BOSSCO BF-3 User manual

Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
FET

2
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS BF-3 Flanger.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet). These sections provide important informa-
tion 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, this man-
ual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a con-
venient reference.
A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be limited, however,
since its primary purpose was to enable testing.
Copyright © 2001 BOSS CORPORATION
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedinanyformwithout
the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

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Features
● Stereo output gives your sound greater breadth along with a deep effect that imparts
a sense of three-dimensional rotation.
● Includes a new “ULTRA” mode for a more intense flanging effect.
● Also features a “GATE/PAN” mode. When outputting in mono, a slicer effect is add-
ed to the flanging sound, resulting in a “gate flanger” effect; and when using stereo
output, you get a flanging effect that is panned three-dimensionally across the sound
field.
● Includes a “MOMENTARY” mode, which allows you to apply the flanger effect ex-
actly at the point in a phrase you want.
● Also includes a “Tap Tempo” function that lets you set the RATE to the tempo at
which the pedal is pressed.

4
Panel Description
fig.01
1. AC Adaptor Jack
Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (op-
tionally available BOSS PSA-Series). By
using an AC Adaptor, you can play with-
out being concerned about how much bat-
tery power you have left.
* Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-
Series), and make sure the line voltage at the
installation matches the input voltage
specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other
AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or
be designed for a different voltage, so their
use could result in damage, malfunction, or
electric shock.
* As soon as you connect the AC adaptor, the
unit is turned on.
* If there is 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).
3
1
4
5
6
7
2

5
Panel Description
2. CHECK Indicator
This indicator shows whether an effect is
ON/OFF, indicates the tempo (TEMPO
mode: p. 11–12), 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 or while the BF-3 is in
TEMPO mode, the battery is near exhaustion
and should be replaced immediately. For
instructions on changing the batteries, refer
to “Changing the Battery” (p. 14).
* 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 A (MONO)/ OUTPUT B Jack
The output jacks are used to connect the
unit to an amplifier or another effects unit.
For monaural use, make the connection to
the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack.
4. GUITAR IN Jack
This jack accepts input signals (coming
from a guitar, some other musical instru-
ment, or another effects unit).
5. BASS IN Jack
Thisjackaccepts inputsignalcomingfrom
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

6
Panel Description
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.
6. Pedal Switch
Used for switching effects on/off, and for
inputting the tempo.
* You cannot input the tempo in MOMENTARY
mode.
7. Thumbscrew
When this screw is loosened, the pedal
will open, allowing you to change the bat-
tery.
* For instructions on changing the batteries,
refer to “Changing the Battery” (p. 14).
fig.02
8. MANUAL Knob
Adjusts the center frequency to which the
effect is applied.
The range is raised as you turn the knob to
the right (clockwise).
* The settings range varies with the selected
mode, as well as when an instrument is
connected to BASS IN.
109 11 128

7
Panel Description
9. RES (resonance) Knob
Adjusts the amount of resonance (feed-
back). The more the knob is turned to the
right, the more the flanger sound is em-
phasized, and the stronger the characteris-
tic effect in the sound becomes.
10. DEPTH Knob
Adjusts the sweep depth. The effect deep-
ens as you turn the knob to the right.
* The MANUAL knob has no function when
this knob is turned completely clockwise.
11. RATE Knob
Adjuststhe rate of theflanging. The flange
effect speeds up as you turn the knob to
the right.
12. MODE Knob
Selects the flanger effect and pedal mode.
ULTRA:
Provides a stronger flanger effect than
STANDARD.
STANDARD:
Provides a normal flanger effect.
GATE/PAN:
When playing in mono, this creates radical
changesinthe outputvolume.Whenplaying
in stereo, this alternately pans the output to
the left and right, resulting in a flanger effect
that imparts a sense of rotation or spinning.
MOMENTARY:
The flanger effect is applied only while
the BF-3’s pedal is depressed. The STAN-
DARD tone is applied, and flanging starts
in the low end.
* You cannot input the tempo in MOMENTARY
mode.

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Connections
fig.03
AC Adaptor
BOSS PSA-series
(option)
Electric
Guitar
Bass
Guitar
OUT 9V DC/200mA
Guitar Amplifier
(Bass Amplifier) For monoural use,
make the connection to
the OUTPUTA (MONO) jack. * The GUITAR IN jack is given priority.

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Connections
* Inserting a plug into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN Jack will automatically switch the unit on.
* 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.
* Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the
vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while
conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices so they
are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.
* 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).
* Once the connections have been completed (p. 8), turn on power to your various devices in the
order specified. 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 .
* Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power. Even with the
volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on, but this is
normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.
* When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when battery power
gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

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Operating the Unit
fig.05
1. When you have made the necessary
connections (p. 8), depress the pedal
switch to turn the effect on. (the
CHECK indicator turns red.)
* When MOMENTARY mode is selected,
continue pressing the pedal switch. (the effect
is on only while the pedal is depressed)
2. Select the mode with the MODE knob.
* When MOMENTARY is selected, the
CHECK indicator light goes off, and the
effect is switched off. Hold the pedal down
when using the following settings in
MOMENTARY mode (the effect is on only
while the pedal is depressed).
3. Set the flanging rate with the RATE
knob.
4. Set the sweep depth with the DEPTH
knob.
5. Set the center frequency to which the
effect is applied with the MANUAL
knob.
6. Turn the RES knob to set the strength
of the effect.
46 3 25

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Setting the RATE by Inputting the Tempo with the Pedal Switch
When Switching to Tempo Input with the Effect ON (CHECK indicator: Red)
* RATE cycles for use with the tempo settings can be made in the range of 0.1–18 seconds.
fig.06
* If you carry out Step immediately after Step , Step may inadvertently be interpreted as
tempo input, thus changing the RATE setting. Allow a brief interval to pass before progressing
from Step to Step .
* If you adjust the RATE knob after completing the settings, the effect then reflects the position of the RATE knob.
* You cannot input the tempo in MOMENTARY mode.
Off
Off
Red RedRed/Green Blinking
Effect synchronized to tempo
OffOn On
1 32
Press the BF-3’s pedal
switch in timing with the
tempo.
CHECK
Indicator
Flanger Effects
Pedal Switch
RATE Effect reflects knob positions
Press and hold
the BF-3’s
pedal switch
for at least two
seconds.
Press and hold
the BF-3’s
pedal switch
for at least two
seconds.
3 2 3
2 3

12
Setting the RATE by Inputting the Tempo with the Pedal Switch
When Switching to Tempo Input with the Effect OFF (CHECK indicator: Off)
* RATE cycles for use with the tempo settings can be made in the range of 0.1–18 seconds.
fig.07
* If you carry out Step immediately after Step , Step may inadvertently be interpreted as
tempo input, thus changing the RATE setting. Allow a brief interval to pass before progressing
from Step to Step .
* If you adjust the RATE knob after completing the settings, the effect then reflects the position of the RATE knob.
* You cannot input the tempo in MOMENTARY mode.
CHECK
Indicator
Flanger Effects
Pedal Switch
RATE
Red
On
Off RedRed/Green Blinking
Effect reflects knob positions Effect synchronized to tempo
OffOff On
1 32
Press the BF-3’s pedal
switch in timing with the
tempo.
Press and hold
the BF-3’s
pedal switch
for at least two
seconds.
Press and hold
the BF-3’s
pedal switch
for at least two
seconds.
3 2 3
2 3

13
Setting the RATE by Inputting the Tempo with the Pedal Switch
Relationship Between the Flanger and Gate Effects
* The gate effect switches on and off 32 times over the period of the flanger effect's rise and fall.
* If you want to have the gate working on eighth notes, press the pedal switch at the beginning of the
fourth measure of the song you want to have synchronized.
fig.08 Frequency
RATE
High
Low
GATE Effects
GATE =
16 Times 16 Times
Flanger Effects
Rise
Input the tempo
Flanger Effects
Fall
16 Times 16 Times
Input the tempo
Flanger
Rise Flanger Fall Flanger Rise Flanger Fall

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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.
* This device consumes considerable power, so use of
the AC adaptor is recommended. When powering
the unit with batteries, use alkaline batteries.
fig.09
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 snap cord con-
nected to it.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery,
and place the battery inside the battery
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.
* 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.
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:
● Is the specified adaptor (PSA-series;
sold separately) properly connected?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
* Never use any AC adapter other than one
specified for use with the BF-3.
● Is the battery low or dead?
Replace with a new battery (p. 14).
● Is the guitar connected properly to the
GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
* To prevent excess battery drainage, turn the
power on without the plug inserted in 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 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.
CHECK indicator doesn’t light:
● Is the MODE knob set to MOMEN-
TARY?
When in MOMENTARY mode, the
CHECK indicator light is normally off
(the effect is off). The indicator lights
(the effect is on) only while the pedal is
depressed.
The CHECK indicator lights up for sev-
eral seconds immediately after the
power is turned on.

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Troubleshooting
No sound / Low volume:
● Isthe BF-3 properly connected to your
instrument?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
● Is the volume turned down on any guitar
ampor effects deviceyou 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.
Sound is distorted:
● Is the battery low?
As the battery is drained, the CHECK
indicator dims, and the BF-3 may start
to function incorrectly. Replace with a
new battery (p. 14).
● Could the level of the sound being in-
put be excessive?
With some guitars, distortion may be
produced. Be careful of your guitar's
output level.
Can’t input the tempo:
● Is the MODE knob set to MOMENTARY?
In MOMENTARY mode, the pedal
switch only functions as an effect on/
off switch.
Tempo not synchronized with
the tempo input:
● Is the MODE knob set to GATE?
When synching to GATE, please refer
to “Relationship Between the Flanger
and Gate Effects” (p. 13).

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Setting Samples
For Guitar
Standard Flanger
fig.10
Ultra Flanger
fig.11
Stereo Flanger
fig.12
Rotary Flanger
fig.13
Stereo
Out
Stereo
Out

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Setting Samples
For Guitar
Gate Flanger
fig.14
Chorus Sound
fig.15
Tremolo Flanger
fig.16
Fixed Flanging
fig.17
OUTPUT A
(MONO) OUTPUT B

19
Setting Samples
For Bass
Strong Flanging
fig.18
Deep Flanger
fig.19
Vibrato Sound
fig.20
Slicer Sound
fig.21

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Setting Memo
( )
fig.26
( )
fig.26
( )
fig.26
( )
fig.26