General Information; Safety And Product Warnings; B-Band Electret Transducers; A-Series Preamps - B-band UST Installation Instructions And User Manual

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

This instruction guide is a very detailed and valuable reference for
the installer and user. For a quick pictorial overview of the installation
process we highly recommend you to visit the installations page at
www.b-band.com
Also join the B-Band Discussion Forum at the B-Band website. The
forum has invaluable information concerning technical support, instal-
lation tips and general discussion about B-Band products.

1.1 SAFETY AND PRODUCT WARNINGS

Before installing or using any B-Band products this manual should
be read carefully.
This symbol represents an important safety or warning note and
should be considered carefully.
Although the UST, AST, AG-MIC, A1, A1N, A2, A2.2, A3.2 and A4.2
products can be easy to install, we highly recommend that a qualified
guitar craftsman or technician to do the installation.
Note: If installing A1N-1470 refer to installation of A1 and
1470 AST.
The A5 and A6 require a skilled knowledge of woodworking, guitar
structure and tools. A professional qualified guitar craftsman or techni-
cian should do the installation.
Do not use phantom power with B-Band preamps.
B-BAND LTD AND B-BAND, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPON-
SIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR PERSONAL INJURIES
RESULTING FROM INSTALLATIONS, IMPROPERLY DONE
INSTALLATIONS OR MIS-USE OF PRODUCT.
If you have any questions about installation or use, please contact
a B-Band dealer, distributor or B-Band directly (B-Band contact
numbers are at the back of this booklet).
1.2. B-BAND ELECTRET TRANSDUCER
Both the B-Band UST (Under-Saddle Transducer) and AST (Acous-
tic Soundboard Transducer) use the same-patented transducer
technology.
They are very flexible, but you should never pull or bend them at a
sharp angle. B-Band transducers themselves do not require electrical
power, as they are permanently charged electrets. Because of the very
high output impedance (typical for condenser microphones) B-Band
UST and AST always require a B-Band preamp.
Standard piezo preamps will not work properly. They will produce low
output and poor bass response.
The active portion of the B-Band UST transducer is 80 mm (3 3/16")
from the end of the transducer at the opposite side of the connector.
The rest of the UST is not active. The active portion of the AST is
the area that attaches to the guitar. However, for best performance
always keep the inactive portion of either UST or AST pickup from
touching or rubbing on the inside of the guitar. This can produce
unwanted handling noise.
All B-Band UST and AST work with all B-Band A-series preamps.
B-Band UST and AST can NOT be shortened or altered in any
way. This will cause audible hum and void the warranty.
Long-time exposure to high-temperatures (over 50C / 120F)
may reduce the output level permanently.

1.3. A-SERIES PREAMPS

B-Band A-series preamps are designed to give optimum performance
with B-Band UST and AST transducers. The main criterion in design-
ing these preamps was to deliver studio quality and user-friendly
electronics to the diverse needs of acoustic instrument musicians.
The A1 is a single input endpin preamp designed for use with either
UST or AST transducers.
4