guitar.
* Increasing the BODY setting also raises the output level. If the sound becomes
distorted, lower the output volume level with the OUTPUT LEVEL knob.
POWER indicator
This is lit while the power is on.
* When the batteries run down, this
indicator gets dim. If this happens,
replace with new batteries.
Piezo Pickup
Sound
Body-Sound
Content
Modeled Sound
9
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