Roland AC-33 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

30 W acoustic guitar amp provides stereo sound in a compact unit

• High-eﬃ ciency 30 W stereo power amp (15 W + 15 W) (when using AC adaptor)

• Compact size for convenient portability or home use

• Two custom 5 inch (12 cm) speakers deliver ideal sound for acoustic instruments

Dual power allows operation using eight AA batteries or an AC adaptor (p. 4)

• Dual power supply lets you use the AC-33 to perform anywhere.

• Rechargeable (nickel-metal hydride) batteries are also supported.

Performing time is approximately 8 hours when using alkaline batteries, and approximately 9 hours when using nickel-metal hydride batteries.

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Two-channel design lets you use a guitar simultaneously with a microphone or line source (p. 8)

• Flexibility to cover a wide range of uses, including a guitar duo or a singer/instrumentalist (p. 12).

• Stereo AUX IN connector lets you connect your CD or portable audio player (p. 6).

• You can connect the LINE OUT connector to an external PA system, and use the AC-33 as a monitor during your live performance (p. 9).

• The headphone jack is convenient for night-time practice or during a sound check (p. 6).

Looper function lets you easily record, play, and overdub without needing any other equipment (p. 10)

• You can record your own performance as a backing, and then play it back as an accompaniment for your solo (p. 13).

• Up to 40 seconds of recording time is available. You can also record the AUX IN signal in stereo.

• A separately available foot switch (FS-5U or FS-6) lets you control the Looper function with your foot (p. 11).

Easily-operated eﬀ ects, plus an Anti-Feedback function (p. 11)

• Three types of onboard stereo e ects are o ered, so you can add a natural sense of spaciousness to the sound of your acoustic guitar (p. 7).

• Anti-Feedback function lets you suppress feedback simply by switching on this function (p. 11).

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 2; p. 3). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

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USING THE UNIT SAFELY

About WARNING and CAUTION Notices

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly.

* Material damage refers to damage or

other adverse eects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING

WARNING

Connect mains plug of this model to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor.

Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specic instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

Never install the unit in any of the following locations.

• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are

• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet oors); or are

• Exposed to steam or smoke; or are

• Subject to salt exposure; or are

• Humid; or are

• Exposed to rain; or are

• Dusty or sandy; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration and

shakiness.

Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.

Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specied on the AC adaptor’s body. Other AC adaptors may use a dierent polarity, or be designed for a dierent voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord, producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged cords are re and shock hazards!

This unit, either alone or in combination with an amplier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult an audiologist.

Do not allow any objects (e.g., ammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.

About the Symbols

The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specic meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.

The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specic thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled.

The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specic thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

WARNING

Immediately turn the power o, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when:

• The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord, or the plug has been damaged; or

• If smoke or unusual odor occurs

• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been

spilled onto the unit; or

• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet); or

• The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.

In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit.

Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)

Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially careful when using extension cords---the total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through.

Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, or thrown into re or water.

Never expose Battery to excessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like.

CAUTION

The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation.

Always grasp only the plug on the AC adaptor cord when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to re.

CAUTION

Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out of the reach of children.

Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.

Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and all cords coming from external devices.

Before cleaning the unit, turn o the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 4).

Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.

If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please read and observe the following precautions (p. 4).

• Carefully follow the installation instructions for batteries, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.

• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing dierent types of batteries.

• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.

• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inammation of the skin, make sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the aected area with running water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.

• Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.

Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be observed in the region in which you live.

Do not remove the speaker grille and speaker by any means. Speaker not user replaceable. Shock hazardous voltages and currents are present inside the enclosure.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Power Supply: Use of Batteries

• Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled by an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a motor. Depending on the way in which the electrical appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this unit to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect a power supply noise lter between this unit and the electrical outlet.

• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.

• When installing or replacing batteries, always turn o the power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you may have connected. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn o the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

Placement

• Using the unit near power ampliers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.

• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.

• Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them o.

• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Also, do not allow lighting devices that normally are used while their light source is very close to the unit (such as a piano light), or powerful spotlights to shine upon the same area of the unit for extended periods of time. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.

• When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very dierent, water droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has completely evaporated.

• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to remain on the unit for long periods of time. Such objects can discolor or otherwise harmfully aect the nish.

• Do not paste stickers, decals, or the like to this instrument. Peeling such matter o the instrument may damage the exterior nish.

• Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface. You can place a piece of felt or cloth under the rubber feet to prevent this from happening. If you do so, please make sure that the unit will not slip or move accidentally.

Maintenance

• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.

Additional Precautions

• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.

• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal elements.

• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially when it is late at night).

• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.

• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.

• Recording, duplication, distribution, sale, lease, performance, or broadcast of copyrighted material (musical works, visual works, broadcasts, live performances, etc.) belonging to a third party in part or in whole without the permission of the copyright owner is forbidden by law.

• Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a copyright held by a third party. We assume no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through your use of this unit.

English

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Connecting the Power

The AC-33 can be operated using either an AC adaptor or batteries. Use the type of power that’s appropriate for your situation.

Connecting the AC adaptor

* Use only the AC adaptor that is supplied with the AC-33.

1. Make sure that the [POWER] switch is o .

2. Connect the included power cord to the

included AC adaptor.

3. Connect the AC adaptor to the DC-IN jack.

4. Plug the power cord into an AC outlet.

Connect the electrical ground as well.

Installing batteries

1. Loosen the screws from these

two locations.

2. Remove the battery compart-

Removing the battery case

Although it is possible to replace the batteries without removing the battery case, battery replacement will be easier if you remove the battery case.

ment cover.

3. Insert batteries, taking care to

observe the correct polarity.

1. Loosen the screws from these

two locations.

2. Remove the battery case.

* We recommend that you keep batteries installed in the unit even

though you’ll be powering it with the AC adaptor. That way, you’ll be able to continue a performance even if the cord of the AC adaptor gets accidently disconnected from the unit.

* To prevent malfunction and speaker damage, make sure to switch

o the AC-33’s power before you insert or replace its batteries, and before connecting it to other devices.

* Take care that no metal object touches the contacts of the battery

case. This can short-circuit the batteries, causing the case to overheat or burn.

About batteries

Batteries that can be used

The AC-33 uses eight AA alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

* Nickel-metal hydride batteries cannot be recharged by the AC-33

itself. You’ll need to use a commercially available battery manufacturer.

* When using nickel-metal hydride batteries, please be aware that the

battery life will normally shorten each time they are recharged.

Caution regarding batteries

• Insert the batteries as directed, taking care to observe the correct polarity (+/- orientation).

• Do not mix new and used batteries, or batteries of di erent types.

• Carefully read and observe the cautions and handling instructions that accompany the batteries.

When using nickel-metal hydride batteries, you must use the charger that is speci ed by the battery manufacturer.

• Remove the batteries if you won’t be using the unit for several months.

• If any electrolyte leaks from a battery, use a dry cloth to carefully wipe o any electrolyte that might be on the battery case, and then install new

batteries. Battery electrolyte that contacts your skin may cause a rash. Battery electrolyte is hazardous to your eyes; if any electrolyte gets into your eyes,  ush them immediately with water.

• Do not carry or store batteries together with metallic objects such as pens, necklaces, or hairpins.

Producing Sound

Turning the power on/oﬀ

Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order speci ed. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.

1. Make sure that the power to all equipment is turned o .

2. Connect your external equipment.

3. Set each of the AC-33’s [VOLUME] knobs and the [MASTER]

knob to 0.

4. Switch on the power to any external equipment connected

to the AUX IN jacks.

5. Switch on the AC-33’s power.

Playing your guitar

1. Connect your guitar, and switch on the AC-33’s power.

Connect your guitar to the INPUT jack of the GUITAR CHANNEL.

Any guitar that has a pickup can be connected.

If your guitar has a pickup as well as a built-in preamp, you can also connect it to the MIC/LINE CHANNEL.

2. Set the [VOLUME] knob of the input you’re using to the 5

position (center).

English

6. Switch on any equipment connected to the LINE OUT jack.

To turn the power o , reverse these steps.

NOTE

• To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn o the power on all devices before making any connections.

• This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.

• Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power. Even with the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on, but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.

• If you’re operating the AC-33 only on batteries, the POWER indicator will become dim as the batteries run low. When the batteries run even lower, the POWER indicator will blink. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.

3. While producing sound, use the [MASTER] knob to adjust the

volume.

Adjusting the tone

1. Use the [BASS] (low range), [MIDDLE] (mid range), and

[TREBLE] (high range) knobs of the desired channel to adjust the tone.

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Outputting sound from your

Outputting sound from a CD player

microphone

1. Connect your microphone, and switch on the AC-33’s power.

Connect your microphone to the INPUT jack of the MIC/LINE CHANNEL.

You can use any one of three types of plugs (XLR, TRS, phone).

You cannot use more than one microphone simultaneously (the TRS/ phone jack will take priority).

XLR type

TRS type

Phone type

2. Set the [VOLUME] knob of the MIC/LINE CHANNEL to the MIC

position.

1. Connect your CD player (or other audio device), then switch

on the AC-33’s power.

Connect your CD player or portable audio player to the AUX IN jacks on the AC-33’s rear panel.

R L

2. Set the AUX IN [LEVEL] knob to 5 (center).

3. While producing sound, use the [MASTER] knob to adjust the

volume.

3. While producing sound, use the [MASTER] knob to adjust the

volume.

Adjusting the tone

1. Use the [BASS] (low range), and [TREBLE] (high range) knobs

of the desired channel to adjust the tone.

Using headphones

Connect your headphones to the PHONES jack.

If headphones are connected, sound will not be output from the AC-33’s speakers.

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