BOSSCO FBM-1 Bassman legend series User manual

FET
Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
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Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the BOSS FBM-1 Bassman.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet). These sections provide important in-
formation concerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good understanding of every fea-
ture provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should
be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
About COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling)
Composite Object Sound Modeling—or “COSM” for short—is Roland’s innovative and pow-
erful technology that’s used to digitally recreate the sound of classic musical instruments and
effects. COSM analyzes the many factors that make up the original sound—including its elec-
trical and physical characteristics—and creates a digital model that accurately reproduces the
original.
A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since
its primary purpose is to enable testing.
Copyright © 2007 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
● Uses COSM technology to model the amp sound of a Fender ® BASSMAN ® .
● Makes it easy for you to enjoy that vintage Fender ® amp sound simply by connecting the
FBM-1 to your usual guitar amp.
● Provides a BRIGHT input like the one on an actual BASSMAN ® amp.
About the Fender®BASSMAN®
fig.bassman.eps
In 1951, Fender®introduced the first commercially successful elec-
tric bass—the Precision Bass®.
The amp developed along with it was the BASSMAN®.
Originally intended for use only with basses, the rich and powerful
sound of the classic four-input “Narrow Panel” version, quickly
earned it a strong following among guitarists playing blues, rock,
country, etc. Reissued in 1990 the BASSMAN®can still be found at
work on live stages and in studios around the world.
Among the several models in the BASSMAN®series, the 1959
model is especially acclaimed, and its circuitry had a major impact
on the designs of amps from other manufacturers. For many, the
BASSMAN®is the mother of all amps!
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Panel Descriptions
fig.FBM-1-name1.eps
1. AC Adaptor Jack
This jack accepts the connection of an AC
adaptor (optionally available BOSS PSA-se-
ries). By using an AC adaptor, you can play
without being concerned about how much
battery 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.
* If the AC adaptor is connected while power is
on, the power supply is drawn from the AC
adaptor.
* If there is a battery in the unit while an AC
adaptor is being used, the FBM-1 will switch
over to battery-powered operation should the
line voltage be interrupted due to a power
blackout or power cord disconnection.
12
3
6
4
5
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Panel Descriptions
2. CHECK Indicator
This indicator shows whether the effect is on
or off, and also doubles as the battery check
indicator. The indicator lights when the ef-
fect is on.
* If you’re powering the unit with a battery and
the CHECK indicator goes dim—or doesn’t
light at all—when you try to turn the effect on,
the battery is near depletion and should be
replaced. For instructions on changing the
battery, refer to “Changing the Battery” (p. 12).
* The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect
is being applied or not. It does not indicate
whether the power to the device is on or not.
3. OUTPUT Jack
This output jack is used for connecting to
guitar amps and other effects processors.
4. Pedal Switch
This switch turns the effect on/off.
5. Thumbscrew
When this screw is loosened, the pedal will
open, allowing you to change the battery.
For instructions on changing the battery, re-
fer to “Changing the Battery” (p. 12).
6. INPUT Jack, BRIGHT IN Jack
These jacks are for connecting the output
from an electric guitar or other instrument or
effects device.
Using the BRIGHT IN jack makes the treble
range more prominent.
* These jacks double as power switch. Power to
the FBM-1 is turned on when you plug into
the INPUT/BRIGHT IN jack; the power is
turned off when the cable is unplugged.
When not using the FBM-1, be sure to
disconnect the plug from the INPUT/
BRIGHT IN jack.
* INPUT is disabled when the BRIGHT IN
jack is used.
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Panel Descriptions
fig.FBM-1-name2.eps
7. PRESENCE Knob
This adjusts the sound quality of the ultra-
high range.
8. MIDDLE Knob
This knob controls the tone of the effect at
middle frequencies.
9. BASS Knob
This knob controls the tone of the effect at
lower frequencies.
10. TREBLE Knob
This knob controls the tone of the effect at
higher frequencies.
11. LEVEL Knob
This adjusts the volume of the effect sound.
* No sound is output when this knob is turned
completely counterclockwise.
12. GAIN Knob
This adjusts the amount of distortion and the
volume level. Turning it clockwise makes
distortion stronger and increases the volume
level.
1091187 12
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Connections
* Inserting a connecting plug into the INPUT jack or
the BRIGHT IN jack turns on the power to the unit.
* Raise the amp volume only after turning on the
power to all connected devices.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the
unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should
you prefer to use a battery, please use the alkaline
type.
* 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 is a battery in the unit while an AC adaptor
is being used, normal operation will continue
should the line voltage be interrupted due to power
blackout or power cord disconnection.
* Some connection cables contain resistors. When
connection cables with resistors are used, the sound
level may be extremely low, or impossible to hear.
For information on cable specifications, contact the
manufacturer of the cable.
* Once the connections have been completed, 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 CHECK
indicator will become dim when battery power gets
too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
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Connections
Recommended Settings
fig.FBM-1-connect-e.eps
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power-up is
required before the unit will operate normally.
AC Adaptor
BOSS PSA-series
(option)
9V DC/200 mA
Guitar Amplifier
(JC-120 etc.)
Electric Guitar
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Connections
Recommended Settings for the Roland
JC-120
Recommended Settings for a Fender ®
Combo Amp
Recommended Settings for a Stack
Amp
We recommend using a clean setting (no dis-
tortion) on the connected amp.
Set to OFF
BRIGHT
TREBLE MIDDLE BASS
MIN MAX MIN MAX
Set to OFF
MIN MAX
PRESENCE TREBLE MIDDLE BASS
MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
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Operating the Unit
fig.FBM-1-operation1.eps
1. After you have made the necessary con-
nections (p. 7, p. 8), set the panel knobs as
shown in the illustration.
2. Depress the pedal switch to turn the
effect on. (The CHECK indicator lights
when the effect is on.)
fig.FBM-1-operation2.eps
3. Adjust the gain (the amount of distor-
tion) with the GAIN knob.
* Setting both knobs at extremely high levels
may also result in increased noise.
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Operating the Unit
fig.FBM-1-operation3.eps
4. Adjust the tone with the BASS knob,
MIDDLE knob, TREBLE knob, and
PRESENCE knob.
fig.FBM-1-operation4.eps
5. Adjust the output volume with the
LEVEL knob.
Normally, you should adjust the LEVEL
knob so there’s no difference in the volume
when switching the effect on and off.
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Changing the Battery
When the indicator goes dim or no longer
lights while the effect is on, it means that the
battery must be replaced.
Replace the battery following the steps below.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the
unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should
you prefer to use a battery, please use the alkaline type.
fig.replace-battery.eps
1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the
thumbscrew, then open the pedal
upward.
* The pedal can be opened without detaching the
thumbscrew completely.
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, and then close the pedal.
* Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the
pedal, coil spring, and battery housing.
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
The power won’t come on/
the CHECK indicator doesn’t light
● Is the specified adaptor (PSA-series,
sold separately) properly connected?
Check the AC adaptor connection (p. 7, p. 8).
* Never use any AC adapter other than one specified
for use with the FBM-1.
● Is the battery low or dead?
Replace it with a new battery (p. 12).
* The battery that is supplied with the unit is for
temporary use, intended primarily for testing the
pedal’s operation.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the
unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should
you prefer to use a battery, please use the alkaline type.
* To prevent unnecessary battery consumption, be sure to
disconnect the plug from the INPUT jack and the
BRIGHT IN jack when not using the effects unit (p. 5).
● Is your guitar properly connected to the
INPUT (or BRIGHT IN) jack?
Check the connection once more (p. 7, p. 8).
* A cable must be connected to the INPUT jack (or
BRIGHT IN jack) to allow the effect to be turned on.
* If a cable is connected but no power is supplied to
the unit (either from a battery or an AC adaptor),
the CHECK indicator will not light when you try to
turn the effect on.
No sound / low volume
● Is your instrument properly connected
to the FBM-1?
Check the connection once more (p. 7, p. 8).
● Is the LEVEL knob set too low?
The further counterclockwise you turn the
LEVEL knob, the more the volume is re-
duced when the effect is on. Turn the LEVEL
knob clockwise to increase the volume.
● Is the volume turned down on any guitar
amp or effects device you have connect-
ed?
Check the settings of the connected device.
● Is the battery low or dead?
Replace it with a new battery (p. 12).
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Setting Samples
Standard Crunch Sound
fig.FBM-1-sample1.eps
Mild Crunch Sound
fig.FBM-1-sample1.eps
Hard Overdrive Sound
fig.FBM-1-sample1.eps
Bright Clean Sound
fig.FBM-1-sample1.eps
Usethe
BRIGHTIN
jack
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Setting Memo
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
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Setting Memo
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
fig.FBM-1-memo.eps
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Specifications
FBM-1: Bassman
Nominal Input Level:....................... -20 dBu
Input Impedance:.............................. 1 M Ω
Nominal Output Level:.................... -20 dBu
Output Impedance: .......................... 2.2 k Ω
Recommended Load Impedance:... 10 k Ω or greater
Controls:............................................. Pedal switch, PRESENCE knob, MIDDLE knob,
BASS knob, TREBLE knob, GAIN knob, LEVEL knob
Indicators:.............................................CHECK indicator (for effect on/off status and battery check)
Connectors:........................................ INPUT jack, BRIGHT IN jack, OUTPUT jack,
AC adaptor jack (DC 9 V)
Power Supply:................................... DC 9 V: Dry battery 6F22 (9 V) type (carbon)/
Dry battery 6LR61 (9 V) type (alkaline)
AC Adaptor (PSA-series: optional)
Current Draw: ................................... 36 mA (DC 9 V)
* Expected battery life under continuous use:
Carbon: 3 hours, Alkaline: 10 hours
These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Dimensions:....................................... 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm /
2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
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Specifications
Weight: ............................................... 440 g /1 lb (including battery)
Accessories......................................... Owner’s manual, leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,”
“IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”),
dry battery/9 V type (6LR61)
* The battery that is supplied with the unit is for temporary
use, intended primarily for testing the unit’s operation.
We suggest replacing this with an alkaline dry cell.
Option ................................................ AC adaptor (PSA-series)
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change
without prior notice.
* Fender ® and BASSMAN ® are the trademarks of FMIC. All rights reserved.
* All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective owners. In this document, their names are used solely to identify the
equipment whose sound is simulated by COSM.
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This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.
For EU Countries
For Canada
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
NOTICE
AVIS
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.
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G6027120R0
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