The Kepma K1 Series Pickup & Preamp System is an advanced acoustic guitar pickup and preamp unit designed to enhance the sound of an acoustic guitar, offering comprehensive tone shaping and an integrated chromatic tuner. This quick-start guide provides essential information for setup, operation, and understanding its technical specifications.
Function Description:
The K1 Series Pickup & Preamp System serves as an active electronic circuit that amplifies and processes the signal from an acoustic guitar's pickup before it reaches an amplifier or PA system. Its primary functions include:
- Signal Amplification: Boosting the low-level signal from the guitar's pickup to a usable line level.
- Tone Shaping (EQ): Providing controls for Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence to allow users to sculpt their guitar's tone.
- Integrated Chromatic Tuner: A built-in digital tuner for accurate and convenient tuning of the instrument.
- Phase Control: A switch to help manage bass response and feedback.
- Battery Monitoring: An indicator to alert the user when the battery is low.
Important Technical Specifications:
The K1 system boasts robust specifications designed for high-fidelity audio performance:
- Nominal Input Level: -20dBV
- Input Impedance: >10 Ohm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of pickups.
- Output Impedance: < 3.5K Ohm (20Hz ~ 20KHz), suitable for driving various amplifiers and PA systems.
- Nominal Output Level: -12dBV
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than .05% (-20dBV input), indicating a very clean signal with minimal unwanted distortion.
- Noise Floor: -97 dB, signifying a very low level of background noise.
- Dynamic Range: 102dB, providing a wide range between the quietest and loudest sounds the system can handle without distortion.
- Battery Life (360mAH, 9V): Approximately 100 hours (with EQ working and Tuner off), offering extended use before battery replacement.
- EQ Control Frequencies (point control ± 7dB, Q=1):
- Bass Control Frequency: 60Hz, for adjusting the low-end warmth and fullness.
- Middle Control Frequency: 800Hz, for shaping the mid-range presence and "bite."
- Treble Control Frequency: 20KHz, for controlling the brightness and clarity of the sound.
- Presence Control Frequency: 10KHz, for fine-tuning the upper harmonics and attack.
Usage Features:
The K1 system is designed for intuitive operation, offering several features for ease of use and performance optimization:
Quick Start Guide:
- Set the controls: Begin by turning the Volume control counter-clockwise until it stops (off). Set the Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence controls to their center positions.
- Plug in: Connect the K-1 to an amplifier or PA system using a ¼-inch instrument cable. The battery light will flash once quickly to confirm that the pickup/preamp system is active.
- Raise your levels and EQ adjust: Gradually increase the Volume and adjust the Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence controls to achieve the desired sound.
K-1 Controls Explained:
- Volume: This knob controls the overall output level. For the cleanest signal, it should be set as high as possible without causing distortion or feedback.
- Bass: Boost this control to add depth and weight to the guitar's sound.
- Middle: Turning this knob all the way left creates a smooth, "scooped out" tone at high volumes. Turning it clockwise from the center adds midrange "bite" to the sound, helping the guitar cut through a mix.
- Treble: Boost this control to cut through the mix, or cut it to mellow and subdue the sound.
- Presence: This control allows fine-tuning of frequencies between 15K-20K, affecting the clarity and articulation of the sound.
- Phase Switch: This feature is used to improve bass response at low volumes and to suppress feedback at high volumes.
- Tuner: Engaging the tuner mutes the output, allowing for silent tuning. Play a single note, and its name will be displayed. The lights and indicators change to show tuning status:
- Meter in Initial Position (Tuner Standby Mode): Indicates the tuner is active but not yet detecting a note.
- Meter in Center (Note in Tune): The display shows the note name, and the meter is centered, indicating the note is in tune.
- Meter Left of Center (Note Flat - Tighten String): The display shows the note name, and the meter is to the left, indicating the note is flat and the string needs to be tightened.
- Meter Right of Center (Note Sharp - Loosen String): The display shows the note name, and the meter is to the right, indicating the note is sharp and the string needs to be loosened.
- Battery Indicator: A red light illuminates when the battery level is low, signaling that a replacement is needed soon.
Maintenance Features:
While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance procedures, the inclusion of a battery indicator is a key maintenance feature. It ensures that users are alerted in advance when the 9V battery needs to be replaced, preventing unexpected power loss during performance. The robust design and high-quality components, as indicated by the low THD and noise floor, suggest a reliable system that requires minimal ongoing maintenance beyond battery changes.
The Kepma K1 Series Pickup & Preamp System is manufactured for Kepma Guitar Company in Qishi Town Dongguan, Guangdong, and is supported in the USA by Kepma USA in Nashville, TN. Further information can be found at www.KepmaUSA.com.
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