Fishman OUTBOARD PREAMP User manual

USER GUIDE
OUTBOARD PREAMPS

2
Welcome
Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are proud
to offer you the finest acoustic amplification products available: high-quality
professional-grade tools which empower you to sound your very best.
Preamp Formats
G II: For acoustic instruments including guitar, violin, viola, ’cello and mandolin.
B II: For upright acoustic bass and acoustic/electric bass guitar.
Pro-EQ II: More tone shaping EQ for all acoustic instruments, including bass.

3
Quick Start
Power: Install a 9V alkaline or lithium battery (not included).
Plug in: Use standard ¼” shielded instrument cables.
Set input gain: Play hard and
adjust gain for minimal clipping.
Dial it in: Adjust the level, tone
or EQ to taste.

4
Features
Power
Power may be supplied by either a 9V battery (battery compartment under the
device) or an AC adapter (sold separately). Insert a plug into either input jack,
and the preamp powers up. To conserve the battery, remove the plug(s) from the
input jack(s) when not in use.
For AC power, use the Fishman 910-R (for 110V) or other suitable 9V adapter.
The adapter must be filtered, regulated and rated for at least 200mA. It must
also accept AC power appropriate for your country. Power-plug requirements:
5.5mm O.D., 2mm I.D., tip = negative.
Input
The input accepts all piezo and magnetic pickups (passive or active). It is a
good idea to turn down your amp or mixer before you plug into the input of
the preamp.

5
Output
Plug a standard instrument cable from the output to a stage amp, a DI or an
unbalanced microphone input on a mixer.
Input gain
You’ll find this miniature rotary control recessed in the back of the preamp. Like
a trim control on a mixer, the input gain accommodates a variety of signal levels.
Use a slot head jeweler’s screwdriver to raise or lower the input level.
If the signal coming from your pickup is very weak, you may wish to turn the input
trim clockwise, which will raise the overall level and reduce system noise (hiss). If
you hear distortion when you play (with a new battery), lower the input trim until
it goes away.
Volume
For the cleanest signal, set this as high as possible without distorting your
amp or mixer.
Optional belt clip
Attaches to the back of the preamp with two screws.

6
Tone Controls (G II & B II)
The Tone controls are boost/cut shelving style, which means they affect bass and
treble in a way that is both musical and pleasing to your ears. With the sliders
at their center detent positions, the EQ is flat and tone controls are out of the
circuit. Above center is boost and below is cut.
Bass
A boost here will add depth and weight to the sound of an instrument with
light bass response. Lower the bass to tighten up the big boomy tone of a
dreadnought or jumbo guitar.
Treble
A boost here will help to “cut through the mix.” Conversely, lowering the treble
will mellow and subdue your amplified tone.

7
Tone Controls (Pro-EQ II)
1. Bass
A boost here will add depth and weight to the sound of an instrument with light
bass response. Lower the bass a few dB to tighten up the big boomy tone of a
dreadnought or jumbo guitar.
2. Middle
Typically, a slight mid cut just will help bring out roundness in the bass and
unmask the treble. A deep midrange cut produces a “scooped out” tone that
works well at high volume levels and can help to reduce feedback.
3. Treble
A boost here will help to “cut through the mix.” Conversely, cutting the treble
will mellow and subdue your amplified tone.
4. Brilliance
This slider can add shimmer and sparkle to your sound when boosted. Lowering
it can help to reduce finger noise and fret buzz.

8
Low battery light (Pro-EQ II only)
This light has two distinct functions:
1. Power up indicator
The low battery LED will flash briefly when the unit turns on.
2. Low battery warning
When the low battery LED lights steadily, it is time to change the battery.
Phase (Pro-EQ II only)
This control works to suppress acoustic feedback and can drastically affect your
amplified tone. Flip the Phase switch back and forth until you find a position that
sounds good and subdues feedback.

9
Specifications
Measured with all tone controls at center detent and volume at max.
Nominal Input Level: -20dBV
Input Overload (20 Hz to 20 kHz): +8dBV
Input Impedance: 10MOhm
Output Impedance: Less than 3.5kOhm
Output Level: -20dBV with input gain
control at minimum position
-8dBV with input gain
control at maximum position
THD: .01% at 1kHz, -10dBV input, -4dBV output
Signal to Noise Ratio: 91dB (A weighted, -10dBV input,
-4dBV output)

10
Power Supply (G II & B II): 9V alkaline battery
(estimated 1400 hours continuous use)
Regulated 9V AC Adapter
Tip = negative 9V
Power Supply (Pro-EQ II): 9V alkaline battery
(estimated 220 hours continuous use)
Regulated 9V AC Adapter
Tip = negative 9V
All specifications subject to change without notice.

11

WWW.FISHMAN.COM
513-300-152 Rev A 3-10