The Fender Passport Portable Sound System is a self-contained, portable audio system designed for amplifying voices, musical instruments, CDs, and tape playback in various settings. It offers 250 watts of clear stereo sound and includes everything needed for operation: a powered mixer/amplifier, two full-range speaker cabinets, two dynamic microphones, and all necessary cables.
Function Description:
The Passport system is designed for ease of use and portability. It can be carried like a large suitcase, with the two speaker cabinets, mixer, microphones, and cables stored within. The mixer features four stereo channels with eight inputs (four XLR and four line inputs) and left and right RCA input jacks for music playback from CD or cassette players. Each channel has individual controls for level, EQ, and reverb/auxiliary send.
A key feature is the VIP™ (Vocal Input Priority) function, which automatically lowers background music when someone speaks into Mic 1, restoring the music level once speaking stops. This is useful for public address applications. The system also includes built-in digital reverb to enhance vocals and musical instruments.
The Passport offers switchable main/monitor operation. In its normal L-R Stereo mode, it functions as a stereo mixer for audience sound. In monitor mode, it acts as a mono "house" (audience) mixer with a separate monitor mix, allowing for flexible stage monitoring.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Output: 125W/channel continuous average power into 4 or 8Ω, both channels driven with THD < 1%.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 40 kHz +/- 1 dB (at send output); 30 Hz to 30 kHz +/- 1 dB (at speaker output, with processor threshold exceeded).
- Distortion: <0.05%, 20 Hz to 20kHz 1 dB below rated output.
- System Signal to Noise Ratio: >80 dB @ 1W, "A" WTD.
- Power Requirements: 100 volts to 240 volts, 50-60 Hz (AC power). It also supports DC operation from a 12-volt car-type battery with an optional DC-DC converter/adapter, though at slightly reduced maximum levels.
- Input Impedance (Channels 1-4): Mic Input: 2 kΩ; Line Input: 66 kΩ.
- Input Impedance (Stereo Channels): Phono: 78 kΩ; 1/4": 78 kΩ.
- Maximum Input Level: Mic Input: -7 dBu; Line Input: 30 dBu; Stereo Input: 26 dBu.
- Return Input Impedance: 47 kΩ.
- Return Sensitivity: 0 dB for rated output power.
- Fuse Type: T6.3A, 250V.
- Passport System Dimensions (Packed): Width: 840 mm (33.7 in.); Height: 615 mm (24.2 in.); Depth: 300 mm (11.8 in.).
- Passport System Weight: 24 kgs (53 lbs).
- Speakers Dimensions: Width: 340 mm (13.4 in.); Height: 610 mm (24.2 in.); Depth: 300 mm (11.8 in.).
- Speakers Weight: 6.8 kgs (15 lbs) each.
- Power Tower Dimensions: Width: 185 mm (7.3 in.); Height: 615 mm (24.2 in.); Depth: 300 mm (11.8 in.).
- Power Tower Weight: 10.5 kgs (23 lbs).
- Tower Footprint: 350 x 300 mm (13.8 in. x 11.8 in.).
- Microphones: Dynamic Cardioid, balanced (Fender P-51).
- Microphone Cables: XL-M to XL-F, 6 m (20 feet).
- Speaker Cables: 1/4 in. to 1/4 in., 9 m (30 feet).
- Reference: 0 dBu is referenced to 0.775 volts rms.
Usage Features:
- Portability: The system's design allows it to be easily transported as a single unit, with all components stored securely inside.
- Quick Setup: Latches allow for quick assembly and disassembly, revealing the speakers, mixer, and storage compartment for cables and microphones.
- Input Versatility: Accommodates various input connections including 3-pin XLR, 1/4 inch TRS, and stereo RCA jacks, making it compatible with microphones, keyboards, CD players, and cassette players.
- Individual Channel Controls: Each channel has dedicated controls for Level, EQ (Equalization Contour Control), Rev/Aux send, and Pan (for mono channels) or Balance (for stereo channels).
- System EQ: A unique System EQ control allows users to quickly adjust the tonal character of the overall sound to suit different applications and environments, enhancing vocal articulation or boosting low frequencies as needed.
- VIP™ (Vocal Input Priority): Automatically "ducks" background music when speech is detected on Mic 1, ensuring clear vocal intelligibility. The threshold is adjustable.
- Digital Reverb: Built-in 8-bit digital reverb provides enhancement for vocals and instruments, with adjustable send levels per channel and a master reverb control.
- External Effects Loop: Includes Rev/Aux send and return jacks for connecting external effects processors, allowing for more sophisticated or variable reverb effects.
- Tape Out: RCA jacks provide a mix output independent of master level controls, suitable for recording performances.
- Footswitch Connector: Allows for muting the internal reverb return with a simple foot-operated switch.
- Amplifier Send & Return: Connectors for inserting external devices like graphic equalizers directly between the mixer output and power amplifiers.
- Speaker Placement: Speakers are designed to work with tripod and speaker support systems for optimal sound coverage. Elevation is recommended.
- Voltage Selector: A switch on the rear panel allows selection between 115V and 230V, making it suitable for international use.
Maintenance Features:
- Fuse Holder: Located under the IEC power cord socket on the right rear of the Tower, it contains a spare fuse for easy replacement.
- Grounding: The unit must be earth grounded, and users are warned against disconnecting or removing the ground pin on the AC plug.
- Protection System: A fast-acting protection system is incorporated to sense abnormal and potentially damaging conditions, shutting down amplifiers and illuminating a Protect LED when triggered.
- Airflow: Users are reminded to allow free airflow over the heatsink area on the top rear of the Tower to prevent overheating.
- Weather Resistance: The system is weather resistant in its packed-transport mode, but requires protection from rain when operating outdoors.
- User Serviceable Parts: No user-serviceable parts inside; servicing should be referred to qualified personnel only.
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