Fender Passport PD-250 Instruction Manual

3

250 Watts of Clear Stereo Sound

Custom Designed Loudspeakers Utilizing the latest in
High-Performance Speaker technology

Built-in Digital Reverb

VIP™ (Vocal Input Priority) Allows input one to
automatically override all other inputs when a signal is
present on input one

Four Mono Microphone / Line Inputs with XLR and
1/4” balanced inputs connections

Two Stereo Inputs with 1/4” and RCA Connections

Switch Mode Power Supply Allows Use Anywhere In
The World

Everything You Need To Get Started:

– Passport Mixer Amplifier
– Two Dynamic Microphones & Cables
– Two Speaker Cables, 9m (30’)
– IEC Power Cable
– Two, State of the Art, Full-Range Speaker

Enclosures

– Full transportation enclosure

This symbol warns the user of dangerous
voltage levels localized within the enclosure.

This symbol advises the user to read all
accompanying literature for safe operation of
the unit.

Congratulations on your purchase of a Fender Passport
PD-250 high performance, self-contained portable audio
system. Your Passport includes everything you will need
for great sound… Anywhere.
Carry your Passport as you would a large sized suit case.
Flip open the speaker latches, and you’ll discover two full­range speaker cabinets, a powered mixer, dynamic
microphones, plus all the cables you need to get started.
Use your Passport to amplify voices, musical instruments,
computer sound cards, CD’s, tape playback and more.
Passport’s quick and easy set-up, its ability to cover large
audiences and simple operation are the hallmarks of this
innovative product line.

The Passport’s control panel features four mono mic/line
inputs and two stereo channels (six channels total). The
stereo input channels can be used for either mono or
stereo operation allowing superb flexibility in input use.
Moreover, the revolutionary speaker technology in each
speaker enclosure deliver remarkably clean, full range
sound with exceptional audience coverage and
remarkable feedback rejection. The self-powered mixer
provides a total of 250 watts of high quality stereo sound.

For vocal operation, the Passport’s VIP (Vocal Input
Priority) feature can be used to reduce or “duck” the
background music level as you begin to speak and then
restore your background music when you have finished
speaking. Experiment with the tone controls, digital reverb
and speaker placement and discover the Passport’s
incredible power and versatility.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS:

– WARNING : 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.

INTRODUCTION

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Fender Passpor

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4

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The Fender Passport sound system is supplied
with a detachable power cable with an IEC
female connector and a male AC connector.

Depending on the territory in which the
Passport system is purchased, the power cable will be
supplied with one of a number of male AC connectors to
accommodate the different safety and code requirements
of specific countries. All AC cables supplied with Passport
products are three pin grounded types.

Under no circumstances should the ground (earth) pin be
disconnected or removed.

Your Passport System features a Switch-Mode-Power­Supply designed to operate on any AC voltage and line
frequency to convert AC power with maximum efficiency.

When traveling abroad with the Passport system, as a
standard precaution, always check the local voltage and
set the voltage selector switch located adjacent to the
power input socket on the rear of the mixer / amplifier to
the appropriate operating range. This check must be
performed before connecting the power cable. The
Fender Passport has two range settings: 115 V or 230 V.

Failure to select the appropriate voltage range will cause
the unit to go into protect mode, void any warranty and
may cause damage to the unit.

For example, The United States of America is
standardized at 117 volts / 60 Hz, Japan operates on
100 volts / 50 Hz. For both of these countries the range
selector must be set to 115 V. Countries in the EEC have
standardized at 230 volts / 50 Hz., however, there are
different types of AC plugs used. For all these countries
the selector should be at the 230 V position. When using
plug adapters or operating in a territory other than the one
in which the unit was purchased, take great care to
comply with local safety requirements and electrical codes
of practice.

If you are not sure of the local voltage, wiring codes &
colors, AC grounding, or correct procedures for
connection, consult a qualified technician.

Warning

Under no circumstances should the ground pin

on the Passport or on any of your electrical

equipment be lifted (cut off or disconnected).

By following the correct procedures and safety
precautions, risks of severe shock hazard can be mini­mized. Best of all, avoid operating the system in con­junction with ungrounded or improperly grounded
electrical equipment.

To open and close your Passport system, simply follow
these guidelines:

1. Place your finger tip under the safety latch and gently
lift. When the safety latch has disengaged, lift the main
latch to remove the speaker.

2. To replace, position the speaker on the tower foot and
bring the speaker in to close the engagement with the
tower and latch. Position the latch hook over the speaker
notch and close the latch. The safety latch will automa­tically engage.

Note: These parts are precision engineered and no force
is needed to secure them. Careful alignment of parts will
ensure easy operation.

TRANSPORTATION LATCHES

5

CHANNNELS 1 - 4

J. LEVEL – Adjusts the volume level of the individual
channel. Rotating the knob clockwise increases the
respective channel’s contribution to the “Main Out” mix,
while rotating it counterclockwise decreases the volume.
Adjust this control after the Passport’s master output level
volume has been set.

K. VIP (CHANNEL 1 ONLY) – The VIP or Vocal Input
Priority control adjusts the level at which the volume of all
other channels are automatically reduced in favor of the
source attached to the Mic/Line Input 1. This unique
feature permits a user to speak while other inputs (such as
background music) continue at temporarily reduced
levels. The VIP circuit is “pre-volume control” which means
it is effective regardless of level control setting of channel
one. Adjust this control while speaking into a microphone
on channel 1, with other program material input through
another channel. Depending on the duration and level of
the signal being input to Mic/Line 1 and the position of the
control, the VIP circuit will trigger a reduction in level of all
the other channels. The original levels will be automatically
restored when there is no signal present on channel 1. In
typical use, the circuit will return normal levels in about
4 seconds. With the level set at a higher or a stronger
signal, normal levels will be restored after approximately
6 seconds. The VIP circuit has an intentionally slow
release time which prevents interruptions when a speaker
pauses for thought or effect. Care should be taken to
avoid the VIP triggering on sound from the main speakers.
At high settings, the microphone may “hear” the main
system speakers and trigger a reduction in level. When

not using the VIP feature, be sure to turn the control
completely counterclockwise.

L. EQ – Adjusts the amount of frequency increase or

decrease in the channel. Rotating the knob
counterclockwise increases the bass or low frequency
response while simultaneously decreasing the treble or
high frequency response. Likewise, rotating the knob
clockwise increases the treble or high frequency response
while simultaneously decreasing the bass or low
frequency response. When the tone controls are set at
their notched or straight up position, the channel response
is “flat” with no frequencies increased or decreased. To
set the EQ, start with this control in the 12 o’clock
(notched) position. Simply turn the control until things
sound good!

M. REV/AUX – Adjusts the amount of signal sent to the
Reverb processor, and to the Rev/Aux output jack.
Reverb can be used to enhance the sound quality of any

performance where appropriate and desired. In the full left
position there is no level sent to the reverb processor or
Rev/Aux jack. Care should be taken to set the Reverb
return master control to a middle position or above, before
adjusting levels from the individual channels. When the
reverb/auxiliary mix is set, overall levels of reverb can be
adjusted at the master control.

Keep in mind that while Reverb or effects can enhance a
musical performance or presentation. Too much reverb
can make the same performance or presentation
unintelligible or “muffled”. Keep your audience in mind
when setting reverb levels.

N. PAN – The Pan control features a notched position
indicator and adjusts the perceived “position” of the mono
signal from the input within the stereo field created by the
two speaker cabinets. Full Left or Right rotation of this
control sends the signal to the that channel only, with no
signal sent to the other. The center position sends the

same amount of signal to both speakers.

J. STEREO INPUT LEVEL – Adjusts the volume level of
the stereo input channel. Rotating the knob clockwise
increases the stereo input channel’s contribution to the
“Main Out” mix, while rotating it counterclockwise
decreases the volume. Adjust this control after the
Passport’s master output level volume has been set.

L. EQ LOW – Adjusts the relative level of the low
frequency content for the stereo channel. Rotating the
knob counterclockwise decreases the bass or low fre­quency response. Likewise, rotating the knob clockwise
increases the bass or low frequency response.

L. EQ HI – Adjusts the relative level of the high frequency
content. Rotating the knob counterclockwise decreases
the treble or high frequency response. Likewise, rotating
the knob clockwise increases the treble or high frequency
response. When the EQ controls are set at their notched
or straight up position, the channel frequency response is
“flat” with no frequencies increased or decreased.

MONO MIC / LINE CONTROL FUNCTIONS

STEREO CONTROL FUNCTIONS

6

M. REV/AUX – Adjusts the amount of signal sent to the
internal Reverb processor, and to the Rev/Aux output
jack. In the full left position the control is effectively off.
Care should be taken to set the Reverb return master
control to a middle position or above, before adjusting
levels from the individual channels. When the
reverb/auxiliary mix is set, overall levels of reverb can be
adjusted at the master control.

N. BAL – The balance control features a notched position
indicator and adjusts the perceived “position” of the mono
signal from the input within the stereo field created by the
two speakers. Full Left or Right rotation of this control
sends the signal to the that channel only, with no signal
sent to the other. The center position sends the same
amount of signal to both speakers.

O & P. MASTER VOLUME LEVEL CONTROLS – The
Left and Right Master Volume Controls adjust the output
volume of the PD-250. The Master controls feature
notched position indicators. For the majority of
applications the Passport system has been balanced to
operate with these controls at their notched 12 o’clock
positions. In situations where more volume is required the
master controls can provide an additional 6 dB of gain
when turned to the right of the center position.

Set the system up in the normal manner and adjust levels
as necessary. Raise the master volume controls beyond
their 12 o’clock positions only after increasing the
individual channel level controls.

Passport’s internal amplifiers have on-board processing
designed to optimize the system’s performance when
used with the custom designed PD-250 speakers.

S. STEREO/ DUAL SELECTOR SWITCH – Allows the
PD-250’s power amps to be configured as stereo or
“dual-mono”. In the Stereo mode, the system operates as
a traditional stereo power mixer/ amplifier. In the Dual
mode, the channel level controls set the level for the Main
mix (LEFT master volume control). The Rev/Aux controls
set the individual channel levels for the Monitor (RIGHT
master volume control).

When the Dual mode position is selected with the switch,
the Pan and Balance controls become inoperative (you
have selected a mono setting for the output). Additionally,
the internal reverb is only sent to the MAIN speaker
output. Reverb is not available to the MONITOR speaker
output. The reverb level sends for the MAIN mix are also
controlled from the channel REV/AUX channel controls.

The overall reverb level to the MAIN mix is controlled by
the Reverb Master Control.

Q. MASTER REVERB – Adjusts the amount of reverb
signal level sent to the mix or output. Rotating the knob
clockwise increases the reverb signal sent to the main
mix. When the knob is in its full counterclockwise position,
there is no reverb heard in the mix.

R. SYSTEM EQ – Adjusts the overall amount of frequency
increase or decrease on the Passport. Rotating the knob
counterclockwise increases the bass frequency response
while simultaneously decreasing the high frequency
response. Likewise, rotating the knob clockwise increases
the high frequency response while simultaneously
decreasing the bass frequency response. When the
system EQ control is set at its notched or straight up
position, the channel response is “flat” with no
frequencies increased or decreased. To set the System
EQ, start with this control in the 12 o’clock (flat) position.
Simply turn the control until things sound good!

You will notice that the input jacks and channel
controls are color coded. This is done to easily
identify which set of controls is associated with which
input connections.

V. MIC INPUT JACK

– Plug your micro-

phone in here. This three

pin XLR balanced female
input connector is intended
for input signals from low

impedance microphones.

W. LINE INPUT JACK – Plug your instrument in here.
This 1/4 inch balanced input jack suited for use with items
having a line level output such as high impedance
microphones, keyboards, drum machines, outboard
effects, etc. It accepts both balanced and unbalanced
cables.

MASTER CONTROL FUNCTIONS

MIC / LINE / STEREO INPUTS

7

X & Z. STEREO INPUTS – Stereo phono (RCA) input
jacks and 1/4” TRS jacks (wired for Tip=Left, Ring=Right
and Sleeve=Ground, the standard format of commercially
available cables) designed for use with a tape player, CD
player, or any other stereo source. Use these jacks for
connecting the output of a computer sound card or other
similar device to your Passport. Adapters that convert an
1/8” male plug to RCA male phono plugs are readily
available at electronics stores. Note: These connectors
are set at a constant “line level”.

Y. STEREO OUT – The Tape Out RCA jacks provide a
mix output that is independent of the Master Level
Controls. Connect these to the inputs of a recording
device, such as a cassette or DAT recorder, to record
your event. Changes made during the performance, to the
input level controls, channel EQ, and reverb controls will
be heard in the Tape Out mix. Changes made to the
master level controls will not effect the level of the
recording. Adjust recording levels according to the
instructions on your recording device.

DD. REV/ AUX SEND – Plug your external effects signal
processor in here. Although the Passport is already
equipped with on-board digital reverb, an external effects
signal processor can be incorporated into the Passport’s
signal flow. This 1/4 inch output jack is designed to feed
the Passport’s effects bus signal to an external signal
processing device, such as a digital delay or a chorus.

CC. AUX RETURN – Plug your external effects signal
processor’s output signal in here. This 1/4 inch input
stereo jack is designed to accept signals from an external
processing device, such as a digital delay or a chorus unit.
This input can also be used as a stereo input with the
volume controlled at the master volume knobs.

EE. FOOT SWITCH – The Footswitch connector allows
the internal reverb return to be muted, or shut off, through
the use of a simple foot operated switch (Fender part
number 099-4052-000). The footswitch should be wired
to connect the tip to the sleeve to turn the reverb off, and
requires a standard speaker or instrument cable.

AA & BB. – AMPLIFIER SEND/ RETURN JACKS – Each
channel of the amplifier has a Send and Return jack.
These jacks provide a point to patch in an equalizer, or
other processor into the sound system. The signal at the
send jack is located after the mixer section and before the
power amplifier. The send jack should be connected to
the input of the external device. The return jack is a patch
point that enters into the power amplifiers. The return jack
should be connected to the output of the external device.

T & U. SPEAKER OUTPUTS – These are speaker level
(powered) output jacks designed to feed each of your
Passport speaker enclosures. Use the enclosed cables (or
other speaker cable) to connect the Passport’s speakers
to the power tower.

FF. POWER SWITCH – Turns the AC power ON and
OFF. When the switch is in the OFF position, your Pass­port is completely shut down.

AC CONNECTOR/ LINE CORD – The Passport is
equipped with a grounding type IEC supply cord to
reduce the possibility of shock hazard. Be sure to connect
it to a grounded AC receptacle. DO NOT ALTER THE AC

PLUG.

The power mains (AC) fuse and fuse holder
are under the IEC (power cord) socket.
Replacement fuses must be of the same
rating (6.3A, 250V) and size as originally

equipped. To replace a blown fuse, re­move the IEC power cord. Pull out the fuse holder and
find the spare fuse inside.

Your Passport system is capable of running on battery
power. The off-white plastic connector on the rear of your
Passport is the DC power input connector for connecting
the Passport DC-DC converter. The converter is then
connected to a battery. Available accessories include the
Passport DC-DC converter (Fender part number
069-1002-000) and 12 volt battery pack (Fender part
number 069-9003-000).

AUX AND FOOTSWITCH JACKS

REAR PANEL