Fishman Aura - Manual (Page 5)

5
Introduction Aura
™
Acoustic Imaging Blender
Product Registration
Please fill out the Product Registration form online at
http://www.fishman.com/register.asp
Why register? When you do, we have your information on file should your Aura Acoustic Imaging Blender ever require warranty
service. Your registration also keeps you on the cutting edge: we can let you know when updates and upgrades for the Aura become
available.
Welcome!
We at Fishman thank you for purchasing the Aura Acoustic
Imaging Blender. You’ll be glad you did, because the Aura is
going to forever change the way you think about acoustic
amplification. Whether you’re plugging in onstage, recording in
the studio, jamming with friends or just noodling around at
home, this little silver box will transform your amplified acoustic
sound.
Through the magic of cutting-edge digital technology, Aura
grants the secret wish of every acoustic musician: dead-on
amplified acoustic tone. No apologies. No compromises.
Imagine the kind of realism you hear on your favorite acoustic
recordings, but without a microphone. Aura is making instant
believers of those who have written off pickups in the past.
Aura’s acoustic Sound Imaging technology holds 16 Sound
Images; the musical, genetic material of a variety of the world’s
choicest acoustic guitars and microphones. When you plug into
the Aura, its advanced algorithms transform your pickup signal
into glorious, warm and radiant mic’d-up acoustic guitar tone.
Can a pickup ever sound as good as a microphone? The answer
is Yes. Cast off any preconceptions of what a pickup can sound
like and be prepared for the future of acoustic amplification. You
have found your Aura.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at
[email protected].
What Is a Sound Image?
A Sound Image is a sophisticated algorithm that transforms
your pickup’s signal into that of a microphone in front of a guitar
(or other stringed instrument). To transform the caterpillar
pickup signal into the butterfly sound image, the algorithm
seamlessly adjusts the pickup’s phase and frequency response
to match the instrument and microphone in the Sound Image
template. Also, signature elements like body size, radiant sound
from the guitar, body resonance, mic distance and even the
microphone’s personality all get added into the equation for
amplified acoustic guitar sound with indisputable realism.
Everyone loves the sound of a well mic’d acoustic guitar. The
transparency of a fine microphone positioned precisely at the
elusive “sweet spot” in front of a guitar is a beautiful thing. Over
the years, we have endeavored to capture these qualities with
our pickup systems, with varying degrees of success. But with
just a pickup, we could never capture the same sound quality as
a top shelf studio microphone setup. That is, until now.
At Fishman, we set out several years ago to figure out exactly
what it is about the interaction between a microphone and a
guitar that is so special, and how this special relationship can be
re-created with a pickup. We looked at the behavior of a
vibrating guitar top and the way sound radiates off the
instrument. We studied what a microphone “hears” compared to
what a pickup “feels”. We joined forces with Akai Professional
especially for the Aura project.