BOSSCO AW-3 Dynamic Wah User manual

Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
FET

2
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFE-
LY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (Owner’s manual p. 25 – p. 31; p. 4 – p. 5). These sec-
tions 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 fea-
ture 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.
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.

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Main Features
● This effects unit analyzes the dynamics of your guitar picking, so it can provide a
wah effect faithful to the picking.
● Whether you’re playing a guitar or bass, the new SENS control feature lets you get
just the right wah sound.
● Five modes—UP, DOWN, SHARP, HUMANIZER, and TEMPO—let you use the
wah sound in a variety of ways.
● Separate guitar and bass guitar input jacks let you make settings especially for gui-
tars when you are playing a guitar, and bass settings if it’s a bass you’re playing.
● Also included is a feature that lets you input the Auto Wah tempo with the AW-3’s
pedal.
● Equipped with Expression/Control jack.
WithaBOSSFS-5Ufootswitch(soldseparately)connected,youcancontroltheAuto
Wahtempo; or, by connecting a RolandEV-5 expression pedal (sold separately), you
gain access to a broad range of expressive potential with the Pedal Wah and Human-
izer effects.

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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 cir-
cuit 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 relative-
ly high. Should you prefer to use batteries,
please use the alkaline type.
•Batteries should always be installed or re-
placed before connecting any other devices.
This way, you can prevent malfunction
and/or damage to speakers or other devic-
es.
•A battery was installed in the unit before it
left the factory. The life of this battery may
be limited, however, since its primary pur-
pose was to enable testing.
•Before connecting this unit to other devices,
turnoffthepower to all units.Thiswillhelp
prevent malfunctions and/or damage to
speakers or other devices.
Placement
•Using the unit near power amplifiers (or
other equipment containing large power
transformers)mayinducehum. 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

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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 ex-
posed 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
sureto wipethe unit thoroughly with asoft,
dry cloth.
•Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or sol-
vents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of
discoloration and/or deformation.
Additional Precautions
•Use a reasonable amount of care when us-
ing the unit’s buttons, sliders, or other con-
trols; and when using its jacks and
connectors. Rough handling can lead to
malfunctions.
•When connecting / disconnecting all ca-
bles, grasp the connector itself—never pull
on the cable. This way you will avoid caus-
ing 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, pack-
age 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 (Ro-
land EV-5; sold separately). By connecting
any other expression pedals, you risk caus-
ing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

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Panel Description
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).
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
2

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Panel Description
2. CHECK Indicator
Combination indicator that shows the ef-
fect’s on/off status, tempo (in Tempo
mode: p. 14), 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. 18).
* 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 ampli-
fier or other effects device.
4. EXP/CTL Jack
Accepts connection of either an expression
pedal (the optional Roland EV-5), or a mo-
mentary-type foot switch (the optional
BOSS FS-5U). This allows you to attain ped-
al wah and Humanizer effects. It also allows
settingofthe tempo (while in Tempo mode).
* For more information and instructions,
refer to “Description of Each Mode” (p. 12)
and “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 16).
5. GUITAR IN Jack
This jack accepts input signals (coming
from a guitar, some other musical instru-
ment, or another effects unit).

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Panel Description
6. BASS IN Jack
This jack accepts input signal coming
from a bass guitar.
* BASS IN is disabled when the GUITAR
IN jack is used.
* When running the unit on battery power,
the GUITAR IN and BASS IN jacks
double as power switches. Power to the
unit is turned on when you plug into the
GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack; the power
is turned off when the cable is unplugged.
Be sure to disconnect any cord plugged
into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack
when not using this effects device.
7. Pedal Switch
Used for switching effects on/off, and for
inputting the tempo (in Tempo mode: p. 14).
8. Thumbscrew
When this screw is loosened, the pedal
will open, allowing you to change the bat-
tery.
* For the procedure, refer to “Changing the
Battery” (p. 18).
1291011

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Panel Description
9. DECAY Knob
Adjusts the time over which the wah and
Humanizer effects make the changes.
Turn the knob clockwise to increase the
time that the effect plays.
10. MANUAL Knob
Adjusts the frequency at which the wah
effect begins.
* The range setting may vary with the
selected mode and when inputting
through the BASS IN jack.
When in HUMANIZER Mode
Switches to VOWEL 2, in which the sec-
ond vowel is selected.
11. SENS Knob
Adjusts the amount of wah effect that is
applied in response to the input level.
The further you turn this knob clockwise,
the stronger the wah effect applied, even
with lighter picking.
Turn the SENS knob fully counterclock-
wise,then adjust the MANUAL knob to
get a fixed wah (fixed filter) effect.
When in HUMANIZER Mode
Switches to VOWEL 1, in which the first
vowel is selected.
12. MODE Switch
Switches the mode (UP, DOWN, SHARP,
HUMANIZER, TEMPO).
* For more on the functions the other knobs
have in each mode, refer to “Description
of Each Mode” (p. 12 – p. 15).

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Connections
AC adaptor
PSA-series (option)
Electric guitar
Electric bass
Expression Pedal
Roland EV-5 (option)
Footswitch
BOSS FS-5U (option)
or
Amplifier OUT 9V DC/200mA
Polarity
switch

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Connections
* Inserting a plug into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN Jack will automatically switch the unit on.
* 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).
* 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.
* Once you've gotten hooked up correctly (p. 10), 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 last.
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.

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Description of Each Mode
● UP, DOWN, SHARP
UP Mode: Provides a wah effect in which
the filter shifts to higher frequencies.
DOWN Mode: Provides a wah effect in
which the filter shifts to lower fre-
quencies.
SHARP Mode: Provides a stronger wah
effect with shifting of the filter to high-
er frequencies.
1. When you have finished making the
connections (p. 10), turn the effect on
(the CHECK indicator turns red).
2. Use the SENS knob to adjust the
amount of effect that is applied in
response to the input level.
3. With the MANUAL knob, adjust the fre-
quency at which the wah effect begins.
4. With the DECAY knob, adjust the
length of time the wah effect is applied.
◆ When a Roland EV-5 (sold separately)
is connected to the EXP/CTL jack, this
becomes a pedal wah, and the SENS,
MANUAL, and DECAY knob func-
tions are disabled.
* Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 16).
432

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Description of Each Mode
● HUMANIZER
In this mode, the guitar sound is trans-
formed into the sound of a human voice.
The vowel changes as you pick.
1. When you have finished making the
connections (p. 10), turn the effect on
(the CHECK indicator turns red).
2. Select the first vowel with the
VOWEL 1 knob.
3. Select the second vowel with the
VOWEL 2 knob.
4. Use the DECAY knob to adjust the
length of time used to move from
VOWEL 1 to VOWEL 2.
◆ When a Roland EV-5 (sold separately)
is connected to the EXP/CTL jack, it
becomes a pedal Humanizer, and
you’ll be able to use the pedal to switch
between VOWEL 1 and VOWEL 2.
* The DECAY knobs is disabled. Refer to
“Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 16).
Applying the same settings to
VOWEL 1 and VOWEL 2 results in a
fixed Humanizer (fixed filter) effect.
432

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Description of Each Mode
● TEMPO
In this mode, you can use the AW-3’s
pedal switch (p. 8) or the optional BOSS
FS-5U foot switch (p. 17) to set the Auto
Wah’stempo, in a range from 200 mSec to
4 Sec.
Tempo Settings with the AW-3 Pedal
1. When you have finished making the
connections (p. 10), press and hold
down the AW-3’s pedal switch for at
least two seconds to enable setting of
the tempo (the CHECK indicator
turns green, and the tempo flashes in
red).
The output sound also switches to Auto
Wah at the same time.
* When the power is turned on (before
tempo settings), the tempo is at 500 mSec.
* To allow switching without the normal
stress of dealing with effect on/off hassles,
when you go into the tempo setting mode
with the effect on, the effect is switched off
for two seconds, after which the AW-3
switches to the tempo setting mode.
3

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Description of Each Mode
2. Depress the pedal to get the tempo
you want.
The speed changes to match the tempo
entered by pressing the pedal, and the
CHECK indicator will flash in sync with
the tempo.
Available range for the tempo:
200 mSec – 4 Sec
3. With the DECAY knob, adjust the
wah effect time.
4. When you have finished setting the
tempo, once again step on the pedal
switch, and keep it down for two or
more seconds.
You exit the tempo setting mode, and the
pedal switch reverts to its normal func-
tion of turning the effect on and off.
* Immediately after exiting the tempo
setting mode, the effect stays on, with
Auto Wah in effect.
◆ When connected to the EXP/CTL jack,
the optional FS-5U is used for setting
the tempo, and the AW-3’s pedal
switch then only turns the effect on
and off. While the tempo can be set as
usual, the effect can also be switched
on and off.
* Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 16).
◆ When a Roland EV-5 (sold separately)
is connected to the EXP/CTL jack, this
becomes a pedal wah, and the DECAY
knob functions are disabled.
* Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 16).

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Using the EXP/CTL Jack
● Withan expressionpedal(the optional
Roland EV-5) connected to the EXP/
CTL jack, the wah and Humanizer ef-
fects are then applied in response to
the operation of the pedal.
* Set the EV-5's minimum volume to the
lowest setting (0). The wah and
Humanizer effects may not play correctly
if this minimum value is not set.
(1) In UP, DOWN, or TEMPO mode:
Provides the pedal wah effect.
* The DECAY, MANUAL, and SENS
knob functions are disabled.
(2) In SHARP mode:
Providesapedalwaheffect, but featuring
special tone characteristics.
* The DECAY, MANUAL, and SENS
knob functions are disabled.
(3) In HUMANIZER mode:
The pedal action shifts between VOWEL
1 and VOWEL 2.
* In Humanizer mode, the DECAY knob
function is disabled.
* If VOWEL 1 and VOWEL 2 have the
same settings, no change is obtained by
moving the pedal.
VOWEL 2 VOWEL 1

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Using the EXP/CTL Jack
● With a momentary-type foot switch
(the optional BOSS FS-5U) connected
to the EXP/CTL jack, you can use the
foot switch to set tempos in TEMPO
mode.
In this setup, the AW-3’s pedal switch is
only used to turn the effect on and off.
* Set the polarity switch of the connected
foot switch as shown in the figure below.
* Connecting or disconnecting the optional
BOSS FS-5U control pedal when setting
the tempo may cause the tempo to become
erratic. If this occurs, set the tempo again.
Polarity switch

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Changing the Battery
When the CH
ECK 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.
* For best results (i.e.., longest usable life)
use an alkaline type battery.
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.
2. Remove the old battery from the battery
housing, and remove the battery snap
connected to it.
3. Connect the battery snap to the new bat-
tery, and place the battery inside the bat-
tery housing.
* Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s
polarity (+ versus -).
4.
Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on
the back of the pedal, then close the pedal.
* Take care not to allow the battery snap cord to become
caught in the pedal, coil spring, or other places.
5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the
guide bush hole and fasten it securely.
Thumbscrew Pedal
Spring Base
Coil Spring
Guide Bush
Hole
Battery Housing
Battery Snap
Cord
Battery
Snap
9V Battery

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Troubleshooting
Power won’t come on/
CHECK indicator doesn’t light:
● Is the specified adaptor (PSA-series;
sold separately) properly connected?
Check the connection once more (p. 10).
● Is the battery low or dead?
Replace with a new battery (p. 18).
● Is the guitar properly connected to
the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack?
Check the connection once more (p. 10).
* To help preserve battery power while the AW-3
is being powered by battery, the power is actually
switched on only at the moment a cord is
plugged into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack.
* The battery that was supplied with the unit
is for temporary use---intended primarily for
testing its operation. For using the unit for
more extended periods of time, we
recommend the use of alkaline batteries.
* The CHECK indicator is designed for
providing information about effects—such
as their on/off status. It does not indicate
whether the power is on or off.
No sound / Low volume:
● Is the AW-3 properly connected to
your instrument?
Check the connection once more (p. 10).
● Is the volume turned down on any
guitar amp or effects device you have
connected?
● Are you inputting to both the GUI-
TAR IN and BASS IN jacks?
The GUITAR IN jack is given priority. If
both jacks are used at the same time, the
signal that has been applied at BASS IN
will not be heard.

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Troubleshooting
● Is an EV-5 connected to the EXP/CTL
jack?
With an EV-5 connected to the EXP/CTL
jack, you won’t be able to obtain a wah
effect that reflects picking dynamics.
Sound is distorted:
● Is the battery low?
As the battery is drained, the CHECK in-
dicator dims, and the AW-3 may start to
function incorrectly. Replace with a new
battery (p. 18).
● Could the level of the sound being
input be excessive?
With some guitars, distortion may be
produced. Be careful of your guitar’s out-
put level.
The wah and Humanizer effects
don’t work well:
● Is the input volume too loud?
Use care in setting the volume levels
when using the AW-3 after distortion ef-
fects devices. This unit may be unable to
sense how hard or softly the guitar
strings are being picked, which may pre-
vent accurate use of the effect.
● Could the SENS knob be set to the
minimum?
If the SENS knob is turned fully counter-
clockwise, guitar picking will not be de-
tected.
● Ifyou are usingthe EV-5, isthe EV-5’s
minimumvolumesetto0(minimum)?
Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p.
16 – p. 17).