Acoustic box II

Owner’s Manual Ver 2.1

We would like to thank Acoustic Box users around the world for the tips and
advice in the preparation of this handbook. The close contact with many
skilled musicians at the labs of VR and by correspondance has been most
inspiring and beneficial in the development of our new Acoustic Box II.

Enjoy your purchase and our hard work.

M. De Iulis & M. Cholevas

2
Table of content

INTRODUCTION
Summary of Features p4
Important Safety Instructions p5
Before Getting Started p6

ACOUSTIC BOX II IN DETAIL

Channel 1 and Auxiliary input p7
Channel 2 p8
Compressor - EQ - Tuner - Mute - Output p9
Phantom Power - Metronome - Effects p10

ACOUSTIC BOX II IN PRACTICE

Levels - Outputs - Sources p11
Using microphone and Piezo p11
Using AKG C411 and piezo p11
Using only piezo p12
Handling acoustic feedback tips p12
On stage In-ear Monitoring and Backtrack rehearsal p12

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS p13

ABOX II Top and Side views p15
Signal Flow Diagram p16

3
Summary of Features

SUMMARY OF FEATURES
• Independent parametric equalizer per channel

• Parametric 3 bands EQ for Mix

• Notch Filter

• Parametric HPF

• Independent volume controls for stereo PA/Headphones and Amp out

• True 48V phantom power

• Master mute & Tuner

• Integrated Optical Compressor

• Digital Effects (Stereo Reverb and Delay pre-installed including Tap De-
lay)

• Foot switch input for turning on/off internal or external effects

• Effect send and return loop (stereo)

• Auxiliary input and output (can be used for backtrack rehearsal, setup
offstage with a pair of headphones and as a loop for in-ear monitoring)

• Metronome/ Tap Tempo

• Custom designed Linear Power supply US-EU selectable 110/240V) with

aerospace connector

• Neutrik audio connectors

• Robust design and Construction

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

bent, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particu-
lar attention to cords, plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they
exit from the apparatus.

7. Abnormal smell
If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected from the apparatus, turn the power off
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or back. No user immediately and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Contact your dealer im-
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. mediately.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to 8. Servicing and maintenance
rain or moisture. None of the parts inside the enclosure of this apparatus is serviceable by the user.
DO NOT open the enclosure and DO NOT attempt to modify the internal circuitry.
The lightning flash symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the All servicing and maintenance beyond what described in this manual should be
user to the presence of uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s referred to qualified service personnel.
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons. 9. Damage requiring service
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the The apparatus should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) • Objects have fallen onto, or liquid has been spilled into the apparatus, or
instructions in the literature accompanying the product. • The apparatus has been exposed to rain, or
• The apparatus does not appear to operate normally or shows a marked
This product has been designed and manufactured to meet strict safety and qual- change in performance, or
ity standards. It is very important that you are aware of the following installation and • The apparatus has been dropped and/or the enclosure damaged.
operation precautions:
1. Read and keep these instructions and heed all warnings To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, unplug the apparatus when there
You should read all the safety and operating instructions carefully before operat- is high probability of lightning.
ing this apparatus. Retain this manual for future reference and adhere to all warn-
ings in the manual or on the apparatus.
2. Water and moisture
The presence of electricity near water can be dangerous. Do not use the appara-
tus near water – for example next to a bathtub, a sink, in a wet basement or near
a swimming pool, etc.
3. Object or liquid entry
Take care that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through any openings. Liquid filled objects such as vases should not be placed on
the apparatus.
4. Cleaning
Unplug the unit from the mains supply before cleaning. The case should normally
only require a wipe with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. DO NOT use paint thinners or
other chemical solvents for cleaning, which will destroy prints and paintwork. DO
NOT use alcohol or household cleaning products. DO NOT USE WATER.
5. Power sources
Only connect the apparatus to a power supply of the type described in the
operating instructions or as marked on the apparatus, and install the unit near the
power outlet (socket). Appliance coupler is considered as disconnect device. It
shall remain readily operable..

6. Power-cord protection
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on,

5
Before Getting
Working Started
with Presets

BOX CONTENT
The following items should be included in your Acoustic Box live package:
• The Acoustic Box II preamp
• Power supply

SHIPPING, STORING AND TRANSPORTING

Great care was taken in the manufacturing and packaging of your Acoustic
Box II preamp. Everything should be included and in perfect working order.
Power supply:: Select the AC voltage corresponding to your local AC power
Damaged units should never be sent directly to us. Please inform the dealer (125V-230).
from whom you acquired your Acoustic Box II of the damage, as well as the
transportation company that delivered it to you. You must follow the steps Verify using the light monitors that the pickup/mic are producing a signal in the
above in order to retain the validity of your warranty. Please register your channels. Disengage the mute button.
product via our web site here.
Ensure that the phantom voltage is correctly set via pref. menu. Condenser
mics need phantom power. If you are using dynamic and ribbon mics turn off
your phantom power.
GETTING STARTED
Adjust impedance of your pickup. Try both setting and see which one is better
Before connecting the power supply to the power socket, make sure that for your pickup. Passive piezo prefer High impedance setting. Active piezo and
the proper voltage is selected according to the mains of your country. magnetic coil prefer Med impedance.
For US use 125V, for Europe 230V.

Connect/disconnect your power connector to the Acoustic box II al- If you need to plug in to your headphone connector while the unit is on,
ways when the power switch is OFF. press the mute button before inserting the mini-jack in to the headphone
connector.

Before turning the power supply via the main switch, make sure that all
the cables are firmly connected to the preamp. Including headphone
cable, XLRs and JACK cables. To preserve the long term performances
of the preamp avoid detaching/connecting any of the cables while the
Acoustic Box is powered on.

Before powering on the preamp make sure that the output knobs are not set
to maximum. Keep in mind that XLR output knobs control the headphone vol-
ume as well. A good starting point for the output knobs is in the middle at 12
o’clock. Turn on the Abox using the power switch on the power supply and
mute the output using the mute button on the Abox.

6
Channel 1

Channel 1 (Ch1) and Aux Input

Ch1 has a selectable medium/high input impedance . It is designed for pas-
sive transducers (eg. piezo or magnetic pickup) and it can handle up to 0 dBu
without distortion. Use a mono jack from the left side in proximity of the Ch1 to
connect to your pickup.If you are properly connected, your signal strenght will
be monitored via the Ch1 LED.

Level control and +10dB gain button.

The LEVEL knob controls the output signal of the Ch1. If you are tuning the
Ch1’s equalizer or if you do not intend to use Ch2 keep the LEVEL of Ch2 to
minimum. Ch1 offers +10dB gain boost to be used if the input signal is low.

Parametric high-pass filter (HPF )

Ch1 is equipped with a 2nd order high-pass filter with cut off frequency tun-
able from 40 to 150Hz. For double bass, the high-pass filter remove the subhar-
monic “thump” generated by the plucked bass, which otherwise can drive
ported bass speakers to over-excursion.

Parametric equalizer (EQ1)

Ch1 is equipped with a parametric equalizer designed to control the mids of
your passive pickup. It operates between 350Hz to 4KHz with correction of +/-
12dB.If you use a piezo transducer, by attenuating at least 6dB the frequency
around 1 o’clock you will be able to obtain a much more natural sound.

Impedance selector
Next to the Ch1 1/4” input you will find a Med (1Meg)/High impedance
(8.2 Meg) selector which will match the impedance of your pickup.

Aux input
Acoustic Box II is equiped with an independent Aux Input. You can use it
to connect an external source such as a metronome/ipad/phone/looper
e.t.c. for playback, practice or performance purposes. In conjunction with the
Aux stereo Headphones output it can be used for linear on stage monitoring.

7
Channel 2

Channel 2 (Ch2) Low pass shelving filter ( )

Ch2 has a hybrid XLR -1/4” input connector. It is designed to connect either When the filter is engaged, it attenuates Ch2 of 6dB in the range 1KHz-20KHz.
active or passive microphones via an XLR balanced cable or a mono jack This low pass filter is very handy for those who need high volume on stage.
cable. The +48V phantom can be activated/deactivated by the Pref. button Therefore, the advantage of this filter is to reduce, when engaged, the con-
on
the low left corner of the LCD. If you are properly connected, your signal tribution of the unwanted signals coming from the other instruments/noise
strenght will be monitored via the Ch2 green LED. If you intend to use the XLR present on the stage. By reducing the mic contribution in this frequency range,
keep the switch on Mic otherwise select the switch to Line and insert a Jack the filter allows higher volume with less feedback.
on Ch2. XLR input can be adjusted with +10dB gain selector. This gain
selector will not affect the Jack Line settings.

Level control (Ch2)

The LEVEL knob controls the output signal of the Ch2. When you are tuning
the Ch2’s equalizer or if you do not intend to use Ch1 keep the LEVEL of Ch1
to minimum.

Notch filter
The programmable NOTCH filter on Ch2 can be activated/deactivated by
using the button placed on top of the notch frequency tuner. If you need to
use the notch filter press the button above the knob and tune the frequency
(50Hz-250Hz).

Parametric equalizer (Ch2)

Ch2 is equipped with a parametric Eq designed to control the low/mids of
your mic. It operates between 350 to 4KHz by correcting within +/-12dB.

High pass filter ( )

Ch2 is equipped with a 2nd order high pass filter with cut off frequency 100Hz.
The intended use is to reduce the proximity effect typical of condenser micro-
phones.

Phase button Ch2 (ø)

The phase button allows for 180° phase shift between Ch2 and Ch1 when the
switch is engaged. Use this Phase button to determine the correct phase
between channel two and one. To do so compare the sound produced by
activating and deactivating the Phase button. The Phase configuration that
produces the more natural sound is the correct setting.

8
Compressor-EQ-Tuner-Mute-Outputs

Compressor/Mixed channel Ch1+Ch2 EQ Master mute/Tuner mode

The new Acoustic Box II comes with an optical compressor and a 3 band By Pressing the Mute button the preamp mutes all outputs and gets into tuning
mode as indicated on the display. The tuner receives signal measurement only
parametric eq. The mixed channel is the signal obtained by adding the
from Ch1 therefore Ch2 can’t be used for tuning. Play your string and tune
processed channels Ch1 + Ch2 after the compression. Each individual until you see the tuner highlighting the circle in the middle of the display. Once
channel contribution is set by the LEVEL control knob (see p.8 and p.9 ) the string is tuned, hold your strings until the tone on display clears up.

Compressor
The optical Compressor provide up to 16dB compression. It is engaged where
the Comp button is engaged. Otherwise the Compressor is bypassed. Ó Ó Ó ÓÓoÕÕÕÕÕ
The level of Compression can be set with the SENS knob. If Sensitivity is set to
minimum no compression (0dB) is performed. Once the desired compression
level is set, use the MAKEUP gain knob to adjust the output level. The LED indi-
cator on the compressor turns on when compression of 10 dB is obtained.
LEVEL AMP
Phase ALL button (øAll)
The LEVEL AMP knob allows you to control the output signal level that is
When the ALL button is pressed, it allows for 180° phase shift between directed into your AMP via the unbalanced Jack (AMP output).
(Ch1+Ch2) and the acoustic signal. This button is handy for controlling the
feedback and for getting a good bass response of the blended signal on your
acoustic sound.
LEVEL XLR L and XLR R
Parametric Equaliser
The LEVEL XLR L and XLR R knobs allow you to control the output signal level
To equalize the mixed channels the Abox uses a 3 band parametric eq Low- connected to your PA/MIXER via XLR balanced cables. Abox II comes with two
XLR knobs since it controls stereo effects (both internal and external).
Mid-High (40Hz - 125Hz, 250Hz - 1KHz, 3.5KHz - 12KHz respectively) by correcting Those knobs control as well the Headphones output.
within +/-12dB designed to help you adapt on any situation of sources and
combination of inputs.

9
Phantom Power - Metronome - Effects

The LED above the Effect button will turn on. Use the - + buttons to choose the
Phantom 48V on/off desired Effect. The Effects names among asterisk symbols are programmable.
Press the Edit button to enter the settings pages. the Edit button allows you to
From the main menu press the Pref. button and use the - + buttons to activate
navigate between Settings pages, while the Pref. button allows you to navi-
or deactivate the Phantom power for Ch2
gate between parameters on the same Settings page. Use the - + buttons to
change the parameters. To maximize signal quality set the Send knob to the 3
Phantom 48V:OFF o’clock and adjust the Return knob to desired blended level. The Return signal
will add to the dry signal and routed to the corresponding outputs (mono or
stereo).
Once your Phantom is set, press the Pref. button and the value will be saved.
Every time you will power up the preamp, the phantom voltage will be set ac-
cordignly. Metronome and tap tempo
Effects Pressing and holding the Tempo button will set the device on Tempo mode.
You can either set the tempo by tapping the Tempo button or by using the
The internal DSP is offering a different variaty of Reverbs and Delays. A copy of - + keys. The Tempo LED will blink on the tempo you set allowing to use it as
the analogue preamp out is send to the effect. The send level can be ad- a visual metronome. Press and hold the Tempo button to return to Effects
justed via the Send knob. The effects are blended stereo into the analogue mode. When you are using the SingleTap delay effect, tap on Tempo button
signal via the Return knob. The effects can be muted and unmuted directly by to program the Tempo of the delay on the spot. You can also program the
pressing the Effect button. Tempo using the Settings page of the SingleTap.

External Effect loop and foot switch

006Ó*Hall* The Abox II is equipped with an External Effect parallel loop so that you can
add ex-ternal effects in the chain. Once the external jacks are insterted, the
Lvl ÒÒÒÒÒÒÒÒ internal DSP is bypassed. You can then use the Send to control the level of
signal that is routed in to the external effect. Use the Return knob to adjust the
effect level. The Abox II has a Foot Switch input which is used to activate and
bypass the internal or external effects. Any momentary switch working with
mono Jack will work fine. Return level operate at professional line level +4dBm
(return knob at 10 o’clock) or instrument line level -10dBm (return knob at the
maximum).
The Acoustic Box comes with 10 Reverb and 4 Delay effects preinstalled, more
will be availabe on the website of www.vintage-revolution.com.

Reverb: Spring, Room, Chapel, Church, Med Hall, Big Hall, Gated, Reverse

Programmable reverb: Plate, Hall

Programmable Delay: SingleTap, TripleDly, 4TapsDly, Twin Delay

Press the Effect button to engage the Effect mode for Internal and External ef-
fects.

10
Levels - Outputs - Sources

Acoustic Box in practice Once you are there, use the EQ1 knob to remove it untill the sound is more
natural. In most of the cases placing the EQ1 knob at 9 o’clock will do the job.
This section will guide you to do your sound check in a few minutes and obtain
the desired sound result with the preamp. C. Before adding the mic signal, unpress the NOTCH filter, the low pass filter,
the High Pass filter and the Phase buttons on Ch2 .

D. Gently increase the LEVEL of channel 2 until the level of the second chan-
LEVELS and OUTPUTS nel is adding the bottom end. Use the Phase button Ch2 to adjust the phase
shift between the two channels if required.
To obtain the best sound quality keep the levels knobs of Ch1 and Ch2 as high
as possible without distortion. Level monitor on the display provides an indica- E. If you experience low frequency resonance/feedback turn on the NOTCH
tion of the channel mix (Ch1+Ch2) signal strenght. The levels are properly set if and tune it untill the low frequency resononance/feedback is removed.
the level monitor display is within the green range as indicated in the picture
F. If you experience feedback use the Low Pass Sheving Filter to gently
below. The empty square char is indicating 0dBm on the maximulm level set
for XLR outputs. If the levels are too low you might want to add +10dB gain attenuate mid and high tones. By reducing 6dB of the frequency spectrum
on the channel or both channels. Vice-versa, if you experience distortion above 1KHz you will be less prone to feedback.
reduce the gain by selecting lower gain (disable +10dB).
G. Use the High Pass Filter to remove the booming effect of the micro-
phone due to proximity with your insturment.

Weak Good H. Adjust your Low - Mid - High from the three band parametric EQ control
of the blended signal to bring the sound to the desired shape.
Lvl ÒÒÒÒÒÒÒÒ
Using AKG C411 and piezo
Adjust output knobs only after you have a good range of the input levels.
A. Increase the LEVEL of Ch1 until you have a good audible volume.

B. Set the upper EQ1 knob to 15 o’clock and search with the corresponding
Using microphone and piezo frequency knob for the most unpleasant frequency. If you are using a piezo it
should be between 12 and 15 o’clock. Once you are there, use the EQ1 knob
This section contains some fine tuning tips for those who use condenser mic
to remove it until the sound is more natural. In most cases placing the EQ1
(such as DPA 4099, ATM350 , AKGC414, Neumann U87, etc..) or dynamic mic
knob at 9 o’clock will do the job.
(SHURE SM57, SM58, etc..) in combination with piezo pickup.
C. Before adding the AKG C411 signal from Ch2, deactivate the NOTCH and
A. Make sure that the Mic/Line switch is set to Mic and enable the 48V (Phan-
activate the low pass .
tom Power) if needed using the Pref. button. Set the level of Ch2 on
minimum. Increase the LEVEL of Ch1 until you have a good audible volume. D. Place the EQ2 knob to 100Hz and the corresponding MID knob to 15 o’
clock. Increase the LEVEL untill you have enough low end from the Ch2.
B. Set the EQ1 knob to 3 o’clock and search with the corresponding frequency
knob for the most unpleasant frequency. If you are using a piezo it should be E. Adjust your Low - Mid - High from the three band parametric EQ control of
between 12 and 3 o’clock. the blended signal to bring the sound to the desired shape.

11
 Piezo, Feedback, In-ear

Using only piezo On stage In-ear Monitoring

A. Increase the LEVEL of Ch1 untill you have a good audible volume. You can use your Abox II auxiliary input and headphones output for on stage
in-ear monitoring.
B. Set the EQ1 knob to 15 o’clock and search with the corresponding frequen-
cy
knob for the most unpleasant frequency. If you are using a piezo it should Ask the sound engineer to send a mix to your Auxiliary input and use the Head-
be between 12 and 15 o’clock. Once you are there, use the EQ1 knob to phones out for your own monitoring. The signal on XLR L+R and AMP outputs is
remove it untill the sound is more natural. In most cases placing the EQ1 knob clean (will not include the signal of the Auxiliary input).
at 9 o’clock will do the job.

C. Keep the Level of Ch2 to minimum since you will not use this channel.
Backtrack Rehearsal
D. Adjust your Low - Mid - High from the three band parametric EQ control of
the blended signal to bring the sound to the desired shape. You can use your Abox II auxiliary input and headphones for backtrack re-
hearsal. Connect your auxiliary input min jack to your phone/Ipad/Mp3 player
and play our track. Adjust via XLR L+R the level your instrument and enjoy the
practice.
Handling acoustic feedback tips.
Audio feedback is a special kind of positive feedback which occurs when a
sound loop exists between your mic and the AMP or PA speaker.

The two major parameters that determine the amount of feedback are:

A. the distance from your cabinet/monitor and

B. the volume of your mic.

There are two main frequencies that are most sensitive to feedback. The first
area is the LOW-LOW MID (100Hz-250Hz) and the second area is the MID area
(400Hz-1.5KHz). For the LOW-LOW MID area the NOTCH filter is a perfect solu-
tion. For the MID area you can use the low pass shelving button ( )and the
EQ2 knob.

By changing the phase of the blended channel (ALL switch) you virtually
move your instrument in to another physical location and therefore you
change the feedback settings.

12
Specs

Technical specifications Tone controls (mix of CH1 & CH2)

Connections • Parametric Low: frequency range 40-125Hz, +/–12dB control

Input: • Parametric Mid: frequency range 250Hz-1KHz, +/–12dB control

• Ch1: JACK passive channel; 1/4” Dia. Standard Mono Jack • Parametric High: frequency range 3.5KHz-12KHz, +/–12dB control

• Ch2: XLR balanced phantom power +48V or 1/4” Dia. Standard Mono Jack

• Effect Jack Return Left and Return right; 1/4” Dia. Standard Mono Jack im- Power supply characterics
pedance 18KOhm, operating at level -10dBm/+4dBm
• 110V or 230V selectable.

• Consumption less than 12W

•Outputs: +48V,+15V-15V,+5V
Output:

• AMP OUT (Mix of CH1 & CH2): JACK unbalanced connection; maximum 9V
RMS @ 470 Ohms; 1/4” Dia. Standard Mono Jack
Phantom power on XLR Ch2
• PA (DI) OUT (Mix of CH1 & CH2): XLR LEFT and RIGHT balanced connection;
maximum 9V RMS @100 Ohms • True +48V

Electrical characteristics: Size

Ch1 - Channel 1 (passive channel) • 12x22x7 WxLxH cm

• Impedance 1 Meg -8.2 Meg (Selectable) Signal level up to 0 dBu;

• Adjustable Channel 1 level Weight

• Parametric equalizer of Channel 1: Frequency range 360 Hz - 4KHz • 1.3 Kg without power supply.

• MID level correction: +/- 12dB. • 1.8 Kg with power supply.

Ch2 - Channel 2 (active channel, +48V Phantom Power)

• Impedance 2K. Signal level up to Ch2 is -20dBu;

• Parametric equalizer of Channel 2: Frequency range 360 Hz - 4KHz

13
Controls
Top Side - Controls

Ch1 Effect - Metronome - Display

1. Signal Led 1. Metronome and Tap delay mode (led and button)
2. Level control 2. Preferences
3. Gain +10dB 3. Value decrease (-)
4. Parametric HPF 40Hz - 150Hz
4. Value increase (+)
5. On-Off button Parametric HPF 5. Edit
6. Parametric EQ 350Hz - 4kHz Frequency selector 6. Effect mode (led and button)
7. Parametric EQ +/- 12 dB Correction 7. Effect Return
8. Effect Send
Ch2
1. Signal Led
2. Level control Left Side - Inputs
3. 2nd order HPF with cut off frequency 100Hz (proximity effect controler) Auxiliary Input (for ipod, phone, ipad, looper e.t.c.)
4. Notch filter 50Hz - 250Hz Frequency selector
5. Notch filter On - Off button Jack 1/4 input
6. Parametric EQ 350Hz - 4kHz Frequency selector Jack Mid-High Impedance selector
7. Parametric EQ +/- 12 dB Correction
8. Low pass shelving filter (LPF - 6dB in range 1KHz-20KHz) XLR - Jack Combo input
9. Phase shift 180° between Ch2 and Ch1 Mic - Line switch
+10dB switch
Compressor and EQ
1. Compressor On - Off button
2. Phase all button (180° phase shift between (Ch1+Ch2) and the acoustic signal)
3. Compressor sensitivity Back Side - External effects, Effect Control, USB
4. Compression level led USB (for firmware updates and extra effects installation)
5. Makeup - Compression Output level
6. Parametric Low 40Hz - 125Hz External Effect
7. Parametric Low +/- 12 dB Correction Send
8. Parametric Mid 250Hz - 1KHz Return Left
9. Parametric Mid +/- 12 dB Correction Return Right (for stereo external effects)
10. Parametric High 3.5KHz - 12KHz Foot On - Off Switch (both for internal and external effects)
11. Parametric High +/- 12 dB Correction

14
 Controls

Effect - Metronome - Display

Ch1 e t u y i
q

q
e
w r y w e r t u
w
Cw t u o s
Ch2 e t u o
r
q
q
Output

w r y i q e y i a
Comp + EQ
Top Side - Controls Left Side - Inputs
w

Back Side - External effects, Effect Switch, USB Right Side - Outputs
15
Signal Flow Diagram

DSP tasks: XLR R

Processor tasks:
Tuner, Phantom, Effects Headphones R
Metronome,
Tempo, Level XLR R
Aux in R
+
+
40-150Hz 350-4KHz
+10dB
Imp switch Level Return
1Meg /8Meg
Phase
40-150Hz 250-1KHz 3K-12KHz
All

+ Comp Send Effects

Return
Mic/Line 50-250Hz 350-4KHz
Switch Phase
Level
+10dB +
Aux in L
+ XLR L AMP

Headphones L
+48V XLR L AMP

16
My notes

17