www.shman.

com

USER GUIDE
AURA SPECTRUMDI

Welcome

Quick Start

Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are
proud to offer you the nest acoustic amplication products available;
high-quality professional-grade tools to empower you to sound your very
best. We are condent Aura Spectrum DI will both enhance and inspire
your music making.

Power Install a fresh 9V battery (not included) or connect a Fishman

power adaptor.
Set the controls Volume at minimum and all other controls as
shown below.
Plug in Use standard -inch and XLR shielded instrument cables.
Tune up Step on the tuner footswitch to tune with the output muted.
Set trim Play hard and adjust the input trim (on the right side) so the
clip/batt LED ashes only occasionally.
Select an Image Raise the volume and audition Images with the
select knob. Move the Image Bank slider to choose the set of Images
that best match the instrument youre playing. (see pages 6 thru 13)
Blend to taste Turn left for more pickup and right for more Image.
Kill feedback If feedback starts, change the position of the phase
switch. For advanced feedback handling, check out the section detailing
the automatic feedback lters on page 24.

What is Aura?

Aura Custom Shop

Aura Acoustic Imaging Technology uses digital algorithms developed in

Fishmans audio laboratories to restore a studio-miked sound to an
acoustic instrument. To achieve this, we record instruments using worldclass microphones and techniques to capture an Image of the natural
sound that your acoustic instrument emits when miked in a professional
studio. This Image, when recorded direct or played through an amp,
mixer or PA, blends with your instruments pickup to produce an incredibly accurate recreation of the original recording.

For the ultimate in Aura Imaging, be sure to check out the Aura Custom
Shop at shman.com. For a modest fee, you send us your instrument and
well create a set of Images using our best microphones, custom
recorded for you.

Aura Acoustic Imaging processors sound best when used with Fishman
undersaddle pickups and magnetic soundhole pickups. When we record
each instrument, we use our Acoustic Matrix undersaddle pickup. So,
when you play through an Aura processor, youll get the best results using
our Acoustic Matrix pickup. We do not recommend soundboard-mounted
pickups, bridge-plate pickups, multi-sensor pickups or microphones for
Aura products since they include unnecessary resonances that can interfere with the Aura processing.

Aura Image Gallery

The Aura Image Gallery software manages a vast library of Images
created from an ever-expanding list of instruments, and provides tools to
search and store sets of Images. Browse the Image Library to nd your
instrument, then drag and drop an Image into an Image Set for download
into Aura Spectrum.

Making Connections
Playing live

Choosing an Image
To get the most realistic tone from Aura Acoustic Imaging, you should
always match your Images with the instrument type youre playing. For
example, choose dreadnought Images when plugging in a dreadnought
body style guitar; choose mandolin Images if youre playing a mandolin.
Dont hope to derive a mandolin sound from a dreadnought or try to turn
your orchestra body style guitar into a 12-string. If you are not sure which
body type your guitar falls into, we suggest you audition several Images
from each bank and let your ears decide. See the following pages to help
match your instrument with the best Aura Image.

For the best sound reproduction when performing live, connect your Aura
Spectrum to an acoustic instrument amp, a PA system, a powered monitor or other full-range system. The balanced XLR D.I. output eliminates
an outboard D.I. and features an automatic ground lift when you use the
1/4 output, providing a high quality, noise free signal.
Going direct
For direct recording, there is no better solution than using Aura
Spectrums balanced XLR D.I. or 1/4 output. In fact, an acoustic track
recorded with just a pickup can be re-recorded using Aura to restore the
miked sound.

About the Image Banks

Dreadnought

Jumbo

Use this bank of Images with all varieties of the

classic deep-body dreadnought.

Use these Images with large, deep-body instruments

with slim waists and wide lower bouts
(usually over 16).

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Cedar

Rosewood

Shure SM57

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Maple

AKG C414

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Maple

DPA 4011

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann KM84

Spruce

Maple

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Maple

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

DPA 4011

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure KSM141

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure SM57

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

Cedar

Rosewood

DPA 4011

10

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

10

Spruce

Maple

Soundelux E47

11

Spruce

Mahogany

AKG C414

11

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

12

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

12

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann KM84

13

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

13

Spruce

Maple

Shure SM57

14

Composite

Composite

DPA 4011

14

Cedar

Rosewood

Neumann U87

15

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

15

Spruce

Maple

Neumann U87

16

Spruce

Mahogany

Shure SM57

16

Spruce

Koa

Schoeps CMC64

Image #

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Spruce

Rosewood

DPA 4011

Spruce

Mahogany

Spruce

Image #

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

About the Image Banks (continued)

Concert

Orchestra

Use the Concert Images with small-body, short-scale

instruments with thin waists, like 0, 00 and L-00
styles; typically nger-picking guitars as well as
parlor and travel instruments.

For guitars larger than concert but smaller than

dreadnought, the Orchestra Images work well with
OM & 000 styles as well as auditorium and other
narrow-waist mid-size, medium-depth
instruments.

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Image #

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

Spruce

Maple

Neumann M147

Spruce

Mahogany

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure SM57

Spruce

Mahogany

Neumann M147

Mahogany

Mahogany

DPA 4011

Spruce

Mahogany

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann KM84

Spruce

Koa

Neumann U87

Spruce

Mahogany

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Rosewood

DPA 4011

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Mahogany

Mahogany

Neumann M147

Spruce

Mahogany

DPA 4011

10

Mahogany

Mahogany

Soundelux E47

10

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

11

Mahogany

Mahogany

DPA 4011

11

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure Beta 58A

12

Spruce

Maple

Schoeps CMC64

12

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

13

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

13

Spruce

Mahogany

Neumann M147

14

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

14

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann KM84

15

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

15

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

16

Spruce

Koa

Schoeps CMC64

16

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Image #

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

About the Image Banks (continued)

Nylon

12 String

Use with all medium-depth classical and thin-body

acoustic-electric nylon-string guitars.
Note: Use only an undersaddle pickup with the
Nylon pedal.

These are typically jumbo or dreadnought size

instruments. The heavier bracing for 12 string guitars
creates a unique sound and has its own
Aura Image bank

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Image #

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Cedar

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Cypress

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Maple

AKG C414

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Cedar

Rosewood

Neumann M147

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann KM84

Spruce

Rosewood

DPA 4011

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Cypress

AKG C1000S

Spruce

Rosewood

DPA 4011

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure KSM141

Spruce

Mahogany

Neumann M147

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

Cedar

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Mahogany

Mahogany

Schoeps CMC64

10

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

10

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

11

Cedar

Rosewood

AKG C414

11

Spruce

Mahogany

Shure SM57

12

Cedar

Rosewood

DPA 4011

12

Spruce

Mahogany

Neumann U87

13

Cedar

Rosewood

Shure KSM141

13

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

14

Spruce

Cypress

DPA 4011

14

Spruce

Maple

Soundelux E47

15

Cedar

Rosewood

Neumann M147

15

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure SM57

16

Spruce

Cypress

Neumann M147

16

Spruce

Koa

Schoeps CMC64

Image #

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

10

11

About the Image Banks (continued)

Bluegrass

User Images

This bank offers a sampling of ddle, mandolin, and resophonic Images.

This bank ships with a diverse variety of guitars randomly selected from
our Aura Image Gallery. You can overwrite any of the 16 locations with
Images you download from the Aura Image Gallery software. See page 26
for more details on downloading Images.

Image #

Instrument

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Image #

Top Wood

Back and Sides

Microphone Type

Fiddle

Maple

Neumann U87

Spruce

Rosewood

Shure SM57

Fiddle

Maple

Soundelux E47

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

Fiddle

Maple

RCA Ribbon

Composite

Composite

Soundelux E47

Fiddle

Maple

Royer R-121

Spruce

Mahogany

Neumann KM84

Fiddle

Maple

Neumann KM54

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Mandolin

Maple

Neumann U87

Spruce

Mahogany

DPA 4011

Mandolin

Maple

Neumann KM84

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

Mandolin

Maple

Neumann U87

Spruce

Rosewood

Soundelux E47

Mandolin

Maple

Neumann M147

Spruce

Rosewood

Schoeps CMC64

10

Mandolin

Maple

DPA 4011

10

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann U87

11

Resophonic

Finland Birch

Schoeps CMC64

11

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

12

Resophonic

Finland Birch

Shure SM57

12

Spruce

Rosewood

DPA 4011

13

Resophonic

Finland Birch

Neumann KM84

13

Mahogany

Mahogany

Neumann U87

14

Resophonic

Finland Birch

Neumann U87

14

Spruce

Rosewood

Neumann M147

15

Resophonic

Finland Birch

Neumann M147

15

Spruce

Rosewood

AKG C414

16

Resophonic

Finland Birch

Groove Tubes Velo8

16

Spruce

Sapele

Schoeps CMC64

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not afliated with any of the forementioned companies or their respective trademarks,
registered trademarks, product models or copyrights.

12

13

Left Side Panel

Right Side Panel

Output

Trim

Use a standard -inch instrument cable to connect the output to your

amplier, mixer or effects devices. You can also connect this output to
an unbalanced input on a recording system.

Raise or lower the trim to optimize the input level for your pickup. Play
hard and adjust trim so clip/batt ashes occasionally. Some pickup
systems may not cause the light to ash at all and other onboard preamps
may require you to turn their output down to achieve an optimum level.

Connecting a guitar cable here will also lift the ground on the XLR D.I.
output, preventing unwanted ground loops.
FX Loop
This tip/ring/sleeve connection allows you to insert external devices, such
as the Fishman AFX Acoustic Effects, between Aura Spectrums blended
signal and the main outputs. Any pedals you connect here will appear at
the 1/4 and XLR D.I. outputs. The overall output level will still be affected
by Aura Spectrums volume control.
9VDC
Power may be supplied by either a 9V battery (battery compartment
underneath the pedal) or the Fishman 910-R (for 110V).

Phase
Use the phase switch to improve bass response at low volume and suppress feedback at high volume. Move the phase switch and leave it in
the position most pleasing to your ear.
USB
After installing Aura Image Gallery software, connect your computer here.
Input
Plug in your guitar here with a standard -inch instrument cable. If you
have a passive undersaddle pickup (no battery onboard), always plug into
the Aura Imaging Pedal rst, even if you use a pedal tuner.
Insert a plug into the input jack, and the Aura Imaging Pedal powers up.
To conserve the battery, remove the plug from the input when not in use.

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15

Top Side Panel

XLR D.I. Output

Connect a standard microphone cable here to feed recording equipment
or a sound reinforcement mixing console. When the 1/4 output is also
connected, this D.I. outputs ground is automatically lifted to prevent any
unwanted ground loops.

16

17

Front Panel Controls

Select
The select knob allows you to choose among
the 16 Images available for each of the eight
different Image Banks. Move the select slider
to choose a bank of Images that best match
the style of instrument youre playing, then
select through the 16 Images to nd the ones
that sound best. Try all 16 within each bank
and adjust the blend knob to obtain more or
less character.
Blend
Position the blend knob straight-up at 12
oclock and youll hear a 50/50 mix of Image
and pickup. Turn the blend all the way right
for just Image; all the way left for just pickup.
Most performers blend in some pickup with
the Image for clarity and denition.

more
pickup

more
Image

Suggestions

Volume
The volume control affects the overall output level coming from both
the 1/4 and the XLR D.I outputs. For the cleanest signal, set the volume
as high as possible without clipping the next device in the signal chain.
If you hear distortion and the clip/batt light is not ashing, reduce the
volume.

18

For live performance try backing off the Image by setting blend
to about 10 or 11 oclock or about 65% pickup. You wont need
too much Image blended in to achieve a great live sound. If
feedback occurs, ip the phase switch.
For recording, try blending in more Image for a realistic
acoustic sound. Set the blend to taste. Again, youll often get
good results with a little bit of pickup blended in with the Image
for clarity and denition.

19

Front Panel Controls (contd)

Pickup EQ: Low, Mid, High

Global vs. Pickup EQ

As a default, the low, mid, and high tone controls affect the sound of
the pickup signal only, allowing you to further rene the sound of your
instrument without excessive alterations to the chosen Image.

When shipped from our factory, the low, mid, and high tone controls
are set to affect the sound of the pickup signal only. This is referred to
as Pickup EQ mode. However, a Global EQ mode may also be selected
which applies the same EQ settings to both the pickup and Image signals
simultaneously (or globally).

A Global EQ mode may also be selected, applying the same EQ settings

to both the pickup and Image path simultaneously.

When you power on Aura Spectrum, watch the tuner display for a P or
a G indicating the currently selected mode.
To select Global EQ mode:

1. Hold the tuner button while Powering on.

2. The display ashes a P indicating that the unit is currently in
Pickup EQ mode.
3. Press the anti-feedback button once and the display now
ashes a G indicating Global EQ mode is now selected.
4. Press the tuner button to select Global EQ and resume
powering on to normal playing mode.
To return to Pickup EQ mode:

Compressor
The compressor control adjusts several
settings within a sophisticated automatic
leveling circuit.

more
dynamics

less
dynamic

As you turn this knob clockwise, your overall

playing dynamics become increasingly limited, making softer notes louder and controlling loud spikes in your playing. This can be helpful in performances
where you desire a more even level to your playing. At its maximum
setting, there may be some overall increase in the output level.

20

1. Hold the tuner button while Powering on.

2. The display ashes a G indicating that the unit is currently in
Global EQ mode.
3. Press the anti-feedback button once and the display now
ashes a P indicating Pickup EQ mode is now selected.
4. Press tuner button to select Pickup EQ and resume powering
on to normal playing mode.

21

Front Panel Controls (contd)

an E played very at

an A# played in-tune

a B played slightly sharp

Tuner Option

Tuner Footswitch
Step on the tuner footswitch to enable the digital chromatic tuner. Youll
know its active when the white Aura LED goes dark and the tuning fork in
the center display is lit red. As a default, Aura Spectrums output is muted
allowing you to tune silently.
To tune, play a note lightly and watch the display. The note name will be
indicated as a single letter and a small # sign will be lit whenever the displayed note is raised one half step. The note being sharp, at, or in-tune
will be displayed using the ve multi-colored LEDs in the tuner window
and below the tuning note. When there is no audio input, or youre not
playing, a will appear in the display.
This digital chromatic tuner accommodates all standard and alternate
tunings and is calibrated to A = 440.

When shipped from the factory, the audio output is muted when the tuner
is engaged.
Alternately, you have the option to use the tuner without muting your output. To choose this option, hold the footswitch down until the Aura LED
ashes. Repeat to return to the factory state.
Bypass mode
Aura Spectrum allows you completely bypass the Image, EQ, and Compressor processing. To enter bypass mode, press both the anti-feedback and tuner switches together. The white Aura LED will alternate
slowly with the tuner LED to indicate bypass mode is active. To exit
bypass mode, press both foot switches again.
With bypass active, all controls including the tuner are functional,
however you will not hear any of the changes until you exit bypass.

22

23

Front Panel Controls (contd)

Anti-Feedback Footswitch

About Phase and Anti-Feedback

Use this search-and-destroy anti-feedback lter in addition to the phase

switch to control feedback during a performance. Aura Spectrums
automatic anti-feedback lter can apply up to three separate notch
lters, which are essentially very precise tone controls that reduce only
a small piece of the audio band. When activated, the lter determines
where the offending resonances are and only reduces the frequencies on
which they are centered.

There are two features provided to help control acoustic feedback, the
phase switch and the anti-feedback control.

While the anti-feedback control is very effective, its best if you spend
some time while setting up before a performance and catch any issues
before you begin to play. With some practice, youll nd you can also use
it to x any resonant notes that may stand out in a particular venue.
Using the automatic anti-feedback control:
1. Press and hold anti-feedback footswitch for 2 seconds. The tuner
display will ash a 1 to indicate it is searching for the rst feedback.
2. Turn up your volume, then either dampen the strings while tapping
the body or play the troublesome note until the feedback begins. The
lter will automatically identify and eliminate the feedback. The 1 in
the display will light solid as will the A-F indicator.
3. At this point, you may continue to turn up your volume as in step 2
to catch up to two more problematic resonances. Each is indicated via a
ashing 2 or 3 during the search, turning to solid lit numerals when
the resonance has been identied.

Feedback usually occurs in the lowest octaves of your instrument. The

natural resonances which produce an instruments tone also react with
amplied sound. The louder an instrument is amplied, the more it will
interact. Feedback occurs when a note on the instrument resonates in
sync with the amplied sound, reinforcing and building to a sustained
howl.
The phase switch ips the polarity of your instrument signal from
positive to negative, changing its relationship to the sound coming from
the amplier. One phase setting usually provides better resistance to
feedback than the other and will vary depending on the instrument and
playing environment. Another approach to determining optimal phase is
the selection which sounds or feels most natural when playing.
The phase switch also affects the signal polarity to the balanced XLR
D.I. and 1/4 inch outputs, synchronizing the amplier with other sound
systems in use.
In certain playing environments the phase switch may not have an
audible impact.
The anti-feedback control is an automatic variable frequency notch lter designed to subdue a resonant peak on the instrument which is prone
to feedback. Check out page 24 for more exact details of its operation.

4. You may tap the anti-feedback footswitch at any time to cancel the
search. The circuit will hold the offending frequenc(ies) in memory until
you repeat the process again.
You may also turn the lter on or off at any time by tapping the footswitch. When enabled, the A-F lights to indicate the lters are active
and the number of lters being applied will be briey displayed.
24

25

Downloading Images

Battery Replacement

The Aura Image Gallery software manages a vast library of Images created from an ever-expanding list of instruments, and provides tools to
search and store sets of Images.

The clip/batt indicator will light steadily when it is time to change the
battery. Open the battery door underneath the pedal and install a fresh
9V alkaline or lithium battery. When the clip/batt LED comes on you
have approximately one hour of remaining battery life.

If you cant nd your exact instrument in the list, use the built-in Image
Wizard to nd the closest match. For example, if one of our hundreds of
Images doesnt match your instrument exactly, you can still nd a great
sounding Image by matching similar tone woods and body styles. Experiment with these tools, and use your ears to determine what sounds best
for your playing or musical style.
To access this library of additional instrument Images, install the Aura Image Gallery on your computer. Then, gently remove the USB cover from
the right side of the unit and connect the included USB cable to the side
of the preamp and your computer. Create a new Image Set and load your
Images into Aura Spectrum
Be sure to install the Aura Image Gallery software prior to connecting
Aura Spectrum for the rst time.

USB mini jack

26

27

Specications

Signal Flow
The illustration below shows the audio signal as it ows through Aura
Spectrum. Note: When Global EQ mode is selected, the tone controls
also affect the Image signal as indicated by * (see pages 20 & 21).
input

trim

phase

clip | batt

Input impedance:
Input trim gain range:

10M Ohm
-10dB to +2dB

Nominal Output impedance:

3.5k Ohm
Maximum Output level (onset of clipping): +3dBV
Digital signal path:
A/D, D/A conversion:
Signal processing:

24-bit
32-bit
-97dBV (A-weighted)
100dB (A-weighted)

Baseline noise:
Dynamic range:

compressor

Power supply:
Typical in-use current consumption:
Typical 9V battery life:

9V adapter:

blend
compressor

Image select

low

mid

9V battery or 9VDC adapter

25mA
20 hours using alkaline battery
40 hours using lithium battery)
Fishman 910-R (for 110V)
or suitable ltered and regulated,
200mA type, tip = negative

high

Tone Controls:
Low (bass) control:
Midrange control:
High (treble) control:

12dB @ 70Hz
12dB @ 1kHz
12dB @ 6.5kHz

Anti-Feedback Notch Filter (3 notches):

100Hz Default Frequency

50Hz to 750Hz Search Range
0.25 Octave bandwidth
13.5dB Attentuation

Phase switch:

Forward position = non-inverting

insert style effects loop

tip = send

XLR ground is lifted

when 1/4 output is
is connected

ring = return

All specications subject to change without notice

fx loop

output

volume

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Fishman and Fishman Transducers are trademarks or tradenames of Fishman Transducers Inc.

513-300-159 Rev A, 8-09