Fishman SA220 User Manual

www.fishman.com

USER GUIDE
SA220

Whenever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the
presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the user’s manual for this
amplifier.

Wherever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside

No user serviceable parts inside.

Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Do not expose to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

Risk of electric shock.

Do not open.

the enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a
risk of shock.

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.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.

15. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing liquids and do not place objects filled with liquids
(such as a beverage container or a vase) on the apparatus.

16. Warning” To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to moisture.

17. The apparatus should be connected to mains outliet with a protective earthing connection.

Disconnect device is Mains Plug, which should remain readily operable.

Copyright © 2008 FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.

2

Welcome

Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are proud
to offer the fi nest acoustic amplifi cation products available; high-quality
professional-grade tools which empower you to sound your very best.

Before using your SA220, carefully read the following sections:

Important Safety Instructions (Page 2)

Getting Started (Page 4 and 5)

Save Your Packing Materials

The box and packing materials for the SA220 were specially designed to protect
the amplifi er during shipping. Save all this stuff in case you need to re-ship the
SA220.

Troubleshooting

Should you have any problems, please check with your installer or refer to the
online installation guide for this product. Technical support, troubleshooting tips
and installation information can be found at http://www.fi shman.com/support/

Hear This!

The SA220 amplifier is capable of cleanly reproducing the sound of your
instrument at very high volume levels. Prolonged repeated exposure to high
sound pressure levels (SPLs) without protection can cause permanent hearing
loss. OSHA has set guidelines and specified permissible sound-exposure limits
for those who work in high SPL environments.

Permissible Noise Exposures

Duration per day, hours Sound level dBA slow response

8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1 1/2 102
1 105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115

To ensure against permanent hearing loss, wear hearing protection when you perform with
amplification.

SA220

Tested to Comply
With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

3

Getting Started

Here are some basic setup tips to help get you going. To operate your
SA220 safely, please read the entire manual, especially the Important Safety
Instructions on page 2.

Setting the SA220 on its Stand

SA220 is intended for use with the included tripod speaker stand in portable
applications where the amplifier and stand are to be placed directly on a level,
solid, flat surface. Do not substitute the speaker stand with a non-Fishman
part or attempt to mount or suspend the SA220 in a permanent or temporary
method other than that as described in this guide or by Fishman.

1. Locate the stand in a place that is free of obstructions, where it may be
accidentally pushed over, or where it may be a trip hazard.

2. Loosen the lower of the two large thumbscrews and spread the tripod legs.
Follow the height warnings printed on the stand for safe operation
(Figure 1). Setting the height outside this area is forbidden.

Tighten the thumbscrew before placing the SA220 on the stand.

3. Remove the safety pin and loosen the top large thumbscrews. Extend the
top tube to the third hole or lower if you are seated while performing.

Replace the safety pin. Allow the tube to rest on this pin and tighten the
top thumbscrew (Figure 2).

4. Lift the SA220 using the handle on the back of the unit while supporting
the weight with your other hand. A guide is molded into the underside
of the SA220 and acts as an aid in positioning the SA220 onto the tripod.
Once positioned, lower the SA220 onto the tripod until it rests firmly on
the tube.

Warning: Follow the height warnings
printed on the stand for safe
operation. Setting the height outside

this area is forbidden.

Loosen Tighten

Max. stand diameter: 43inches / 110cm

Figure 1. Figure 2.

4

Safety Pin

Cabling Precautions

When making your cable connections, always be sure to route the cables so that
the audience, performers, or anyone else will not trip over them or accidentally
pull the SA220 over.

Setting SA220 Controls

1. Plug the provided AC line cord into

the back of the amplifier.

2. Locate the Power switch and switch
it off, then connect the power cord.

3. Plug the SA220 into an electrical
outlet with the appropriate AC
voltage.

4. Push in the Mute switch and turn
on the Power switch. You should
see the front panel power LED
glow green.

5. Connect your instrument to the
Channel 1 input with a shielded
1/4-inch cable.

6. Play aggressively and raise the
Channel 1 Gain knob until the Clip
LED flashes, then back off the Gain
until no clipping occurs.

7. Set the controls as shown here.

8. Push the Mute switch (out) and

slowly raise the Master Volume to
the desired level.

5

Front Panel Controls

The following pages describe the functions of each control or jack on the SA220
front and rear panels. Refer to these numbered diagrams for each numbered
control on the following pages.

1. Mute – The Mute switch shuts off the signals from Channels 1 and 2 to the

speakers and all the XLR outputs. The mute does not affect the Aux Input,
Monitor Input, Tuner Out or the effects sends.

2. Master Volume – Set the overall level of the SA220 with the Master

Volume.

Note: Controls 3 through 13 are identical for both channels.

3. Clip LED – The Clip LED will light when the Gain level is too high and the

signal becomes distorted. If the light comes on when you play, lower the
Gain until the distortion goes away.

4. Gain – Use the Gain knob to set the level of the signal.

5. Phase – Use the Phase switch in conjunction with the Anti-Feedback filter

to eliminate acoustic feedback. To learn more about acoustic feedback, see
page 14.

6. High – Boost highs to add “air” to the sound of the instrument. With the

knob set at 12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.

7. Anti-Feedback – If you encounter low-frequency feedback, sweep this

control to isolate and eliminate it. To learn more about acoustic feedback,
see page 14.

8. Mid – This control affects how well the instrument blends in or stands out in

the mix. At loud volumes a midrange cut will achieve a more natural sound.
With the dial set at 12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.

9. Reverb Level – Controls the amount of digital reverb in the channel.

10. Low – Boost here to add weight to the sound. In general, boost bass at

low volumes and flatten it out (or cut) at higher levels. With the dial set at
12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.

6