Introduction
The Palmer POCKET AMP ACOUSTIC is a versatile portable preamp designed for acoustic guitars, basses, and other acoustic string instruments. It offers extensive sound shaping options, making it suitable for various applications including live performances, recording sessions, and practice. This device accommodates both piezo and magnetic pickups and features a 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mid control specifically tuned for acoustic instruments. It also includes an input limiter to prevent transient distortion and a 5-position rotary notch filter to eliminate resonant frequency feedback.
Safety Information
- Read all instructions before operating the device.
- Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
- Do not open the casing; there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
- Use only the specified power adapter (9V DC, 200mA, center negative) or a 9V battery.
- Keep the unit away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
Package Contents
- Palmer POCKET AMP ACOUSTIC Portable Preamp Unit
- User Manual (this document)
Note: A 9V power adapter and 9V battery are not included and must be purchased separately.
Product Overview
The Palmer POCKET AMP ACOUSTIC features a robust diecast enclosure with heavy-duty footswitch and clear LED status indicators. Below are detailed views of the unit's controls and connections.
Figure 1: Overall View of the Palmer POCKET AMP ACOUSTIC. This image displays the compact design of the preamp, highlighting its various knobs and switches on the top panel, and the input/output jacks on the front and rear.
Figure 2: Top Panel Controls. This view shows the main control surface, including the Gain, Bass, Mid (Level and Freq), Highs, Notch Hz, Blend, and Volume knobs. Also visible are the Mode, D.I., F.SW., and Style switches, along with the footswitch and status LEDs.
Figure 3: Front Panel Connections. This image details the front-facing jacks: the Input (with Normal/PAD -12dB switch), Phones output, Aux In, and Thru output. These connections are essential for instrument input, monitoring, external audio input, and connecting to a tuner or another amplifier.
Figure 4: Rear Panel Connections. This view illustrates the rear connections, including the balanced XLR DI Out (with Lift/GND and Normal/Inverted switches), FX Insert (Tip-Send, Ring-Return), and the DC 9V power input (200mA, center negative).
Setup
- Power Connection: Insert a fresh 9V battery into the battery compartment or connect a compatible 9V DC (200mA, center negative) power adapter to the DC 9V input jack on the rear panel.
- Instrument Input: Connect your acoustic instrument (guitar, bass, ukulele, etc.) to the Input jack on the front panel using a standard 1/4" instrument cable. If your instrument has a high-output signal, engage the PAD -12dB switch to prevent clipping.
- Output Connections:
- To Amplifier/Tuner: Connect the Thru jack to your amplifier or tuner. This output can be assigned via the F.SW. (Footswitch) for mute or bypass functions.
- To Mixer/PA System: Use the balanced XLR DI Out on the rear panel to connect to a mixing console or PA system. The D.I. switch allows you to select between pre-processed (PRE) or post-processed (POST) signal. Use the Lift/GND switch to eliminate ground hum if present. The Normal/Inverted switch can help with phase issues.
- Headphones/Aux In: For silent practice, connect headphones to the Phones output. To play along with external audio, connect a media player to the Aux In jack.
- Effects Loop (Optional): To integrate external effects pedals, connect a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) splitter cable to the FX Insert jack on the rear panel. The Tip will be Send (to effect input) and the Ring will be Return (from effect output).
Operating Instructions
Controls and Switches
- Gain: Adjusts the input sensitivity and overall signal level.
- Bass, Mid (Level & Freq), Highs: 3-band equalizer for tone shaping. The Mid control is semi-parametric, allowing you to select the center frequency (Freq) and then boost or cut its level.
- Notch Hz: A 5-position rotary filter designed to eliminate resonant frequency feedback. Rotate to find and suppress problematic frequencies.
- Blend: Mixes the direct (unprocessed) signal with the processed signal.
- Vol: Controls the overall output volume.
- Mode Switch: Selects the input pickup type for optimal impedance matching:
- A.B. (Acoustic Bass): Optimized for acoustic bass pickups.
- A.G. (Acoustic Guitar): Optimized for acoustic guitar pickups.
- Magn. (Magnetic): For magnetic pickups.
- D.I. Switch (PRE/POST): Determines whether the balanced XLR DI Out sends a signal before (PRE) or after (POST) the preamp's tone shaping and effects.
- F.SW. Switch (MUTE/BYPASS): Configures the footswitch function. In MUTE mode, the footswitch mutes the output. In BYPASS mode, it bypasses the preamp's processing.
- Style Switch (FLAT/MODERN/VINTAGE): Selects between different sound characteristics:
- FLAT: A neutral, uncolored sound.
- MODERN: A crisp, contemporary sound.
- VINTAGE: A warm, classic sound.
Basic Operation
- Ensure all connections are secure and the unit is powered.
- Set the Mode switch according to your instrument's pickup type.
- Start with all EQ knobs (Bass, Mid, Highs) at their center (0) positions, Blend at 100% Wet, and Vol at a low setting.
- Gradually increase the Gain until the signal/peak LED indicates a strong signal without constant clipping. If clipping occurs, reduce Gain or engage the PAD -12dB switch.
- Adjust the Vol knob to achieve the desired output level.
- Experiment with the Style switch to find your preferred overall sound characteristic.
- Use the Bass, Mid, and Highs controls to fine-tune your tone. For the Mid control, sweep the Freq knob to locate the desired frequency range, then adjust the Level to boost or cut.
- If feedback occurs, slowly rotate the Notch Hz knob until the feedback is eliminated.
- Adjust the Blend knob to mix in more or less of the direct signal, if desired.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Battery Replacement: When the battery indicator LED dims or the unit stops functioning, replace the 9V battery. Disconnect power and instrument cables before opening the battery compartment.
- Storage: Store the unit in a dry, cool place away from extreme temperatures and humidity when not in use for extended periods.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound output | No power; incorrect connections; volume too low; footswitch in MUTE mode. | Check battery or power adapter; verify all cables are correctly connected; increase Vol knob; check F.SW. setting. |
| Distorted sound | Gain too high; PAD -12dB not engaged for high-output instruments. | Reduce Gain; engage PAD -12dB switch. |
| Feedback/Humming noise | Resonant frequencies; ground loop. | Adjust Notch Hz knob; engage Lift/GND switch on DI Out; check instrument cable shielding. |
| DI Out not working | Faulty XLR cable; incorrect D.I. switch setting. | Test with a different XLR cable; ensure D.I. switch is set to PRE or POST as desired. |
Specifications
- Model Number: PEPAMPACSTC
- Item Weight: 14.1 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 3.74 x 5 x 1.3 inches
- Compatible Devices: Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo, Double Bass
- Connector Type: 6.35mm Jack (Input, Phones, Aux In, Thru, FX Insert), XLR (DI Out)
- Material Type: Metal
- Output Wattage: 5 Watts (This likely refers to an internal amplifier for headphone output, not a speaker output)
- Power Source: 9V Battery or DC 9V (200mA, center negative) Power Supply
- Color: Multicoloured
Warranty and Support
Palmer products are designed and manufactured to high-quality standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Palmer website. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact your local Palmer dealer or distributor. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
