BOSSCO PH-3 Phase Shifter User manual

Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
FET

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Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter.
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
● In addition to the standard four setting types available on previous phasers (4-/8-/
10-/12-stage), the PH-3 adds further features, including new RISE and FALL effects
and a STEP setting which changes the effect in steps, for a total of seven switchable
phase effects (an effect that adds a cyclic sensation to the sound).
● New RISE/FALL features give you continuous rising and falling effects unavailable
with previous phasers.
● YoucanusethePH-3’spedaltosettheRATEtothetempo.Thismakesiteasytosync
to songs (tempo and measure), formerly a difficult process.
● Includes an expression/control jack.
You can connect an expression pedal (Roland EV-5; sold separately) to this jack and
make continuous changes to the RATE for a rotary speaker-like sound, while con-
necting a foot switch (BOSS FS-5U; sold separately) allows you to match the rate to
the tempo.

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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 toall units.This willhelp
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.Toalleviate
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 wipe the unit thoroughlywith a soft,
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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Feature Names and Functions
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
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5
6
7
2

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Feature Names and Functions
2. CHECK Indicator
Combination indicator that shows the ef-
fect’s on/off status, tempo (in Tempo
mode: p. 13), 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. 17).
* 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. INPUT Jack
This jack accepts input signals (coming
from a guitar, some other musical instru-
ment, or another effects unit).
* When a battery is used, the INPUT jack
also functions as a power switch. When a
plug is inserted into the INPUT jack, the
power will be turned on. When the plug is
pulled out, the power will be turned off.
When you are not using the unit, pull the
plug out of the INPUT jack.

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Feature Names and Functions
5. EXP/CTL Jack
Accepts connection of an expression ped-
al (Roland EV-5; sold separately) or mo-
mentary-type foot switch (BOSS FS-5U;
sold separately).
Use the EV-5 to change the RATE contin-
uously.
Setting tempos is easy with the FS-5U.
* Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 15).
6. Pedal Switch
Used for switching effects on/off, and for
inputting the tempo.
When the effect is on, be sure to start any
changes with the filter at the lowest setting.
* For inputting the tempo, refer to “Setting
the Tempo with the PH-3’s Pedal Switch”
(p. 13).
7. 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. 17).
118910

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Feature Names and Functions
8. RATE Knob
Adjusts the speed at which the filter chang-
es. When set to MIN, the filter remains off.
9. DEPTH Knob
Adjusts the depth of the filter change.
The filter effect stops when this is set to
MIN with the STAGE switch set to any-
thing besides FALL or RISE.
10. RES (Resonance) Knob
Adjusts the strength of the filter effect.
The effect sound becomes stronger the
further the knob is turned clockwise.
* Raising the RES setting (turning it
clockwise) makes it easier for the sound to
become distorted. If it appears that the
sound is becoming distorted, try lowering
the RES setting.
11. STAGE Switch
Selects the number of phase steps and the
phase type. The higher the number, the
more depth the phaser effect has.
4: 4-stage phaser; a light, vintage
phaser effect with a classic feel.
8: 8-stage phaser that gives a bal-
anced phaser sound.
10: 10-stage phaser providing a deep
phaser effect.
12: 12-stage phaser, with two six-
stage phasers connected in series
for a powerful phaser effect.
FALL: Phase effect featuring a continu-
ously falling sensation.
RISE: Phase effect that imparts a contin-
uously rising sensation.
STEP: Phase effect whereby filter modifi-
cations occur in a non-consecutive
manner. This can provide some re-
ally unique, illusional effects.

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Connections
AC adaptor
PSA-series (option)
Electric guitar
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 INPUT 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 discon-
nection).
* 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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Operation
1. When you have finished making the
connections (p. 10), press the pedal
switch to turn the effect on (the
CHECK indicator is lit).
2. Set the RATE, DEPTH, and RES knobs
at the center position.
3. Use the STAGE switch to select the
stage type.
4. With the RATE knob, adjust the speed
of the filter change.
* When set to MIN, the filter remains off.
5. With the DEPTH knob, adjust the
depth of the filter change.
* The filter effect stops when this is set to
MIN with the STAGE switch set to
anything besides FALL or RISE.
6. With the RES (Resonance) Knob,
adjust the strength of the filter effect.
* Raising the RES setting (turning it
clockwise) makes it easier for the sound to
become distorted. If it appears that the
sound is becoming distorted, try lowering
the RES setting.
32,4 2,5 2,6

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Setting the Tempo with the PH-3’s Pedal Switch
* RATE cycles for use with the tempo settings can be made in the range of 0.2–16 seconds.
1. Step on, and continue depressing the
PH-3’s pedal switch for at least two
seconds.
If the pedal switch is pressed when the
effect is on, the CHECK indicator goes
out, and the effect is turned off for two
seconds.
If the pedal switch is pressed when the
effect is off, the CHECK indicator turns
red, and the effect is turned on for two
seconds.
* For switching without the normal stress
and hassle of turning effects on and off,
when you go into the tempo setting mode
while the effect is on, the effect is first
switched off for two seconds, and the PH-
3 switches to tempo setting mode.
2. The CHECK indicator then flashes in
red and green, and the tempo can
then be set with the effect on.
* Here, the tempo is indicated by the value
set with the RATE knob.
3. Press the PH-3’s pedal switch in tim-
ing with the tempo.
The CHECK indicator then flashes in red
and green in time with the tempo.
* When the pedal switch is pressed, the filter
is completely lowered (except when set to
RISE or FALL). When using this, even if
the RATE (as shown by the flashing
CHECK indicator) is off slightly from the
tempo, you can match the RATE to the
tempo with one step on the PH-3's pedal.

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Setting the Tempo with the PH-3’s Pedal Switch
Setting the RATE near the de-
sired tempo beforehand allows
you to make faster and more nat-
ural tempo settings.
4. Press and continue holding the PH-3's
pedal switch for two seconds or
longer to finish setting the tempo.
The effect goes on, and instead of flash-
ing in red and green, the CHECK indica-
tor will light steadily in red.
* When you have finished setting the
tempo, the RATE changes to the value for
the tempo setting made with the pedal, so
the value will differ from the value
indicated by the RATE knob.
* When changed with the RATE knob, the
tempo is then the same as the value for the
RATE knob.

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Using the EXP/CTL Jack
* When an EV-5 or FS-5U is connected to
the EXP/CTL jack, the PH-3’s own pedal
switch then only turns the effect on and off.
* When disconnecting from the EXP/CTL
jack, the RATE (tempo) settings used up to
that point are cleared, with the RATE knob
setting then becoming effective.
● When Connecting the (Optional) Roland EV-5
The RATE settings can be adjusted with the EV-5.
You can change from the minimum RATE value set by the EV-5’s Minimum Value to
the value set with the PH-3’s RATE knob.
1. Connect the EV-5 to the EXP/CTL
jack, and press the pedal completely
forward. The adjustment made with
the RATE knob in this condition
determines the maximum RATE
value when controlled with the EV-5.
2. Return (raise) the pedal completely
back so the heel is down. The adjust-
ment made with the RATE knob at
this point determines the minimum
RATE value when controlled with the
EV-5.

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Using the EXP/CTL Jack
● When Connecting the (Optional) BOSS FS-5U
The tempo can be set with the FS-5U.
Concerning how to make the tempo set-
tings, refer to steps 3 and 4 under “Setting
the Tempo with the PH-3’s Pedal Switch”
(p. 13). Simply substitute “FS-5U” where
it says “PH-3’s pedal switch.”
* The PH-3's pedal switch switches the
effect on and off. When the effect is on, the
CHECK indicator flashes alternately in
red and green.
* If you turn the RATE after setting the
tempo with the FS-5U, the RATE knob
value is then adjusted.
* You can also make the tempo settings
with the effect off.
* Set the polarity switch of the connected
the FS-5U as shown in the figure below.
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. 17).
● Is the guitar connected properly to
the INPUT jack?
Check the connection once more (p. 10).
* To prevent excess battery drainage, turn the
power on without the plug inserted in the
INPUT 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.
No sound / Low volume:
● Is the PH-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?
Sound is distorted:
● Is the battery low?
As the battery is drained, the CHECK in-
dicator dims, and the PH-3 may start to
function incorrectly. Replace with a new
battery (p. 17).
● 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.

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Troubleshooting
Cannot adjust the RATE using
(optional) external EV-5 pedal:
● Could the EV-5’s minimum volume
be set to the maximum level (10)?
● Could the RATE knob be set to MIN?
You cannot input the tempo with
the external foot switch:
● Is the connector cord designed for
stereo use?
● Have you connected a latch-type foot
switch (such as the optional BOSS
FS-5L)?
Cannot input the tempo correctly
with the external foot switch:
● Is the polarity switch of the foot
switch (optional BOSS FS-5U) set
correctly?
Check the connection once more (p. 10).
The effect doesn’t change:
● Could the RATE knob be set to MIN?
● If the STAGE switch is at a setting
other than RISE or FALL, is the
DEPTH knob set to MIN?

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Setting samples
Vintage Phase Shift 1
Vintage Phase Shift 2
Standard Phase Shift
Deep Phase Shift