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The Hartke LX Series Amplifier gives you control over shaping the sound of your bass using
a process called equalization. To understand how this works it’s important to know that every
naturally occurring sound consists of a broad range of pitches, or frequencies, combined together
in a unique way. This blend is what gives every sound its distinctive tonal color.
The LX5500 & LX8500’s EQ section is a tone stack equalizer. The tone stack EQ is a fixed
bandwidth EQ. It is a little different than normal boost and cut hi-fi bass and treble controls
as there is no theoretical “flat” setting. When the three knobs are at their center (12 o’clock)
position, the response is set to a preset equalization curve that has been tailored for the bass
guitar. The EQ controls are somewhat interactive, since electronically, the BASS control feeds the
SHAPE control, which feeds the TREBLE control. You should experiment with the EQ knobs and
your particular bass to dial up the best sound.
The SHAPE and FREQUENCY knobs apply an adjustable notch (scoop) filter to the specified
frequency area, so that you can customize the effect of the EQ curve that best complements
your particular bass instrument. As the SHAPE knob is rotated clockwise the depth of the notch
increases. Moving the FREQUENCY control clockwise causes the notch filter to be applied to higher
frequencies, while moving the knob counterclockwise causes it to be applied to lower frequencies.
In addition to the EQ knobs, the LX amps also includes a BRITE switch. The BRITE switch adds
an overall boost to the high-end frequency response. This button works in conjunction with the
GAIN knob (similar to the Loudness button on a stereo). As you raise the GAIN, the overall boost is
diminished. When the GAIN is set to “10” (turned fully clockwise), the BRITE switch has no effect
on the audio.
In many instances, the best way to deal with equalization is to think in terms of which frequency
areas you need to attenuate, as opposed to which ones you need to boost. Be aware that boosting
a frequency area also have the effect of boosting the overall signal; specifically, too much low
frequency EQ boost can actually cause overload distortion, or even harm a connected speaker. In
general, if you’re going to apply a fair amount of low frequency EQ boost, it’s a good idea to keep
compression on, if only to protect your speakers from potential damage.
About Equalization
Summary of Contents for LX5500
Page 1: ...Owner s Manual ...
