Fishman Sonitone
Download Fishman Sonitone User Manual here.
A super-discreet system for when you want electronics, but don’t want to shout about it, the Sonitone pickup and preamp system comprises of the Sonicore undersaddle pickup strip and the soundhole edge-mounted preamp panel. Equipped with Volume and Tone controls, the preamp is powered via a 9volt PP3 battery stored in a special containment bag on the inside of the guitar. Output is via a 6.3mm (1/4”) jack socket which doubles as a strap button.
Battery life is not published, but due to the simplicity of the system is expected to be in excess of 120 hours.
Fishman IsysT / Presys 1
Download Fishman IsysT User Manual here.
Fishman’s Isys T Onboard Preamp System gives maximum performance in a small, simple footprint. Mounted in the side of the guitar, the ISYS T is paired with a pre-wired Sonitone undersaddle pickup. Although small, it is not low on features, with a bright, easy-to-use tuner as standard, a large ergonomic volume control, an EQ contour control (which sweeps between preset EQ shapes), and a phase button in case of feedback. The output plate has a combined battery box and output jack, with a regular strap button on the base of the guitar.
Battery life is approximately 111 hours.
Fishman IsysT+ / Presys 2
Download Fishman IsysT User Manual here.
Fishman’s Isys T+ Onboard Preamp System is the same as the IsysT but with the addition of individual bass and treble controls.
Fishman INK3
Download Fishman INK3 User Manual here.
Fishman’s INK3 onboard preamp offers a unique, low-profile control surface that is a joy to use without detracting from the guitar’s aesthetic. Using the ultra-reliable Sonitone undersaddle pickup, the INK3 features a 3 band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble), a master volume control, and a very attractive ‘press to activate’ tuner. The battery compartment, output jack and regular sized strap button are all located centrally at the base of the guitar in a very elegant, exclusive arrangement.
Battery life is approximately 90 hours.
Fishman INK Body
Download Fishman INK Body User Manual here.
Based on the same low-profile design as the INK3, Fishman’s INK Body system comprises of a larger preamp section featuring a 3 band EQ, a notch filter control, a brilliance control and an all-important blend control. This blend control allows the user to choose how much undersaddle pickup and how much body pickup to use. This in turn effects the tone produced, and is particularly helpful for those looking to produce percussive effects and innovative sound-mixes. The tuner display is larger, and when pressed quickly also acts as a phase button.
The battery compartment, output jack and regular sized strap button are all located centrally at the base of the guitar in a very elegant, exclusive arrangement.
Battery life is approximately 80 hours.
Fishman Flex T Blend
Download Fishman Flex Blend User Manual here.
The very latest innovation from Fishman, the Flex T Blend system mixes elegance and superb performance in an intuitive design. Featuring a small and unobtrusive footprint, the Flex Blend has three control knobs discreetly mounted in the side of the guitar. These knurled knobs control Volume, EQ contour and blend control.
There is also a tuner display built-in to the fourth knob position, which is ‘press to activate’. The system gets its name from the classic combination of undersaddle pickup and condenser mic. This pairing is a proven winner, favoured by professionals who wish to get a full range of tones from their guitar, and also those who want clarity of percussive tones.
Flex Blend systems are supplied with an internal battery containment bag and 6.3mm (1/4”) Jack socket which doubles as a strap button.
PREVIOUSLY USED PREAMPS.
(Please note, these preamps are no longer used and are no longer manufactured by Shadow Electronics.)
Shadow PerformerTuner Preamp (Until 2016)
(As fitted to most PRO: series) The perfect way to bring your acoustic tone to life, Shadow Electronics’ PerformerTuner preamp offers a great EQ, an ultra-accurate tuner, and a feedback-busting phase switch.
Adjustment of the EQ controls (bass & treble) will enable you to easily find your perfect acoustic tone. With a simple press of the ‘Tuner’ button, the onboard tuner is activated. Bright LED lights give a clear indication of your instrument’s tuning status and make adjustment simple in any environment. The output signal is cut when the tuner is in operation.
In case of on-stage feedback, just press the ‘Phase’ button. This switches the phase of the output signal and therefore cuts the offending feedback-causing frequency. No more feedback. Simple.
The Battery light will only show when the battery level is low. When the light is on, it is advised that new batteries are fitted within 30 minutes to ensure no unexpected loss of signal. New batteries (2 x CR2032 cell type) are simply fitted by sliding the top cover up, and removing the old and replacing with the new.
The Shadow PerformerTuner preamp is perfectly matched to Shadow’s Nanoflex II undersaddle pickup system.
Shadow Nanoflex II Pickup (Until 2016)
(as used on Faith Natural, HiGloss and Trembesi series) The Shadow Nanoflex pickup is incredibly thin and flexible, and at its core is the sensor which consists of seven flexible layers of carefully selected materials.
With extreme precision, these special layers pick up the pressure of the saddle, which conveys string vibration, while simultaneously sensing the vibratory movements of the guitar’s surface and body.
Also, due to the ultrasmall preamp section located at the end of the NanoFlex pickup strip, the signal is 100% shielded whilst being amplified to a sufficient level to be handled by the preamp, thus guaranteeing a totally hum-free output.
Shadow L4020 Hex Preamp (Until 2016)
(As fitted to the Eclipse series and selected other models) The latest innovation from Shadow Electronics, the L4020HEX preamp system offers individual trim controls for each string, plus the latest HEX stereo string separation technology. An unrivalled level of sonic possibility.
With a turn of the 6 individual string ‘trim’ controls, the relative output level of that string can be reduced or boosted. Just use a plectrum or fingernail to make the adjustment. With the ‘Pan’ Control fully over to the left, the output of the guitar is normal: mono output transmitted through a mono guitar cable.
With the ‘Pan’ Control fully turned to the right, the output of the guitar is operating in its Stereo HEX capacity. Now the strings are separated across the stereo spectrum: the Low E is panned far left and the High E is panned far right with all other strings in relative positions across the spectrum.
The stereo output goes through a stereo ‘Y’ cable which can be connected to two separate amplifiers, a stereo PA amplifier or 2 channels of a mixing desk etc. NB: You can also use a regular Mono Jack cable with the HEX system. In this case, the guitar will function like a regular electro acoustic with a mono output. However, the individual string trim controls will still be effective.
How the strings are separated with the 'Pan' control on full. (turned to the right):
- Low E-string 100% Left
- A-string 75% Left, 25% Right
- D and G-Strings 50% Left, 50% Right
- B-String 25% Left, 75% Right
- High-E String 100% Right.
This is ideal for widening the sound-field of your solo acoustic performances, and a revelation for those who like to experiment with sound-layering, looping and multi- tracking. Adjustment of the 3- band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) ensures you find your perfect acoustic tone.
With a simple press of the ‘Tuner’ button, the on-board tuner is activated. The bright LED display give a clear indication of your instrument’s tuning status and make adjustment simple in any environment. The output signal is cut when the tuner is in operation.
In case of on-stage feedback, just press the ‘Phase’ button. This switches the phase of the output signal and therefore cuts the offending feedback-causing frequency. No more feedback. Simple.
The Battery light will only show when the battery level is low. When the light is on, it is advised that new batteries are fitted within 30 minutes to ensure no unexpected loss of signal. New batteries (2 x AAA type) are simply fitted by sliding the top cover up, and removing the old and replacing with the new.
Nanoflex Hex 6 (Until 2016)
(as used on Faith Eclipse series, and selected other models) Shadow’s NanoFlex HEX 6 pickup offers all the immense advantages of the regular NanoFlex II pickup, but features six individual sensors contained within a single strip which correspond to the location of each of the guitar strings.
So now, not only can you enjoy the hum-free, natural acoustic sound of your instrument, but in conjunction with the L4020 preamp system, you can now have complete control over the level of each string, plus the ability to create a stunning panoramic stereo effect with your guitar.