14
4.2 Level adjustment
First ensure, that the
master
level control is zeroed
(over to far left), so that when you are setting the
sound level, the signal passes through the elec-
tronics only and does not reach the loudspeaker.
By pressing the
high-/low-
(attn.) resp.
line-/mic-
switches you can adapt the amplifi er to your signal
sources (guitar pickups, microphone etc).
Turn the
gain
control clockwise until the red
clip
indicator fl ashes momentarily when playing with a
strong attack. Thus you make sure that your signal
source (e.g. instrument) provides the input-stage of
the amplifi er with the necessary input.
Note: Level adjustment
By setting the level correctly we mean the signal
level in one or several devices in a signal chain is
neither too high nor too low. This applies equally
to all circuits in a complete circuit design (EQs,
preamps etc.)
Consequently, care must be taken that no part of
the circuit is overloaded or that distortion is unin-
tentionally added to the signal.
We have carefully designed the circuit to achieve
this objective whilst also providing controls for
„manual“ intervention.
4. Starting up
4.1 Cabling and switching on
Before connecting to
mains, please ensure
that your local mains
voltage is suitable
for the voltage of the
device (e.g. 120V in the
USA, 230V in Europe).
The relevant specs and safety symbols are printed
on the rear side of the unit.
Connect all cables according to your application
and switch the amplifi er on. The green
power
con-
trol LED indicates operational readiness.
5. Functional characteristics
5.1 Tone control
The triple-band equalizer of your
Alpha
provides
you with an active and high quality sound interac-
tion tool that supports the natural tone of instru-
ments and voice whilst simultaneously off ering you
the possibility of a controlled accentuation.
With all controls in mid position the fi lters are set to
produce a very pleasing and natural sound impres-
sion that you can „colour up“ by using the
colour
fi lter with the eff ect of lowering the mids and
lifting the trebles. The tone becomes more open
and light and is especially suited for fi ngerpicking
techniques.
The equalization can support or soften the eff ect of
the
colour
fi lter and allows a diff erentiated mids-
accentuation.
A: with colour-fi lter
(switch pressed)
reduce
treble
to soften possible sharpness
B: without colour-fi lter
(switch not pressed)
boost
treble
to brighten the sound
colour
bass
middle
treble
colour
bass
middle
treble
Note:
The active equalization of the
Alpha
eff ects the signal
adjustment. If you spot an intensifi ed fl ickering of the
clip
indicator, readjust the signal level with the
gain
control (
s.
4.2 Level adjustment
).
The
clip
-LED indicates an overload. A short fl icker
is of no danger to AER devices. During operation a
short fl icker can be accepted, to be on the safe side
you should reduce the
gain
slightly to achieve an
optimal and distortion-free performance.
Finally set the desired overall volume level with the
master
level control.