Roland EQ-20 User Manual

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS EQ-20 Graphic Equalizer.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 24–26; p. 2–3).
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.
Main Features
This is a 10-band graphic equalizer that lets you vary levels by +/-15 dB from 30 Hz to 12 kHz.
You can use pedal operations to switch between “MANUAL,” which offers equalization based
on the positions of the controls; and “MEMORY,” which can store nine different equalization setups in memory. The superior functionality of the unit really becomes evident at those times when you need to change settings instantly, such as for lead guitar, for cutting, or for booster.
Features an LCD screen for graphic display of the equalization setups stored in “MEMORY.” The screen has a handy backlit for use on stage and in dark locations.
Supports guitar amp send/return (+4 dBu input and output). This makes preamp sound correction possible.
Uses a diecast body offering outstanding strength and durability.
Can run on battery power (six AA type).
Copyright © 2000 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

IMPORTANT NOTES

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 24, please read and observe the following:
Power Supply: Use of Batteries
301
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system).
302
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.
303a
• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
304b
• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
306b
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to enable testing.
307
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
351
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (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.
352
• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.
355
• To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.
2
IMPORTANT NOTES
Maintenance
401a
• 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, non­abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.
Additional Precautions
551
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the unit’s memory on a paper.
552
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the unit’s memory once it has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
553
• 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.
554
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
556
• 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.
558a
• 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).
559a
• 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.
3

Installing Batteries

Insert the included batteries as shown in figure, being careful to orient the batteries correctly.
* Make sure the “+” and “-” ends of the batteries are oriented correctly.
fig.00
When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator gets dim. If this happens, replace with new batteries.
When replacing the batteries, use six AA type.
* Since the EQ-20’s current consumption is relatively high, we recommend the use of
alkaline batteries.
* Do not mix fresh batteries with used ones, or mix batteries of different types. Doing so
can result in fluid leakage.
* Battery life can vary depending on battery type.
Continuous usage time under battery power is about 12 hours with alkaline batteries and about 3.5 hours with carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage conditions.)
4

Making the Connections

Connecting to the Guitar/Bass Amplifier

* When the unit is running on battery power, the power comes on when you insert the
connector plug into the INPUT jack. * Before connecting or disconnecting the cord, be sure to lower the volume on the amp. * To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down
the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).
* Once you've gotten hooked up correctly (p. 5–6), be sure to observe the following order
when switching on the power to your equipment. By turning on devices in the wrong
order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp (or the like)
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp (or the like) * 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. * When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when
battery power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

Connecting to Normal Input on the Guitar/Bass Amp

fig.01
or
last
.
first
.
AC Adaptor
PSA-series
(option)
Electric Guitar
Electric Bass
or
Guitar Amplifier Bass Amplifier
5
Making the Connections

Connecting to SEND/RETURN on the Guitar Amp

The unit’s equalization effects are obtained after the preamp.
fig.02
AC Adaptor
PSA-series
Electric Guitar
Guitar Amplifier
* Match the send output level on the guitar amp and the level setting on the unit. If the
PEAK indicator lights up frequently, turn down the output on the guitar amp. * When the guitar amp’s SEND/RETURN pedal is at +4 dBu, set the LEVEL switch on
the rear panel of the unit to +4 dBu.
RETURNSEND
(option)

Connecting to an MTR or Mixer

fig.03
or
Electric Guitar
6
Electric Bass
AC Adaptor
PSA-series
(option)
MixerMTR

Operation

When you switch on the power, the unit is set to the state it was in when the power was last switched off (MANUAL/MEMORY, Memory Number).

Pedal Operation

fig.04
This lights up when set to MEMORY.
This lights up when effects are on.
This lights up when set to MANUAL.
Each press of the EFFECT ON/OFF pedal switches effects on or off. When effects are off, the sound coming in through the INPUT jack is output unchanged.
Each press of the MANUAL/ MEMORY pedal switches the unit between MANUAL and MEMORY.
7
Operation

Panel Operation

When Set to “MANUAL”

fig.05
Equalizer Sliders
The sliders (30, 60, 120, 200, 400, 800, 1.6 k, 3.2 k,
6.4 k, and 12.8 k [Hz]) adjust the sound quality.
* If the PEAK indicator lights up frequently, switch the LEVEL switch on the rear panel
of the unit.
fig.06
LEVEL Slider
This corrects differences in level when effects are on or off.
PEAK Indicator
Before you operate the LEVEL switch, be sure to turn down the volume on
all equipment to prevent malfunction or speaker damage.
When set to MANUAL, the backlit does not light up even when the
equalizer sliders, the LEVEL slider, or the EFFECT ON/OFF pedal are
operated.
8

When Set to MEMORY

fig.07
SELECT Button
Pressed to select a memory location (1 through 9). Holding down the button makes the memory number change automatically.
When the unit is shipped from the factory, equalization settings are stored in memories 1 through 9. For information about the settings, refer to Factory Default Settings (p. 17).
Operation
9
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