User guide ellipse aura™ retail 2 Welcome

USER GUIDE

ELLIPSE AURA™ RETAIL

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Welcome

Thank you for making Fishman a part of your acoustic experience. We are proud 

to offer you the finest acoustic amplification products available; high-quality 

professional-grade tools to empower you to sound your very best. We are 

confident Ellipse Aura will both enhance and inspire your music making.

Please note that the Aura Image Gallery features described in this User Guide do 

not apply to factory-installed OEM product.

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Troubleshooting

Installation by a qualified professional is strongly recommended.

Should you have any problems, please check with your installer or refer to the 

online installation guide for this product. Technical support, troubleshooting tips 

and installation information can be found at http://www.fishman.com/support/

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Image Chart

Once you upload Images into your Ellipse Aura, fill in this chart for 

quick reference.

Image #  Instrument Name 

Microphone 

Mic Distance

 1

 2

 3

 4

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Fundamentals

To experience the benefits of Aura, install the 

Aura Gallery software on your computer then upload 

Images into the Ellipse Aura preamp.

OR

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Quick Start

After you upload Images into the preamp, set the controls as illustrated:

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1. Plug In • Connect the Ellipse Aura to your amplifier or PA with a ¼-inch 

instrument cable.

2. Select an Image • Raise the Volume and use the Image switch to browse 

through the four Images until you find one you prefer.

3. Blend in the pickup • Move the Blend slider to the left to mix in some 

pickup signal with the Image.

4. Phase • Push the Phase switch in and out until you find the position that 

sounds most pleasing. If feedback occurs, change the position of the switch.

5. Anti-Feedback • Start with the Volume off. Move the Anti-Feedback switch 

to the On position (left). Push and hold the measure button for several seconds. 

Raise the volume until feedback begins. The filter will latch onto the feedback 

and eliminate it after a few seconds.

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Power

Plug in the guitar, and the Ellipse Aura switches on. To conserve battery life, 

remove the instrument cable from the guitar when the system is not used.

When you plug in, the Battery LED flashes once to indicate power up.

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Battery Replacement

When the Battery LED lights steadily, it is time to change the battery. To replace 

the battery, remove the fabric bag inside the guitar. We recommend a lithium 

type for extended battery life. You can expect up to 66 hours from a lithium 

battery and 33 hours from an alkaline battery.

If you ship your guitar, we recommend you remove the battery as a precaution. 

Although unlikely, it is possible for the battery to jar loose inside the instrument 

during shipment.

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Controls

The controls are arranged in two distinct levels. Once your fingers are familiar 

with the layout, you will be able to easily adjust the controls, even when you can’t 

see them.

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2

1

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1. Blend

Use the Blend slider to adjust the balance between the pickup and the Image. 

You’ll attain a more microphone-like sound by favoring the Image. Note that it 

is often practical to blend in a higher percentage of the pickup in live situations, 

especially when you desire a more focused amplified tone.

2. Phase

Use the Phase switch to improve bass response at low volume and suppress 

feedback at high volume. Push the Phase switch in and out and leave it in the 

position most pleasing to your ear. If feedback occurs, push the switch again.

3. Volume

For the cleanest noise-free sound, set the volume as high as possible without 

causing your amp or mixer to distort.

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Controls (continued)

4. Anti-Feedback

The Ellipse Aura is equipped with an automatic search-and-destroy notch filter. 

To engage the feature, turn the Volume down and move the Anti-Feedback 

switch left (On position). Hold the Measure button for a few seconds. The Battery 

LED will begin to flash. Turn up the Volume, then either dampen the strings while 

tapping the body or play the troublesome note until feedback begins. The filter 

will latch onto the feedback, eliminate it after a few seconds and hold the setting 

in memory until you push the Measure button again.

If you plan to record with the Ellipse Aura, we recommend you turn off the 

Anti-Feedback to fill out the natural low-end response of the guitar.

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5

4

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5. Image Switch

Select one of the four Images you’ve uploaded from the Aura Gallery (see page 

3). Note that to experience the benefits of Aura, you must first upload Images 

into the preamp.

6. Voicing Switch

This switch selects how the pickup is voiced. Move the Voicing Switch to the 

left for bass boost and to the right for a flat response. Choose the setting that 

works for your instrument and your performance requirements. Here are some 

guidelines.

•  The boosted bass voicing (switch to left) compliments solo guitarists 

and singers who accompany themselves, especially with smaller 

instruments.

•  The flat voicing (switch to right) cuts through the mix if you play in a 

band. It does a good job controlling boominess and low frequency 

feedback onstage, especially with full-size guitars.

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Performance Tips

Some suggestions for setting up your Ellipse Aura.

Recording

You will benefit from complete isolation for your guitar with no microphone 

bleed, so when you record live, no other sounds can leak into your guitar track. 

The best recordings we’ve heard with Ellipse Aura have some pickup mixed in 

for better definition.

•  Turn Anti-Feedback off, unless you happen to be recording onstage.

•  Start with the Voicing switch to the right (flat).

•  Move the Blend slider to 75–100% Image.

Solo Performance

As a solo performer, it’s important for you to hear deep, full-range sound, 

because it’s just you and your guitar. The bass boost setting on the Voicing switch 

offers that extra depth you desire, while Ellipse Aura preserves the intimacy and 

nuance of your performance.

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•  Set the Phase switch for best bass response.

•  Anti-Feedback optional.

•  Voicing switch to the left (bass boost).

•  Blend slider 50–75% Image.

High Volume (bands, loud stage sound)

When you play with a band, your goal is to fit into the mix and cut through 

without feedback when it’s time to cut loose. Even when used sparingly, Images 

add undeniable realism to your amplified acoustic tone.

•  Set Phase switch for best resistance to feedback.

•  Anti-Feedback on.

•  Voicing switch to the right (flat).

•  Blend slider 50–75% Pickup.

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Input Trim

Input Trim

Adjust this set-and-forget control so you can play strongly without distortion and 

play quietly without hiss.

To set the Input Trim:

1. Move the Image switch left to #1.

2. Hold down the Measure switch as you plug in the guitar.

3. Use a miniature jeweler’s screwdriver to gently raise or lower the Input Trim so 

the LED flashes occasionally with hard playing.

4. To exit the setup, unplug the guitar.

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Electrical Specifications

Power consumption: 

15mA

Typical 9V lithium battery life: 

66 hours

Typical 9V alkaline battery life: 

33 hours

Maximum output level (onset of clipping): 

+1dBV

Nominal output impedance: 

1k Ohm

Input trim gain range: 

-6dB to +6dB

Peak meter response: 

3dB before clipping

Voicing switch, bass boost: 

+3dB @ 90Hz

Dynamic range: 

93dB

Baseline noise: 

-92dBV

Anti-feedback cut depth: 

13.5dB

Anti-feedback bandwidth: 

0.25 octave

Phase switch, out position: 

(+) non-inverting output

The specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.

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Fishman, Fishman Transducers and Ellipse Aura are trademarks or tradenames of Fishman Transducers Inc.       513-300-125_r2 7/16