The LR Baggs Anthem is a revolutionary system blending microphone and pickup technology. It is designed to capture a guitar’s true acoustic voice. This advanced system uses both a microphone and under-saddle pickup to achieve its superior sound.
Overview of the Anthem System
The LR Baggs Anthem system is a sophisticated blend of two distinct sound sources⁚ the Tru-Mic and the Element pickup. This dual-source approach aims to capture the full spectrum of an acoustic guitar’s natural tone, combining the warmth and detail of a microphone with the punch and clarity of an under-saddle pickup. The system is designed to be very feedback resistant, making it suitable for live performances. The Anthem’s preamp and controls provide the user with essential tools for shaping the sound. These controls include volume, a mix control for blending between the microphone and pickup, phase control, and a battery check function. The system also features a lightweight design, ensuring minimal impact on the instrument’s acoustic properties. The Anthem’s core functionality is to provide a balanced and true-to-life amplified tone, capturing the essence of an acoustic guitar’s character. The system’s design emphasizes ease of use, and it was made to be easily adjusted to individual preferences. It is suitable for a wide array of acoustic guitars, and includes a battery check function to keep you on top of things.
LR Baggs Anthem Components
The LR Baggs Anthem system comprises three core elements⁚ the Tru-Mic, the Element pickup, and the preamp with controls. Each component plays a crucial role in the system’s overall performance and sound quality.
Tru-Mic Technology
The Tru-Mic technology, a patent-pending innovation by LR Baggs, is the heart of the Anthem system. This microphone is designed to capture the majority of the guitar’s true voice, functioning much like a studio microphone. It is strategically mounted inside the guitar, under the bridge, to capture the instrument’s natural resonance. The Tru-Mic is engineered for exceptional feedback resistance, allowing for high-volume performance without unwanted noise. This innovative mic is sensitive to the nuances of the guitar’s acoustic properties, contributing significantly to the system’s rich and detailed sound. It works in conjunction with the Element pickup to provide a balanced and natural amplified tone. The microphone’s ability to capture the full spectrum of the guitar’s sound makes it a key component to the Anthem system.
Element Pickup
The Element pickup, an under-saddle transducer, serves as the second component in the LR Baggs Anthem’s dual-source system. This pickup is specifically designed to capture the lower frequencies of the guitar, providing a solid foundation and punch to the overall amplified tone. Unlike some pickups, the Element does not aim to reproduce the full range of the guitar’s sound. Instead, it complements the Tru-Mic by focusing on the bass frequencies, ensuring a rich and balanced output. The pickup is installed under the bridge saddle, making direct contact with the guitar’s top to effectively transfer the instrument’s vibration. The Element pickup works in tandem with the Tru-Mic, enhancing the overall sound quality and providing a complete representation of the guitar’s acoustic properties.
Preamp and Controls
The LR Baggs Anthem features a lightweight preamp and control unit that offers essential tools for shaping your amplified sound. This unit incorporates a mix control, allowing you to blend the signals from the Tru-Mic and the Element pickup. The mix control enables you to achieve a precise balance between the mic’s natural sound and the pickup’s low-end frequencies. Furthermore, a volume control allows for adjusting the overall output level. A phase switch is included to help with feedback reduction. The preamp also incorporates a battery check feature to monitor the remaining power. The control unit is designed to fit a standard 4-inch soundhole, and its intuitive layout ensures ease of use. The preamp provides the power and the necessary controls for optimizing your guitar’s amplified tone.
Installation of the LR Baggs Anthem
Installing the LR Baggs Anthem requires careful attention to detail. Proper pre-installation checks, pickup placement, and microphone mounting are crucial. Correct wiring ensures optimal performance of the system.
Pre-Installation Checks
Before beginning the permanent installation of the LR Baggs Anthem system, it’s crucial to perform several pre-installation checks. First, verify that the Anthem’s preamp unit fits within your guitar’s soundhole, especially if it’s a standard X-braced guitar. If the standard unit doesn’t fit, consider the Anthem SL, a scaled-down version. The bridge slot needs to be clean and flat for optimal Element pickup performance. Check the package contents to ensure all necessary components are present, including the preamp, Tru-Mic, Element pickup, and wiring harness. A visual inspection of the guitar’s interior bracing is also advised to anticipate any mounting challenges. Finally, review the provided installation manual to familiarize yourself with the entire process before starting. These initial steps are important for a successful and trouble-free installation.
Element Pickup Installation
The installation of the Element pickup is a critical step in setting up the LR Baggs Anthem system. For the best performance, ensure that the bridge slot is clean and flat before positioning the pickup. The Element pickup, being an under-saddle transducer, is designed to capture the lower frequencies of your guitar. Carefully place the Element into the bridge slot, making sure it is properly seated and making consistent contact with the saddle. This ensures optimal sound transmission. The pickup should be positioned so that it does not shift or move during play. This is a critical step in avoiding any undesirable noises or muffled tones. Follow the included installation manual carefully to make sure the installation is secure and precise. The wiring harness should be routed away from any obstructions to allow for proper connection.
Tru-Mic Installation
Installing the Tru-Mic is a crucial part of setting up the LR Baggs Anthem system, as it captures the majority of the guitar’s true acoustic voice. The Tru-Mic is designed to be fixedly mounted to the guitar’s top, directly beneath the bridge. This specific positioning allows for optimal sound capture. Before installing, ensure the mounting area is clean and dry. Use the provided adhesive to attach the Tru-Mic securely to the guitar top. It’s important to position it precisely according to the instructions in the manual. The Tru-Mic should be stable and not vibrate or move during playing. This will prevent any unwanted feedback or noise issues and achieve the best sonic results. Make sure all wiring is neatly routed to the preamp to make for a solid connection.
Using the LR Baggs Anthem
The LR Baggs Anthem offers intuitive controls for adjusting your amplified sound. The mix control blends the Tru-Mic and Element pickup. A volume control allows for overall level adjustment, with a battery check also included.
Mix Control Functionality
The mix control on the LR Baggs Anthem is a crucial feature for shaping your amplified tone. This control allows you to blend the signals from the Tru-Mic and the Element pickup. When the mix control is rolled towards the neck, the Tru-Mic takes precedence, capturing the majority of the guitar’s natural voice. The Element pickup then provides support for the lower frequencies. This setup emphasizes the microphone’s warmth and clarity. Conversely, rolling the mix control towards the bridge gradually introduces the full-range signal from the Element pickup. This provides a punchier, more direct tone. The blend between these two sources allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making the Anthem versatile for different playing styles and musical genres. Experimenting with the mix control is key to finding the perfect balance for your specific instrument and performance needs.
Volume Control
The volume control on the LR Baggs Anthem provides a simple yet effective way to adjust the overall output level of your guitar. This control is typically a wheel or slider, conveniently located for easy access during performance. Rolling the volume wheel towards the neck increases the amplified signal, making your guitar louder. Conversely, rolling the wheel towards the bridge decreases the volume, allowing you to play at a quieter level. This function ensures that you can quickly make necessary adjustments to your volume during a live performance or recording session. The responsiveness of the volume control allows you to precisely dial in the desired level. It ensures your guitar is always at the correct volume within the overall mix. It also works in conjunction with the mix control for a complete control over sound.
Battery Check and Replacement
The LR Baggs Anthem features a convenient battery check system to monitor power levels. This system typically uses LEDs to indicate the remaining battery life. A full battery will light up all the LEDs, giving you a clear visual of the charge. As the battery depletes, fewer LEDs will illuminate. When only two LEDs are lit, it signals that you have approximately 8 hours of playing time left. A single illuminated LED indicates that the battery should be replaced soon. For optimal performance, replace your 9V battery when only one LED is lit. The battery is usually located in an easily accessible compartment, often near the preamp. To maximize battery life, unplug your instrument cable when not in use. The battery life is around 170 hours of play.
Troubleshooting and Support
This section addresses common issues that may arise with the LR Baggs Anthem system. We also provide guidance on where to find support resources and how to contact LR Baggs directly for help.
Common Issues
Users of the LR Baggs Anthem may encounter a few common issues during its use. One frequent problem is related to battery life, where a depleted battery can lead to reduced signal strength or complete loss of output. It’s essential to check the battery indicator regularly, replacing it when only one or two LEDs are lit. Another potential problem involves the mix control, which may need adjustment to balance the microphone and pickup signals effectively. Incorrect connections between the pickup, microphone, and preamp can also cause issues. Additionally, users should ensure that the bridge slot is clean and flat for optimal Element pickup performance. Lastly, feedback can occur if the mic is not properly positioned, and adjusting the mic level can help.
LR Baggs Support Resources
LR Baggs offers a variety of support resources for users of the Anthem system. Their official website provides comprehensive video guides and resources, offering assistance on topics like changing the battery and fine-tuning your pickup. You can find detailed information on setting the preamp gain and using EQ. The website also hosts downloadable user manuals, owners guides, and PDF instructions for various LR Baggs products, including the Anthem. For specific issues, their support section provides troubleshooting tips and contact information for direct assistance. Additionally, online forums and communities can be valuable sources of information for users seeking help with their LR Baggs Anthem system.