The iP-1X INLINE
A Classic Pickup for The Classic Single Cone, Biscuit Bridge Resonator Guitar
About the Biscuit Bridge Pickup
The pickup is embeded in a circular groove in the underside of the Biscuit Bridge.
The pickup is connected to the preamplifier using a fully shielded RCA jack.
Unlike other pickups our pickup is sensitive to vibration in every direction, therfore, all of the complex movements of the biscuit and cone are captured, reproducing the ambience of the cone as well as a clearly defined string tone. In contrast with other piezo pickups the response of the Highlander pickup is smooth and warm with a natural dynamic.
The pickup is flexible, it's construction is similar to coaxial wire. The braid and the inner conductor are copper. Copper is malleable, which helps with the pickup's overall ability to make intimate contact with the Biscuit Bridge, which in turn is fixed to the cone.
The advanced sensing material between the inner conductor and the outer braid of the pickup generates a signal that is proportional to the vibrations that are produced by the instrument. This signal is carried by the inner conductor and the braid. The braid also shields the sensing material from electrical interference and noise.
Biscuit Bridge Pickup Specifications:
Frequency Response: 2Hz - >400KHz Nominal Output Level: -25dB
Nominal Impedance: High > 5 Megohms
Pickup Diameter: .07" (.18mm)
Biscuit: Genuine National Resophonic Maple Biscuit
About the iP Preamplifier
Highlanders true 'Class A' preamplifier is the result of more than 30 years of experience and research in professional live sound and recording studio audio. The preamp's exceptionally low noise and distortion coupled with it's wide frequency response and dynamic range set new standards for musical instrument amplification.
The preamplifier is housed in a unique package that is as rugged as it is elegant and functional. The electronics are protected from mechanical shock and humidity by a special potting compound. The tubular metal housing protects the preamplifier from interference. In a typical acoustic guitar installation, no soldering is required. The screw thread used to hold the preamp in the end block of a guitar is designed to minimize the possibility of the preamp coming loose as the end block changes size with variations in humidity and temperature.
The use of an advanced discrete design (there are no ‘off the shelve’ audio chips in the preamp) not only provides great audio performance, it means the preamp can be optimized for low power consumption. Powered by a single 9V battery, the preamp draws 440µA from the battery and activates only when you plug in. Battery life is approximately 1000 hours. (You should notice a loss of highs when the battery is is almost run down, leaving you a few hours to change the battery before it dies).
In this day and age with the great strides forward in low noise amplification and digital recording systems, noise and distortion from your guitar preamp will become more and more evident. Highlander sets new standards for low noise and low distortion electronics, keeping you “up to date” with new technology for years to come.
iP Preamplifier Specifications:
Frequency Response: Flat from 10Hz to >500KHz
Dynamic Range: >100dB (ref. 10Hz to 40KHz)
Input Impedance: Matched to Pickup
Output Impedance: <80ohms
nominal output level: -10db
headroom: 18db (ref. -10db)
power consumption: 440uA
power: one 9v battery
battery life: iP-1 > 1000 hours; iP-2 and Internal Mic > 500 hours
(Measurements made with a test load of 100Kohms)
About Power for the INLINE Preamp
The Highlander iP-1 Preamp runs from a single 9V battery.
The External Power Option
The INLINE Preamp Can be wired to accept power via the ring connection in the ¼" stereo jack. The battery connector and battery are housed in a box that sits on the floor. A stereo cable connects the guitar to the box, carrying the audio, power and ground.
The power is turned on when the guitar is connected to the External Power Box with a stereo guitar cable.
The power is turned off when the guitar is disconnected.
Battery life is approximately 1000 hours for a preamp. Unplugging the guitar when its not being played optimizes battery life. If the guitar is plugged in for 2 to 8 hours every day, 7 days a week, the battery will last approximately two to six months. There are many variables that have an effect on battery life. For example: the type of battery, the age of the battery when purchased and temperature.
If the sound becomes dull (loses high end) then it's time to change the battery.