Anthem volume issues

[Cactusjim]

I've recently had an Anthem system installed in my Taylor, and while I really love the sound, I find that the output level of this pickup system is significantly lower than the other pickup systems I've used in the past. I'm wondering if this is an idiosyncrasy of the Anthem, or if I have a problem with my particular unit.

[Bryan McManus]

Hi Jim,

I can say that the Anthem's average output level, which is greatly influenced by the installation conditions and setup of the guitar, is lower than some of our pickup systems but comparable to others. It's possible the Anthem is lower than most of what you've had experience with.

Ultimately, the best way to tell if your Anthem has reasonable output is to compare it to another Anthem. If you know somebody who recently purchased one but hasn't installed it yet or if a local shop will let you compare it to one from their stock, you could know for sure.

[graphics]

Hi Cactusjim,

Is your Anthem sounding amazing yet? If you need any additional help, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 805-929-3545. Caleb or Bryan would be happy to help!

[JSeth]

Cactusjim - I have the Anthem installed in both my 6 and 12 string Angus acoustics... I found that having a shim under the saddle of my 6 string was NOT beneficial to smooth response; the volume on my 6 string was also quite a good deal "hotter' than in my 12 string. Once I had a saddle cut and the shim removed, the overly "hot" volume was toned down, and the tonal response of the Anthem SL was much, much better, to my ears. I have heard that a saddle that is either too loose or too tight can negatively affect the Anthem... you might want to check with the tech who installed it about your concerns...

FWIW, the output of the Anthem seems to be slightly less than the Fishman Matrix Naturals that came out of both my guitars... still plenty of volume, though!

good luck!

[nozkcb]

I had an Anthem installed on a newly built OM by the builder and I've been struggling to get a full sound out of the system. No matter where I roll the mix, I don't seem to get enough umph/low/punch from the system. The low E and A strings are very weak in particular. I took the guitar back to the maker and asked him to check it out. He removed the saddle to check the element and it looked fine and is making solid contact with the saddle. The mic also seems to be placed correctly but the output is still thin, weak and lacking punch/lows. I've also tried the mic mix pot and it doesn't seem to help.

Suggestions?

[Bryan McManus]

I had an Anthem installed on a newly built OM by the builder and I've been struggling to get a full sound out of the system. No matter where I roll the mix, I don't seem to get enough umph/low/punch from the system. The low E and A strings are very weak in particular. I took the guitar back to the maker and asked him to check it out. He removed the saddle to check the element and it looked fine and is making solid contact with the saddle. The mic also seems to be placed correctly but the output is still thin, weak and lacking punch/lows. I've also tried the mic mix pot and it doesn't seem to help.

Suggestions?

Hi Noz,

In the Anthem system, the undersaddle pickup is handling all the low frequencies and the Tru-Mic handles all the upper-mids and highs. Any issue with low frequency response will not be affected by the mic level trim pot.

If you're interested in having the Anthem preamp and/or Element tested for proper response and EQ curve, please email [email protected] or call 805-929-3545, ext. 111. We're eager to make sure the system and its parts all work properly and provide the best amplified sound they can.