The iP-2 Dual System
For Acoustic Guitars
About the iP-2 Access Jack
The "Access Jack" is a 3.5 mm stereo, female connector.
Use the Access Jack to connect a second pickup or microphone to the iP-2, i.e.: a magnetic sound-hole pickup like the Sunrise or an instrument microphone such as Highlanders Internal Mic.
Audio from the tip of the Access Jack is wired directly through to the Ring on the 1/4" output jack of the iP-2.
Switched power from the iP-2 is connected to the ring of the Access Jack.
For maximum flexibility there is no dedicated mic preamp in the iP-2 (just the preamp for the Highlander pickup). This is why it is possible to use a magnetic sound hole pickup or any other type of transducer as a second sound source.
iP-2 Basic Wiring
Wiring for a Magnetic Pickup 
Wiring for an Phantom Powered Electret Condensor Mic 
Wiring for an Electret Condensor Mic Powered From the Access Jack 
Highlander's Mic Adapters
To simplify mic wiring, Highlander supplies "Mic Adapters" to suite a variety of popular Instrument Mics. Click for information on the iP-2 Mic Adapter Option.
About the iP Pickup
It's all in the groove...
The Highlander pickup avoids the direct 'dry string sound' often associated with piezo pickups by embedding the pickup in a groove in the bottom of the saddle slot. Installing the pickup in this fashion couples the pickup to the bridge and the top of the guitar so that it responds to the tonal qualities of the wood and the structure of the instrument. Unlike other pickups our pickup is sensitive to vibration in every direction not just the 'straight down pressure' of the saddle. The complex movement of the top of the instrument is captured while maintaining contact with the saddle so that each note is clearly defined. In contrast with other piezo pickups the response of the Highlander pickup is smooth with a natural dynamic. This installation technique combined with exceptional frequency response accurately reproduces the subtlety as well as the full power of the instrument.
A competent luthier or guitar repair person who has experience re-cutting saddle slots will have no difficulty making the groove for the pickup. Inexpensive installation tools are available from Highlander.
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 instrument and saddle. The material between the inner conductor and the outer braid 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.
Humidity, temperature and age are just some of the factors that can cause an instrument to change its shape. The flexibility of the Highlander pickup enables it to move with the instrument. This ensures consistent high performance as the instrument 'breaths' and ages.
Due to the pickup's high impedance, a well designed low noise 'matching preamplifier' is necessary to obtain the optimum results. Highlander pickups come wired to our specially designed 'matching preamplifier'. In a typical acoustic guitar installation, no soldering is required.
iP Pickup Specifications
Frequency Response: 2Hz - >400KHz Nominal Output Level: -25dB
Nominal Impedance: High > 5 Megohms
Diameter: .07" (.18mm)
Length: 3.625" (10cm) for Acoustic Guitar.
(Can be ordered in any length up to 10 feet / 305cm)
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 iP-2 & Internal Mic
The Highlander iP-2 Preamp runs from a single 9V battery.
The Internal Mic also runs from a 9V battery. When used with an iP-2 the Mic runs from the same battery that powers the iP-2
The power is turned on when a ¼" jack plug is inserted into the connector.
The power is turned off when the plug is removed.
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.
When a condenser microphone is used with the iP-2 battery life will be less than 1000 hours. For example, with the iP-2 and our Internal Mic, battery life is approximately 500 hours.
Highlander's battery connector is very rugged. It is made from a single, solid black plastic molding with the "snaps" set into it. The iP-2 comes with 12 inches of wire so that the battery can be mounted in the most convenient position for access when battery replacement is necessary.