Fishman PowerTap Earth Soundhole Pickup System User Manual

Introduction

The Fishman PowerTap Earth pickup system is designed to provide acoustic guitarists with a versatile and high-fidelity amplification solution. It integrates the renowned Rare Earth Humbucker soundhole pickup with an innovative soundboard body sensor, offering a rich, transparent acoustic tone combined with dynamic percussive capabilities. This system allows for enhanced expression through touch, ambience, and percussion, expanding the sonic possibilities of your instrument.

Figure 1: Components of the Fishman PowerTap Earth system, including the soundhole pickup, body sensor, and endpin jack preamp.

Setup

The PowerTap Earth system is designed for straightforward installation with solderless connections. Follow these guidelines for proper setup:

1. Installation: The system features an endpin jack mounted preamp and a soundhole-mounted volume and tone control module. Ensure all components are securely placed within the guitar's body. The solderless connections simplify the wiring process.
2. Pickup Placement: The undersaddle Matrix pickup is available in various formats (wide, narrow, split saddles) to accommodate different guitar bridge designs. Ensure it is correctly seated under the saddle for optimal string balance.
3. Cable Connection: The system automatically detects whether a mono or stereo cable is used. For independent control of the Rare Earth and Tap signals, use a stereo cable. This allows for separate effects, level control, and EQ for each pickup.
4. Initial Adjustments: Once installed, familiarize yourself with the soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone. The preamp's voicing switch is easily accessible and can be adjusted to suit different guitar types, amplification setups, and playing styles.

Operating

The PowerTap Earth system offers intuitive controls for shaping your sound and exploring new performance dynamics:

• Blend Control: The easily adjustable blend control allows you to mix the signals from the Rare Earth Humbucker and the soundboard body sensor. This can be done in mono for a combined output or in stereo for separate signal paths.
• Percussive Elements: Utilize the Tap pickup technology to incorporate percussive elements into your playing. This sensor captures the subtle nuances of touch and body taps, adding unique textures to your performance.
• Voicing Switch: The preamp includes a voicing switch that can be adjusted to optimize the system's response for various acoustic guitars, amplifiers, and playing techniques. Experiment with this switch to find the ideal tonal characteristics for your setup.
• Independent Signal Processing: When using a stereo cable, you can route the Rare Earth and Tap signals to separate channels on your mixer or amplifier. This enables independent application of effects, level adjustments, and equalization to each pickup, allowing for complex and layered soundscapes.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Fishman PowerTap Earth system:

• Battery Replacement: The system operates on a Silver Oxide battery. An integrated LED low battery indicator is located on the blend control module. When the LED illuminates, it indicates that the battery level is low and requires replacement.
• Battery Preservation: To prevent premature battery drain, always unplug your instrument cable from the endpin jack when the system is not in use. Leaving the cable plugged in will continuously draw power from the battery.
• Cleaning: Keep the external components of the pickup system clean using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the finish or electronic components.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your PowerTap Earth system, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound or Weak Signal:
  • Check the battery: If the low battery indicator LED is on, replace the Silver Oxide battery.
  • Ensure the instrument cable is fully inserted into the endpin jack.
  • Verify that your amplifier or mixer is powered on and set to an appropriate input.
• Unwanted Noise or Feedback:
  • Adjust the blend control to reduce the contribution of the body sensor if feedback occurs at high volumes.
  • Experiment with the preamp's voicing switch to find a setting that minimizes unwanted resonances.
  • Ensure proper grounding of your amplification system.
• Inconsistent Percussive Response:
  • Check the secure mounting of the body sensor within the guitar.
  • Adjust the blend control to increase the body sensor's presence in the mix.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the Fishman PowerTap Earth system is not provided in this manual. For detailed warranty terms, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Fishman website or contact Fishman customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.