Lectrosonics MOUSE User Manual

MOUSE

MAXI MOUSE

PORTABLE AMPLIFIERS

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

and trouble-shooting guide

LECTROSONICS, INC.

Rio Rancho, NM

INTRODUCTION

Mouse was introduced to the Music Industry in 1979. It was the first rechargeable, portable amp with
enough power to satisfy the demands of the professional. It puts out more sound than anything near its
size. Since that time, the Mouse has continued to be the Number One choice of street musicians
throughout the world, and will be found sitting around the studios of some of the finest guitarists in the
world.

The Maxi Mouse model was introduced in 1984 as a "step up" unit. The Maxi offered more power,
more inputs and controls, and a unique high-efficiency power supply that quickly established it as a
suitable partner for Mouse. The Maxi Mouse has tone and equalization controls which offer the
performer a truly wide range of settings.

Lectrosonics has designed and produced thousands of portable, rechargeable music amps and PA
systems over the last 15 years. Our engineers have continuously refined the layouts and designs of
these systems, resulting in maximum reliability. Both of these heavy-duty units are built for constant,
hard use.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .......................................... 1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................... 2

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

MOUSE PORTABLE SPEAKER/AMP ..................... 3

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

MAXI MOUSE PORTABLE SPEAKER/AMP ................ 5

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................. 7

MOUSE SPECIFICATIONS ................................... 9

MAXI MOUSE SPECIFICATIONS .............................. 9

SERVICE AND REPAIR ..................................... 10

RETURNING UNITS FOR REPAIR ............................. 10

WARRANTY ........................................ Back cover

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Mouse was designed for the guitarist. The system is equalized with a preset frequency response
determined by analyzing a number of guitarist’s preferences using graphic equalizers. The tone control
offers a very wide adjustment range. The result is a guitar amp with large amplifier "bite" and a
response that musicians prefer. It works with virtually any effects box available.

The Maxi Mouse is a rechargeable battery operated, dual input amplifier. It is designed to be both a
high output instrument amplifier and a very versatile voice amplifier. Designed with a special signal
processor, it will put out as much sound as amplifiers with much higher ratings. Switchable input
equalization allows using maximum gain with microphones, and better fidelity when used with
instruments. By moving the equalization switch to the appropriate position, it is possible to run any type
of audio source into the Maxi, from microphones to tape decks. This is why Maxi Mouse is also used
as a general utility amplifier, to amplify everything from a VCR to a "walkman" type portable stereo, in
locations ranging from a hotel ballroom to the beach.

Both the Mouse and Maxi Mouse are designed to operate from the built-in battery pack. The Heavy
duty batteries are designed for heavy use and provide a pure, stable DC power source. A line output
allows running an external speaker or patching the Mouse or Maxi Mouse into another amplifier or
mixing console.

IMPORTANT

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS CAN CAUSE PREMATURE BATTERY

FAILURE. BATTERY FAILURE CAUSED BY NEGLECT OR MISUSE IS NOT

COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.

It is very important to recharge the battery pack immediately after the unit is used. The battery pack is
charged by plugging the CH-40 charger into the jack labeled CH-40 on the control panel of the unit.
Connect the charger into a standard 110 Volt, 60Hz AC outlet. The green lamp beneath the jack will
light as long as the batteries are charging. When the batteries are almost completely charged the
green charging light will go out. You may leave the charger plugged in after the green light has gone
out with no danger of damage to the system. In fact, we recommend charging the system whenever it
is not in use, then the system will always be "ready to go".

Operation is possible while charging the batteries with the supplied CH-40 charger, however since the
amplifier consumes more power than the CH-40 charger can supply, the batteries will recharge faster if
you turn the amplifier power off while charging.

The battery pack should be recharged for 16 hours at least once every six months even when the unit
is in storage and not being used.

In many cases, a battery that seems to be dead may be saved by prolonged charging. As much as 10
days of continuous charging may be necessary to restore the batteries after they have been left for
several weeks or more in a "discharged" condition. The charge lamp may not light up during the first
part of a prolonged charging charging period.

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CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS - MOUSE PORTABLE SPEAKER/AMP

INPUT JACK

This is a switching jack that turns on the amplifier when you plug in your instrument cord. The red LED
above it indicates when the amp is on. The input is compatible with Hi or Lo impedance pickups
(magnetic or contact) without the use of a preamp.

VOLUME CONTROL

This is a feedback-type volume control and is more sensitive than the controls found on most other
amplifiers.

TONE CONTROL

The tone control boosts treble when turned clockwise; bass when turned counter-clockwise. When set
in a mid position, the tone control circuitry in the Mouse suppresses the midrange as shown in the
drawing. When amplifying acoustic instruments, this midrange suppression reduces feedback at higher
volume levels. This type of equalization also improves the overall sound of the unit with musical
instruments, but it can also produce excessive feedback with microphones. Mouse is designed to be
an instrument amplifier, not a microphone amplifier. For microphones, it is best to use Maxi Mouse,
which offers adjustable switched equalization.

OUTPUT JACK

Plugging in an external speaker, headphones etc., automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
Since the bass handling capability of this amplifier is limited only by the size of the internal speaker,
plugging in a larger external speaker will greatly improve the low frequency response.

0 dB / -10 dB ATTENUATION SWITCH

This switch reduces the output of the amp by 10dB at both the internal speaker and the output jack. It
allows you to get full power overload and distortion at a lower volume level, and prevents over-driving
sensitive pre-amps and headphones. To use the MOUSE as a preamp for a larger amplifier, simply
move the switch to the -10db position and connect the output of the MOUSE to the input of the other
amplifier with a shielded cord.

CHARGER JACK

To charge the Mouse, insert the charger plug fully into the CH-40 INPUT jack on the control panel, and
plug the CH-40 charger into a 110 Volt wall outlet. The green LED above the CH-40 INPUT jack will
light up when the unit is taking a charge. Leave the charger connected in this manner until the green
LED goes out, indicating that the batteries are fully charged. You may leave the charger plugged in
after the green light has gone out with no danger of damage to the system. In fact, we recommend
charging the system whenever it is not in use, then the system will always be "ready to go". A fully
discharged battery pack will take about 12 hours to recharge.

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