-1-
What you need to know about the preamp
This preamp was specially developed for the regulation of sound quality in conjunction with the KURMANN
SOUNDPOST SYSTEM. lt consists of an internally adjustable electronic device which is tailored to the
specifications of the pickup.
Between preamp and output is first a parametric filter which enables the player to bring out a desired timbre or to
subdue a resonance. Secondly, a shelving filter makes it possible to enhance or subdue middle/high frequencies.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The preamp is connected to your Instrument by one of the two special cables which have been provided.
A 6.3 mm jack input enables you to connect it to your amplifier, mixing board or recorder. At the same time, it
serves as an on/off switch for the electronics inside the device. For this reason it is advisable to unplug the jack
from the preamp after use in order to prolong the life of the battery (about 50 hours with alkaline batteries). To
avoid an unpleasant crackling sound, plug the jack into the preamp before turning on the amplifier. If you are
working with a mixing board, it is advisable for the same reason to close the corresponding channel on the board
before plugging the jack into the preamp.
Meanwhile, check the battery indicator (small red lamp). lt should go out about one half-second after plugging in
the jack. If the light burns constantly or fails to light up at all, then the battery (commercially available 9V) needs
replacing. To change the battery just loosen the two handscrews and remove cover.
Next to the battery indicator is the volume regulator. lt serves to adjust the volume of the preamp to the amplifier
and also to regulate volume while playing.
Finally, on the underside of the box is a clip which enables you to attach the preamp to your waistband
(preferably on the right side of your body). If the clip is unnecessary, it can also be detached.
ADJUSTING THE ELECTRONICS
Before using your pickup System, the electronics should be individually adapted to your instrument. In order to
make this one-time adjustment, the preamp case must be opened. Loose (not unscrew) the two Philips screws
on opposite cover and pull metal gate (logo on) from the bottom part out. You will find the electronics placed as in
graphic on following page.
Connect your instrument to the preamp, which can then be connected to your amplifier. Adjust the amplifier in
such a way that it produces no distortion.
Hold the preamp so that the volume regulator is on the left. In the preamp, as illustrated, you will see five tuners
which can be adjusted with a small watchmaker's screwdriver (or other suitable pointed implement). The position
of the tuner is indicated by an arrow which is also the slit for the screwdriver.
GAIN ADJUSTMENT
Turn tuner 1 counter clockwise until it stops. Play on your instrument as Ioudly as possible. This can most easily
be accomplished by playing two open strings simultaneously. No distortion (unpleasant scratching above a
certain volume) should result.
If you hear distortion with the tuner in the above described position, it is possible that your
amplifier
is
overloaded. In this case, use the volume regulator on the front of the preamp to reduce the volume until the
distortion is eliminated. If possible, make this adjustment with headphones.
If you now turn tuner 1 clockwise, your instrument will sound louder. Compensate this increase in volume by
means of the volume adjuster on the preamp, thus returning the volume to its previous level. In this way, you can
prevent your amplifier from producing distortion.
Repeat this procedure (turning tuner 1 clockwise in small increments and compensating the raised volume with
the volume regulator) until you hear distortions from the
preamp
. Keep playing as loudly as possible.
Turn tuner 1 back (counter clockwise) until the distortion is eliminated, still playing at the same volume. Tuner 1 is
now properly adjusted.
