C-ducer B1000 User manual

AMG Electronics
2 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2LY.
Tel: [phone] Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
http: //www.c-ducer.com
Dealers stamp
B1000/2000
Instructions

THE C-DUCER TAPE
The C-ducer [Capacitive-trans-ducer] is a contact condenser microphone. It is light in
weight so as to minimise interference with the vibration of the instrument to which is
attached, and it has a phenomenal dynamic range [the transducer
itself has a dynamic capability of >155dB] and can handle the amplitudes within a bass
drum without distortion. The frequency response of the transducer is an incredible 0.1Hz
to 1MHz, although this is deliberately restricted within the preamplifier to minimise noise
and interference.
Two lengths of C-ducer tape are available, 3" [7.5cm] and 8" [20cm]. The shorter length is
suitable for smaller instruments [violin, folk harp, banjo etc], and the longer tape is
designed for other acoustic stringed instruments [double-bass, cello, acoustic guitar etc],
drums and piano.
The B2000 C-ducer piano system uses two 8" tapes.
THE C-DUCER PREAMPLIFIER The C-ducer B2000 uses a low-noise preamplifier which
has been integrated into the extended jack connector. The output from this connector is
suited to any standard jack input amplifier, combo, or recording desk.
The B1000 is powered by a built-in lithium battery which has a minimum life of 1000 hours
continuous use. When a replacement battery is required, the new battery must be one of
the C-ducer type CR1 and should be fitted with care.
CARE OF YOUR C-DUCER
C-ducer is a rugged instrument; however, certain precautions should be taken to ensure the
many years of trouble-free use it has been designed to give:
ãThe C-ducer should never be punctured or cut.
ãAlthough the C-ducer is designed to be splashproof, it should not be deliberately
immersed.
ãThe C-ducer should only be powered by the batteries as supplied by the manufacturer.
ãThe C-ducer should only be attached to the instrument using adhesives outlined on Page 3.
ãIf it is necessary to reduce the cable length of the C-ducer, the instructions in the
section should be noted:
CHANGING THE BATTERY
Only use Battery Type 3V lithium CR113N
The B1000 has a minimum life of 1000 hours {typically 1800} therefore the battery will not
need changing that often. The battery should only be changed by someone experienced in
soldering. The following steps should be taken:-
1. Unscrew cable restraints clockwise.
2. Remove crosshead screw and slide out circuit board, by pulling gently on the red jack
locking switch.
3. The battery is located at the cable end of the circuit board. To remove the battery unfold
the metal tags either side of the battery and pull the old battery gently from the circuit
board. Push the tags from the new battery through the slots on the circuit board (checking
polarity) and fold the tags flat to the circuit board. The battery should sit centrally within
the circuit board cut out.
4 To reassemble reverse points 1 to 3.
A battery kit is available from your C-ducer dealer.
Battery

REDUCING THE CABLE LENGTH
The length of the C-ducer cable is suitable for virtually all applications. However, it is
permissible to reduce this cable length [for instance, to insert an inline connector] if the
following precautions are taken.
The C-ducer cable has been designed for low-noise and low-interference and includes an
additional ground shield. This takes the form of a black, conductive-plastic layer between
the outer ground braid and the clear inner insulator. IF THE CABLE IS SHORTENED THIS
BLACK LAYER MUST BE STRIPPED RIGHT BACK TO THE GROUND BRAID [SO IT IS
AT LEAST [6MM] BACK FROM THE SIGNAL CONDUCTOR].
If you wish to insert a miniature inline connector in the cable it is important to use fully
shielded [metal] connectors for this purpose, since hum and noise may result from not
doing so [talk to your dealer/distributor if you are in doubt].
ATTACHING YOURC-DUCER
Your C-ducer B1000 system contains a spare reel of C-ducer double-sided adhesive tape.
When adhesive on the surface of your C-ducer no longer has adequate adhesion to stick to
the instrument gently remove the old adhesive layer and replace with a new piece. It may
also be necessary to replace the adhesive foam pad that is originally supplied to prevent the
small plastic joining block between the C-ducer tape and the cable from falling off the
instrument. If this happens, distortion and noise may result. Further supplies of adhesive
tape and pads are available from your C-ducer dealer.
NOTE: IT IS THE USER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE SURFACE OF THE
INSTRUMENT WILL NOT BE DAMAGED BY THE C-DUCER ADHESIVE. WHILE EVERY
CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DESIGN THIS ADHESIVE SO AS NOT CAUSE DAMAGE TO
THE SURFACE OF AN INSTRUMENT AUDIO MARKETING GROUP AND ITS
DISTRIBUTORS ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH DAMAGE AND STRONGLY
RECOMMEND THAT YOU GENTLY TEST THE ADHESIVE ON A SMALL AREA OF THE
INSTRUMENT THAT IS NOT NORMALLY VISIBLE PRIOR TO MOUNTING THE C-
DUCER IN ITS FINAL POSITION.
Delicate surfaces can sometimes be protected by first applying a piece of clingwrap or
clingfilm-type material to the surface of the instrument before attaching the C-ducer tape.
There are also various types of low-adhesive plastic films available from most book stores
and hardware stores that may be suitable. In all cases gently apply the material to a discreet
part of the instrument before applying it in the final position.
In some cases [when attached to the underside of a piano, for example] the weight of the
cable may tend to pull the C-ducer tape off the instrument despite the adhesive foam pad.
The use of adhesive-backed cable clips as a strain-relief solves this problem.
NOTE: THE C-DUCER SHOULD NOT BE COVERED WITH DUCT TAPE, GAFFERS TAPE
OR SIMILAR. THE SURFACE OF THE C-DUCER THAT IT IS NOT STUCK TO THE
INSTRUMENT SHOULD, BE ALLOWED TO BREATHE.
DRUMS AND PERCUSSION
LATIN PERCUSSION:
The C-ducer produces excellent results when used on Latin drums such as Bongos and
Congas.
Two tape positions are suitable: wrapped inside the lower rim of the drum [particularly
suited to Congas and Timbales] or wrapped around the outer, upper rim [particularly
recommended for use on Bongos]. Experimentation is recommended for optimum
performance.
TIMBALES
POSITION FOR CONGAS
POSITION FOR BONGOS

TAPE TUNER
The C-ducer "Tape Tuner" is designed to enable you to vary the bass responses of the C-
ducer at the "front end". Your B1000 is supplied with the tuner in mid position. When a
good sound location is found on the instrument, adjust the tuner to increase or decrease
the bass response. This is particularly useful on acoustic guitar if you get unwanted bass
resonance. A small flat headed screwdriver is ideal for this adjustment. Care must be taken
not to damage the control. Once set, the tuner should be left and further equalisation done
at the desk or amplifier.
APPLICATION NOTES
Remove the protective backing from the C-ducer tape and carefully attach it to your
instrument in the position shown. Attach the C-ducer lightly at first, this will enable you to
experiment with the exact position that best suits your instrument, ear and sound
equipment. EXPERIMENTATION AROUND THE APPROXIMATE POSITION SHOWN IS
THE KEY TO GETTING THE PERFECT SOUND FOR YOU.
POSITION 2
POSITION 1
ACOUSTICKEYBOARDS
require two C-ducer tapes for maximum
performance. The smaller members of the
family [Celeste, Clavicord etc] require two 3"
[8cm] tapes and others use two 8" [20cm]
tapes. Tapes should be attached in the
positions shown in the diagrams;
experimentation is recommended for
optimum results, however, it has been found
that best results are generally obtained
mounting the tapes directly under the
bridges and between the ribs. In all cases
mount the tapes between the soundboard
struts and start experimentation from a
position of aound 18" [45cm] in from the edge
of the soundboard. If an unnatural degree of
treble 'bite' is required interesting effects can
be obtained by mounting one of the tapes
directly onto the metal harp on the inside of
the piano.
Adhesive cable clips should be used if
problems are found attaching the tapes
securely, since the plastic moulding at the
cable end of the tape must not be allowed to
rattle or move and should be flat against the
soundboard. Under no circumstances should
any kind of tape be applied to the outer
[brown] surface of the C-ducer tape.
HARP:
Two tapes are used on harp, B2000. Two 3"
[8cm] tapes should be used on smaller harps
and two 8" [20cm] tapes on concert harp.
Attach tapes in positions shown, parallel and
close to the strings.
ADHESIVE
CABLE CLIPS
CABLE CLIPS
VIEW FROM UNDERNEATH
VIEW FROM THE BACK
BRIDGES
BRIDGES
18"
(45cm)
18"
(45cm)
STRINGED
INSTRUMENTS GUITAR:
Two positions are shown, position 1 has been
found suitable for larger, more resonant
instruments or when enhanced bass is
desired. Position 2 provides a natural balance
on Classical and Spanish-style instruments.
In both cases the tape should be mounted
close and parallel to the bridge
VIOLIN, CELLO AND
BASS:
Position the tape over the sound post initially
and move it in small Increments until the
desired sound is found. On Bass and Cello
[particularly those instruments of heavier
construction] success can sometimes also be
found with the C-ducer mounted near the f-
holes.
STRINGED
INSTRUMENTS BANJO:
Depending on the type of instrument and the
style of play, the C-ducer can either be
mounted close to the bridge [as shown] or it
can be mounted with the adhesive foam pad
stuck to the rim and just the tape portion
attached to the skin. When percussive effects
are used [ie tapping the skin] the position of
the tape will alter the level of the effect.