Fishman ELLIPSE BLEND - User manual

Ellipse™Matrix Blend
User’s Guide

WELCOME ...
... and thank you for choosing the Ellipse Matrix Blend onboard preamp system. Now you
can achieve incredible acoustic sound of our acclaimed undersaddle pickup - the Acoustic
Matrix - blended with an adjustable condenser mini-microphone.
A patented neodymium mount holds the Ellipse preamp cleverly inside the soundhole, with
the controls right at your fingertips; Volume, Blend, feedback-fighting Phase and a Natural
I & II Voicing Switch. And, as with all our electronics, the preamp has been engineered to
be extremely quiet, yet still reproduce the dynamics of your playing.
FEATURES
Gooseneck Microphone
This quality electret-condenser cardioid microphone will provide very high-level sound
reproduction before feedback when used in conjunction with the unit’s phase switch.
Volume
Generally set the Volume as high as possible (without causing your amp or mixer to distort) to
achieve the cleanest sound.
Ellipse Matrix Blend

User’s Guide
Phase Switch
Push the phase switch in and out until you find the position that sounds best and reduces
feedback.
Blend
Move the Blend slider to change the balance between the pickup and the microphone.
Microphone Position
Position the microphone to find the
“sweet spot” inside the instrument.
Take the time to experiment with
microphone placement until you
find the position that works best in
your instrument.
Plug in the guitar and move the Blend slider to the left for mic only. Start with the mic capsule
so that it faces the back of the guitar. Move the mic closer to the soundhole for more bass. Turn
the capsule toward the sides of the instrument for less bass.
Microphone Trim
A small circular potentiometer is recessed below the volume slider and can be accessed with a
small slotted screwdriver. Set the Blend slider to the center position and adjust the trim control
until both the microphone and pickup levels are balanced to your liking.
Voicing Switch (Natural I & II)
Reach into the soundhole with your index finger and locate the slide switch behind the control
panel, just to the right of the phase switch. Push this switch away from you for deeper bass
(Natural I voicing) and toward you for a leaner response (Natural II voicing). Choose the setting
that works for your instrument and your performing requirements. Here are some guidelines.
•The deep bass of the Natural I voicing (switch toward bass side) compliments solo
guitarists and singers who accompany themselves, especially with smaller
bodied instruments.
•The Natural II voicing (switch toward treble side) cuts through the mix if you play in a
band. Natural II does a good job controlling boominess and low frequency feedback onstage,
especially with full-size guitars.
Less Bass More Bass

www.fishman.com
513-000-029 Rev B 3-05 • This product is protected by one or more of the following patents: 6,278,059, 4,774,867, 4,727,634,
4,944,209, 5,029,375, 5,155,285, 5,319,153, 5,189,771, 5,463,185, 5,670,733, 5,817,966, 4,911,057, 4,984,498,
5,693,898, 6,239,349, 6,429,367, 4,785,704, 4,356,754, 6,680,431, and 6,677,514. Other patents may also apply.
Battery
When the battery is low you will hear distortion as you play through the Ellipse system. Remove
the strings, to access the battery inside the guitar. Replace with a fresh 9V alkaline battery.
We recommend that you remove the battery prior to shipping or airline travel. If loose inside the
guitar, the battery may damage the instrument.
Ellipse Matrix Blend
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General:
Typical 9V alkaline battery life: 220 hrs.
Typical current consumption @ 9Vdc: 2.3mA
Nominal output impedance: 1k Ohm
Maximum output level (onset of clipping): +7dBV
Pickup Input
(Measured with Blend control set to Pickup):
Signal gain with Matrix pickup: +3.5dB
Baseline noise (A-weighted): 95dBV
Dynamic range (A-weighted, referenced to onset of clipping): 102dB
Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted, referenced to -10dBV output): 85dB
Voicing Switch
Natural I setting:
Frequency response (-3dB referenced to 2kHz): 50Hz – 160kHz
Bass boost: +3dB @ 90Hz
Natural II setting
Frequency response (-3dB referenced to 2kHz): 80Hz – 140kHz
Microphone Input
Mic Trim gain range: -1.5dB to +8.5dB
Baseline noise at maximum gain (A-weighted): -103dBV
Baseline noise at minimum gain (A-weighted): -105dBV
Dynamic range
(A-weighted, referenced to onset of clipping, maximum gain): 110dB
Signal to noise ratio
(A-weighted, referenced to -7dBV, maximum gain): 98dB
Frequency response (-3dB referenced to 2kHz, -10dB at 100Hz): 300Hz – 75kHz
Because we continually improve our products, all specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.