Boss AD-5 Acoustic Instrument Processor

January 16, 1997 -- Stepping forward to meet the needs of acoustic-electric guitarists for full, rich amplified tone, BOSS proudly introduces the AD-5 Acoustic Instrument Processor. The AD-5 maximizes the expressiveness of the acoustic-electric guitar with superb preamp functions and effects specially designed for the needs of acoustic instruments.

The growing number of musicians who have "gone unplugged" in recent years face unique tonal problems when playing their acoustic-electric instruments through amplifiers, P.A. systems and in certain recording environments - namely, the thin, dry tone that is characteristic of even the best piezo and soundhole pickups. The AD-5 offers a professional solution to this problem with a flexible 4-band EQ and an innovative "Acoustic" control which provides the acoustic ambience and "airy" sound which is so sorely missing from most acoustic-electric instruments.

Put simply, the AD-5's "Acoustic" control processes the "dry" sound from a sound hole or piezo pickup to emulate the full, rich tone of a mic'd acoustic guitar. Two separate knobs control this ambient effect: Body and Mic Distance. "Body" controls the characteristics of guitar body resonance while "Mic Distance" controls the ambient effect of varying mic distance from an acoustic guitar soundhole. These acoustic processing controls, when combined with the AD-5's 4-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence), offer acoustic-electric musicians with comprehensive control over the sound of their instruments, before the signal reaches an amplifier or P.A. system.

Taking its acoustic processing capabilities further, the AD-5 also includes ultra-rich stereo chorus effects as well as built-in reverb, anti-feedback and DI box capability.

The AD-5's stereo chorus effects are based on a dual-processing design. Dedicated effects paths for both high- and low-frequencies provide a lush, surprisingly natural chorus which is output through separate left and right unbalanced 1/4-inch or balanced XLR outputs.

These chorus effects are complemented by high-quality plate-type digital reverb which has been optimized for acoustic-electric instruments, as well as anti-feedback functions which take the headache out of plugging through an amplifier or P.A. system. Anti-feedback functions can be tailored to a specific instrument or venue via separate "Depth" and "Frequency" controls. "Depth" controls the amount of anti-feedback processing, while "Frequency" determines exactly what frequencies will be affected by the processing.

Rounding out this impressive list of features, the AD-5 also offers separate inputs for piezo and magnetic pickups, allowing musicians to blend the two signals as desired with separate level controls. A 1/4-inch input jack is provided for additional effects processing, while stereo unbalanced 1/4-inch and balanced XLR outputs allow for flexibility in connecting to a sound system.

The AD-5's preamp and multi-effects functions can even be bypassed for use as a dedicated DI box - making the 2 lb., 4 oz. AD-5 Acoustic Instrument Processor the essential live and studio partner for the "unplugged" musician.

BOSS products are distributed by Roland Corporation. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040, 213.685.5141, www.rolandus.com.