FENDER PASSPORT 150 (01) PDF Document

The VIP or Vocal Input Priority control, located on Channel 1 only, adjusts the level at which the volume of all other channels are automatically reduced in favor of the source attached to Mic/Line Input 1. This feature permits a user to speak while other inputs (such as background music) continue at temporarily reduced levels.

To use it, adjust the VIP control while speaking into a microphone on channel 1, with other program material input through another channel. Depending on the duration and level of the signal being input to Mic/Line 1 and the position of the control, the VIP circuit will trigger a reduction in level of all the other channels. The original levels will automatically be restored when there is no signal present on channel 1. In typical use, the circuit will return normal levels in about 4 seconds.

When not using the VIP feature, be sure to turn the control completely counterclockwise to avoid accidentally triggering the VIP feature and causing a reduction in program levels.

When traveling abroad, always check the local voltage and set the voltage selector switch located adjacent to the power input socket on the rear of the mixer/amplifier to the appropriate operating range. This check must be performed before connecting the power cable.

The FENDER PASSPORT 150 has two range settings: 115v or 230v. For example, the United States is standardized at 117 volts/60 Hz and Japan at 100 volts/50 Hz; for both, set the selector to 115v. Countries in the EEC standardized at 230 volts/50 Hz should use the 230v position. Failure to select the appropriate voltage range will cause the unit to go into protect mode, void any warranty, and may cause damage to the unit.

To open: Place your finger tip under the safety latch and gently lift. When the safety latch has disengaged, lift both the latches clear on each speaker before attempting to remove the speaker.

To replace: Position each speaker on the tower foot and bring the speaker in to close the engagement with the tower and latches. Position the latch hooks over the speaker notch and close the latches. The 4 latches will automatically engage. These parts are precision engineered and no force is needed to secure them.

LEVEL: Adjusts the volume level of the individual channel. Rotating clockwise increases the channel’s contribution to the “Main Out” mix.

EQ: Adjusts the amount of frequency increase or decrease. Rotating counterclockwise decreases bass/low frequency. Rotating clockwise increases treble/high frequency while simultaneously decreasing bass/low frequency. In the straight-up notched position, the response is “flat”.

REV/AUX: Adjusts the amount of signal sent to the Reverb processor and the Rev/Aux output jack. In the full left position, the control is effectively off.

PAN: Adjusts the perceived “position” of the mono signal from the input within the stereo “panorama” created by the two speaker systems.

STEREO INPUT LEVEL: Adjusts the volume level of the stereo input channel.

EQ LOW: Adjusts the relative level of the low frequency content (bass).

EQ HI: Adjusts the relative level of the high frequency content (treble).

REV/AUX: Adjusts the amount of signal sent to the Reverb processor and to the Rev/Aux output jack.

BAL: The balance control adjusts the perceived “position” of the mono signal from the input within the stereo “panorama” created by the two speaker systems. Full Left or Right rotation sends the signal to that channel only.

For the majority of applications, the system has been balanced to operate with the Left and Right Master Controls at their notched 12 o’clock positions. If more “gain” is required, such as when a microphone is at a distance, the master controls can be raised to give an additional 6 dB of gain. If possible, always operate the Master controls in their notched position, but they can be rotated to any position that works under the circumstances if the overall mix level needs to be increased or reduced.

The System EQ adjusts the overall amount of frequency increase or decrease on the Passport.

Rotating counterclockwise increases bass/low frequency response while decreasing treble/high frequency response. Rotating clockwise increases treble/high frequency response while decreasing bass/low frequency response.

For public address (spoken voice), it is advisable to rotate the System EQ control clockwise to enhance mid and high frequencies and limit low frequency content. For musical instruments, adjust until the sound achieves the desirable balance.

The A. LINE / MIC SWITCH allows you to select gain levels. When a microphone is plugged into the respective channel, use the “mic” position for optimum performance. When using items such as keyboards, drum machines, or outboard effects, use the “line” position.

This switch allows the user to select between stereo or mono inputs for the Stereo Channel. This switch should be set to the Mono position when a source such as a guitar is input to this channel, allowing the mono source to be applied to both outputs at the same level. Failure to do this will result in the input source only appearing at one of the outputs. When the switch is in the stereo position, the full stereo field is heard.

AUX SEND: Plug your external effects signal processor here to feed the Passport’s effects bus signal to the device.

AUX RETURN: Plug your external effects signal processor’s output signal here. This 1/4 inch input stereo jack accepts signals from an external processing device.

FOOT SWITCH: Connect a simple foot operated switch here to mute the internal reverb return. The footswitch should be wired to connect the tip to sleeve for Off and requires a standard speaker or instrument cable.

1. Open the storage compartment on the rear of the Passport tower.

2. Turn all channel Level, VIP (channel 1 ONLY), and Rev/Aux controls to their full counterclockwise (OFF) positions. Place all EQ, Pan, and Master controls at 12 o’clock in their center notched positions.

3. Connect each speaker cable to the appropriate Left & Right Speaker outputs on the rear tower and on each speaker front panel.

4. Connect all sources such as microphones, tape decks, and keyboards into the appropriate inputs.

5. Check the local voltage and set the voltage selector switch on the rear of the mixer/amplifier to the appropriate operating range. Plug the power cable into the IEC socket on the rear of the Tower and connect the other end to a properly grounded 3-wire AC power outlet.

6. Turn the Power Switch to the ON position. The Power LED will illuminate green.

1. Slowly raise the large Left and Right Master volume controls to their 12 o’clock notched positions.

2. Use a microphone (or other source) in the position it will be used on stage. Slowly bring up the appropriate channel input level control, listening for the onset of feedback or until the required level is reached.

3. Have a helper “walk” the audience area to ensure coverage and levels are sufficient.

4. Consider the application and set the System EQ control as appropriate (rotate clockwise for public address to enhance mid/highs).

If the Power LED illuminates red, the system is indicating a thermal protect mode or cooling problem. Check the air inlet filter at the base of the unit by removing it and making sure it is clear of debris. Turn power off and wait for a few minutes allowing heat to dissipate and the Passport to reset itself. If the Power LED continues to glow red after doing so, it indicates a fault with your system.

The mains (AC) fuse holder is under the IEC (power cord) socket on the right rear of the Tower. To change a fuse, remove the IEC plug and, using an appropriate tool, pull out the fuse holder. Note there is a spare fuse in the fuse holder. The Passport utilizes a T4A 250V fuse. Only replace fuses with one of an identical value and size.

Position the speakers and the microphones so the minimum amount of amplified sound gets back to the microphone(s), and the maximum amount of the sound you wish to reinforce is input. It is very important that the speakers are aimed and positioned as far away from and in front of the microphones as cables allow. If the loudest sound the microphone picks up is the sound from the speaker systems, destructive feedback-howling will result.

Periodically remove the air filter at the base of the power tower and clean it by briskly shaking it and/or washing it with a light soapy solution. Avoid spilling any liquids on the operating surface. Before plugging in the Passport, wait until the unit/filter has completely dried.

Is the Passport’s power cord properly plugged into an electrical outlet?

Is there power at the outlet?

Is there sufficient airflow to the heatsink inside the power tower?

Is the air filter at the bottom of the tower dirty or clogged?

(If applicable) does your instrument have power?

Are the volume control knobs on the Passport turned above the minimum or counterclockwise positions?

Are the volume control knobs on your instruments turned above their minimum position?

Is the mic/instrument properly plugged into the Passport?

Is the mic/line switch at the mic line input in the proper position?

Is the mic/instrument turned on?

Are your audio cables frayed, cut or damaged?