Users Guide

Fishman Onboard Aura

www.fishman.com

martinguitar.com

Onboard Aura Welcome
Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. It is our goal to provide you with the finest acoustic amplification products available: high-quality, professional-grade musicians tools that empower you to sound your very best. We are confident that the sound you can achieve with Onboard Aura will enhance and inspire your music making.

Overview

Onboard Aura bridges the gap between the beauty of pure studio sound and the convenience of plugging in. With Onboard Aura, youll discover unexpectedly realistic acoustic guitar sound from a pickup, with tone quality you thought you could only hear from a top-shelf microphone, in an ideal studio environment. The Fishman Onboard Aura system uses powerful Acoustic Sound Image algorithms prepared especially for this instrument to seamlessly adjust the view of the pickup, so the pickup sees the guitar in the same way a microphone does; with all the subtle acoustic nuances intact.
With Onboard Aura, we create totally custom Acoustic Sound Images especially for the guitar you have before you, so you can be assured that your plugged-in tone will precisely match your instruments unamplified voice. We use a variety of top-shelf microphones to create the Acoustic Sound Images, with six different variations to choose from.
Although the Onboard Aura is technologically advanced, we offer it to you with a refreshingly organic approach. When you plug in, youll feel and hear the true acoustic, unamplified sound of your guitar, only louder.
Three bands of useful EQ, a convenient onboard tuner (with mute), a feedback fighting phase switch, plus an automatic anti-feedback circuit round out the Onboard Auras features.
Users Guide What does it do?
Onboard Aura is the next step in the evolution of blending technology, pioneered by Fishman over a decade ago. With a traditional onboard blending system, the proven utility of a pickup is combined with the realism that only a microphone can add. The Onboard Aura takes the blender concept a giant leap forward by eliminating the microphone from the equation and replacing it with six sophisticated Acoustic Sound Images created for your guitar in a professional recording studio environment.

Is it modeling?

Acoustic Sound Imaging and modeling share similar goals: to turn acousticelectric into acoustic. But when you look at the sound and science of Sound Imaging, youll see why we make the distinction between it and modeling products. Listen to the sound of Onboard Aura and youll hear uncolored acoustic guitar with a heightened realism that is beyond the scope of modeling preamps.
The reason for this is that unlike modelers that use a one-size-fits-all approach, the advanced algorithms in Sound Imaging form an exclusive partnership with your guitar. Acoustic Sound Imaging is a collaboration between your instrument and the digital realm, where modeling is more like a one-sided conversation.
Quick Start Set the controls as shown:
Image Select: Volume: Blend: Bass, Mid, Treble: Anti Feedback: Play/Edit:
#1 Seven oclock Set to Aura Centered (at detent) Off Set to Play
Onboard Aura 1.Check Play/Edit Switch 2.Plug In
Be sure the Play/Edit switch is set to Play. Connect the Onboard Aura into your amplifier or PA with a 1/4 inch instrument cable. Press the Tuner button. The output will mute when the tuner is engaged. To exit, press the Tuner button again. Increase the volume to a comfortable level and use the Image Select knob to browse through the Acoustic Sound Images. Refer to the included Acoustic Sound Image Reference Chart to identify the microphone (and placement) associated with each Sound Image. Move the Blend slider to mix in some pickup signal with the Sound Image. Put the Phase switch in the position that sounds most pleasing. If feedback occurs, change the position of the switch. Set the Play/Edit switch to Play, adjust the Bass, Mid and Treble sliders to shape the pickup sound to your liking. Set the Blend slider to Aura. Move the Play/Edit switch to Edit and select a Sound Image. Adjust the Bass, Mid and Treble sliders to taste. To save, move the switch back to Play. When you switch to Play, you freeze the tone settings for the last selected Sound Image(s). When you return to Edit, your bass, mid and treble settings for the Sound Image(s) will not change until you move the respective sliders.

3.Tune Up

4.Select

5.Blend

6.Phase (master)

7.Shape Your Tone

Go Deeper EDIT Programmable Tone for Acoustic Sound Images
Users Guide Anti-Feedback
Move the Anti-Feedback switch left to the On position and push the Measure button once. The letter F in the tuner display will flash. Turn up the volume until you reach the threshold of feedback. The automatic filter will identify and eliminate the offending frequency.

Relative Phase (pickup)

Fine-tune the sound by changing the phase of the pickup relative to the Sound Image youve selected. Center the Blend slider and move the Play/Edit switch to Edit. Push the Tuner button to toggle between positive pickup polarity (above pitch arrow in tuner) and negative pickup polarity (below pitch arrow in tuner) until you find the setting that sounds best to you. To exit this parameter, move the Play/Edit switch to Play.
Setup Battery Compartment
Pull the small tab at the top of the Onboard Aura toward you. The body of the preamp will swing out, revealing the battery compartment. Observe the polarity marks on the battery clip and install a fresh 9V alkaline battery accordingly.
Trim Control and VU Meter
A small circular potentiometer is located on the underside of the preamp just below the battery compartment. Use this control in conjunction with the VU meter to set a clean and quiet input level. To turn on the VU meter, press the Tuner button as you plug in the guitar. The above/below pitch LEDs (two arrows and a circle) will now display the input level of the preamp. Play the instrument strongly and watch the LED display. Use a small flat head screwdriver to raise or lower the trim control so that the top LED (below pitch arrow) lights only occasionally with forceful playing. To exit the VU meter, push the tuner button.

Onboard Aura Endpin Jack

When you plug into the endpin jack, the Onboard Aura switches on. To conserve the battery, remove the instrument cable from the endpin jack when the system is not being used. As with any audio device, it is a good idea to turn down your amp or mixer input before you insert or remove a plug at the endpin jack. Doing so will protect your speakers (and your ears) from loud pops.

Sleep Mode

When the Onboard Aura is plugged in and you dont play for 30 seconds, the electronics will go into sleep mode to conserve the battery. As soon as you start to play again, the unit will wake up and return to its normal operating mode. Note that when the Onboard Aura is sleeping, it still consumes some power, so we advise you to unplug the system when you take an extended break.

Power Up

The LEDs in the tuner display flash briefly when you first plug into the endpin jack, indicating that the power is on. Some ask, Why is there no conventional pilot light that stays on when I plug in? We find that a steadily lit LED devours too many precious hours of battery life. Instead, we have the LEDs flash at startup and this extends the useful life of the battery. If you need visual confirmation that the power is on, move the Play/Edit switch to Edit and the (#) LED will flash.

Low Battery Indicator

When the B LED in the tuner array flashes once every three seconds, you have approximately 1.5 hours before the battery is exhausted. Change it at the next opportunity. When the B light starts flashing every half a second, the battery is practically spent and should be changed immediately. When the tuner is switched on, the low battery indicator will function only when no signal is present.
Users Guide Controls Image Select
Your Onboard Aura is factory loaded with six Sound Images that were created especially for your instrument. Each Sound Image corresponds to a different microphone type and position. Refer to the included Acoustic Sound Image Reference Chart to identify the microphone associated with each Sound Image.

Volume

For the cleanest noise-free sound, set the volume as high as possible without causing your amp or mixer to distort.
Plug an instrument cable into the endpin jack, move the Play/Edit switch to Play, then depress the tuner button to turn the circuit on and off. Note that the tuner is calibrated to A = 440.
This digital chromatic tuner accommodates all standard and alternate tunings. For your convenience, the tuner button also acts as a mute switch. Flashes when the note is below pitch. Also denotes negative polarity when the pickup phase parameter is engaged. Lights up when note is in tune. Flashes when the note is above pitch.

Tuner Display

A B C D E F G #
Flashes when battery is low.
Flashes when Anti-Feedback filter is ready to measure feedback.
Lights up when the note is raised 1/2 step.
Lights up when tuner is on.

Onboard Aura Blend

Use the Blend slider to set the balance between the pickup and the Acoustic Sound Image. Lower the slider to emphasize the pickup. Move it up to hear more Acoustic Sound Image. Set the Blend slider to the center detent for an even balance of both.

Tone Controls

The Bass, Mid and Treble controls can be set independently for both the pickup and the Sound Images.

Bass Mid

A boost here will add depth and weight to the sound. This control affects how well the instrument blends in or stands out in the mix. If you are playing at loud volumes, cut the Mids to achieve a more natural amplified tone.

Treble

A boost here will help add sparkle and presence to your sound. Conversely, cutting Treble will mellow and darken your amplified tone.

Pickup Tone

When you move the Play/Edit switch to Play, the three tone controls will affect only the pickup signal. Much of your useful equalization will be performed on the pickup in Play mode.
Note that when you switch to Edit, you freeze the tone settings for the pickup signal. When you return to Play, your previous bass, mid and treble settings for the pickup will not change until you move the respective sliders.
Users Guide Sound Image Tone
Set the Blend slider to Aura, then move the Play/Edit switch to Edit and select a Sound Image. The three tone controls will now only affect the selected Sound Image. Adjust the Bass, Mid and Treble sliders to taste. Note that a little EQ here goes a long way.
To save these settings, move the Play/Edit switch back to Play or move the Image Select knob to another position. Note that when you switch to Play, you freeze the tone settings for the last selected Sound Image(s). When you return to Edit, your Bass, Mid and Treble settings for the Sound Image(s) will not change until you move the respective sliders.

Phase and Anti-Feedback

These controls work hand in hand to suppress acoustic feedback. When set properly, you can play your instrument as loud as you like, feedback-free.

Phase (global)

This switch inverts the phase at the Onboard Aura's output and acts on both the pickup and the selected Acoustic Sound Image. Push the Phase switch in and out several times until you find the position that sounds best and subdues feedback.
Relative Phase (Pickup Phase)
To change the character of your blended sound, you may wish to invert the phase of the pickup relative to the Sound Image(s). There is no "best" position for relative phase and where you set it is a matter of personal taste. 1. Center the Blend slider and switch to Edit. 2. Push the Tuner button to toggle between positive pickup polarity (above pitch arrow in tuner) and negative pickup polarity (below pitch arrow in tuner) until you find the setting that sounds best. 3. To exit this parameter, move the Play/Edit switch to Play. You may program a different relative pickup phase setting for each of the six Sound Images. Select a different Sound Image and repeat the above procedure.

Onboard Aura Anti-Feedback
The Onboard Aura is equipped with an automatic search-and-destroy antifeedback filter. 1. Move the Anti-Feedback switch left to the On position and push the measure button once. The letter F in the tuner display will flash. 2. Turn up the volume until you reach the threshold of feedback.
The automatic filter will identify and eliminate the offending frequency. The Anti-Feedback circuit will remember this offending frequency (even when you turn the circuit off/on) until you push the Measure button again. The Anti-Feedback feature is a global parameter and will apply to both the pickup and all of the six Sound Images. The default anti-feedback frequency is 100 Hz, or about G# on the low E string.

Play/Edit Switch

When the switch is in Play position the Onboard Aura is in normal operating mode and the tone controls affect only the pickup signal. In Edit mode the Sound Image tone controls may be programmed and relative phase parameters can be accessed. See Sound Image Tone and Relative Phase (pickup).
Users Guide Electrical Specifications
Typical in-use current consumption @ 9VDC: Typical 9V alkaline battery life (in-use): Typical sleep mode current consumption @ 9VDC: Typical 9V alkaline battery life (sleep mode): Nominal output impedance: Recommended load impedance: Adjustable gain range: Maximum output level (onset of clipping): Baseline noise (A-weighted, tone controls flat) Pickup signal path: Digital image signal path: 13.5mA 37 hrs.
Dynamic Range: (Referenced to onset of clipping, A-weighted) Frequency response: (Tone controls flat, -3dB relative to 1kHz, 100k Bass control: Frequency 40 Hz 100 Hz Midrange control: Frequency 1 kHz Treble control: Frequency 10 kHz 15 kHz Anti-Feedback: Cut depth: Bandwidth: (-3dB relative to nominal gain) Default center Frequency: (prior to calibration) Global phase switch: In position: Out position:

-82 dBV: -77 dBV 85.8 dB

6.5mA 77 hrs. 1k 10k and up -5dB to +7dB +3.8 dBV
13.5 dB 0.25 Octave 100Hz
40Hz 20 kHz load) Boost and Cut Range 12 dB 9 dB Boost and Cut Range 12 dB Boost and Cut Range 10 dB 12 dB
(+) positive polarity (-) inverse polarity
All specifications subject to change without notice. 17L09 0412-15

www.shman.com

USER GUIDE ONBOARD AURA RETAIL

Welcome

Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are proud to offer you the nest acoustic amplication products available; high-quality professional-grade tools to empower you to sound your very best. We are condent Onboard Aura will both enhance and inspire your music making. Please note that the Aura Image Gallery features described in this User Guide do not apply to factory-installed OEM product.

Troubleshooting

Installation by a qualied professional is strongly recommended. Should you have any problems, please check with your installer or refer to the online installation guide for this product. Technical support, troubleshooting tips and installation information can be found at http://www.shman.com/support/

Image Chart

Once you upload Images into your Onboard Aura, use this chart for quick reference. Image # Instrument Name Microphone Mic Distance

Fundamentals

To experience the benets of Aura, install the Aura Image Gallery CD on your computer then upload Images into the Onboard Aura preamp. Flip open the preamp and connect the included USB cable to the side of the preamp.

USB mini jack

Quick Start
Before you begin, set the controls as shown: 1. Plug in Use a -inch instrument cable. 2. Tune up Set Play/Edit switch to Play. Press Tuner button. When engaged, Tuner mutes the output. Press again to exit Tuner. 3. Select an Image Raise the Volume and use the Image Select knob to browse the Images. 4. Blend in pickup Lower Blend slider to mix pickup with Image.
5. Pickup tone Set Play/Edit switch to Play and adjust tone controls. 6. Image tone Set Play/Edit switch to Edit and adjust tone controls. Move switch back to Play to lock Image tone. 7. Control Feedback If feedback occurs, push Phase switch. If feedback recurs when you change your location, press switch again. Turn Anti-Feedback switch On and push Measure button once. Turn up Volume, then either dampen the strings while tapping the body, or play the troublesome note until the lter eliminates feedback. Note: Onboard Aura is a programmable preamplier. To restore factory defaults, see page 16.
Plug in the guitar, and the Onboard Aura switches on. To conserve the battery, remove the instrument cable from the guitar when the system is not in use. The LEDs in the tuner display ash once at power-up to tell you the preamp is on. Low Battery Indicator When the tuner ashes an L once every three seconds, you have approximately 1.5 hours before the battery is exhausted. Change it at the next opportunity. When the tuner ashes an L every half a second the battery is practically spent and should be changed immediately.
With the Play/Edit switch set to Play, depress the Tuner button to turn the circuit on and off. This digital chromatic tuner accommodates all standard and alternate tunings and can be activated without an instrument cable. When engaged, the tuner mutes the output and will turn itself off after 45 seconds. Note that the tuner is calibrated to A = 440.

Controls

Image Select Your Onboard Aura is factory loaded with six Images created especially for this instrument. Each Image corresponds to a different microphone type and position. Contact the guitars manufacturer to identify the microphone associated with each Image. Volume For the cleanest noise-free sound, set Volume as high as possible without causing your amp or mixer to distort. Blend Use the Blend slider to set the balance between the pickup and the Image.

Tone Controls & Play/Edit Switch
The Play/Edit switch lets you EQ the pickup and Image(s) independently. Pickup EQ Move the Play/Edit switch to Play and adjust the Bass, Mid and Treble controls. Switch to Edit and the preamp retains the pickup EQ settings, disengages the pickup tone controls and enables Image EQ. Return to Play and the preamp holds the pickup EQ settings until the Bass, Mid or Treble controls are moved (regardless of the current position of the controls). Programmable Image EQ To EQ an Image, move the Play/Edit switch to Edit. The # LED ashes to indicate Edit mode. Move the Blend slider to Aura, select an Image and adjust the tone controls. You can program EQ for each of the six Images: simply select another Image and adjust the controls. Switch to Play and the preamp retains the Image EQ settings, disengages the Image tone controls and enables pickup EQ. Go back to Edit and the preamp holds the Image EQ settings until the Bass, Mid or Treble controls are moved (regardless of the current position of the controls). 11

Phase Switches

Phase (global) Use the Phase switch to improve bass response at low volume and suppress feedback at high volume. Push the Phase switch in and out and leave it in the position most pleasing to your ear. If feedback occurs, push the switch again. Relative Phase (pickup phase) To change the character of your blended sound, you may wish to change the phase of the pickup relative to the Image. There is no best position for Relative Phase and where you set it is a matter of personal taste. 1. Center Blend slider & switch to Edit. The # LED ashes to indicate Edit mode. 2. Push the Tuner button to toggle the relative pickup phase. 3. To exit Relative Phase, move the Play/Edit switch to Play. You can program different Relative Phase settings for each of the six Images. Select a different Image and repeat above procedure. 12 = default.

Anti-Feedback

Use this search-and-destroy Anti-Feedback lter in addition to the Phase switch. 1. Move Anti-Feedback switch left to On position and push the Measure button once. The tuner display will animate to indicate it is searching for feedback. 2. Turn up Volume, then either dampen the strings while tapping the body or play the troublesome note until the feedback begins. The lter will automatically identify and eliminate the feedback. The circuit will hold this offending frequency in memory until you push the Measure button again.

Battery Replacement

Pull the small tab at the top of the Onboard Aura toward you. The body of the preamp will swing out, revealing the battery compartment. Observe the polarity marks on the battery compartment and install a fresh 9V battery. We recommend a lithium battery for extended battery life. 13

Input Trim and VU Meter

Adjust this set-and-forget control to accommodate the dynamics of your playing style. When you set Input Trim to the optimum level, you can play strongly without distortion and play quietly without hiss. To Set the Input Trim: Unplug the guitar and pull the small tab at the top of the Onboard Aura toward you. Locate the small circular potentiometer on the right side of the preamp. To turn on the VU meter, move the Edit/Play switch to Play and plug in the guitar while holding the Measure button for two seconds. Release the Measure button when a U is shown in the tuner display. The pitch LEDs (two arrows and a circle) will now display the input level. Play the instrument strongly and watch the LED display. Use a small at-head screwdriver to raise or lower the trim control so all three LEDs ash occasionally with hard strumming. To exit the VU meter, push the Tuner button. 14

Restore Factory Defaults

1. Unplug the guitar, move the tone controls to the center detent position. 2. Move the Edit/Play switch to Play. 3. Hold the Measure button, plug in the guitar and press the Tuner button within two seconds. 4. When the tuner display ashes an F, release the buttons. The factory reset is complete when the F stops ashing and the unit returns to normal operation. Defaults: EQ for all six Images reverts to at. Relative Phase settings return to default state. Anti-Feedback frequency is reset to 100Hz.

Electrical Specications

Digital Signal Path: A/D, D/A conversion: Signal Processing: Typical in-use current consumption @ 9VDC: Typical 9V lithium battery life: Typical 9V alkaline battery life: Nominal output impedance: Recommended load impedance: Input Trim gain range: Maximum output level (onset of clipping): Baseline noise: Dynamic Range: Bass control: Midrange control: Treble control: Anti-Feedback: cut depth: All specications subject to change without notice. 17 24-bit 32-bit 18mA 54 hours 27 hours 1k Ohm 10k Ohm and up -6dB to +6dB +5dBV -92dBV 97dB 12dB @ 70Hz 12dB @ 1kHz 12dB @ 6.5kHz 13.5dB

513-000-151 Rev C 3-10