1) Pass the end of The Band acoustic violin pickup tube under strings between bridge and tail piece, allowing The Band to strap around the narrow waist area between the two bouts, placing front area Headway & The Band logos, to be visible instrument top.

Acoustic Violin Pickups fit easily...

2) Firmly wrap the two ends of the black tube around the back of the instrument, pressing and wriggling the two strips of Velcro together (hook and loop), while ensuring that the middle front portion carrying The Band/ Headway logos, remains firmly and evenly flush with the instrument's top. The Capital B in Band logo should be the starting centre position placing behind the middle of the bridge.

3) Then tuck loose 90 degree Velcro strip under tube at Violin back and wrap firmly around tube, binding velcro to itself in a roll, to secure bondage. Also ensure that The Band tube end carrying the 1/4 jack socket is accessible to jack lead, as the top of the two ends.

4) Plug in, finding your most comfortable and least obstructive way of running the Instrument cable, such as over shoulder.

CHECK ALIGNMENT OF PICKUP / TUBE: Ensure that the sensors, linked together inside the tube, remain in place inside the middle portion of the tube, i.e. the Capital B on tubes logo area, while aligning the pair close to both legs of the bridge.

IN USE - FINER POINTS OF THE BAND

INDEX:

1) Fine Tuning Pickup placement
2) Mixing Desks & Pre-amps
3) Equalisation
4) Leads
5) Jack Plugs recommended
6) Re-aligning sensors in tube
7) Best Sounds
8) Minimise feedback
9) Storage Advice
10) Liability
11) Problem Prevention
12) Trouble Shooter Checklist
13) Continuous Improvement Promise
14) Guarantees
15) New Headway Systems due out
16) Headway Products available
17) Sound Equipment & instruments available

1) FINE TUNING

a) - PICKUP TUBE TO INSTRUMENT CONTACT & SOUND: variations of the pickup response/ sound can be made by separating velcro halves and moving the tube, thereby moving sensor areas fractionally in relation to the bridge legs. Carefully note the relative sounds of each position .
b) - ADDITIONAL DAMPING: Tonal variations may be possible by temporarily affixing damping material under sensor area. This is most likely to cut treble, but may also cut low end and body noise. However, unless fine amounts of materials are used, definition and output loss is likely to be too great. Also, beware of the possible effect of adhesives and other chemicals within any such material.

2) MIXING DESKS & PRE-AMPLIFICATION:

The Band has a high passive output, of high impedance but may interface sufficiently well, with low impedance inputs in mixing desks. The Band works better into a Microphone input than a normal low impedance input and best into a high impedance input. Your Mike input may require an XLR / Cannon input connector.
However, the optimum use is where the signal is buffered close to the pickup, such as on a belt mounted pre-amplifier, with a high impedance input and a short lead from instrument to pre-amp.

3) EQUALISATION:

Violin problem frequencies centre around 1-6 kHz, or more particularly within 2-5 kHz. This Upper Mid/Presence -low Treble area should often be cut. In addition, to cut body noise and potential low end feedback, cut below around 200Hz- 250Hz. If possible, use a graphic Equalizer, or Dual Parametric Equalizer to work around the above. These may work best if buffered by high impedance input pre-amp before connecting EQ device. However, because of its design, in order to achieve a good sound, The Band should not require a great deal of EQ compared to that of competitors and buffering can often be dispensed with. In order to cut low body resonance and handling noise, cut below fundamental bottom end frequencies approximated as follows:

Viola: 120 Hz
Cello: 60 Hz
Double Bass ( 4 string ): 40Hz
Double Bass ( 5 String ): 30Hz

4) LEADS:

Always use a good condition, high screen lead ( 85%+ Braid coverage) with metal, western designed jack plugs and as short a lead as is practical before any pre-amplifier, mixing desk, acoustic combo, or DI Box. Keep any such lead down to a maximum of 6m ( 20 ). A belt mounted pre-amp keeps the lead shortest. Alternatively, the use of DTI / Government Approved Radio Transmitters is effective.

5) JACK PLUG CHOICE:

We recommend that you use a compact mono jack plugs with metal covers. Because of the lack of an international jack standard, and the need to interface reliably with the socket, we ONLY recommend western designed jack plugs by: Switchcraft (USA), Horizon (Switchcraft Copies), GH Industries (USA) Neutrik (AUS), Deltron (UK) and Rendar/Schurter (UK). Try to avoid leads tugging on connections, as this may cause drop outs. Alternatively, affix tape around jack.

6) RE-ALIGNING SENSORS WITHIN PICKUP TUBE:

If the sensors within the tube, should slip too far away from the centered position to enable bridge alignment, they may be gently squeezed along the tube from outside, to a centered position. If you attempt this, use both hands, take your time and remember that both sensors must be made to move together. This problem should not happen with careful handling, and is only possible over time.

7) BEST SOUNDS:

You are best using a full range PA ( 3 way speakers ) possibly alongside a decent acoustic (backline) guitar combo. PIEZO CERAMIC TWEETERS/HORNS ARE BEST AVOIDED. A little digital reverb should help provide best results for most situations.
See www.acousticdirect.com

8) MINIMISE FEEDBACK:

At very high volume levels, particularly where stage monitors are used, by covering f sound hole. This offers the potential of 3-4dB additional level before feedback. Beyond that we recommend Behringer Feedback Destroyer Rack Units, or a bridge based Pickup, such as Headways superior VL3.

9) STORAGE ADVICE:

Headway suggests a foam lined hard case, to lower the risk of damage to instrument or pickup by storage at extreme temperatures, e.g. car boots, in continuous direct sunshine. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU REMOVE THE BAND AFTER USE - DO NOT STORE FOR LONG WITH PICKUP IN PLACE.

10) LIABILITY:

While such damage is unlikely, Headway cannot be held responsible for damage caused by leaking batteries, the subjection of its products to unreasonably high or low temperatures, the use of its pre-amps with other pick-ups, or abuse of its products, or any musical instrument during fitting.
Headway will not be responsible for consequential loss or damages, or damage due to misuse, accident or neglect. Headway Electronics retains the right to make such determination on its own inspection.

The Band does NOT require 48v Phantom Power, or any other powering. Since The Band operates entirely independently of mains based power sources, Headway cannot be held responsible for injuries or damage caused by electric shocks.

11) PROBLEM PREVENTION:

a) refrain from using mains gear immediately, when even minor shocks are detected and seek pro advice,

b) have mains gear serviced regularly by professionals (see EU / Govt. Regs);

c) avoid venues with suspect wiring;

d) route mains leads via regularly tested Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCBs) and surge filters;

e) where mikes are used, try to use DTI/ Government approved radio microphones;

12) TROUBLE-SHOOTER CHECKLIST

a) UNEVEN STRING AMPLIFICATION, harsh, dull or boomy sound -
(i) Pickup
may not fitted/seated correctly or evenly, See under fitting instructions for techniques above to check problem & correct;
(ii) centre tone controls

b) INTERMITTENT OR NO SIGNAL -
(i) check that jack plugs are fully pushed home,
(ii) check that plug is not out of spec. & too long for socket by pulling out slightly, as far east plugs are often too inconsistent, featuring various lengths & tip profiles. If this works, change jack plugs for western designed (see above);

c) WEAK, DULL OR DISTORTED SOUND

i) change PP3 Battery in any pedal or belt pre-amp for new Alkali or Lithium unit, avoiding Zinc Carbon/Heavy Duty or rechargeable PP3s or batteries leaking, or those reading less than 8 Volts, (particularly when under electronic load) ;

ii) reduce gain on mixing desk, combo or pre-amp.,

d) INTERFERENCE AMPLIFIED ON PA OR COMBO, SUCH AS HUM & BUZZ -

(i) change instrument jack lead, or check /re-solder earth connections;

(ii) change signal routing to avoid earth loops or try earth lift switch;

(iii) use mains filter on all mains inputs;

(iv) access mains via different ring main from that of lighting;

(v) turn off other electrical/electronic devices, or lighting;

(vi) check that instrument is not producing string buzz or other resonance.

If problems persist, contact your dealer or Headway.

13) IMPROVE-ISATION:

Headway operates a policy of continuous improvement and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice..

14) GUARANTEES:

The 12 Month Headway Guarantee applies to labour (but not fitting it to the instrument) plus all parts, for the original owner, except any pots/controls, knobs and jacks, since their life is dependent primarily upon factors beyond Headway's control, such as care in use. A Six Month Guarantee will apply to these other parts. Always retain proof of purchase.
Guarantees are validated by returning completed card. Products returned must be pre-paid.

15) HEADWAY SYSTEMS DUE:

- Active Bridge Systems for Violin ( VL1/VL3 ), Cello, Double Bass and raisable bridge instruments.

- Band style systems for full Orchestral stringed range.

- Magnetic Sound Hole Pickup for Acoustic Guitars.

- Hyper Cardiod/Unidirectional Electret Condenser Mini-mikes on Goosenecks.

- Pre-amp & tone circuits for Electric Guitar & Electric Bass Guitar.

16) HEADWAY'S SUPERIOR PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

LIMPET Range - Easy fit range of 20mm Diameter low profile, high quality Ceramic Disc Contact Pickups. General Purpose Pickups featuring screening, superior flexible co-axial cable, sturdy epoxy construction, damping/insulating layer and hardwood filter baffle to minimise boom and feedback.
Suitable for permanent internal or temporary external fitting. Available singly or:

Limpet Dual - Twin P/Us wired in parallel to broaden sensing area and enrich sound;

Limpet Drum & Limpet Drum Plus - Unique Open Percussion Pickups (Bodhran/Tabor/African etc.), easy fit rosewood housed Pickup Assembly, minimises feedback, moderates excessive rimshots and allows variations in tone, via adjustable thumb bolt pressure.

HE1 Range - Specialist Active Under Saddle Pickup systems tailored for: Acoustic Guitar, Nylon Strung Guitar, Acoustic Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Resonator Guitars, Bouzouki & Harp.

Options: On Board Controls, Fixed EQ/No Controls, External/Belt Mount Controls, Dual Systems with Microphone.

The Snake - Quality Budget Active Under saddle Pickup for Acoustic Guitar..

17) SOUND EQUIPMENT & ACOUSTIC FRETTED INSTRUMENTS:

www.acousticdirect.com

Validate your guarantee by sending back the card enclosed with the product.
Or find out more about Headway products, please contact us. 

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