Ellipse Blend

Microphone Positioning - Continued

Users Guide

Plug in the guitar and move the blend slider to the left for mic only. Start with the mic capsule so that it faces the back of the guitar. Move the mic closer to the sound hole for more bass. Turn the capsule toward the sides of the instrument for less bass.

Ellipse Blend

Microphone Trim Control
A small circular potentiometer is recessed below the volume slider and can be accessed with a small slotted screwdriver. This is a "set it and forget it" control. Use it to calibrate the microphone balance in relation to the pickup. Set the Blend slider to the center position and adjust the trim control until both the microphone and pickup levels are balanced to your liking.

Mic Trim

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Typical current consumption @ 9Vdc: Typical 9V alkaline battery life: Piezo channel input impedance (ohm): Output impedance (ohm): Recommended load impedance (ohm): Piezo channel signal gain (blend at piezo, volume at maximum): Piezo channel noise (A-weighted, 22-22kHz, blend at piezo): Microphone channel signal gain range (volume at maximum, blend at mic) Microphone channel low frequency roll off Microphone channel noise (A-weighted, 22-22kHz, blend at mic) 2 mA 250 hrs. 100k 1k 10k and up +3 dB -106 dBV 0dB to +10dB -3dB at 340Hz -103 dBV
All specifications subject to change without notice

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513-000-009 Rev A 4-16-04

FEATURES

Gooseneck Microphone
This quality electret-condenser cardioid microphone will provide very high-level sound reproduction before feedback when used in conjunction with the units phase switch. The microphones unique position also prevents leakage from other instruments and offers complete freedom of movement compared to external standmounted mics.
Set this as high as possible (without causing your amp or mixer to distort) for the cleanest signal.

Phase Switch

Push the phase switch in and out until you find the position that sounds best and subdues feedback.

Description

The Ellipse Blend combines an onboard gooseneck microphone and integrated blending electronics to augment and enhance Fishman active pickup systems. A patented non-invasive magnetic mount keeps the units controls easily accessible and discreetly out of sight.
Move the Blend slider to change the balance between the pickup and the microphone. Move the slider left to emphasize microphone. Move it right for more pickup.

Microphone Positioning

You can position the microphone to find the sweet spot inside the instrument. Take the time to experiment with microphone placement until you find the position that works best in your instrument.
Onboard controls with no holes!
The Ellipse Blend is an innovative onboard control system for those who do not wish to put a hole in the side of their guitar. With a profile that is practically invisible, the crescent-shaped Ellipse Blend fastens inside your guitars soundhole. This convenient location lets you make quick adjustments to volume, phase and pickup/microphone blend, without missing a beat.

Less Bass

More Bass

INSTALLATION GUIDE Ellipse Blend
Add-on soundhole electronics for the Fishman Acoustic Matrix Natural I, Acoustic Matrix Natural II and Powerjack systems. Compatible with most standard flat-top guitars. May not drop-in fit with some instruments*.
Fishman Acoustic Matrix and Martin Gold PlusRev. 5.0, 5.3: 1. Remove the components from the endpin preamp as indicated
2. Solder the new 2k resistor (supplied with your VTB) to the preamp circuit board in place of the capacitor

System Requirements

These instructions support installation with the following systems: Fishman Acoustic Matrix Natural I &IIbetween Rev. 4.0 and 6.0 Fishman PowerjackRev. 2.3 Martin Gold Plusbetween Rev. 4.0 and 6.0 Martin Active JackRev. 2.3 Please note that revision numbers for each pickup are printed on the circuit board inside the endpin jack. Do not attempt to install the Ellipse Blend with the discontinued Acoustic Matrix Natural or the Acoustic Matrix Hot preamps or similar versions of the Martin Gold Plus systems. These systems can be identified by the rectangular metal box that encases the electronics. 3. Thread cable assembly through barrel and solder as indicated.

Installation

WARNING! Installation of the Ellipse Blend is meant to be performed only by a professional repairperson. The heat from a soldering iron can easily overheat the circuit board traces and destroy the surface-mount components on the endpin preamp. Use only a low wattage (30 watts max) soldering iron and do not overheat the components. Remove the Endpin preamp and locate the revision number on the circuit board. Follow the soldering instructions that apply to the revision number. Fishman Acoustic Matrix and Martin Gold PlusRev. 6.0: 1. Remove 000 jumper. Fishman Acoustic Matrix and Martin Gold PlusRev. 4.0: 1. Remove the components from the endpin preamp as indicated
2. Solder the new 2k resistor (supplied with your VTB) to the preamp circuit board
2. Thread cable assembly through barrel and solder as indicated.
3. Thread cable assembly through barrel and solder as indicated.
*Taylor guitars with NT neck or Larrivee guitars.
Fishman Powerjack and Martin Active JackRev. 2.3: 1. Remove the 000 jumper from the endpin preamp.
3. Peel back the release film on the bottom of the preamp module and fasten the preamp to the underside of the soundhole. The adhesive gains maximum hold after 24 hours. 4. You may separate the control module from the magnetic base for better access inside the guitar. To separate the module, locate the tab on the right edge of the unit and push it down, toward the back of the instrument. Once you feel the magnet let go, swing the module towards the center of the soundhole, then separate the left-side magnet. 5. Secure the wires to the side of the guitar with the included adhesive backed clips and cable tie (figure 1).

Microphone Positioning

You can position the microphone to find the sweet spot inside the instrument. Take the time to experiment with microphone placement until you find the position that works best in the instrument. Plug in the guitar and move the blend slider to the left for mic only. Start with the mic capsule so that it faces the back of the guitar. Move the mic closer to the sound hole for more bass. Turn the capsule toward the sides of the instrument for less bass (figure 2).
Preamp Module Installation
1. Locate the module flush with the edge of the soundhole, on the bass side. Center the module between the transverse brace and the bass-side x-brace (figure 1).

Less Bass Figure 2.

More Bass

Microphone T rim Control

A small circular potentiometer is recessed below the volume slider and can be accessed with a small slotted screwdriver. This is a set it and forget it control. Use it to calibrate the microphone balance in relation to the pickup. Set the Blend slider to the center position and adjust the trim control until both the microphone and pickup levels are balanced to your liking (figure 3).

Figure 1. 2. Sand off any lacquer and/or buffing compound from the inside edge of the soundhole. Then, clean this surface with rubbing alcohol. Let dry. Note: For the strongest bond we recommend you now apply a water-based primer/sealer to the bare wood inside the soundhole. Let the primer/sealer dry before continuing. Figure 3.
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