Takamine TK-40D - User Manual

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Summary

Technical Specifications TK-40 D

Power Supply

Specifies the 9-volt power source required for the preamp.

Pick-up Input

Details the dual input type for the pickup signal.

Output

Indicates the preamp's signal output level of 200 mV.

EQ Control

Defines the boost/cut ranges for Bass, Middle, and Treble frequencies.

Low Battery

Indicates the 6.7 Volt threshold for the low battery warning.

Notch Frequency

Specifies the 65-105Hz range for the notch filter's feedback suppression.

Current

Shows the preamp's power consumption (5mA, 18mA with tuner).

Auto Chromatic Tuner

Details the tuner's tuning range (C1-B7) and accuracy (±1 Cent).

The Anatomy of the TK-40 D

Battery Tray Releases

Instructions for accessing the battery compartment by pinching tabs.

Tuner

Controls the built-in tuner's on/off function, muting sound during tuning.

Low Batt LED

Illuminates when battery voltage is low, affecting sound quality.

Volume

Clockwise rotation increases the output level of the preamp.

Notch Filter

Eliminates feedback by tuning a sharp filter; activated by push switch.

EQ Controls

Three-band equalizer for tonal adjustment (±12dB) with Mid Contour option.

Mid Contour

Activates a preset EQ curve for a starting point in sound shaping.

The Takamine TK-40D is an acoustic guitar preamp designed to provide flexible control over your guitar's sound in various performance and recording environments. It emphasizes transparency, responsiveness, and ease of use, allowing users to quickly "dial in" their desired sound.

Function Description

The TK-40D preamp integrates several key functions to enhance the acoustic guitar's output. Its primary role is to amplify the guitar's signal and provide extensive tonal shaping capabilities through its EQ controls. A built-in chromatic tuner ensures accurate tuning, while a notch filter helps eliminate unwanted feedback.

Important Technical Specifications

Power Supply:

Voltage: 9 Volt

Pick-up Input:

Type: Dual

Output:

Level: 200 mV

EQ Control: The preamp features a 3-band equalizer with specific frequency ranges and boost/cut capabilities:

BASS (60Hz): ± 10dB
MIDDLE (400Hz): ± 3dB (Mid Switch OFF)
MIDDLE (800Hz): ± 6dB (Mid Switch OFF)
MIDDLE (400Hz): ± 13dB (Mid Switch ON)
MIDDLE (800Hz): ± 8dB (Mid Switch ON)
TREBLE (10KHz): ± 13dB

Low Battery Indicator:

Threshold: 6.7 Volt (LED illuminates when battery voltage drops below this level)

Notch Filter:

Frequency Range: 65~105Hz (tunable to eliminate feedback)

Current Consumption:

Normal Operation: 5mA
Tuner On: 18mA

Auto Chromatic Tuner:

Tuning Range: C1 (32.703Hz) to B7 (3951.07Hz)
Accuracy: ±1 Cent
Auto Off Time: 3 minutes (tuner automatically turns off after 3 minutes of inactivity)
Switch: TUNER ON / OFF (manual activation/deactivation)

Usage Features

Battery Tray Releases (a): The battery compartment is accessed by pinching the tabs of the battery cover. This design facilitates easy battery replacement. Users should align the battery's polarity with the markings inside the compartment during insertion.

Tuner (b): The built-in chromatic tuner is activated by pressing the tuner button once. The tuner display (c) will light up, and the guitar's sound will be muted during tuning. When a string is played, the tuner displays the note name and indicates whether the pitch is sharp or flat using flashing arrows. The flashing speed slows as the correct pitch is approached, with both arrows illuminating green when in tune. The tuner automatically turns off after three minutes to conserve battery power but can be reactivated or manually turned off at any time.

Low Batt LED (d): This LED illuminates when the battery voltage drops to a level that could affect sound quality (6.7 Volts), signaling that battery replacement is needed.

Volume (e): This control adjusts the overall output level of the preamp. Turning it clockwise increases the volume.

Notch Filter (f): The notch filter is designed to eliminate undesirable feedback frequencies. It is activated by pushing the in/out switch (g) to the down position. Users then tune the filter within its 65-105Hz range until the feedback disappears, without affecting the guitar's rich sound.

EQ Controls (h): The 3-band equalizer allows for precise tonal adjustments.

Bass: Controls the low-frequency range.
Mid: Adjusts the mid-band center frequency, which is specially chosen for optimal harmonic control. The "Mid Switch" allows for different boost/cut values at 400Hz or 800Hz.
Treble: Controls the high-frequency range. The EQ Bypass switch allows users to remove the equalizer from the signal chain, providing an unaltered "direct" sound, which can be useful for external equalization. The Mid Contour circuit remains active even when the EQ is bypassed.

Mid Contour (i): When engaged, this switch activates a preset EQ curve that provides a good starting point for shaping the sound. All other EQ controls (unless bypassed) will continue to function normally in conjunction with this circuit.

Maintenance Features

Battery Replacement: The TK-40D includes a low battery LED indicator (d) that alerts users when the battery voltage drops below 6.7 volts, indicating that it's time for a replacement. The battery tray (a) is designed for easy access, requiring users to pinch the tabs of the cover to remove it. Proper polarity alignment is crucial when inserting new batteries, guided by the markings inside the compartment.

Tuner Auto Off: To conserve battery life, the built-in tuner automatically turns off after three minutes of inactivity. This feature helps extend the time between battery replacements. Users can also manually turn off the tuner if they finish tuning before the auto-off time.