P
ERFORMANCE
T
IP
Due to the typically high tension of the E strings, you may notice a low fre-
quency "thump", especially when tremolo picking on these strings. This can
be remedied by applying an equalization cut at 75 Hz.
P
LUGGING
I
N
Due to the nature of passive pickups, the type of cable you use and the input you plug
into will affect the quality of your sound.
Instrument Cable
Cable lengths over 10 feet (before preamp) will cause audible high frequency loss.
Use a high quality, low capacitance shielded cable. This will ensure minimal tone
coloration and hum. Using fully shielded metal plugs will also help eliminate hum.
Kinds of Audio Inputs
Because of the lack of standardization for high impedance audio inputs, special
attention should be paid to what you are plugging into:
The AG-125 / AG-094 will sound best when plugged directly into an input with a 10
M
Ω
impedance; the full frequency response of the instrument is reproduced.
FIG. 2
I
NSTALLING THE
P
ICKUP
1. By trial, determine whether the top of this bridge is compatible with the
base of the existing bridge on the instrument. If so, you may place the fur-
nished bridge top onto the existing base and discard the furnished base.
Should the top of the furnished bridge and the existing base not be com-
patible, use the furnished base. Have a qualified repairman fit the fur-
nished base to the instrument.
2. When profiling and notching the top of the bridge, you may safely
remove up to 1/8" (.125") of wood without damaging the sensing ele-
ment. (See Fig.1)
3. Remove the screw at the bottom of the tailpiece and replace with the
supplied screw, washer and jack/clamp assembly. Fasten the assembly
securely.
I
NSTALLING THE
C
ARPENTER
J
ACK
After fitting the pickup to the mandolin, locate the jack to the right of the
bridge (See Fig. 2) and tighten it with the enclosed chinrest key (See Fig. 3).
Be careful not to scratch the side of your mandolin.
3
M-200 Professional Mandolin Pickup
4
M-200 Professional Mandolin Pickup
The AG-125 / AG-094 can also be plugged into inputs as low as 1 M
Ω
with adequate
results; the bass frequencies will be slightly rolled off.
Preamps
We strongly recommend using a 10 M
Ω
, impedance matching, buffered preamp in
conjunction with the pickup.
A matching preamp will:
1. Realize the full frequency response potential of the pickup.
2. Permit long cable runs (after the preamp) without signal deterioration.
3. Allow precise volume and tone shaping with dedicated EQ.
4. Ensure compatibility with virtually any instrument level audio input available.
Fishman Transducers manufactures a complete line of compatible
preamps, all with 10 M
Ω
inputs:
POWERJACK - Miniature Endpin Preamp
MODEL GII & BII - Outboard Acoustic Instrument Preamp
AGP-2 - Onboard Instrument Preamp
PRO-EQ II - 4 Band Acoustic Instrument Preamp
PRO-EQ PLATINUM - Outboard Acoustic Instrument Preamp / EQ / D.I.
DUAL PARAMETRIC D.I. - Fully Parametric Two Band Preamp / D.I.
ACOUSTIC / BASS BLENDER - 2 Channel Pickup / Mic Preamp
POCKET BLENDER - 2 Channel Pickup/Mic Preamp
Musical Instrument Amplifiers
Most musical instrument amplifiers (at least 1 M
Ω
input impedance) will yield useable
results. Acoustic instrument amplifiers have a 10 M
Ω
Piezo input, ideally matching
the pickup.
Direct Boxes
You can plug the AG-125 / AG-094 into an "active" direct box (1 M
Ω
to 10 M
Ω
input)
with very good results. Using a passive direct box will sound weak and thin.
PA / Recording Consoles
Professional PA and recording consoles have a much lower input impedance than
what is acceptable for the AG-125 / AG-094 ; you will need an impedance matching
preamp. Plugging a passive piezo pickup into a mixer without an impedance matching
preamp will sound harsh and thin.
5
M-200 Professional Mandolin Pickup
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
