Fishman Aura User Manual
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
2
Warnings
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Table of Contents
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock.
Do not open.
No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Do not expose to rain or moisture.
Important Safety Instructions
To ensure your personal safety and the safety of others, operate this apparatus only after reading
these instructions and heeding the warnings listed below.
••
Before you operate the Aura, read the safety instructions below and keep them for reference.
••
Follow all instructions.
••
Do not use this apparatus near water.
••
Clean only with a dry cloth.
••
Do not operate near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
••
Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
••
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as liquid spilled or objects fallen into into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
••
Use only with the specified AC Adapter.
(USA) Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rues. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
••
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
••
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
••
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver is
connected.
••
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
(Canada)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
(EU Countries)
This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC
TM
Aura
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Quick Start 4
Introduction 5
Product Registration
Welcome
What Is a Sound Image?
Aura Capabilities
Aura, the Internet and You
Controls and Rear Panel Connections 8
Rear Panel
Front Panel
Chapter 1: Control Panel Overview 10
The Five Basic Groups
LED Display
Edit/Play Switch
Data Knob
Effect on/off Switch
Chapter 2: Inner Workings 14
Input /Output
Input Level and LEDs
Output Level
Phase Switches
Play Mode
Edit/Play Switch
Programs
Effect on/off Switch
Edit Mode
Edit/Play Switch
Data Knob
Effect on/off Switch
Setup
Parameter
Select
Aura Equalization
Blend
Pickup Equalization
Phase Switches
Compressor
Level
Effect on/off Switch
Tuner
Feedback Cancel
Chapter 3: Setting Up for Performance 25
Appendices 30
Specifications
Glossary
Troubleshooting
Factory Default Settings
Programs
3
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Input Requirements
••
Acoustic Guitar: Use only an undersaddle pickup or a magnetic soundhole pickup.
• Other Instruments: Use only a bridge mounted pickup.
• If your pickup system has an onboard microphone, shut it off.
• If your pickup system has onboard EQ, set all the controls flat.
Quick Start
Get Your Feet Wet
1 Connect the Aura’s ¼” Output or XLR Output to your amplifier or mixer
input.
2 Connect your acoustic instrument to the Input jack on the rear panel.
3 Connect the recommended adapter to the 9VDC input to power up the
Aura (see Controls and Connections, Rear Panel, 9VDC). Keep the
volume down on your amplifier or mixer to avoid a loud pop that could
damage your speakers (or your ears!).
4 Play your instrument aggressively and adjust the Input Level until the
adjacent LED (yellow) flickers regularly and the red LED does not light
up at all.
5 Set Edit/Play switch to Play.
6 Raise the Output Level to a comfortable volume.
7 Browse Through The Different Sound Image / Pickup Mixes
Use the Up and Down footswitches or the Data control to scroll
through programs 01-16 and find a Sound Image/pickup mix that
matches well with your instrument.
The Aura comes with 16 factory-loaded digital “Sound Images” that
correspond to a popular variety of acoustic guitars and microphone
combinations. To help you identify the instrument, pickup and
microphone associated with each program number, see to the Quick
Reference Card included with this manual.
TIP: Always start with the Edit/Play switch in the Play position, and
select your program number before you switch over to the Edit mode.
This way you will avoid inadvertently altering a program that you've
already set up.
RESET: If you get in too deep, too quickly, you can easily return all
the programs to their original factory settings with these 3 easy
steps:
1 Unplug the 9VDC adapter from the back of the Aura.
2 Hold down the two outside footswitches and insert the power
plug into the unit.
3 Continue to hold down the outside footswitches until the
prompt appears in the LED display.
Jump In the Deep End
Once you find a Sound Image that you would like to use with your
instrument, you can correct the phase, insert the Feedback Cancel circuit,
blend the Sound Image with your pickup and apply equalization or
compression. The changes you select can then be applied to the programs
that reside in the Play mode.
1 Start with the Edit/Play switch in the Play position, and choose a
Sound Image/pickup mix in one of the program locations (between 01
and 16). Make note of the program number in the display.
2 Flip the Edit/Play switch to Edit. Select the Parameter you’d like to
change (example; Blend) and adjust it with the Data knob. You can
make adjustments to any of the 11 Parameters, as long as you stay in
the Edit mode.
Once you make your adjustments, simply flip the Edit/Play switch
back to Play. You now have committed these changes to that program
location. Additional tweaks can also be made at any time, by returning
to this same program location and repeating the above directions.
3 Unless you want to start building duplicate programs in different
locations, do not experiment with the Select parameter just yet. Please
be patient, and read on ....
4
Introduction
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Product Registration
Please fill out the Product Registration form online at
http://www.fishman.com/register.asp
Why register? When you do, we have your information on file should your Aura Acoustic Imaging Blender ever require warranty
service. Your registration also keeps you on the cutting edge: we can let you know when updates and upgrades for the Aura become
available.
Welcome!
We at Fishman thank you for purchasing the Aura Acoustic
Imaging Blender. You’ll be glad you did, because the Aura is
going to forever change the way you think about acoustic
amplification. Whether you’re plugging in onstage, recording in
the studio, jamming with friends or just noodling around at
home, this little silver box will transform your amplified acoustic
sound.
Through the magic of cutting-edge digital technology, Aura
grants the secret wish of every acoustic musician: dead-on
amplified acoustic tone. No apologies. No compromises.
Imagine the kind of realism you hear on your favorite acoustic
recordings, but without a microphone. Aura is making instant
believers of those who have written off pickups in the past.
Aura’s acoustic Sound Imaging technology holds 16 Sound
Images; the musical, genetic material of a variety of the world’s
choicest acoustic guitars and microphones. When you plug into
the Aura, its advanced algorithms transform your pickup signal
into glorious, warm and radiant mic’d-up acoustic guitar tone.
Can a pickup ever sound as good as a microphone? The answer
is Yes. Cast off any preconceptions of what a pickup can sound
like and be prepared for the future of acoustic amplification. You
have found your Aura.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at
tech@fishman.com.
What Is a Sound Image?
A Sound Image is a sophisticated algorithm that transforms
your pickup’s signal into that of a microphone in front of a guitar
(or other stringed instrument). To transform the caterpillar
pickup signal into the butterfly sound image, the algorithm
seamlessly adjusts the pickup’s phase and frequency response
to match the instrument and microphone in the Sound Image
template. Also, signature elements like body size, radiant sound
from the guitar, body resonance, mic distance and even the
microphone’s personality all get added into the equation for
amplified acoustic guitar sound with indisputable realism.
Everyone loves the sound of a well mic’d acoustic guitar. The
transparency of a fine microphone positioned precisely at the
elusive “sweet spot” in front of a guitar is a beautiful thing. Over
the years, we have endeavored to capture these qualities with
our pickup systems, with varying degrees of success. But with
just a pickup, we could never capture the same sound quality as
a top shelf studio microphone setup. That is, until now.
At Fishman, we set out several years ago to figure out exactly
what it is about the interaction between a microphone and a
guitar that is so special, and how this special relationship can be
re-created with a pickup. We looked at the behavior of a
vibrating guitar top and the way sound radiates off the
instrument. We studied what a microphone “hears” compared to
what a pickup “feels”. We joined forces with Akai Professional
especially for the Aura project.
5
Aura Capabilities
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Introduction
What does it do?
The Aura is the logical extension of Fishman’s Blender
technology. With a traditional Blender, we combine the utilitarian
function of a pickup with the unquestionable realism that only a
microphone can add. This combination produces a whole that is
much greater than the sum of the parts.
The Aura Acoustic Imaging Blender takes the concept a giant
leap forward by eliminating onboard microphones from the
equation and replacing them with digital Sound Images derived
from a real studio environment.
What you can expect from the Aura?
Sound Imaging bridges the credibility gap between unamplified
and amplified acoustic guitar sound. Unlike modeling, which
takes a generic signal and applies a specific coloration, Sound
Imaging matches the specific sound of an acoustic guitar with a
specific Sound Image. Modeling is simulation, whereas Sound
Imaging is re-creation. Don’t expect a catalog of different guitars
at your fingertips; that is not what the Aura is intended for.
Expect the Aura to amplify your instrument's most natural
sound with incredible accuracy.
Size Matters
There are good reasons why acoustic guitarists gravitate toward
one body style or another. Strummers often go for the big,
boomy rhythm that only a dreadnought can produce.
Fingerstylists tend to favor smaller instruments, like the grand
concert for its tonal balance and quick, feather-touch response.
People looking for the best of both often play grand auditorium
instruments. Because Aura is about re-creating an instrument’s
individual character, it is important to match your guitar with a
Sound Image based on a similar sized guitar and pickup type.
What Happens If I Mix and Match
Sound Images?
We're not telling you that you can’t try transforming your old
Silvertone into a D-45 sound image, but don't expect miracles.
The resonance and tonal balance of one type of guitar could be
at odds with a dissimilar sound image. The nature of your
particular guitar and the interactive nature of the Sound Image
may clash, so proceed with caution. In the best cases, an
acoustically neutral sounding instrument can “put on” some of
the resonant characteristics of a dissimilar Sound Image, but we
can’t guarantee your results.
6
Aura, the Internet and You
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Introduction
The Aura ships with sixteen factory-loaded Sound Images of
various guitar, microphone and pickup combinations. Of these
sixteen factory-loaded Sound Images, twelve can be replaced
with new Sound Images. Why would you want to start replacing
these before you’ve even unpacked the Aura?
Because each Sound Image in the Aura is specific to body size,
microphone model and pickup type, you may not find a factory
preset that is a perfect match for your instrument. If you have
internet access, you can download new Sound Images from our
Aura website and transfer them to Aura through its MIDI-In port.
We offer an ever-expanding library of new digital Sound Images,
available only at www.fishmanaura.com. Plus you can take
advantage of email access to Fishman’s legendary customer
support with tips, tricks and trouble-shooting for your Aura. If
you are already on the internet, come visit the Aura section of
our website. If not, we suggest you take the plunge and get
online. Then you can start taking advantage of the many valuable
online resources available for the Aura.
More Sound Images are at available at
www.fishmanaura.com !
Although we include a representative group of instruments with
the Sound Images presently in your Aura, we understand that
you may want more than 16 to choose from. Especially when
you consider how many different kinds of acoustic guitars exist.
To address this desire, we are gathering new Sound Images on
a ongoing basis and offering them to you to download free from
our Aura Gallery at the above website. Once you’ve downloaded
your new Sound Images, you will be able to transfer them
directly to the Aura via its MIDI-In port.
Aura Custom Shop
Imagine having a personal Aura library with Sound Images
derived from your actual instruments! For the ultimate Aura
experience, we will be setting up an Aura Custom Shop where
we create new Sound Images for your personal instrument. Visit
our web site at www.fishman.com for more details.
MIDI Requirements
To transfer Sound Image data from your computer to the Aura,
you’ll need a MIDI compatible cable.
If your computer has a 15-pin MIDI/Joystick port, then you’ll
need a compatible cable with a male 15-pin connector on one
end and a MIDI out connector at the other end. This cable
typically will have a second MIDI in and female 15-pin connector
that goes unused. We Recommend the Voyetra MIDI Cable
Pack.
If your computer has a USB port, you’ll need a USB to MIDI
adapter. This cable may have a second MIDI in connector that
goes unused. We recommend the cable that is sold with the
Voyetra Music Studio Kit.
Go to www.fishmanaura.com for complete Sound Image
downloading instructions.
7
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Controls & Connections
Rear Panel
1 XLR Out
Connect this balanced -4dBu level output to the input of your PA system, recording console, or to a microphone input on a portable
amplifier. The Sound Image/pickup mix gets routed through this output.
2 Gnd/Lft
Move the Gnd/Lft switch to the “Lft” position to eliminate the ground loop hum that can occur when you use the XLR and (1/4”)
Outputs together.
3 Output
Plug this unbalanced -10dBu output to your stage amplifier or an unbalanced mixer input. The Aura will sound best when you plug
in to an acoustic instrument amplifier (like the Fishman Loudbox™), a full range keyboard amplifier, or a PA System.
4 Input
Connect your instrument to the Aura Input with a standard shielded cable.
Input Requirements
Use a so-called “string-sensitive” pickup on your instrument. For acoustic guitar this means an undersaddle pickup or a magnetic soundhole
pickup. The Aura will not perform well with soundboard type pickups, such as the Fishman SBT or any other pickup that locates on the
soundboard, away from the bridge. If your pickup system has a microphone, turn it off.
5 9VDC
Connect only with a regulated 9 Volt, 200mA AC adapter. Plug in the 9VDC input to turn the Aura on; there
is no on/off switch. A Fishman 910-R AC adapter is included with all units sold in the USA. If you
purchased the Aura outside the USA, you must supply your own AC adapter. We recommend the Roland
PSA Series or a comparable equivalent.
6 MIDI In
Through this input you can transfer Sound Image data to your Aura from an ever-expanding library at the Fishman Aura website.
Go to www.fishmanaura.com for additional information.
MIDI Requirements
To transfer Sound Image data from your computer to the Aura, you’ll need a MIDI compatible cable.
If your computer has a 15-pin MIDI/Joystick port, then you’ll need a compatible cable with a male 15-pin connector on one end and a MIDI out
connector at the other end. This cable typically will have a second MIDI in and female 15-pin connector that goes unused. We Recommend the
Voyetra MIDI Cable Pack.
If your computer has a USB port, you’ll need a USB to MIDI adapter. This cable may have a second MIDI in connector that goes unused. We
recommend the cable that is sold with the Voyetra Music Studio Kit.
Go to www.fishmanaura.com for complete Sound Image downloading instructions.
8
Front Panel
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Controls & Connections - continued
1 Output Level Knob
Sets the overall level at the XLR and ¼” outputs.
2 Phase Switch
Use this global phase switch to improve the amplified
response at low volumes and to help reduce feedback at
high volumes.
3 Input Level and LEDs
Lets you match the output of your pickup to the input of the
Aura for the cleanest possible signal.
4 Effect on/off Switch
Push this switch to turn the digital Sound Image off and on.
The green light turns on when the Sound Image is active.
5 Parameter Knob
In Edit mode, point the knob to the desired parameter to
access it.
6 Edit/Play Switch
Flip the switch to Play to access the 50 program locations
for your sound image/pickup mixes.
Move the switch to Edit to access the 11 adjustable
parameters.
7 LED Display
The LED display references the 11 parameters in Edit mode,
the 50 program locations in Play mode, and the pitch
names and calibration frequencies in the Tuner mode.
8 Data Knob
This multi-function knob affects the behavior of parameters
in the Edit mode, scrolls through program locations in the
Play mode and calibrates the reference pitch in Tuner mode.
9 Tuner Off/Feedback Cancel
Footswitch
This dual-function footswitch disengages the Tuner and
turns the Feedback Cancel feature on and off.
10 Tuner On/Program Change
Footswitches
These dual-function switches are for engaging the
chromatic Tuner and changing program locations.
9
Chapter 1
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Control Panel Overview
10
The Five Basic Control Groups
Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
The Aura control panel can be divided into five functional groups:
1 Input/Output (see page 15)
The Input Level control sets the optimum amount of gain for your pickup.
The Output Level sets the level going to your amp or mixer.
The slide switch marked Phase corrects phase anomalies that can degrade your sound or cause
acoustic feedback
2 Play Mode (see page 16)
Move the switch from Edit to Play and use the Data knob or the Program Change switches to
choose the location of the program that you will be working with. Initially this means that you’ll be
checking out the first 16 program locations and the factory mixes associated with them. Once you
get more fluent with the Aura, you will use the Play mode to assign your mixes to the program
locations (01-50) of your choice. During a performance, you will normally use the Aura in Play
Mode. Use the Effect on/off switch to compare the Aura mix to the unadorned pickup sound.
Control Panel Overview
3 Edit Mode (see page 18)
Move the switch from Play to Edit to access the Aura's universe of adjustable parameters and tailor
your mixes specifically to your preferences. Use the Effect On/Off switch to compare the Aura mix
to the unadorned pickup sound. Use the Effect Off as your baseline for setting the level of your
sound image/pickup mixes.
4 Tuner (see page 23)
You have the option to mute the outputs (or not), and to change the calibration frequency of the
chromatic tuner.
5 Feedback Cancel (see page 24)
The Feedback Cancel feature can be programmed to eliminate feedback in any of the 50 program
locations.
11
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