Owner’s Manual AC DC AC & BATTERY POWERED FET
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (Owner’s manual p. 25 – p. 31; p. 4 – p. 5). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety.
Main Features ● This effects unit analyzes the dynamics of your guitar picking, so it can provide a wah effect faithful to the picking. ● Whether you’re playing a guitar or bass, the new SENS control feature lets you get just the right wah sound. ● Five modes—UP, DOWN, SHARP, HUMANIZER, and TEMPO—let you use the wah sound in a variety of ways.
IMPORTANT NOTES In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on p. 25, please read and observe the following: Power Supply: Use of Batteries • Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system). • The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.
IMPORTANT NOTES in the vicinity of such receivers. • To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture. Maintenance • For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
Panel Description 1. AC adaptor Jack 1 2 3 5 4 6 7 8 6 An AC adaptor (BOSS PSA-series: sold separately) can be connected to this jack. If an AC adaptor is used, you will be able to play for extended periods without worrying about battery life. * As soon as you connect the AC adaptor, the unit is turned on. * If there is the battery in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).
Panel Description 2. CHECK Indicator 3. OUTPUT Jack Combination indicator that shows the effect’s on/off status, tempo (in Tempo mode: p. 14), and Battery Check function. The indicator is lit when the effect is on, thereby allowing you to check whether the effect is on or off. * If the indicator dims when the effect is on or when the tempo is being displayed, it means that the battery is running out of reserve; when this occurs, replace with fresh batteries.
Panel Description 6. BASS IN Jack 8. Thumbscrew This jack accepts input signal coming from a bass guitar. * BASS IN is disabled when the GUITAR IN jack is used. * When running the unit on battery power, the GUITAR IN and BASS IN jacks double as power switches. Power to the unit is turned on when you plug into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack; the power is turned off when the cable is unplugged. Be sure to disconnect any cord plugged into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack when not using this effects device.
Panel Description 9. DECAY Knob 11. SENS Knob Adjusts the time over which the wah and Humanizer effects make the changes. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the time that the effect plays. Adjusts the amount of wah effect that is applied in response to the input level. The further you turn this knob clockwise, the stronger the wah effect applied, even with lighter picking. Turn the SENS knob fully counterclockwise, then adjust the MANUAL knob to get a fixed wah (fixed filter) effect.
Connections AC adaptor PSA-series (option) Electric guitar Amplifier OUT 9V DC/200mA or Footswitch Expression Pedal BOSS FS-5U (option) Roland EV-5 (option) Polarity switch 10 Electric bass
Connections * Inserting a plug into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN Jack will automatically switch the unit on. * To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections. * If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).
Description of Each Mode ● UP, DOWN, SHARP UP Mode: Provides a wah effect in which the filter shifts to higher frequencies. DOWN Mode: Provides a wah effect in which the filter shifts to lower frequencies. SHARP Mode: Provides a stronger wah effect with shifting of the filter to higher frequencies. 4 3 2 1. When you have finished making the connections (p. 10), turn the effect on (the CHECK indicator turns red). 2.
Description of Each Mode ● HUMANIZER In this mode, the guitar sound is transformed into the sound of a human voice. The vowel changes as you pick. 4 3 2 2. Select the first vowel with the VOWEL 1 knob. 3. Select the second vowel with the VOWEL 2 knob. 4. Use the DECAY knob to adjust the length of time used to move from VOWEL 1 to VOWEL 2.
Description of Each Mode ● TEMPO In this mode, you can use the AW-3’s pedal switch (p. 8) or the optional BOSS FS-5U foot switch (p. 17) to set the Auto Wah’s tempo, in a range from 200 mSec to 4 Sec. 3 Tempo Settings with the AW-3 Pedal 1. When you have finished making the connections (p. 10), press and hold down the AW-3’s pedal switch for at least two seconds to enable setting of the tempo (the CHECK indicator turns green, and the tempo flashes in red).
Description of Each Mode 2. Depress the pedal to get the tempo you want. The speed changes to match the tempo entered by pressing the pedal, and the CHECK indicator will flash in sync with the tempo. Available range for the tempo: 200 mSec – 4 Sec 3. With the DECAY knob, adjust the wah effect time. 4. When you have finished setting the tempo, once again step on the pedal switch, and keep it down for two or more seconds.
Using the EXP/CTL Jack ● With an expression pedal (the optional Roland EV-5) connected to the EXP/ CTL jack, the wah and Humanizer effects are then applied in response to the operation of the pedal. * Set the EV-5's minimum volume to the lowest setting (0). The wah and Humanizer effects may not play correctly if this minimum value is not set. VOWEL 2 16 VOWEL 1 (1) In UP, DOWN, or TEMPO mode: Provides the pedal wah effect. * The DECAY, MANUAL, and SENS knob functions are disabled.
Using the EXP/CTL Jack ● With a momentary-type foot switch (the optional BOSS FS-5U) connected to the EXP/CTL jack, you can use the foot switch to set tempos in TEMPO mode. * Connecting or disconnecting the optional BOSS FS-5U control pedal when setting the tempo may cause the tempo to become erratic. If this occurs, set the tempo again. In this setup, the AW-3’s pedal switch is only used to turn the effect on and off. * Set the polarity switch of the connected foot switch as shown in the figure below.
Changing the Battery When the CHECK indicator goes dim or no longer lights while an effect is on, it means that the battery is nearly dead and must be replaced. Replace the battery following the steps below. * For best results (i.e.., longest usable life) use an alkaline type battery. Thumbscrew Pedal Spring Base Battery Snap Cord Coil Spring Guide Bush Hole Battery Snap Battery Housing 9V Battery 18 1. Loosen the thumbscrew at the front of the pedal, then lift the pedal upwards to open the unit.
Troubleshooting Power won’t come on/ CHECK indicator doesn’t light: ● Is the specified adaptor (PSA-series; sold separately) properly connected? Check the connection once more (p. 10). ● Is the battery low or dead? Replace with a new battery (p. 18). ● Is the guitar properly connected to the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack? Check the connection once more (p. 10).
Troubleshooting ● Is an EV-5 connected to the EXP/CTL jack? With an EV-5 connected to the EXP/CTL jack, you won’t be able to obtain a wah effect that reflects picking dynamics. Sound is distorted: ● Is the battery low? As the battery is drained, the CHECK indicator dims, and the AW-3 may start to function incorrectly. Replace with a new battery (p. 18). ● Could the level of the sound being input be excessive? With some guitars, distortion may be produced. Be careful of your guitar’s output level.
Troubleshooting Turning the knobs has no effect: ● Is the MODE switch at the correct position? Certain knob functions are disabled in some modes. Refer to “Description of Each Mode” (p. 12 – p. 15) for more on the functions in each mode. ● Do you have an EV-5 connected to the EXP/CTL jack? Certain knob functions are disabled when the EV-5 is connected to the EXP/ CTL jack. Refer to “Using the EXP/CTL Jack” (p. 16 – p. 17).
Setting samples 22 Standard Picking Wah Wah Wah Pedal Synth-like Picking Wah Human-like Voice
Specifications AW-3: Dynamic Wah Nominal Input Level .................. -20 dBu Input Impedance ......................... 1 MΩ Nominal Output Level ............... -20 dBu Output Impedance ...................... 1 kΩ Recommended Load Impedance .... 10 kΩ or greater Residual Noise............................. -92 dBu (IHF-A Typ.) Controls ........................................ Pedal Switch, DECAY Knob, MANUAL/VOWEL 2 Knob, SENS/VOWEL 1 Knob, MODE Switch Indicator .......................................
Specifications Dimensions .................................. 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm 2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches Weight........................................... 420 g /15 oz (including Battery) Accessories ................................... Owner’s Manual Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”) Dry battery (9 V type) S-006P/9 V (6F22/9 V) * The battery that was supplied with the unit is for temporary use—intended primarily for testing its operation.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly. * Material damage refers other adverse effects respect to the home furnishings, as well animals or pets. to damage or caused with and all its to domestic The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.
001 • Before using this unit, make sure to read the instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual. ................................................................................. 002c • Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor. ................................................................................. 003 • Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so).
008b • Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-series), and make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor’s body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock. ................................................................................. 009 • Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor place heavy objects on it.
012c • Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when: • The AC adaptor or the powersupply cord has been damaged; or • Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the unit; or • The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet); or • The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change
016 • Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page. ................................................................................. 019 • Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water. 101b • The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation. ..............
106 • Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit. ................................................................................. 107d • Never handle the AC adaptor body, or its plugs, with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit. ................................................................................. 108b • Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and all cords coming from external devices. ............................................
5 • If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area with running water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.
For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. For the USA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
