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Setting Up and Using The LH5210 and LH5410
6. When you have set a good level, the next step is to adjust the three (BASS,
MID and TREBLE equalizer) tone controls to taste. For more information, see the
“About Equalization” section on page 10 of this manual. When you get a great
setting that will complement your instrument and playing style, it’s a good idea
to write it down for future use.
7. Next, experiment with the BRITE circuit by pushing the switch in to the “on”
position. You’ll notice a lift in the high frequency response, which you can use
to enhance your tone if you're snapping strings or just trying to cut through the
back line.
8. Now try out the LH5210 and LH5410 Limiter circuitry. Activate it by pressing
the Limiter switch in to the “on” position. The LIMITER LED will illuminate when
the Limiter circuit is active. When you engage the Limiter, you’ll hear peak signals
(such as string slaps and pulls) begin to sound increasingly “squashed,” relative
to the lower-level signals produced by standard playing. The result will be a
decreased dynamic range but an overall leveling of signal throughout the full
pitch range of your instrument.
9. If you’re using an external signal processor, turn your Hartke amplifier off
momentarily and then connect a standard audio cable between the Effect Send
jack and your effects processor input and another standard audio cable between
the Effect Return jack and your effects processor output (if required, multiple
effects processors can be daisy-chained together, output to input). Then turn the
amp back on and play your bass while adjusting the controls of your outboard
effects processor(s). For best results, set both the input and output gain of all
connected effects processor(s) to 0 dB (unity gain), so that there is no increase or
decrease in level whether the effects are switched in or out.
If you have followed all the steps above and are still experiencing difficulties, call
Hartke Technical Support (1-800-372-6766) between 9 AM and 5 PM EST.
Using The High Frequency Level Control
Your LH Series combo has a rear panel control used to adjust the level of high
frequency compression driver. The switch has three positions, ON, -6dB and OFF.
When the switch is set to OFF, the compression driver is completely out of the
circuit and off. This position will give you a darker frequency response, which a lot
of bassists like for roots rock and metal. If you set the switch to –6dB, you get half
the level of the horn. The frequency response becomes a little brighter, which is
nice for cutting through the back-line in just about any type of band. When set
to ON, you get the full level of the compression driver and the sound is full range
with nice treble response. This voicing is great for bass soloists, for funk, R&B or
for whatever style requires some serious, sweet top end.
At Hartke, we don’t put any player in a category or box, we realize that your sound is
personal regardless of the style of music you play. Heck, we know a lot of bass players
that play a lot of different styles! The LH Series combos are designed to offer a natural
response to faithfully reproduce the sound of your bass. The High Frequency Level
control gives you another dimension of control to get the sound you’re looking for.
Like always, with a little bit of experimentation, you’ll easily dial up the sound that fits
your style and musical personality.
