Roland SA-300 - Stage Amplifier Manual

Channel Controls (CH 1–4)

1. INPUT SELECT Button
   Use this button to select MIC or LINE input. This switches the input to match the connected device (mic or line-level device). The MIC indicator lights when MIC is selected; when LINE is selected, the LINE indicator lights.
2. VOICE ENHANCER Button (CH 1, CH 2)
   This switches the Voice Enhancer effect on and off when the input is set to MIC. Switching this on enables you to give the sound a clearer contour and make vocals more prominent.
3. REVERB/DELAY Knob (CH 1, CH 2)
   You can switch between reverb and delay by adjusting the knob position. When not using reverb or delay, set the knob to "OFF." The reverb and delay position on the scale shown on the panel is approximate. Listen to confirm the effect as you adjust the amount of effect applied.
4. REVERB Knob (CH 3, CH 4)
   This adjusts the amount of reverb. When not using reverb, set the knob to "OFF."

5. VOLUME Knobs
   These adjust the volume levels of the channels.
   * To minimize noise as much as possible, we recommend turning the VOLUME knob for any channel not being used to 0 and setting INPUT SELECT to LINE.

6. ANTI-FEEDBACK (CH 1, CH 2)
   This automatically detects and eliminates acoustic feedback.
   For further instructions on how to use anti-feedback, refer to "About the Anti-Feedback Function"
   ON/OFF Button
   Press this button to turn the function on. When switched on, the indicator lights, and the system automatically works to prevent sudden feedback, as well as feedback that occurs during quiet stretches.
   SWEEP Button
   When the ON/OFF button is set to ON, holding down this button for one second or longer generates a calibration signal from the speakers. The microphone picks up the sound and the SA-300 analyzes the characteristics of the microphone and the surroundings. Based on the results of this analysis, the microphone and environmental characteristics are compensated for automatically, making it difficult for feedback to crop up. The indicator flashes while this automatic correction is in progress. When the process is completed, the indicator remains lit, signifying that the feedback prevention function is in effect.

MASTER

7. LOW BOOST Button
   This switches the low boost effect on and off. When this is switched on, the low-frequency range is boosted.

8. WIDE Button
   This switches the wide effect on and off. When this is switched on, the sonic image extends beyond the SA-300's speakers, providing an effect that seems to envelop the listener in sound.

9. LEVEL Indicator
   his indicates the MASTER output level.

10. EQUALIZER
    The SA-300 includes a 3-band equalizer.
    LOW Knob
    This adjusts the tone in the low-frequency range.
    MIDDLE Knob
    This adjusts the tone in the middle-frequency range.
    HIGH Knob
    This adjusts the tone in the high-frequency range.
11. PHONES Knob
    This adjusts the headphone volume level.
12. Headphone Jack
    Connect headphones here.
    * Be sure to turn the PHONES knob setting to 0 before connecting or disconnecting headphones.
    * The sound from the SA-300's speakers is not muted when headphones are connected.
13. VOLUME Knob
    This adjusts the overall volume output from the SA-300's speakers.
14. SUBWOOFER ACTIVE Indicator
    This lights when the subwoofer is connected to the SPEAKER jack. While the indicator is lit, the low-frequency response with the subwoofer (SA-300W) connected is modified accordingly.
15. POWER Switch
    This switches the power on and off.
    * Be sure to turn the MASTER VOLUME knob down to 0 whenever turning the power on or off.
    * This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.

1. MIC Jack
   Connect a microphone here. For balanced input, you can connect to the TRS 1/4-inch phone jacks and XLR type connector.
   

2. PHANTOM Switch (CH 3, CH 4)
   This switches the phantom power on and off. When connecting a microphone that requires phantom power (such as condenser microphones), switch this to "ON."
   

• Set this to "OFF" when connecting mics that do not require phantom power or other devices.
• Use the following sequence when connecting mics that require phantom power:
  1. Turn the PHANTOM switch off.
  2. Connect the mic.
  3. Turn the PHANTOM switch on.

• Supplying phantom power to mics that do not require it or supplying it to other devices may cause such equipment to malfunction. Always be sure to turn the switch off before connecting.
• To protect the circuitry, the channel output is muted momentarily after the PHANTOM switch is turned on or off.
• Phantom power is supplied only when a microphone is connected to the XLR connector in the Channel 3 and/or Channel 4 MIC jack section.
• Do not connect or disconnect connectors while the phantom power is turned on.

3. LINE Jack
   Connect keyboards, CD players, and other line-level devices here. These are stereo inputs; mono input is available by connecting to the left jack. These connectors are compatible with line-level input (- 20 dBu). Channels 3 and 4 also feature RCA phono type inputs. In addition, you can input to both the RCA phono type and 1/4-inch phone jacks simultaneously.
   * All Channel 4 LINE jacks function as mono inputs when the STEREO LINK IN jack is in use.

FOOT SW (FOOT SWITCH)

4. ANTI-FEEDBACK SWEEP Jack
   You can connect a momentary-type foot switch (optional BOSS FS-5U or FS-6) and operate the automatic feedback frequency detection with your foot. Holding down the foot switch for one second or longer starts the automatic feedback frequency detection. Based on the results of this analysis, the microphone and environmental characteristics are compensated for automatically, making it difficult for feedback to crop up. * Set the FS-5U's polarity switch as shown below.
   
   * If using a FS-6 switch, set the MODE and POLARITY switches as shown below.
   

5. EXP PEDAL/REMOTE SW Jack
   You can connect an expression pedal or remote switch here.
   EXP PEDAL
   You can connect an expression pedal (optional EV-5, etc.) and use it to control the MASTER volume level.
   * Set the minimum volume on the expression pedal to the "MIN" position. Unless the minimum volume is set to "MIN," the expression pedal will not work correctly.
   REMOTE SW
   Using a connection cable to connect foot switches (optional BOSS FS-5L and FS-5U), you can then use the FS-5L (latch type) switch to switch the mute on and off, and use the FS-5U (momentary type) switch to turn on and off the effects (reverb or delay).
   Mute On/Off
   When the FS-5L's indicator is lit, the mute function is switched on, and the output from the speakers and headphones, as well as from LINE OUT and STEREO LINK OUT is muted.
   Effect On/Off
   The effect is alternately switched on and off each time you press the FS-5U.
   * When connecting only one foot switch using a connection cable with a 1/4-inch phone (mono) plug, only the mute can be switch on and off. In that case, connect the switch with an FS-5L.
   * When an FS-5U (momentary type) switch is used for switching the mute on and off, the mute is switched on only while the switch is held down.
   
   * If using a FS-6 switch, set the MODE and POLARITY switches as shown below.
   

STEREO LINK
After connecting two SA-300s together with one or two audio cables (1/4-inch phone type), you can easily play back high power sounds (350 W + 350 W) in stereo.

6. STEREO LINK IN Jack
   When using Stereo Link, the audio output by the STEREO LINK OUT L or STEREO LINK OUT R jack on the other SA-300 is input here. You can use it as an external input jack also. Input level is 0 dBu. * All Channel 4 LINE jacks function as mono inputs when the STEREO LINK IN jack is in use.

7. STEREO LINK OUT Jacks (L/R)
   Connect this jack to the STEREO LINK IN jack on the other SA-300 when using Stereo Link. If you are not using the SA-300's speakers, but using external amp speakers instead, the output from the left or right channel is taken here. When the STEREO LINK OUT L jack is used, the left channel audio is not played through the SA-300's speakers. In the same manner, when the STEREO LINK OUT R jack is used, the right channel audio is not played through the SA-300's speakers. Output level is 0 dBu.
   * Signals output from these jacks are not routed through the MASTER section (EQUALIZER, LOW BOOST, WIDE, VOLUME).
   For further instructions on connecting with Stereo Link, refer to "About Stereo Link".

LINE OUT

8. LINE OUT Connectors/Jacks
   Mixers, recording equipment, and other such devices are connected here. Nominal output level is +4 dBu. This section includes balanced output compatible XLR type connectors (left and right stereo output) and 1/4- inch phone jacks (stereo output). You can use the XLR type connectors and the 1/4-inch phone jacks simultaneously. Output is in mono when only the left 1/4-inch phone jack is connected.
   
   

9. GND LIFT Switch
   Using external equipment connected to the LINE OUT connectors may result in generation of the "hum" of loop ground noise. If this occurs, you may be able to mitigate the problem by sliding this switch. Normally, this is set to "OFF."
   ON: Pin 1 is disconnected from the SA-300's ground.
   OFF: Pin 1 is connected to the SA-300's ground.

SPEAKER

10. SPEAKER Jack
    Use this jack to output sounds to the SA-300W subwoofer. Use the special connection cable included with the unit to connect to the SA-300W's INPUT jack. This provides an even more powerful low end to the sound.
    * Turn off the power on the SA-300 before connecting or disconnecting cable.
    

• Connect only the SA-300W. Never connect any other equipment.
• Be sure to use only the connection cable included with the unit to connect the subwoofer. Do not use ordinary audio cables.

Switching the Power On and Off

Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.

1. Make sure that all volume controls on the SA-300 and connected devices are set to 0.
2. Turn on all the devices connected to the SA-300's input jacks (CH 1 through CH 4).
3. Turn on the SA-300.
4. Switch on any equipment connected to the SA-300's LINE OUT jacks.
5. Adjust the volume levels for the devices.
6. Before switching off the power, lower the volume on each of the devices in your system and then Turn Off the devices in the reverse order to which they were switched on.
   * If you need to turn off the power completely, first turn off the POWER switch, then unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Refer to "Power Supply".
   * This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally. For protection from sudden big sound, always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power.
   * Even with the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on, but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.

About Setting the Volume

To obtain the best sound from the SA-300, set the volume level using the following procedure.

1. Use the INPUT SELECT buttons for CH 1 through CH 4 to switch the input sensitivity in accordance with the connected devices (microphones or line-level equipment).
2. Use the CH 1 through CH 2 VOICE ENHANCER buttons, REVERB/DELAY knobs and the CH 3 through CH 4 REBERB knobs to adjust the tone to your liking.
3. Operate the CH 1 through CH 4 volume knobs to adjust the volume level for CH 1 through CH 4.
   * If the sound is distorted (when level indicator 0 dB is lit), adjust the volume either with the VOLUME knobs (Channels 1–4) or the volume knobs on devices connected to the inputs (Channels 1–4).
   At this point, balance the volume levels of Channels 1–4.
   
   
4. Use the EQUALIZER knobs (LOW/MIDDLE/HIGH), LOW BOOST button, and WIDE button to adjust the tone to your liking.
5. Use the MASTER VOLUME knob to adjust the overall volume level.
6. Set up the ANTI-FEEDBACK if necessary.

• What is Acoustic Feedback
  When sounds output by speakers reenter a microphone, they end up being output from the speakers at even greater volume, and as this cycle is repeated, an unpleasant and uncomfortable oscillating sound is created.
  Pointing microphones towards speakers or placing them near the speakers allows the amplified sounds from the speakers to enter the microphones again, thus making it even easier for feedback to arise.
• To Avoid Feedback
  In general, avoiding feedback requires the following measures:
  • Setting output levels so they're appropriate for the particular site or room
  • Setting connected devices to suitable levels
  • Keeping microphones and speakers as distant from each other as possible, and avoiding placing microphones such that they are pointed directly at the speakers.
    These methods will allow you to suppress the most serious types of feedback.
    In actuality, however, feedback can still occur as you attempt to achieve necessary output levels, while on the other hand, moving speakers away to avoid causing feedback can end up making the sound difficult to hear.
• Reducing Acoustic Feedback with the SA-300 (Anti-Feedback)
  The SA-300 includes the following three built-in functions, which allow you to achieve an acoustically stable system that automatically controls the occurrence of feedback and makes it more difficult for feedback to arise.

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