Yamaha STAGEPAS 300 Owner's Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha PORTABLE PA SYSTEM STAGEPAS 300. The STAGEPAS 300 is a versatile, compact PA system consisting of two speakers and a mixer. This manual provides thorough guidance on its sophisticated functions to help you get the most out of your new system.

Features

• Two-way, 8-inch (20 cm) speaker system: Delivers high-quality, powerful sound from an exceptionally compact cabinet. The scratch-resistant speakers are rugged enough for outdoor use.
• Powered mixer: A convenient, high-performance all-in-one unit including EQ and reverb. It features four mono inputs and two stereo inputs, allowing connection to a wide range of instruments and devices.
• Convenient storage: The STAGEPAS 300 can be used in cramped spaces. The mixer is built into one speaker cabinet, and the other speaker has a special compartment for storing speaker cables and microphones, making it easy to transport all necessary equipment.

Important Safety Instructions

? CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

? CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK), NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

• Read and keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer. When a cart is used, use caution when moving to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Package Contents

• Two speakers
• Mixer
• Panel
• Power cord
• Two speaker cables
• Owner's Manual (this booklet)

NOTE: The mixer and panel are installed in the speakers when the STAGEPAS 300 leaves the factory.

Getting Started: Setup and Operation

Removing the Mixer

To remove the mixer from the speaker:

1. Ensure the mixer's power switch is turned OFF.
2. Use a screwdriver or coin to turn each screw on the mixer from LOCK to OPEN until it clicks.
3. Securely hold the mixer's handles to remove it from the speaker. (Use only the mixer's handles for removal and carrying.)

NOTE: The mixer can also be used when installed in the speaker.

Power Supply Connections

1. Make sure that the mixer's power switch is turned OFF.
2. Connect the included power cord to the [AC IN] jack on the mixer.
3. Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

Turning the Power On/Off

To avoid loud, unexpected noise from the speakers, first turn on the power to connected devices closest to the sound source (e.g., Sound source → STAGEPAS 300 → Powered Speaker). When turning off the power, reverse the order described above.

Before turning on the power, set the LEVEL controls and MASTER LEVEL control to their minimum setting (zero). Before connecting any devices, make sure to turn off the power for all devices. To avoid possible malfunction, use only the speaker cables included with the device.

To turn the power ON: Press the mixer's power switch to the ON position (the POWER indicator lights). To turn the power OFF: Press the power switch to the OFF position (the POWER indicator turns off).

Controls and Functions

Key Controls:

• 1 AC IN jack: Connect the included power cable here. Use only the included cord to prevent malfunction, heat generation, or fire.
• 2 POWER switch: Turns the mixer's power ON and OFF.
• 3 SPEAKER L/R jacks: Output the mixed signal channels for the included speakers. The level is adjusted with the MASTER LEVEL control. Ensure power is OFF before connecting speakers.
• 4 REC OUT L/R jacks: Output the mixed signal channels, unaffected by the MASTER LEVEL control. Useful for connecting to an external recorder.
• 5 MONITOR OUT L (MONO) /R jacks: Output the mixed signal channels, adjusted by the MONITOR OUT control. Convenient for connecting an external powered speaker for monitoring purposes.
• 6 LEVEL control: Use these controls to adjust the volume balance among the various channels. Set any LEVEL controls on unused channels to the minimum to reduce noise.
• 13 MASTER LEVEL Control: Determines the volume of the signal output from the SPEAKER L/R jacks. This allows adjustment of the overall volume without changing the relative volume balance among channels or tone settings.
• 16 LEVEL meter: Shows the level of the output signal from the SPEAKER L/R jacks. If the LIMITER indicator flashes continuously, the internal power amplifier section is being excessively overloaded and may malfunction. Reduce the output level with the MASTER LEVEL control so that the indicator flashes only briefly on the highest transient peaks.
• 17 POWER indicator: Lights when the POWER switch is ON. When the indicator flashes, the protection circuit is operating. Check speaker cable connection and reapply power.
• 14 SPEECH/MUSIC switch: Set this switch to SPEECH to optimize settings for speech purposes and announcements. Set it to MUSIC to optimize for musical performance. The switch lights up in yellow when set to MUSIC.
• 10 REVERB switch: Set this switch to ON to recreate the rich ambience of various performance environments, such as a concert hall or a night club. The switch lights up in green when REVERB is ON.
• 11 REVERB control: Determines the overall level of the reverb or echo applied to the output signal. For best results, do not set this level very high to avoid possible feedback and prevent the sound from becoming "muddy" with too much reverb.
• 9 Equalizer (HIGH/LOW): HIGH determines the level of the high frequency band for each channel. LOW determines the level of the low frequency band for each channel. Rotating the knob clockwise boosts frequencies and produces a clearer or deeper sound.
• 8 MIC/LINE switch: Set this switch to MIC or LINE for channels 1 to 4, depending on the input signal level. Use MIC for low-level signals (microphones) and LINE for high-level signals (keyboard instruments, audio equipment).
• 7 Stereo channel input jacks (CH 5/6, 7/8): Input the left and right channels of a stereo signal into the respective odd and even channels. Intended for instruments with stereo outputs, such as synthesizers or CD players. Use either phone or RCA jacks, but not both.
• 6 Channel input jacks (CH 1 to 4): For connecting guitars, microphones, keyboards, or other instruments/devices. Use either XLR or phone jack, but not both.

Quick Guide: Getting Sound Out of the System

Using the included speakers, set up the system and try it out.

1. Connect the included speakers and your instruments to the mixer. Connect the included speakers to the SPEAKER L/R jack. Connect sources (guitar, other instruments) to the input jacks. (Refer to "Connection Example" for details.)
   ? CAUTION: Before connecting any devices, turn off the power for all devices. To avoid any possible malfunction, use only the speaker cables included with the device. Also, before turning the power on or off, set the volume levels on all devices to minimum.
   NOTE: For best results when connecting an electric guitar or bass guitar to the mixer, use a direct box, preamp (guitar amp), or amp simulator.
2. Set the mixer's LEVEL controls and MASTER LEVEL control to the minimum (zero).
3. Depending on the device used, set the MIC/LINE switch to MIC or LINE as appropriate. For low-level signals (such as microphones), set the switch to the MIC position. For high-level signals (such as keyboard instruments and audio equipment), set the switch to the LINE position.
4. Turning the power on. First, turn on the power to any connected devices, then turn the STAGEPAS 300 power on. If you've connected powered speakers to the mixer, turn on the power of the mixer first, then the powered speakers.
   ? CAUTION: To avoid any loud, unexpected noise from the speakers, first turn on the power to those connected devices that are closest to the sound source. Example: Sound source → STAGEPAS 300 → Powered amplifier. When turning off the power to the system, reverse the order described above.
5. Set the MASTER LEVEL control to the optimum position (indicated by the arrow).
6. While playing your instrument or singing into the microphone, adjust the LEVEL control of the corresponding channel. Adjust the LEVEL control of the corresponding channel so that the "0" LED lights up momentarily.

Applying Reverb or Echo to the Sound

Reverb recreates the warm ambience of an actual performance space, such as a concert hall or a night club.

1. For each channel you want to apply reverb, set the corresponding REVERB switch to ON.
2. Use the REVERB control to adjust the overall reverb. For best results, this level should not be set very high, to avoid possible feedback and to prevent the sound from becoming "muddy" with too much reverb.

Troubleshooting

Power Does Not Turn On

• Is the included power cord correctly connected to a power outlet?

Power Shuts Down Suddenly

• Is the volume set at high for an extended period of time? If the mixer is used at a volume beyond the permissible level, the protection circuit automatically turns the power off. Turn on the power again only after the mixer cools, since it cannot be turned on until the internal temperature goes down. Reduce the volume with the MASTER LEVEL control so that the LIMITER indicator flashes only briefly in response to the highest transient peaks.
• Is the vent on the top panel of the mixer blocked? Since inadequate ventilation can result in overheating the mixer, the protection circuit may come on automatically and the power may be turned off. Turn on the power again only after the mixer cools, since it cannot be turned on until the internal temperature goes down.

No Sound is Heard

• Are external instruments (including a microphone) or speakers correctly connected to the mixer?
• Are the LEVEL controls of all relevant channels and/or the MASTER LEVEL control set to appropriate levels?
• Are the SPEAKER L/R jacks connected to the included speakers?
• Are the included speaker cables used? If the connector of a speaker cable other than the included speaker cable touches any metal parts such as the mixer's handle, no sound may result because of a short circuit. Use only the speaker cables included with the device.
• Is the POWER indicator flashing? There may be a short in the speaker cable or the connection may be faulty. Check that the speaker cable is correctly connected to the mixer and reapply the power.
• If sound is not still output, contact your Yamaha dealer.

Sound is Interrupted

• Is the volume set too high? If the mixer is used at a volume beyond the permissible level, the sound may be interrupted as the protection circuit automatically turns the power off and resets repeatedly. Reduce the volume with the MASTER LEVEL control so that the LIMITER indicator flashes only briefly on the highest transient peaks.

Sound is Distorted or Noise is Produced

• Are the LEVEL controls of all relevant channels and/or the MASTER LEVEL control set to appropriate levels?
• Are the MIC/LINE switches of each channel set appropriately?
• Are both XLR type and phone type jacks on channels 1–4 being used (connected) at the same time? Please connect to only one of these jacks on each channel.
• Is the input signal from the connected device set to an appropriate level?

Sound is Not Loud Enough

• Are the LEVEL controls of all relevant channels and/or the MASTER LEVEL control set to appropriate levels?
• Are the MIC/LINE switches of each channels set appropriately?
• Are both XLR type and phone type jacks on channels 1-4 being used (connected) at the same time? Please connect to only one of these jacks on each channel.
• Is the input signal from the connected device set to an appropriate level?

Reverb is Not Applied to the Sound

• Are the REVERB switches of each channels set to ON?
• Is the REVERB control set to an appropriate level?

Changing the Sound Quality

• Are the Equalizer controls (HIGH/LOW) set to appropriate levels?
• If you want to get a more powerful sound from the speakers, set the SPEECH/MUSIC switch to MUSIC.
• If you want to get a clearer sound for announcements, set the SPEECH/MUSIC switch to SPEECH.

Using a Single Speaker

You can use a single speaker. If you use a single speaker, the mixer outputs just one channel of the stereo signal, left or right.

Outputting the Signal for Monitoring

Connect a powered speaker to the MONITOR OUT jack. The MONITOR OUT jack outputs the signal prior to routing through the MASTER LEVEL control. Adjust the level of output signal from the MONITOR OUT jack with the MONITOR OUT control. The MONITOR OUT control does not affect the MASTER LEVEL control. If the signals are output from the L (left) MONITOR OUT jack, the mixer feeds the mixed L and R signals to the jack.

System Block Diagram

A block diagram illustrates the signal flow through the STAGEPAS 300. It shows inputs (MIC/LINE, Stereo), signal processing stages (PAD, EQ, LEVEL, REVERB, LIMITER), and outputs (SPEAKER L/R, MONITOR OUT, REC OUT). The diagram details how signals are routed and processed from input to output, including EQ and reverb application, and the role of the limiter.

Connection Example

The STAGEPAS 300 can be used in a wide variety of sound reinforcement applications, from a full-band performance onstage to solo street performance—providing a powerful, high-performance system in an exceptionally compact and portable package.

Connect a guitar or a microphone to the monaural input jacks (channels 1 to 4) and connect a keyboard to the stereo input jacks (channels 5/6 or 7/8). If you have a powered speaker, you can connect it to the MONITOR OUT jack for monitoring your vocals. For optimum results in band performance applications and to create a more powerful sound for music, make sure to set the SPEECH/MUSIC switch to MUSIC.

NOTE: For best results when connecting an electric guitar or bass guitar to the mixer, use a direct box, preamp (guitar amp), or amp simulator.

Diagram Description: The diagram visually demonstrates how to connect the included speakers, microphones, a guitar, a keyboard, and a CD player to the mixer's various input jacks. It also shows the connection of a powered speaker to the MONITOR OUT jack. Signal paths are indicated by lines connecting the components to the mixer.