Boss AD-3 Acoustic Instrument Processor

A Compact Pedal Specially Developed for Acoustic-Electric Guitarists

Prototype
(Click for a close-up)

July 10, 1998 -- BOSS is proud to introduce the AD-3 Acoustic Instrument Processor, a gig-friendly compact pedal designed for today's acoustic-electric guitarists. Incorporating the same groundbreaking acoustic processing technology of BOSS' popular AD-5 Acoustic Instrument Processor, the compact new AD-3 solves the acoustic-electric guitarist's age-old problem of thin, "sterile" tone and annoying feedback by offering advanced tonal controls, a Bi-Stereo Chorus effect, high-quality Reverb, and Anti-Feedback processing.

The AD-3 starts with powerful onboard tone controls specially developed to enhance the sound of today's piezo and soundhole-based magnetic acoustic guitar pickups. The tonal controls--aptly named "Bottom" and "Top"--are far more effective than simple EQ controls because they act differently when boosted and cut.

The Top knob boosts high-end brilliance or can be used to eliminate the thin, dry sound characteristic of most piezo and magnetic pickup, making the acoustic guitar tone sound much more natural. The Bottom knob tunes the low frequencies to add the desired amount of rich body resonance. Combined with the AD-3's built-in Anti-Feedback controls--which can be manually set or set via footswitch to "Auto"-- the AD-3 offers the perfect tone-enhancing, feedback-eliminating solution.

With a built-in footswitchable Bi-Stereo Chorus, the AD-3 also provides a smooth chorusing effect which can be tailored using an onboard Depth control, adding just the right amount of stereo sparkle. The exceptionally deep Reverb can also be adjusted via a Depth knob--making the AD-3 perfect for simulating a mic'd acoustic.

The AD-3 offers an adjustable Input control for precise impedance-matching to a variety of acoustic-electric pickup types. Similarly, its Output section provides a choice between stereo balanced outputs for direct connection to a PA system, or a dedicated Guitar Amp output with the proper impedance and tonal characteristics for getting great acoustic tones from a standard combo-type guitar amplifier.

Preliminary Specifications (May be subject to change.)

AD Conversion 20-bit Delta-Sigma Modulation

DA Conversion 20-bit Delta-Sigma Modulation

Sampling Frequency 44.1 kHz

Nominal Input Level -10 dBm

Input Impedance 4.7 MOhms

Nominal Output Level Output: -10 dBm into 10 kOhms, Balanced output: -10 dBm into 600 Ohms

Controls Knobs (Level, Anti-feedback, Bottom, Top, 2x2 Chorus, Reverb), Switches (Anti-feedback Auto Pedal, Chorus Pedal, Power, Output Select)

Indicators Power, Peak, Anti-feedback Auto, Chorus

Connectors Input (1/4"), Outputs (L, R; 1/4" TRS), DC In

Power Supply DC9V Dry Batteries (LR6 (AA) x 6), AC Adaptor

Current Draw 90mA

Expected battery life under continuous use Carbon: 9 hours, Alkaline: 17 hours
* The above figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Dimensions 170 (W) x 156 (D) x 70 (H) mm/ 6-3/4 x 6-3/16 x 2-13/16 in.

Weight 1 kg/2 lbs. 4 oz. (incl. batteries)

Accessories Dry Batteries (LR6 (AA) x 6)

Option PSA Series AC Adaptor