Mayones Musashi User manual

Musashi
Three Band EQ Bass Preamp
Nitōryū 2.0
Dedicated Stereo Headphone Amplifier with Extra AUX Input
Power Supply Unit module with Lithium-Polymer baery embedded
User Manual

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Your new Mayones bass now features Musashi acve onboard preamp with a three-band
EQ developed at Mayones, based upon years of R&D and consulng efforts, involving leading
musicians all around the world. The preamp provides the user with a broad adjustment range
in the low, mid, and high frequencies, while the operaon profile is opmized for bass pickups.
The whole system of electronics features many unique soluons boosng the levels of
instrument funconality. The presence of an embedded Nitoryu 2.0 stereo headphone amp
with stereo AUX-in input is one of the key features as such. It allows the user to plug in a signal
coming from an external device, such as a smartphone.
The push-pull switch integrated into the volume knob allows one to bypass the preamp and
use the instrument in an enrely passive mode. In such a case, one can connuously adjust the
pickups' tone, as it happens in the case of convenonal basses. The last knob of the circuitry
- Tone - is used for that. This is a funcon made for bass players who enjoy passive tone or use
external preamps and FX processors, where most of their tone design efforts happen.
No more baery problems! The Musashi preamp, along with the Nitoryu 2.0 headphone
amp, are both powered by a special module, powered by an onboard lithium-polymer baery.
You can check the baery status at any given moment, thanks to the presence of a four-
segment baery charge level meter.
If for some reason you forget to charge the baery, and the stage awaits, you can also use
a standard 9V baery for the Musashi preamp. The 9V baery chamber is user-friendly, and
easily accessible, thanks to a funconal, magnecally-aached cover. No tools are needed in
the process. Thanks to the special design, it’s enough to press the baery cover with an index
finger, the cover would be lied, and then it can be freely removed. Remember to switch the
power source!

Tone
Treble Middle
Balance
Volume
0% 100%
B-50%
N-50%
B-100%
N-0%
Bass
B-0%
N-100%
–+
0
–+
0
+
–
Passive EQ
Volume, Balance, and Tone Adjustment
The acve Musashi preamp of your bass guitar includes five knobs. In many cases, the sixth
Tone knob is also present - used for passive tone adjustment, similar to convenonal passive
electronics used in bass guitars.
The first of the preamp knobs is used to adjust the pickups volume. The second knob acts
as a signal blender, between the two pickups, allowing the user to smoothly adjust the balance.
Looking at the knob from the front, the extreme right posion allows you to use solely the neck
pickup (N - neck = 100% / B - bridge = 0%). By turning that knob le, the share of signal from
the neck pickup would be diminished, and the bridge pickup signal share would go upwards.
The mid posion of the pot has a detent. It designates the 50-50 (50% B, 50% N) seng, where
both pickups are at full volume. The extreme le posion, meanwhile, allows the user to use
solely the bridge pickup (N 0% / B 100%). Noteworthy, the balance knob remains the baseline
asset for the user in the tone-shaping endeavor. The third of the preamp knobs
is used for acve EQ mids cut/boost. The fourth, and the fih knob are stacked and allow for
acve treble (upper knob), and bass (lower knob) adjustment. All three EQ knobs feature
a disnct mid-posion detent, when the knobs are set in that posion, the EQ is flat. By turning
the knobs right, the user boosts the given frequency range, while turning the knobs le results
in frequency cutoff.
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MUSASHI — ACTIVE BASS PREAMP WITH A 3-BAND EQ
B - Bridge
N - Neck
PUSH-PULL
Active/Passive

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Switching the Preamp Power On
The power switch is integrated with the 1/4-inch output jack. The preamp
is turned on once the user plugs in the 1/4 inch jack to the input socket, and
this is also signaled by a blue LED being turned on, on the backplate,
designated ON (see the image on the right).
Note: The headphone amp features a separate power switch, integrated
with the 1/8-inch headphone jack. The headphone amp is only turned on
aer the headphone cable plug is inserted into that output.
instrument 1/4"
output socket
The last knob - Tone - is a classic, passive tone knob
that solely darkens the tone of the instrument. One shall
note that it can be used in both acve and passive modes
when the Volume knob is lied (pulled). The tone knob,
fused with the acve EQ, is a very creave tone-shaping
tool, as the output signal can be adjusted by two tone-
shaping systems, paving the way toward an enrely new
area of sound/tone design.
Volume Push-Pull knob
acve mode passive mode
Passive mode
In certain circumstances, the use of acve EQ may not be desirable - during studio work for
instance, or when using an expansive pedalboard that offers a range of tone controls that
remain far more precise, or in situaons when we use several instruments (including ones that
are exclusively passive), and we want all of them to retain their own, natural tone.
In the passive tone, the Tone, Volume, and Balance knobs all remain operaonal.
Musashi Preamp Variants
Depending on the model of the bass, one of many available Musashi preamp variants may be
used. The above refers both to the number of knobs (separate bass and treble knobs, no balance
knob if a single pickup is used, no passive tone knob), as well as the availability of extra
funcons, such as a mids knob with a push-pull pot, where rapid change of frequency between
400 and 800 Hz is available.
In some cases, one or two mini toggle switches are used, for different funcons. When one
of the Musashi preamp variants is used, please refer to the relevant manual.

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Mayones Musashi Nitōryū 2.0 Preamp - User Manual
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Plate with two 1/8 inch inputs
The presence of a stereo headphone amp onboard is
a unique feature of your Mayones bass.
It includes PHONES output, and an extra stereo line input
(AUX IN). That elevates the levels of instrument usability and
allows one to play the bass with its true tone virtually
anywhere, without disrupng anyone's peace of mind.
The usage of modern, energy-saving components and a highly-efficient lithium-polymer
baery, along with a user-friendly charging system altogether extend the period over which the
amp may be used, thus making the instrument available in several different scenarios.
However, there's more. The AUX 1/8-inch input jack creates a set of enrely new opons.
One can use a smartphone as a signal source, and play along with one's favorite songs or pre-
prepared backing tracks. One shall remember - the bass player is a part of the rhythm secon,
and he is also a band member who remains responsible for keeping the tempo of the songs
unified. Thus, when praccing using headphones, one may plug in an electronic metronome or
use a metronome app on the smartphone.
One should note that the output signal of the Musashi preamp is sent to the Nitōryū
headphone amp input. For the acve seng, the EQ will have an impact on the tone one hears
in the headphones. Thanks to this soluon, an enrely new dimension is brought into pracce,
and the pracce sessions may become even more engaging now.
NITORYU 2.0 – DEDICATED STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
WITH EXTRA AUX INPUT
PHONES 1/8” Output
Note: The headphone amp out has no separate volume knob,
and one volume control knob is used for both outputs (along
with the 1/4-inch jack output). One should remember this,
especially when headphones and a recorder plugged into the
main output are used at the same me.
PHONES 1/8” Output
Note: The headphone amp out has no separate volume knob,
and one volume control knob is used for both outputs (along
with the 1/4-inch jack output). One should remember this,
especially when headphones and a recorder plugged into the
main output are used at the same me.

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AUX In - Line Input
This 1/8-inch jack is used to plug in a line-level stereo
input, from an external source - a smartphone, tablet, CD
player, metronome, and so on.
Before plugging in an external device, mute it completely,
and also turn down the volume of the instrument to prevent
any strong signals that could damage one's hearing. Aer
plugging in an external device, first adjust the instrument volume, unl you reach comfortable
volume levels, and only then increase the volume of the external device. Set the level properly,
so that a balance is set between the external source and the bass.
One should remember that too high output volume of the external device may overdrive the
input, thus distorng the sound coming from that input one hears in the headphones.
Please note! For safety and user comfort, the headphones should only be put on
(or in your ears) aer:
1. Preseng the instrument volume knob at the minimum (extreme le) seng,
2. If external AUX In is used, seng the signal volume of that source to a minimum is
required as well,
3. Plugging in the headphones into the 1/8" Phones jack, which turns on the headphones out.
Only then should the instrument volume knob be used to set the comfortable volume levels,
and increase the output signal levels for the external device, properly adjusng the balance
between these two signals.
The headphone amp can only work with stereo headphones fied with a 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRS
jack plug. Headphones with impedance ranging from 16 to 64 Ohms are acceptable. In the case
of stereo headphones with a different plug, a proper adapter shall be used. Headphones and
adapters shall be purchased separately. One shall not use mono (TS jack) headphones or
headphones with an embedded microphone with a 1/8" (3.5 mm) jack with this instrument.
OMTP, CTIA, or similar TRRS jack plugs are also not usable with this bass.
Plugging In Stereo Headphones
Although a stereo headphone amp is a part of the instrument, one shall note that the bass
guitar is not a stereophonic instrument. For that reason, both channels of the headphones (le
and right) transmit the very same, monophonic pickup signal that is only split between the two
channels of the headphone amp.
AUX In - Line Input
This 1/8-inch jack is used to plug in a line-level stereo
input, from an external source - a smartphone, tablet, CD
player, metronome, and so on.
Before plugging in an external device, mute it completely,
and also turn down the volume of the instrument to prevent
any strong signals that could damage one's hearing. Aer
plugging in an external device, first adjust the instrument volume, unl you reach comfortable
volume levels, and only then increase the volume of the external device. Set the level properly,
so that a balance is set between the external source and the bass.
One should remember that too high output volume of the external device may overdrive the
input, thus distorng the sound coming from that input one hears in the headphones.
Please note! For safety and user comfort, the headphones should only be put on
(or in your ears) aer:
1. Preseng the instrument volume knob at the minimum (extreme le) seng,
2. If external AUX In is used, seng the signal volume of that source to a minimum is
required as well,
3. Plugging in the headphones into the 1/8" Phones jack, which turns on the headphones out.
Only then should the instrument volume knob be used to set the comfortable volume levels,
and increase the output signal levels for the external device, properly adjusng the balance
between these two signals.

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How to Switch the Headphone Amp On?
Headphone Amp – How long can I use it on a single charge?
When the baery is fully charged, with 32 Ohm stereo headphones being plugged in, you
can use the headphone amp for around 30 hours, with comfortable playing volume.
Aer one finishes playing, one should always remove the headphone cable, and the 1/4”
jack instrument cable, to conserve the baery power. When not using the instrument, the blue
status LED (ON) should not be acve.
The headphone amp is turned on aer head-
phones are plugged into the 1/8" (Phones) stereo out.
The "on" status for the headphone amp is signaled
by a blue LED on the backplate - designated "ON".
Note: Should a 9V baery be used as the
alternave power source, the user cannot use
the headphone amp.
Accessing the Electronics Compartment
To access the components located inside the electronics compartment, use the PH1 Phillips
screwdriver to unscrew all screws around the plate that aach the plate to the instrument's body.
Due to the fact that the enre USB charging module is located on the underside of this plate
and the baery is also glued there, please remain extra careful when removing it, not to damage
the connecng wires, the connectors, and the components on the plate. The wiring
interconnects the elements mounted on the plate, and the remainder of the circuitry, inside the
electronics compartment.
Note: The headphone amp works regardless of
whether the instrumental cable is connected to
the output 1/4" jack.

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Built-in Baery, Charging Indicators and Baery Meter
The instrument is powered by a Li-Polymer baery of high efficiency and capacity, allowing
the user to play the instrument for many hours without any problems, and without worrying
about depleng the baery.
The baery charge level can be checked with the
use of a meter on the backplate. The meter includes
four LEDs and a CHECK buon that allows for
momentarily checking the baery charge levels. Aer
pressing that buon, depending on the charge level,
one, two, three, or all four LEDs would light up. When
all four LEDs are on, including the top, the green one,
this means that the baery is charged to 75-100%.
When aer the buon is pressed, three LEDs are on
(low red, and two mid yellow ones), and the baery
charge level is between 50 and 75%. When two lower LEDs are on, that designates a charge
level between 25 and 50%. The below 25% charge level is indicated when solely the lower, red
LED is on. If the baery charge is very low, no LED would light up. When the meter indicates low
baery charge levels (red LED is on), or when no LEDs are acve when pressing the buon,
please charge the onboard baery as soon as possible. That would allow the user to retain the
nominal baery capacity.
POWER SUPPLY UNIT MODULE WITH LITHIUM-POLYMER
BATTERY EMBEDDED
100% - 75% 75% - 50% 50% - 25% 25% - 1% <1%
!
LED indicaon, depending on baery charge levels.

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Mayones Musashi Nitōryū 2.0 Preamp - User Manual
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Note: When charging, and regardless of baery charge levels, all four LEDs would light up. Thus,
using the baery charge indicator when charging remains pointless. If a need emerges to check
the baery level during charging, one needs to disconnect the charger and wait several minutes,
for the readout to be as credible as possible.
The instrument comes together with a universal EURO plug charger that may be powered
by voltages ranging from 110 to 240V @ 50 - 60 Hz. Should you use the charger in areas where
no socket compable with the Euro plug is available, a proper adapter should be applied
(one should purchase an adapter as such separately).
Due to its small dimensions and the delicate nature of the USB type C port and the charger
plug, one should be very cauous when plugging the charger in and during the charging
process. In no circumstances use excessive force when plugging the charger in, or when
removing its plug. Should any issues occur there, inspect the status of the plug and the charging
input carefully. The input should be clear from any objects and dirt. Do not use the charger if the
plug, or any other part of the charger, has been damaged. In no case should you use force to
remove the cable. You should not remove the plug at an angle as well.
USB C socket
When the baery is fully charged, the yellow charging LED switches off
and the other green LED (labeled FULL) lights up. Even though the applied
charging module features overcharging protecon, it is recommended
to unplug the charger when the baery is fully charged for safety reasons.
At any moment of the charging process. You may also leave it plugged in.
However, this entails a risk of damaging the charger socket and the plug
if we forget that the instrument is plugged in.
Aer the charger is plugged into the USB type C charging port and the
mains socket, the charging process begins. This is shown by a connuous
light that is emied by the first yellow LED on the right (CHARGING).
Should you be charging the baery aer it has been depleted completely,
the charging me would last around 3 hours.
Baery Charging
To charge the internal baery, use the supplied charger that provides
opmized charging parameters. The USB type C charging port has been
placed next to the LED controls on the electronics cover, on the backside
of the instrument.

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Tip:
When, aer the charger is plugged in, the yellow charging LED does not light up, nor does
the green LED become acve, this may mean that your charger, charging cable, or charging port
has been damaged, or that the cable is plugged in improperly, or that the baery is unplugged.
In the worst-case scenario, the above symptoms may mean that the headphone amp has been
damaged. In a situaon as such, try unplugging and plugging in the charging cable.
Alternavely, you could also use another compable charger.
When the baery is being charged, one can use the headphone amp. However, in circum-
stances as such the charging would take longer. It is recommended that the baery is charged
with the headphone amp turned off.
The USB type C port is used solely for charging the baery. It is not used as an audio output.
Important!
The internal baery may also be charged with the use of an external power-bank providing 5V/1A
charging power. To provide a full charge, at least 2500 mAh power bank is required. The power
bank could be used as an alternave charging unit in places where no mains access is available. It
is also possible to use another charger that has output parameters equivalent to the charger that
comes with the instrument (5V, 1A) and has been fied with a USB type C plug.
Note:
It is not recommended to plug the instrument into the PC USB port, as most of these ports do
not provide a current that has proper charging parameters for the baery applied. If one does
this, that may extend the charging me significantly.
Baery Operaon - Remarks
The instrument ulizes a 3.7V Li-Po (Lithium-Polymer) baery, with a capacity of 1,400 mA.
The baery features PCM safeguards, protecng from excessive depleon and overcharging,
which guarantees opmal lifeme for the baery.
The baery would retain its baseline performance over ca. 500 charge-discharge cycles.
Should a noceable performance and capacity drop occur, the baery should be replaced by
a specialized technician or service, or the user should get in touch with Mayones.
Note: The electronics in the instrument may only be powered by the 3.7V baery which is the
same as the original. Using any other cell may damage the circuitry, or even lead to an explosion of
the baery which may consequently cause fire and/or injury.
Note: For safety reasons, the replacement of an old baery should only be done by a qualified
guitar tech, business, or professional. Carelessly handling the lithium-polymer baery may create
a risk of the baery being damaged which may lead to a fire and/or serious injuries.