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Several interesting things distinguish the AP 13 from other acoustic preamps:
STEREO 1/4" INPUT. Referring to the block diagram below, first note the convenience of having an input switch that automatically reverses the role of tip and ring on the 1/4" input jack. This saves you the trouble of having to rewire your plug just because it follows on tradition or another. Next, the three-position Phantom Power selector switch allows you to choose between 6 volts or 15 volts DC to power your electret, or other condenser pickup. This should cover just about every case -- check with the factory for your mic if in doubt. The OFF choice lets this input accommodate standard electric guitar type pickups (Magnetic coil designs -- humbucking or otherwise). In fact either input handles this type of pickup directly, or accepts the line-level outputs of outboard preamps (belt or instrument mounted).
TUNING.The fixed TUNER OUTPUT connects to the piezo processing side since that is the one everyone tells us gives the most accurate tuning information. This output is NOT affected by the PIEZO PICKUP LEVEL control. The PIEZO OUTPUT is similar except located post PIEZO PICKUP LEVEL control and has it's own PIEZO OUT level control.
EFFECTS LOOPS. Two different kinds of effects loops live in the AP 13. The first is the standard SEND/RETURN loop used to mix a wet (processed) signal back with the dry (unprocessed) signal. choose between stereo or mono Send and Return paths. Individual SEND A/B controls exist along with a ganged stereo RETURN control. The second is the direct in-line type known as INSERT> Here all the signal exits, passes through the outboard processor and reenters, all using the same 1/4" stereo jack, wired per the Tip=Send, Ring=Return convention.
EXPANDING & OTHER INPUTS. The EXPAND IN jacks provide a means for either expanding the AP 13 to allow two instrument use, or as a means to mix line-level signals with that of the AP 13. Such things as drum machines and synthesizers often find themselves plugged into these jacks. Mono or stereo sources may be used.
MAIN OUTPUTS. The AP 13 uses high-current cross-coupled differential line drivers for each of its balanced outputs. Normal balanced line-level interconnection uses standard mono 1/4" jacks without gain change or signal loss. For direct console connection the 3-pin (XLR-type) outputs provide a low-noise mic-level balanced signal.
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