USER GUIDE

SA330x fishman.com
 Whenever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) CAUTION
instructions in the user’s manual for this amplifier. Risk of electric shock.
Do not open.

Wherever this symbol appears, it alerts you to the presence No user serviceable parts inside.
of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Do not expose to rain or moisture.
that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Important Safety Instructions

To ensure your personal safety and the safety of others, operate this apparatus only after reading these instructions
and heeding the warnings listed below.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
15. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing liquids and do not place objects filled with liquids
(such as a beverage container or a vase) on the apparatus.
16. Warning” To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to moisture.
17. The device is designed and evaluated under the condition of non-tropical climate; and, it can be only
used in locations in non-tropical climate areas. Using the device in tropical climate areas would result
in high safety risk.
18. Normal operating environmental temperature range: 0 °C [32 °F] to 40 °C [104 °F].
19. The apparatus should be connected to mains outlet with a protective earthing connection.

20. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
21. Do not install this equipment in a confined or building-in space such as a book case or similar unit, and
remain a well ventilation conditions at open site. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the
ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, table-cloths, curtains etc.

The mains plug/appliance coupler is used as disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain
readily operable.

Copyright © 2016 FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.

2
Hear This!
The SA330x amplifier is capable of cleanly reproducing the sound of your
instrument at very high volume levels. Prolonged repeated exposure to high
sound pressure levels (SPLs) without protection can cause permanent hearing
loss. OSHA has set guidelines and specified permissible sound-exposure limits
for those who work in high SPL environments.

Permissible Noise Exposures

Duration per day, hours Sound level dBA slow response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1 1/2 102
1 105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115

To ensure against permanent hearing loss, wear hearing protection when you perform with
amplification.

This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be
delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. For more information on disposal
and recycling of this product, Contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop
where you bought this product.

FCC Compliance Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE: Fishman Transducers, Inc. is not responsible for unauthorized equipment modifications that
could violate FCC rules, and/ or void product safety certifications.
EU Declaration of Conformity CE: Hereby, Fishman declares that this SA330x is in compliance with
the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU. The
Declaration of Conformity can be found at www.fishman.com/support.

3
Welcome
Thank you for choosing Fishman. We are proud to offer you professional-grade
amplification products and accessories that will empower you to sound your very
best.

Please read through this User Guide to familiarize yourself with the operation of
your SA330x. Additional information and support can be found at
www.fishman.com

Setting the SA330x on its Stand

When the SA330x is used as a portable PA system it is imperative that

it be used with the included tripod speaker stand, and that it be placed
directly on a level, solid, flat surface.

Do not substitute the included Fishman tripod speaker stand with a non-
Fishman part, or attempt to mount or suspend the SA330x in a permanent or
temporary manner other than that as described in this guide or by Fishman.

1. To avoid accidentally being pushed over, or where it may be a trip hazard,

locate the stand in a place that is free of obstructions.
2. Loosen the lower of the two large thumbscrews and spread the tripod
legs. Follow the height warnings printed on the stand for safe operation
(Figure 1). Setting the height outside this area is forbidden. Tighten the
thumbscrew before placing the SA330x on the stand.
3. Remove the safety pin and loosen the upper large thumbscrew. Extend
the top tube to the fourth hole or lower to match the “head level” of your
audience. Replace the safety pin. Allow the tube to rest on this pin and
then tighten the top thumbscrew (Figure 2).
4. Lift the SA330x using the handle on the back of the unit while supporting
the weight with your other hand. A guide is molded into the underside of
the SA330x and acts as an aid in positioning the SA330x onto the tripod.
Once positioned, lower the SA330x onto the tripod until it rests firmly on
the tube.
Warning: Follow the height warnings printed
on the stand for safe operation. Setting the
height outside this area is forbidden.
Safety Pin
Loosen Tighten

Max. stand diameter: 43inches / 110cm 4

Figure 1. Figure 2.
Cabling Precautions
When making your cable connections, always be sure to route the cables
so that your audience, performers, or anyone else, will not trip over them or
accidentally pull the SA330x over.

Setting SA330x Controls

1. Locate the Power switch and switch
it off, then connect the AC line
cord into the back of the SA330x.

2. Plug the SA330x into an electrical

outlet with the appropriate AC
voltage.

3. Push in the Mute switch and turn

on the Power switch.

4. Connect your instrument or other

audio source to the Channel 1
input with an appropriate mic or
instrument cable.

5. Play your instrument or other

source material to the loudest
level you anticipate during your
presentation or performance and
raise the Channel 1 Gain knob until
the Clip LED flashes, then back off
the Gain until no clipping occurs.

6. Set the controls as shown in the

drawing.

7. Push the Mute switch (out) and

slowly raise the Master Volume to
the desired level.

5
Front Panel Controls
The following pages describe the functions of each control or jack on the front
and rear panels of the SA330x. Refer to these numbered diagrams for each
numbered control on the following pages.

1. Mute – The Mute switch silences the signals from Channels 1 and 2 to the
speakers and all the XLR outputs. It also mutes audio input from an audio
device connected at the Accessory port. The mute does not affect the Aux
inputs or Monitor input.

2. Master Volume – Set the overall level of the SA330x here.

Note: Controls 3 through 13 are identical for both channels.

3. 12dB Pad & Clip LED – When you have a high output source and the
Clip LED (located in the center of the Pad button) comes on at low Gain
settings, push this switch to adjust your source level into a more useable
range.

4. Gain – Use the Gain knob to set the level of the signal.

5. Phase – Use the Phase switch to improve low frequency response at low
volumes or reduce microphone or instrument feedback at high volumes.

6. High – Boost highs to add “air” and presence to your sound. With the knob
set at 12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.

7. Anti-Feedback – If you encounter low-frequency feedback, sweep this

notch filter control to isolate and eliminate the resonance. To learn more
about acoustic feedback, see page 12.

8. Mid – This control affects how well your source signal blends in or stands
out in the mix. Slightly boosting the Middle control is useful for ensuring
that vocals or speech are clear and intelligible. At loud volumes a midrange
cut will achieve a more natural sound. With the knob set at 12 o’clock, the
control is effectively out of the circuit.

9. Reverb Level – Controls the amount of digital reverb in the channel.

10. Low – Boost here to add weight to the sound. In general, boost bass at
low volumes, and flatten it out (or cut) at higher levels. With the knob set
at 12 o’clock, the control is effectively out of the circuit.

6
1

10

7
Front Panel Controls (cont.)
11. Panel Lights – LEDs built into the control panel housing help to
improve readability of the controls in low-light situations.

12. Input – This combination 1/4” and XLR jack accepts all types of passive or
active acoustic pickups, microphones, balanced or unbalanced outboard
preamps and most other audio electronics.

13. Low Cut – Use this 80Hz filter to remove low frequency plosives or pops
that may occur when using a microphone for speech or vocals.

14. Aux In – Use this to control the level of a device plugged into the Aux
inputs. Note that the Aux channel is independent of the Mute switch.

15. Monitor – Use this to control the level of a second SA330x connected in
the Monitor I/O setup as shown on page 13.

16. Reverb (Select) – Press the Reverb button to select among four preset
reverb effects.

17. Phantom Power – Provides 48V to the XLR preamp in each channel for
use with a condenser Microphone. The Phantom LED will light to indicate
48V is being supplied to the XLR jack.

8
 14

15
11

16
12

17
13

9
Rear Panel Controls
19. Aux Input – Connect a line level stereo audio source such as a projector,
CD or MP3 player to this input. Both inputs may be used at the same
time. They are “stereo” (TRS) inputs, however the left and right signals are
mixed to mono.
20. Tweeter Level – Set the front panel controls flat (12 o’clock) and adjust
the tweeter level to where it sounds best to you.
21. Channel 1 & 2 D.I. Out (Pre-EQ) – Use this output when you want
an unaffected, no-EQ, direct input signal to go to an additional mixer,
recorder or other such device. This pre-EQ output is always ground-
isolated to prevent ground loop hum.
22. Monitor In & Out – The monitor feature on the SA330x allows two
performers, each with an SA330x, to send their own mix to each other for
simplified on-stage monitoring.
Note: The Monitor In may also be used as additional audio input. The
Monitor Out can also serve as additional line level mix output. This output
is always ground isolated to prevent ground loop hum.
24. AC Power Switch & AC Power Inlet – Connect the supplied,
detachable AC power cable here and the other end to an AC mains power
outlet appropriate for your region.
25. Mute Foot Switch – Plug a two-button, latching-type foot switch into
this jack to remotely mute the reverb or the channel mute. The channel
mute function duplicates and overrides the front panel Mute switch.
26. Accessory Port – Connect a compatible Fishman accessory here, such
as an SA Expand, for one-cable power and audio expansion.

27. Sub Out – The subwoofer output provides a dedicated, full-range audio
out intended for use with a powered Fishman SA Sub. This output sends
the proper level to the subwoofer and automatically activates a crossover
inside the SA330x power amplifier to provide optimal sound and power at
all output levels.

28. Mix D.I. (Post) – Plug in here when you wish to send signals from both
Input channels, the Aux input and an Accessory port device to a mixing
console. This post-EQ output is always ground isolated to prevent ground
loop hum.

10
19 25

26

20

27
21

28

22

23 Name: Performance Audio

System SA330x
Model: 494-000-414
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Suitable for home or office use.
Input: 100-120V~ 50/60Hz Warning. Do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture.
Max. Power: 300Watts / 2.5A Attention. Ne pas exposer ce matériel
à la pluie ou à l'humidité.

CONFORMS TO
UL STD.60065

CERTIFIED TO
CSA STD.C22.2
4006175 NO 60065

Fuse: T5AL 250V

Caution: for continued protection against risk of fire, replace only same type fuse.
Attention: Pour assurer la protection contre le risque d’incendie, veuillez utiliser un fusible de rechange du même type.

120V
Name: Performance Audio
System SA330x
Model: 494-000-490
Input: 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz Warning. Do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture.
Max. Power: 300Watts / 1.3A Attention. Ne pas exposer ce
matériel à la pluie ou à l'humidité.
Power

On

Off

Fuse: T2.5AL 250V

240V
11
About Acoustic Feedback
There are two features to help control acoustic feedback when using the
SA330x with a microphone or acoustic instrument – the Phase switch and the
Anti-Feedback notch control.

Feedback usually occurs when the natural resonances of a microphone or an

instrument react with amplified sound. The louder these sounds are amplified,
the more they can interact. Feedback occurs when a sound resonates in sync
with the amplified sound, reinforcing and building to a sustained howl.

Phase Switch – The Phase switch flips the polarity of the input signal from
positive to negative, changing its relationship to the sound coming from the
amplifier. One phase setting usually provides better resistance to feedback
than the other and will vary depending on the input source or instrument and
the playing environment. Another approach to determining optimal phase
is choosing the switch position that sounds or feels most natural. In certain
environments the Phase switch may not have an audible impact.
The Phase switch also affects the signal polarity to the balanced D.I. and
Monitor outputs, synchronizing the amplifier with other sound systems in use.
Anti-Feedback - The Anti-Feedback control is a variable frequency notch
filter designed to subdue a resonant peak of a sound source that might be
prone to feedback. Turning this knob adjusts the center frequency of the filter,
ranging from subsonic (off) to 330Hz at full clockwise. To adjust this feature, try
to induce feedback and then turn the control until the intensity is diminished.

Setting Phase and Anti-Feedback

1. Start with the Anti-Feedback control turned down completely.

2. Turn up the Volume and or Gain on the SA330x until feedback begins.

3. Flip between the two Phase positions. Each position will produce a
different dominant feedback frequency. Listen to the frequencies and
select the Phase position which allows the higher note to feedback while
subduing the lower.

4. Adjust the Anti-Feedback knob clockwise until it subdues the frequency of

the higher feedback note.

Since optimal tone is a matter of taste, one can also experiment with reversing
the order, using the Phase switch to control the upper feedback note and the
Anti-Feedback notch for the lower.

12
Monitor I/O Connections
The monitor feature on the SA330x allows two performers, each with an SA330x,
to “cross-feed” their EQ’d and mixed outputs to each other. This allows each
player to turn up the other player’s mix and hear them through their own
SA330x.

Connect two SA330xs as shown, and then turn up the Monitor control to mix-in
the other performer’s SA330x.
Out

In
In Out

Accessory Port Connections

SA330x’s Accessory port provides system power and audio return paths for
a compatible Fishman device, such as an SA Expand. After connecting the
accessory, confirm that the green LED in the RJ-45 connector is lit. Wait 10
seconds for the device to become operational before disconnecting and
reconnecting.
In order to provide the safest operation of your SA330x, the Accessory port
features fault-handling during power-on and while connecting & disconnecting
compatible accessory devices. For this reason, the RJ-45 connector has LEDs
built-in to indicate the following:
Normal operation – When a compatible accessory is connected, a green
LED will light to reflect normal operation.
Fault condition – While disconnecting and reconnecting a compatible
device quickly, a fault condition may occur and will be indicated by a yellow
LED. To restore normal operation, turn the SA330x power off for at least 10
seconds, then ON again, and power to the device will be restored.

Fault Normal
condition operation
(yellow) (green)

13
 CH. 1 BALANCED
CH. 1 PHASE CHANNEL
D.I. OUTPUT
MIC PREAMP MUTE
CH. 1 MIC +18dB
INPUT MONITOR OUT

CLIP LED
Block Diagram

POST MIX
INPUT HI-PASS GAIN GAIN LOW, MID, HIGH NOTCH D.I. OUTPUT
1/4” IN Ch. 1 BUFFER
30/80Hz 15dB
-12dB 32dB PAD

Low Cut Pad Ch. 1

Gain CH. 1 REVERB POWER
LEVEL TWEETER LEVEL AMPLIFIERS
CROSSOVER -6dB to 0dB
1/4” AUX MASTER
LEVEL CHANNEL VOLUME HI LIMITER
TIP = LEFT MUTE
AUX INPUTS RING = RIGHT
DIGITAL REVERB
1/8”
MONITOR HI-PASS
REVERB
LEVEL
REVERB SEND SELECT 1 2 3 4 71Hz/100Hz

14
CH. 2 REVERB LOW LIMITER
ACCESSORY
LEVEL
PORT
AUDIO MIX
CLIP LED
MONITOR SUB OUT
INPUT
INPUT HI-PASS GAIN GAIN LOW, MID, HIGH NOTCH
1/4” IN Ch. 2 BUFFER
30/80Hz
-12dB 32dB

Low Cut Pad Ch. 2

Gain
CH. 2 BALANCED
CHANNEL D.I. OUTPUT
MUTE
REVERB
MUTE
MIC PREAMP MUTE
(FRONT PANEL) RING
CH. 2 MIC +18dB CH. 2 PHASE MUTE
INPUT CHANNEL FOOT SWITCH
PHANTOM POWER MUTE
TIP JACK

+48V
MUTED WHEN CONTACT CLOSED.
FOOT SWITCH JACK OVERRIDES FRONT PANEL SWITCH.
CAPABLE OF DRIVING A FOOT SWITCH WITH LED INDICATORS.
Technical Specifications
Input Impedance:
1/4” Input 5M Ohm
XLR Input 3k Ohm Balanced
Aux Input (stereo) 10k Ohm

Tone Controls and Anti-Feedback:

Low ±12.5dB @ 50Hz (resonant)
Mid ±10.5dB @ 750Hz (resonant)
High ±12.5dB @ 10kHz (shelving)
Anti Feedback range -14dB @ 15Hz – 330Hz (Hi-Q resonant notch)

Channel 1 & 2 D.I. Output:

Output Impedance 600 Ohm balanced
Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated

Mix D.I. Output:

Output Impedance 600 Ohm balanced
Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated
Sub Output:
Output Impedance 600 Ohm balanced
Phantom power tolerant, ground isolated
Speaker System:
Woofer Six 4” patented dual-gap with neodymium magnet
Tweeter 1” soft dome, neodymium magnet
Tweeter Level Up to 6dB cut @ 10kHz
Crossover Bi-amplified with active crossover
100Hz High-pass filter when Sub Out connected

Amplifier:
Woofers 280W rms; 484W peak
Tweeter 50W rms; 100W peak
Frequency Response 71Hz – 20kHz

Power Consumption: 300W max

Physical:
Dimensions 41.4” H x 5.5” W x 6.7”D
105.2cm H x 14.0cm W x 17.0cm D
Weight 20lbs (9.1 kg) without stand and carry bag

Specifications and information in this manual subject to change without notice.

15
 fishman.com

Fishman and Fishman Transducers are trademarks or tradenames of Fishman Transducers Inc. 513-300-234_r2 7/16