Roland PH-3 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

AC DC

AC & BATTERY

POWERED

FET

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (Owner’s manual p. 25 – p. 31; p. 4 – p. 5). 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

●In addition to the standard four setting types available on previous phasers (4-/8-/ 10-/12-stage), the PH-3 adds further features, including new RISE and FALL effects and a STEP setting which changes the effect in steps, for a total of seven switchable phase effects (an effect that adds a cyclic sensation to the sound).

●New RISE/FALL features give you continuous rising and falling effects unavailable with previous phasers.

●You can use the PH-3’s pedal to set the RATE to the tempo. This makes it easy to sync to songs (tempo and measure), formerly a difficult process.

●Includes an expression/control jack.

You can connect an expression pedal (Roland EV-5; sold separately) to this jack and make continuous changes to the RATE for a rotary speaker-like sound, while connecting a foot switch (BOSS FS-5U; sold separately) allows you to match the rate to the tempo.

IMPORTANT NOTES

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on p. 25, please read and observe the following:

Power Supply: Use of Batteries

•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).

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

•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.

•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.

•A battery was installed in the unit before it left the factory. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since its primary purpose was to enable testing.

•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

•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.

•This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device

IMPORTANT NOTES

in the vicinity of such receivers.

•To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.

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.

•Use only the specified expression pedal (Roland EV-5; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

Feature Names and Functions

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1. AC adaptor Jack

An AC adaptor (BOSS PSA series: sold separately) can be connected to this jack. If an AC adaptor is used, you will be able to play for extended periods without worrying about battery life.

*As soon as you connect the AC adaptor, the unit is turned on.

*If there is the battery 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).

*If you are going to use an AC adaptor, be sure to use the specified unit (BOSS PSA series).

Feature Names and Functions

2. CHECK Indicator

Combination indicator that shows the effect’s on/off status, tempo (in Tempo mode: p. 13), and Battery Check function. The indicator is lit when the effect is on, thereby allowing you to check whether the effect is on or off.

*If the indicator dims when the effect is on or when the tempo is being displayed, it means that the battery is running out of reserve; when this occurs, replace with fresh batteries. For instructions on changing the batteries, refer to “Changing the Battery” (p. 17).

*The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is being applied or not, and is used to indicate other effects. It does not indicate whether the power to the device is on or not.

3. OUTPUT Jack

This output jack is connected to an amplifier or other effects device.

4. INPUT Jack

This jack accepts input signals (coming from a guitar, some other musical instrument, or another effects unit).

*When a battery is used, the INPUT jack also functions as a power switch. When a plug is inserted into the INPUT jack, the power will be turned on. When the plug is pulled out, the power will be turned off.

When you are not using the unit, pull the plug out of the INPUT jack.

Feature Names and Functions

5. EXP/CTL Jack

Accepts connection of an expression pedal (Roland EV-5; sold separately) or mo- mentary-type foot switch (BOSS FS-5U; sold separately).

Use the EV-5 to change the RATE continuously.

Setting tempos is easy with the FS-5U.

* Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 15).

6. Pedal Switch

Used for switching effects on/off, and for inputting the tempo.

When the effect is on, be sure to start any changes with the filter at the lowest setting.

*For inputting the tempo, refer to “Setting the Tempo with the PH-3’s Pedal Switch” (p. 13).

7. Thumbscrew

When this screw is loosened, the pedal will open, allowing you to change the battery.

*For the procedure, refer to “Changing the Battery” (p. 17).

Feature Names and Functions

8. RATE Knob

Adjusts the speed at which the filter changes. When set to MIN, the filter remains off.

9. DEPTH Knob

Adjusts the depth of the filter change. The filter effect stops when this is set to MIN with the STAGE switch set to anything besides FALL or RISE.

10. RES (Resonance) Knob

Adjusts the strength of the filter effect. The effect sound becomes stronger the further the knob is turned clockwise.

*Raising the RES setting (turning it clockwise) makes it easier for the sound to become distorted. If it appears that the sound is becoming distorted, try lowering the RES setting.

11. STAGE Switch

Selects the number of phase steps and the phase type. The higher the number, the more depth the phaser effect has.

4:4-stage phaser; a light, vintage phaser effect with a classic feel.

8:8-stage phaser that gives a balanced phaser sound.

10:10-stage phaser providing a deep phaser effect.

12:12-stage phaser, with two sixstage phasers connected in series for a powerful phaser effect.

FALL: Phase effect featuring a continuously falling sensation.

RISE: Phase effect that imparts a continuously rising sensation.

STEP: Phase effect whereby filter modifications occur in a non-consecutive manner. This can provide some really unique, illusional effects.

Connections

Amplifier

AC adaptor

PSA series (option)

Electric guitar

	-5U	or
	FS	or
	FS

Footswitch

BOSS FS-5U (option) Expression Pedal

Roland EV-5 (option)

Polarity

Switch

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