Owner's Manual AC DC AC & BATTERY POWERED FET 1 Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS LMB-3 Bass Limiter Enhancer. To ensure proper operation, and years of trouble-free service, please take the time to read through this Owner's Manual before starting out. FEATURES · The BOSS LMB-3 is a limiter/enhancer specifically designed for electric bass. · The LMB-3 allows you to create a well-balanced sound by controlling the volume difference of the sound or to avoid sound distortion. · By adjusting the THRESHOLD level and RATIO knobs, the intensity of the limiter can be spontaneously controlled. · Using the Enhance effect, you can make the sound clearer and sharper. © 1995 BOSS Corporation All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of BOSS Corporation. 2 IMPORTANT NOTES When using an AC adaptor, use only the specified device (PSA Series). Use of any other AC adaptor could result in damage, malfunction or electric shock. POWER SUPPLY The power requirement for this unit is indicated on its nameplate (rear panel). Ensure that the voltage in your installation meets this requirement. If the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time, unplug the power cord. ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS Protect the unit from strong impact. Should a malfunction occur, or if you suspect there is a problem, discontinue use immediately. Contact qualified service personnel as soon as possible. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit. PLACEMENT Do not subject the unit to temperature extremes (eg., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle). Avoid using or storing the unit in dusty or humid areas, or areas that are subject to high levels of vibration. CHANGING BATTERY Remove the battery whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time. 3 PANEL DESCRIPTIONS 1 2 1. AC Adaptor Jack Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (optionally available BOSS PSA-Series). By using an AC Adaptor, you can play without being concerned about how much battery power you have left. 3 6 * You may find that it is a good idea to keep a battery installed in the unit even while using an adaptor. That way your playing won't be disrupted even if the adaptor is accidentally disconnected. * If you are going to use an AC adaptor, be sure to use the specified unit (BOSS PSA-Series). Use of any other adaptor may result in damage, malfunction or electric shock. Also, if you are not going to be using it for an extended period of time, disconnect the AC adaptor from the AC outlet. 4 5 4 2. CHECK Indicator This indicator shows whether an effect is ON/OFF, and also doubles as the Battery Check indicator. The indicator lights when an effect is ON. If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights while an effect is ON, the battery is near exhaustion and should be replaced immediately. 5. Thumbscrew This thumbscrew is loosened to open the pedal, allowing battery replacement. For instructions on how to replace the battery, please refer to "CHANGING THE BATTERY". 6. INPUT Jack This jack accepts input signals (coming from a bass guitar, some other musical instrument, or another effects unit). * The INPUT Jack also serves as the power switch. Power is turned on whenever a plug is inserted into the INPUT Jack, and is turned off when the plug is disconnected. When not using the unit, you should disconnect any cord connected to the INPUT Jack. 3. OUTPUT Jack The output jacks are used to connect the unit to amplifiers or other devices. 4. Pedal Switch This switch turns the effects ON/OFF. 5 LEVEL Knob ENHANCE Knob CHECK LEVEL LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 ENHANCE Knob This knob adjusts the intensity of the enhance effect that makes the sound clearer and sharper. Rotating the knob clockwise emphasizes the effect. THSHD LMB-3 LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO RATIO Knob This knob controls the compression ratio of the limiter. That is, it adjusts how much the limiter should compress those signals above the threshold level. MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX RATIO Knob THRESHOLD Knob LEVEL Knob This knob adjusts the level of the effect sounds. Set the knob so there is no volume difference between the effect and straight guitar sounds. 6 * If this knob is rotated completely counterclockwise, no sound will be heard. LMB-3 LMB-3 * When it is set to "1:1", no limiter effect will be obtained. THRESHOLD Knob This knob controls the threshold level (the level at which the compression effect will kick in). Rotating the knob counterclockwise lowers the threshold level. For a detailed explanation about the Ratio and Threshold Level, see "ABOUT THE LIMITER'S ACTION". MAKING THE CONNECTIONS AC Adaptor (PSA-Series ; Optional) OUT 9V DC / 200mA Electric Bass Amplifier * Inserting a plug into the Input Jack will automatically switch the unit on. * Before connecting or disconnecting any patch cords, be sure all the volume controls in your system are set to minimum. This will help prevent any damage to system components. 7 OPERATING THE UNIT 1. When you have made the necessary connections, set the knobs as shown in the illustration. LEVEL LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 CHECK ENHANCE RATIO THSHD LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 2. Depress the pedal switch to turn the effect on. (Make sure that the CHECK Indicator lights.) MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX 3. Adjust the Threshold Level (the level at which compression starts) using the THRESHOLD Knob. CHECK LEVEL LMB-3 4. Adjust the compression ratio using the RATIO Knob. 5. Adjust the intensity of the enhance effect using the ENHANCE Knob. ENHANCE RATIO THSHD LMB-3 MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX 6. Adjust the LEVEL Knob so there will be no volume difference between the effect and straight bass sounds. 8 LMB-3 6 LMB-3 5 4 3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 ABOUT THE LIMITER'S ACTION The LMB-3's limiter will function differently depending upon how you set the Ratio and Threshold Levels. The RATIO and THRESHOLD knobs work as described below. RATIO : The compression ratio for the input signal is called Ratio. For instance, when the Ratio is set to "2:1", an input signal that is 6 dB louder than the Threshold Level will be compressed to one half, or 3 dB When it is set to ":1", any input signal above the Threshold Level will be compressed to the Threshold Level, then output. THRESHOLD : The Threshold Level is the level at which compression starts to work. When the input signal has reached the Threshold Level, the signal will be compressed at the compression ratio set with "RATIO", then output. When the input signal is lower than the Threshold Level, it will be output without compression. 9 The following figure shows how the output signal is affected by the settings of the RATIO and THRESHOLD knobs. Output Level (dBm) Output Level (dBm) 1:1 2:1 Threshold Level b Threshold Level a Ratio = a : b :1 Input Level (dBm) Input Level (dBm) 10 CHANGING THE BATTERY When the indicator goes dim or no longer lights while an effect is on, it means that the battery is nearly dead and must be replaced. Replace the battery following the steps below. 1. Loosen the thumbscrew at the front of the pedal, then lift the pedal upwards to open the unit. * The thumbscrew can be left in the pedal while changing the battery. Remove the old battery from the battery housing, and remove the snap cord connected to it. place the battery inside the battery housing. Thumbscrew Pedal Spring Base 2. 3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery, and Coil Spring Battery Snap Cord * Be sure to carefully observe the battery+s polarity (+ versus -). Guide Bush Hole 4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, then close the pedal. Battery Snap Battery Housing 9V Battery * Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the coil spring. 5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole and fasten it securely. 11 SAMPLE SETTING Limiter CHECK LEVEL LMB-3 Enhancer CHECK THSHD LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO LEVEL LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO THSHD LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX Finger Picking CHECK LEVEL LMB-3 Slapping Play CHECK THSHD LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO LEVEL LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO THSHD LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX 12 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 SETTING MEMO CHECK LEVEL LMB-3 CHECK THSHD LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO LEVEL LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO THSHD LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX CHECK LEVEL LMB-3 CHECK THSHD LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO LEVEL LMB-3 ENHANCE RATIO THSHD LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX 1:1 :1 MIN MAX LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 LMB-3 13 SPECIFICATIONS LMB-3 : Bass Limiter Enhancer Nominal Input Level ................. -20 dBm Input Impedance ...................... 1 M Nominal Output Level .............. -20 dBm Output Impedance ................... 1 k Recommended Load Impedance 10 k or greater Residual Noise Level ................. -86 dBm (IHF-A, Typ.) Controls .................................... Pedal Switch, LEVEL Knob, ENHANCE Knob, RATIO Knob, THRESHOLD Knob Indicator ................................... CHECK Indicator (serves also as battery check indicator) Connectors ............................... INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (9 V DC) Power Supply ........................... 9 V DC : Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor Current Draw ........................... 17 mA (9 V DC) * Expected battery life under continuous use : Carbon : 12 hours These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. 14 Dimensions ............................... 70 (W) x 125 (D) x 55 (H) mm 2-3/4 (W) x 4-15/16 (D) x 2-3/16 (H) inches Weight ...................................... 430 g / 15 oz (including battery) Accessories ............................... Owner's Manual, Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), Roland Service Options .................................... AC Adaptor PSA-Series * 0 dBm = 0.775 V rms * In the interest of product development, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice. For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. 15 16 00678767 ...