Boss AD-8 Owner's Manual

Boss AD-8 Owner's Manual

Acoustic guitar processor

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Owner's Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS AD-8 Acoustic Guitar Processor.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:
"USING THE UNIT SAFELY" (page 2–3) and "IMPORTANT NOTES" (page 4).
These sections 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 feature provided by your new unit, this
manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient
reference.

Main Features

Using "Acoustic modeling," the unit converts the output from piezo pickups to the sound of a real
acoustic guitar, as captured by a high-quality mic.
COSM modeling recreates the important components of a variety of recording situations. Offered are
six world-famous acoustic guitars along with a number of top-quality condenser mics. Now you can
always obtain the best acoustic sound, whether performing live or recording in your home studio.
Built-in "reverb," developed especially for use with acoustic guitars, lets you produce a wide range of
spatial sounds, from the natural airiness to concert hall reverberation.
Includes "anti-feedback" function that automatically suppresses howling.
Built-in tuner lets you tune up easily, is ready whenever needed. The output can also be muted with the
AD-8's pedal during tuning.
"Memory" function allows you to configure up to four groups of settings to suit the material being
played or the type of guitar you are using.
COSM
(Composite Object Sound Modeling)
Composite Object Sound Modeling (COSM) is
Roland's innovative and powerful sound
modeling technology. COSM analyzes the
many factors that make up the original sound,
such as the electrical and physical
characteristics of the original, and then
produces a digital model that can reproduce the
same sound.
Copyright © 2003 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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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Boss AD-8

  • Page 1: Main Features

    Owner’s Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS AD-8 Acoustic Guitar Processor. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (page 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (page 4). These sections 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 feature provided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety.
  • Page 2: Using The Unit Safely

    Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” sheet.
  • Page 3 • Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” sheet. •...
  • Page 4: Important Notes

    However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore the data, and Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Installing Batteries Installing Batteries * Batteries are supplied with the unit. The life of these batteries may be limited, however, since their primary purpose was to enable testing. Insert the included batteries as shown in figure, being careful to orient the batteries correctly. fig.01-01 •...
  • Page 6: Connections

    Connections 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. * Rise the amp volume only after turning on the power to all connected devices.
  • Page 7: Stereo Connection

    * The AC-60 is designed to produce optimal sound with an electric acoustic guitar connected directly to the unit. You can produce the best results when connecting to the AD-8 by setting the AC-60’s GUITAR CHANNEL as shown in the figure.
  • Page 8: Stereo Connection

    * The AC-60 is designed to produce optimal sound with an electric acoustic guitar connected directly to the unit. You can produce the best results when connecting to the AD-8 by setting the AC-60’s GUITAR CHANNEL as shown in the figure.
  • Page 9: Part Names And Functions

    Part Names and Functions Front Panel REVERB knob You can switch this knob to attain any of three different reverb effects. The effect deepens as the knob is turned to the right. No effects are applied with this is switched to OFF. AMBIENCE: This provides a sense of distance in the sound, like that obtained with off-mic recording.
  • Page 10: Body Type List

    * The trademarks listed in this document are trademarks of their respective owners, which are separate companies from BOSS. Those companies are not affiliated with BOSS and have not licensed or authorized BOSS’s AD-8. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is simulated by BOSS’s AD-8.
  • Page 11 MEMORY MANUAL indicator This lights when MANUAL (p. 14) is selected. MEMORY Number indicators 1–4 This lights when MEMORY 1–4 (p. 14) is selected. During the write operation, the indicator flashes during write standby, flashing rapidly while data is being written. You can change the way the numbers are indicated.
  • Page 12 This sets the tuner’s reference pitch. “Changing the Reference Pitch (PITCH)” (p. 18) BYPASS/MUTE button This sets whether the AD-8 switches to Bypass or Mute mode when the effects are switched off with the ON/OFF pedal. “Setting the Function Used When the Effects Are Off (Bypass/Mute)”...
  • Page 13: Rear Panel

    This disconnects the 1:GND pin from the input’s ground. Switch this to “LIFT” if humming or other noise from ground loops becomes a problem. The AD-8 is normally used with this set to NOR. PHONES jack You can connect headphones here to listen to the sounds.
  • Page 14: Operation

    ON/OFF Pedal Operation MEMORY ▼/▲ Pedal Functions The ON/OFF pedal is set to “ON” when the power is turned on. This turns the AD-8’s effects on and off. The ON/OFF indicator lights up when the effect is on. On: Lit Off: Unlit MEMORY ▼/▲...
  • Page 15: Panel Operation

    “ON” (ON/OFF indicator is lit), and set the SELECT button to “MANUAL” (MANUAL indicator is lit). Also, all knobs should be set as shown in the illustration. * The AD-8 switches to “MANUAL” when the power is turned on. fig.03-02 1.
  • Page 16: Storing Settings (Write Operation)

    Storing the “MANUAL” Sound in Memory 1. Create the sound you want using knobs. 2. Press the WRITE button. The MEMORY indicator and the indicator for the currently selected memory flash, and the AD-8 is put into write standby. fig.03-03 Write Standby Flash 3.
  • Page 17: Setting The Function Used When The Effects Are Off (Bypass/Mute)

    Setting the Function Used When the Effects Are Off (Bypass/Mute) You can choose whether the AD-8 switches to Bypass mode or Mute mode when you switch the effects off with the ON/ OFF pedal. * This is set to switch to “Bypass” at the factory.
  • Page 18: How To Use The Tuner

    This specifies the frequency for the A note used as the reference for tuning in performance (this is referred to as the reference pitch). With the AD-8, you can set the reference pitch to any frequency from 438 Hz to 445 Hz.
  • Page 19: How To Use The Anti-Feedback

    * The anti-feedback settings are not stored when in MANUAL mode. If you perform the Write operation while the ANTI-FEEDBACK indicator is lit, the AD-8 stores the tone with the anti-feedback applied. Anti-feedback is always off (the ANTI-FEEDBACK indicator is off) when the power is turned on.
  • Page 20: Returning Settings To Their Factory Defaults

    A flashing “F” appears in the TUNER display. 3. Press the WRITE button. After the TUNER display flashes more rapidly, the factory settings are restored, and the AD-8 returns to normal operation. * To cancel the setting change and the unit returns to its ordinary state, then before you press the WRITE button, operate the MEMORY ▼...
  • Page 21: Troubleshooting

    → Operate the OUTPUT LEVEL knob to adjust the effect level (p. 9). ❍ Have you put the AD-8 in Mute mode with the ON/OFF pedal? → Press the ON/OFF pedal to switch this to “ON” (ON/ OFF indicator is lit). (p. 14) Sound is distorted ❍...
  • Page 22: Sample Settings

    Sample Settings Chord Strumming ... . . (MEMORY 1) Finger Picking ....(MEMORY 2) Flat Picking ....(MEMORY 3) Blues .
  • Page 23: Setting Memo

    Setting Memo...
  • Page 24 Setting Memo...
  • Page 25: Specifications

    Specifications AD-8: Acoustic Guitar Processor Nominal Input Level -20 dBu Input Impedance 20 MΩ Nominal output Level -20 dBu Nominal Output Level UNBALANCED OUTPUT A(MONO), B, : 1 kΩ ELECTRIC GUITAR AMP OUTPUT BALANCED OUTPUT A, B: PHONES: Recommended Load Impedance 10 kΩ...
  • Page 26 Specifications Weight 1.9 kg (including batteries) Accessories Owner’s Manual Dry battery (R6 (AA) type) x 6 * We recommend that alkaline batteries be used when replacing the batteries. Options AC Adaptor (PSA series) * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Page 27 This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 28 For EU Countries 03344990 07-06-5N...

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