Fender Acoustasonic-SFX Operation Manual

Reference and Owner’s Manual
for the Acoustasonic SFX

Fender Musical Instruments
7975 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 U.S.A.

A Message from the Chairman

Since 1946, Fender realized the importance of your amplifier. You see, your
amplifier is more than just a combination of dials, wires and speakers. It is a
finely tuned musical instrument. And like any fine musical instrument, it
should be treated with special care and attention to detail.

At Fender, we know what building guitar amplifiers is all about. For over half a
century, we have been designing and producing some of the world’s best
amplifiers, helping shape the face of music. In fact, many of the world’s most
classic and best sounding amplifiers proudly wear the Fender name.

Whether you are after that classic Fender tone, a clean crisp sound for your
Bass or Keyboard or the raw driving power of modern distortion, your
decision to purchase a Fender amplifier is one you will appreciate with each
passing note for years to come.

Wishing you years of enjoyment and a heartfelt thank you,

Bill Schultz

Bill Schultz
Chairman of the Board
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

YOUR ACOUSTASONIC SFX AMPLIFIER

Congratulations on your purchase of a Fender
Acoustasonic SFX Amplifier . Your new Fender amp is
designed by the same Tone-Team that has created
many other classic Fender amps: like the Tone­Master®, Princeton®Chorus and the versatile Hot
Rod Series. Built with care and special attention to
detail, your Acoustasonic SFX offers much more than
meets the eye.

Acoustasonic SFX Amplifiers include among their

Traditional Amp

Fig. A The sound waves from a traditional guitar amplifier

project forward, focusing their energy in one direction.

many features: the Stereo Field eXpansion effect
(patent pending) creating unique spatial characteristics
via the forward and side-radiating speakers, on-board
digital signal processing, a dual channel power
amplifier and both phone and XLR input connections.
The two independent channels with their individual
tone controls are voiced for acoustic instruments and
feature a feedback notch filter control which
attenuates ringing and other bothersome hums.
Moreover, the exclusive “String Dynamics” control
(patent pending) helps suppress unwanted high
frequency harshness. Still, the front panel features
insert patch points for the addition of external signal
processing devices or other outboard gear.

Acoustasonic SFX

Fig. B Fender’s Stereo Field eXpansion circuitry (patent

pending) processes the signal through one of 32 available
stereo digital effects. The stereo signal is then processed
by the exclusive SFX matrix circuit and sent to the speakers
creating a psychoacoustic event that results in up to 300º
of stereo imaging.

Designed for the guitarist / vocalist who wants the
most from an acoustic instrument amplifier, your
Acoustasonic SFX is a quality Fender product. To
ensure the best performance from your Acoustasonic
SFX, please read through this manual and reference it
as needed. Also, remember to always heed all safety
warnings relating to your Acoustasonic SFX Amplifier
and other equipment.

Take the time to get to know each other... Tune-up,
Plug-in and ... Play On!

WARNING:

-THIS UNIT MUST BE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION
BEFORE USER OPERATION

-TO PREVENT DAMAGE, FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.

-NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE,
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ONLY.

-THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTH GROUNDED.

3

ACOUSTASONIC SFX FRONT CONTROL PANEL

INSTRUMENT

LINE/INST.MIC

A. INSTRUMENT - Plug your guitar / acoustic
instrument in here.

B. GAIN - Adjusts the overall loudness of the
Acoustasonic SFX’s instrument channel.

C. TREBLE - Adjusts the amount of increase or
decrease in the high frequency range of the
Acoustasonic SFX’s instrument channel.

D. MID - Adjusts the amount of increase or decrease
in the middle frequency range of the Acoustasonic
SFX’s instrument channel.

E. BASS - Adjusts the amount of increase or
decrease in the low frequency range of the
Acoustasonic SFX’s instrument channel.

F. STRING DYNAMICS - This knob controls a
dynamic tone shaping filter on the Acoustasonic
SFX’s instrument channel. Rotating the knob to the
right decreases the instrument’s “harshness” at
higher frequencies when playing loudly. When
playing at softer levels, the Acoustasonic SFX
maintains its “crispness”.

G. FEEDBACK NOTCH - This control is designed to
attenuate feedback or other bothersome hums. By
slowly rotating the knob to locate the feedback
frequency, it and other unwanted hums can be
eliminated in the Acoustasonic SFX’s instrument
channel.

BASSMIDTREBLEGAIN

PHASE

GAIN

STRING

DYNAMICS

BASSMIDTREBLE

H. DSP SEND - Adjusts the amount of signal from
the Acoustasonic SFX’s instrument channel sent to
on board DSP.

I. INSERT - A 1/4 inch TRS (tip ring sleeve) input /
output phone jack designed for use with signal
processing devices or other line level outboard gear.
A special "Y" line cord (stereo to dual mono) is
required to use this jack. The tip is the send and the
ring is the return.

J. MIC - Plug your microphone in here. This thr ee pin
XLR balanced female input connector is intended for
input signals from low impedance microphones.

K. LINE/INST - This is a 1/4 inch TRS balanced input
jack suited for use with items having a line level
output such as high impedance microphones,
keyboards, drum machines, etc. It accepts both
balanced and unbalanced cables.

L. GAIN - Adjusts the overall loudness of the mic /
line channel of the Acoustasonic SFX amplifier.

M. PHASE - This push button reverses the phase
(180o) of the Acoustasonic SFX’s mic / line channel. It
is useful for eliminating feedback in instruments using
dual pickup configurations.

N. TREBLE - Adjusts the amount of increase or
decrease in the high frequency range of the
Acoustasonic SFX’s mic / line channel .

FEEDBACK

NOTCH

FEEDBACK

NOTCH

4

BYPASS

SFX ON

OUTPUT

PHASE

POWER

FEEDBACK

NOTCH

FEEDBACK

NOTCH

DSP

SEND

DSP

SEND

INSERT

INSERT

SFX

PLATE
HALL

®

ROOM

REVERB
DELAY

O. MID - Adjusts the amount of increase or decrease
in the middle frequency range of the Acoustasonic
SFX’s mic / line channel.

P. BASS - Adjusts the amount of increase or
decrease in the low frequency range of the
Acoustasonic SFX’s mic / line channel .

Q. FEEDBACK NOTCH - This control is designed to
attenuate feedback or other bothersome hums. By
slowly rotating the knob to locate the feedback
frequency, it and other unwanted hums can be
eliminated in the Acoustasonic SFX’ s mic / line channel.

DSP

RETURN

CHORUS

FLANGE

SLAP

DELAY

REVERB

CHORUS

MASTER

VOLUME

CLIP

SIGNAL

DSP EFFECTS

V. SFX ON - This red LED illuminates when the SFX
effect is active on your Acoustasonic SFX amplifier.

W. DSP RETURN - Adjusts the amount of DSP
effect or “wet” signal mixed with the “dry” overall
loudness of the Acoustasonic SFX amplifier . Rotating
the knob clockwise increases the amount of DSP
effect or “wet” signal effect.

X. OUTPUT PHASE - This push button reverses the
phase (180o) of the Acoustasonic SFX amplifier. It is
useful for eliminating feedback when playing in small
environments.

R. DSP SEND - Adjusts the amount of signal from
the Acoustasonic SFX’s mic / line channel sent to the
on-board DSP.

S. INSERT - A 1/4 inch TRS input / output phone
jack designed for use with signal processing devices
or other line level outboard gear. A special "Y" line
cord (stereo to dual mono) is requir ed to use this jack.
The tip is the send and the ring is the return.

T. BYPASS - This button deactivates the Stereo
Field eXpansion effect on the Acoustasonic SFX

amplifier. When this button is pressed the SFX effect
is inactive.

U. SFX - Adjusts the amount of SFX effect produced
by your Acoustasonic SFX amplifier. Rotating the
knob clockwise varies the SFX spatial effect.

Y. MASTER VOLUME - Adjusts the overall loudness
of the Acoustasonic SFX amplifier.

Z. POWER - This red LED illuminates when your
Acoustasonic SFX is receiving power.

AA. DSP EFFECTS - This 32-position data wheel
selects among the various on-board digital effects.
These effects will only be heard if the DSP send knob
on the respective channels is turned up. For a
complete listing of all on-board effects available refer
to the chart located on page 6.

BB. SIGNAL - This yellow LED illuminates when an
adequate signal level exists at the DSP input.

CC. CLIP - This red LED illuminates when an
excessive signal level exists at the DSP input. If this
occurs lower the input signal via the DSP Send
knobs.

5

ACOUSTASONIC SFX REAR PANEL

DSP EFFECTS CHART

A. POWER SWITCH - Tur ns the AC power ON and
OFF. When the switch is OFF, your Acoustasonic SFX
amplifier is completely shut down.

B. LINE CORD - Your Acoustasonic SFX amplifier is
equipped with a grounding type supply cord to
reduce the possibility of shock hazard. Be sure to
connect it to a grounded AC receptacle. The line
cord should be connected to a suitable power source
in accordance with voltage and frequency as shown
in the power rating on the rear panel. DO NOT

ALTER THE AC CORD OR PLUG.

Below is a listing of all effects available on the
Acoustasonic SFX. To choose among these various
effects simply rotate the dial to the desired effect.
Remember both the DSP Send and DSP Return
knobs must be above their minimum positions in
order for the effect to
be heard. (To change

from slower to faster
sweeps, shorter to
longer delays or
smaller to larger
reverbs, turn the DSP
effects selection knob

PLATE
HALL

ROOM

REVERB
DELAY

DSP EFFECTS

CHORUS

FLANGE

SLAP

DELAY

REVERB

CHORUS

clockwise.)

Reverb- 1 - Medium Room / Short Delay
Delay 2 - Medium Room / Medium Delay

3 - Medium Room / Long Delay
4 - Medium Hall / Short Delay
5 - Medium Hall / Medium Delay
6 - Medium Hall / Long Delay

Reverbs

Room 1 - Small

2 - Large

Hall 1 - Small

2 - Medium
3 - Large

Plate 1 - Small

2 - Large

Chorus 1 - Slow Sweep

2 - Slow to Medium Sweep
3 - Medium Sweep
4 - Medium to Fast Sweep
5 - Fast Sweep

Flange 1 - Slow Sweep

2 - Slow to Medium Sweep
3 - Medium to Fast Sweep
4 - Fast Sweep

Slap Quick, Single Echo
Delay 1 - Short Delay

2 - Medium Delay
3 - Long Delay

Reverb- 1 - Medium Room / Slow Sweep
Chorus 2 - Medium Room / Medium Sweep

3 - Medium Room / Fast Sweep
4 - Large Hall / Slow Sweep
5 - Large Hall / Medium Sweep
6 - Large Hall / Fast Sweep

6

COVERING CARETROUBLESHOOTING

If the Acoustasonic SFX is set up but
does not function, check the
following items:

• Is the power cord properly plugged into an
electrical outlet?

• Is there power at the outlet?

• Are the control knobs turned above 1?

• Is the volume control on the instrument turned up?

• Are the control knobs on your external
equipment turned above 1?

• Is the power cord on your external equipment
properly plugged into an electrical outlet?

• Is the microphone turned on?

• Are any cords cut, frayed or damaged?

• Are the DSP control knobs turned above 1?

• Is the instrument / microphone properly plugged
into the amplifier?

(Eliminate any effects pedals, external signal processing
devices and try using another cord.)

The exclusive covering on your
Fender Acoustasonic SFX cabinet
has been especially designed for
years of lasting beauty. A light soapy
solution on a sponge can be used to

remove dirt and residue that may
accumulate in the fabric. Be careful not to let any
liquid come in contact with operating surfaces.

REMEMBER TO UNPLUG THE POWER CORD
BEFORE CLEANING AND WAIT UNTIL THE UNIT
IS COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE PLUGGING IT IN.

If after checking all of the above your amplifier is still
not performing correctly, consult your nearest
authorized Fender Service Center.

7

ACOUSTASONIC SFX SPECIFICATIONS

TYPE: PR 370
PART NUMBER: 22-1301 (120V)

22-1331 (240V) Aust
22-1341 (230V)UK
22-1361 (230V) Eur
22-1371 (100V)

POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100V AC, 50/60 Hz 450W

120V AC, 60 Hz, 450W
230V AC, 50 Hz, 450W
240V AC, 50 Hz, 450W

POWER AMPLIFIER SECTION

POWER OUTPUT: 80W per channel, (160W R.M.S. Total)

into 8Ω @ <.07% T.H.D., both channels driven

SENSITIVITY : 1.51V (both channels)

PREAMP SECTION

INPUT IMPEDANCE: 10MΩ (Inst), 3.6kΩ (Mic), 36.4kΩ (Line/Inst)
TONE CONTROLS: Treble: +/-15dB @ 15kHz (Inst), +/-15dB @ 15kHz (Mic/Line/Inst)

Mid: +/-12dB @ 1kHz (Inst)
Bass: +/-12dB @ 100Hz (Inst), +/-12dB @ 50Hz (Mic/Line/Inst)

FEEDBACK NOTCH: -10dB from 80Hz to 700Hz (Instrument Channel)

-10dB from 720Hz to 7.2kHz (Mic/Line Channel)
STRING DYNAMICS: 0 to -15dB @ 6.3kHz (Instrument Channel)
PHANTOM VOLTAGE: +15V DC (Mic)

SPEAKER COMPLIMENT: One Fender Special Design 8” speaker (P/N 051016)

One Fender Special Design 10” speaker (P/N 029753)
Single Piezo Horn (P/N 049260)

DIMENSIONS: Height: 29.5 in 73 cm

Width: 17.5 in 44 cm
Depth: 13 in 33 cm

WEIGHT: 62 lbs 28.2 kg

Fender®, SFX®, Tone-Master®and Princeton®Chorus are
registered trademarks and Acoustasonic™is a trademark of the
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

The SFX Effect, patent pending, is manufactured under license
from Aspen Pittman and Drew Daniels of SFX Technology.

Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

A PRODUCT OF:

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION

CORONA, CA 91720 USA

P/N 052002 REV B