Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus XM Acoustic Guitar Pickup Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus XM is a single coil acoustic guitar pickup designed to provide clear, bright, and balanced tones for steel-string guitars. It features a smooth maple wood housing and a 15-foot low-noise double-shielded cable with a 1/4" nickel jack for direct connection.

Key Features:

• Excellent string balance with clear and bright tones.
• Bell-like harmonics and wide dynamic range for a warm, rich tone.
• 15-foot low-noise double-shielded cable with 1/4" nickel jack.
• Maple wood ebony finish housing for high-end response and balanced tone clarity.
• Quick-mount, tool-free installation without guitar modification.

Patented Coil Configuration:

The pickup utilizes a patented coil configuration with thousands of finely tuned copper wires wrapped around a magnetic core. This design creates a concentrated magnetic field, translating acoustic vibrations into electric signals for amplification.

2. Setup and Installation

The Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus XM pickup is designed for quick, tool-free installation into the soundhole of most acoustic guitars. No drilling or soldering is required, and it does not require a battery.

Installation Steps:

1. Step 1: Slide the pickup under the strings into the guitar's soundhole.
2. Step 2: Line up the cushion against the base side of the soundhole.
3. Step 3: Compress the foam until the treble end clears, ensuring a snug fit.

The pickup is compatible with 6-string, 7-string, and 12-string guitars, fitting soundholes with a diameter of 3-4 inches. Installation typically takes under 30 seconds.

For detailed visual instructions, you may refer to the official Installation Manual (PDF).

3. Operating Instructions

Once installed, the Pro Mag Plus XM pickup is ready for immediate use. Connect the integrated 1/4" jack to your desired amplification or recording equipment.

Connection Options:

• Amplifier: Connect the pickup directly to a guitar amplifier using a standard instrument cable.
• Sound Mixer: Connect to a sound mixer for live sound reinforcement or recording.
• Sound Card: Connect to a computer's sound card input port for direct recording.

Sound Characteristics:

The single coil design provides a high-end frequency response, amplifying the natural tone of your acoustic guitar. It is responsive to center tone and delivers:

• Wider range high-frequency tones.
• Tight bass response.
• Distinct midrange punch.
• Bright, snappy tone.
• Treble-focused sound.

4. Maintenance

The Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus XM pickup is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance. The maple wood housing is decay-resistant and features a smooth, non-porous surface.

• Cleaning: To clean the pickup, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these may damage the finish.
• Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the pickup in a clean, dry environment away from extreme temperatures and humidity.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus XM pickup, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound Output:
  • Ensure the pickup's 1/4" jack is fully inserted into the amplifier/mixer input.
  • Check all cable connections from the pickup to the amplifier/mixer.
  • Verify that the amplifier/mixer is powered on and its volume is turned up.
  • Test with a different instrument cable to rule out a faulty cable.
  • If using an amplifier, ensure it is functioning correctly by testing with another instrument.
• Hum or Unwanted Noise:
  • Ensure the pickup is securely seated in the soundhole to minimize vibrations.
  • Check for any loose connections in the cable or input jack.
  • Move away from sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., power supplies, fluorescent lights).
  • Test with a different instrument cable.
• Weak or Distorted Sound:
  • Ensure the pickup is positioned correctly in the soundhole.
  • Check the input gain settings on your amplifier or mixer; too high or too low can cause distortion or weakness.
  • Verify that the strings are not too far from the pickup, affecting signal strength.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact Dean Markley customer support for further assistance.

6. Specifications

Pickup Comparison (Pro Mag Plus XM vs. Humbucker):

7. Warranty and Support

The Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus XM Acoustic Guitar Pickup comes with a 5-year warranty, reflecting the manufacturer's commitment to quality and durability.

Customer Support:

For warranty claims, technical assistance, or any questions regarding your product, please contact Dean Markley customer support directly. Refer to the product packaging or the official Dean Markley website for the most current contact information.

Dean Markley was established in 1972 and is known for manufacturing musical instrument-related products, primarily strings for guitars, and accessories like pickups, amplifiers, and tuners. Products are Made in the USA.