LR Baggs iMix Onboard - Manual (Page 4)

Though the Element will mask some of the characteristics of a non-optimum
iBeam placement, we strongly encourage the installer to invest the necessary
time to perfect the iBeam as a single source. This will have a significantly
positive impact on the overall mix.
The iBeam is designed to attach to the bridge plate, directly under the saddle
line and generally parallel to the saddle, with the attached peel-and-stick
adhesive. Good results should be consistently had by attaching the pickup as
shown in figure 3. However, because every guitar is unique, you may be
rewarded by searching for the optimum location.
In general, placing the iBeam directly under the saddle will provide the greatest
sense of immediacy, impact, snap and “string” sound. Offsetting the pickup
either toward the sound hole or toward the bridge pins in the area shown in
figure 4 will increase the amount of “body” in the sound and generally have a
more mellow and homogeneous sound with less midrange. We have often
achieved our very best results by placing the pickup as close to the string ball-
ends as is practical and offsetting it about 1 to 2 mm toward the treble side of
the saddle.
An alternative location that has often worked well, provided the x-braces are
wide enough, is to offset the pickup toward the front edge of the bridge plate.
7.2 Pin bridge installation (initial placement):
1. Assemble the mounting fixture.
2. Remove the strings from the pin holes.
3. Reach inside the hole and feel around under the bridge to be sure the bridge
plate is free from debris and obstructions. If you are unsure, stick a mirror inside
to inspect this area.
4. Place the stationary rod of the mounting fixture in the high-E bridge pin hole
and adjust the movable rod laterally in the slot until it drops into the low-E
bridge pin hole as shown in figure 5. Tighten the nut to secure the movable rod.
5. Place the adhesive dots on the fixture over the saddle, one on each side of the
big slot. Remove the adhesive backing from the dots and position the iBeam
over the fixture in the desired location. Stick the iBeam to the adhesive dots on
the fixture as shown in figure 6.
6. Remove the fixture and iBeam together from the bridge and remove the
adhesive backing from the bottom surface of the iBeam.
7. Insert the fixture holding the iBeam into the guitar. Find the high- and low-E
string bridge pin holes with the rods on the fixture.
8. Insert the rods into these holes and then elevate the fixture straight up until
the rods just poke out of the holes about 1/2". Grasp one of the rods from the
outside of the guitar and hold it. Do not pull up yet. While holding the one rod
let go of the fixture inside of the guitar and grab the other rod on the outside of
the guitar.
9. Now pull straight up on the rods as shown in figure 7 to elevate the iBeam
until it contacts the bridge plate. Tug up on the rods to secure the pickup.
10. Pop the fixture off the iBeam inside the guitar and remove the fixture.
11. Press up firmly along the top surface of the iBeam, especially on the ends, to
secure it. It’s usually a good idea to press down on the bridge from the outside
of the guitar as you press up on the iBeam from the inside to equalize pressure
and avoid cracking the top. Wiggle the iBeam front to back a little as you press.
12. Plug the iBeam into the preamp's center socket, restring the guitar, plug the
preamp into your amp or PA, and turn the mix knob completely to the right.
Now test the pickup placement. Confirm that the preamp's EQ controls are at
their default positions and that the stereo/mono switch underneath the preamp
is set to mono. If the sound is satisfactory (see below), secure the wire with a
wire clip and continue to the Element installation in section 10. If the sound is
unsatisfactory, we encourage you to experiment with alternative placements
(see section 9). Do not test the pickup placement without firmly securing the
adhesive. Without completely securing the pickup, the sound test will produce
unreliable results.
The optimum location will deliver a sound that is focused and tight, with proper
string balance and good presence. It will capture enough of the string
resonance to be articulate, but will be mellowed by a full and strong body
resonance. Ultimately, it will accurately capture the distinct tone of the
low E
soundhole
underside of top
saddle
bridge
bridge plate
iBeam
fig. 3
low E
soundhole
underside of top
saddle
bridge
bridge plate
iBeam
placement
range
fig. 4
fig. 5