Rocktron Valve Sonic Plexi, User Manual

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Introduction
Rocktron has partnered with LA Custom to produce the ValveSonic series of all tube guitar preamps with
unprecedented sonic versatility. Tonal capabilities range from 1950’s American, to 60’s, 70’s, 80’s British, to
modern American high gain. The ValveSonics have a unique four tube design with the flexibility to reproduce
any musical style including classic rock, metal, pop, country, jazz and more.
The ValveSonic Plexi captures the vintage tones of the iconic British “plexi” amplifiers, from the stacked amps
and the arena sound of rock to the sound heard during the “Sunset Strip” era of rock, and beyond.
Each ValveSonic model features a front panel input jack. The 1-2 switch affects the input of the tube stage
in the preamp. When switched to “1”, the unit provides the more “modern” type of input used on British
style amps. When switched to “2”, the unit provides a fatter, “classic” type of input used on vintage British
amplifiers. The Tight switch is used in conjunction with the 1-2 switch; in the up position the input is
“tightened up” much like more modern British amplifiers, while in the down position the tight function is not
active.
The ValveSonic Bright control is a six position switch that provides five different bright variations to the
overall tone found in British amplifiers, from vintage to modern, with 0 being off and 5 being the brightest.
The Gain control is used to determine the amount of GAIN Input level driving the ValveSonic tubes. Boost
can be obtained by flipping the Boost switch to the On position. The Boost works in conjunction with the “+”
switch. When the Boost switch is On and the “+” switch is in the down position you will obtain an extra gain
stage that replicates the 80’s British type of tone. When the “+” switch is Up, you obtain an additional gain
stage and essentially add an entire tube to the front end, replicating the 90’s British amps.
Bass, Middle and Treble controls determine the amount of these various frequencies present in the signal.
EQ 1 & 2 swtich replicates the two different style EQs that were used in British amplifiers over the years. In
the Up position, (position 1), the “modern” EQ is replicated, providing a more midrange emphasis. In the
Down position, (position 2), “vintage” EQ is replicated.
The ValveSonic series features a unique AFTERBURNER switch. This switch works in conjunction with
the DRIVE control, providing yet another gain stage after the EQ section of the preamp. When the
AFTERBURNER is turned On, this switch emulates a post phase inverter master. When On, you can utilize the
Drive control to adjust the amount of Drive present in the AFTERBURNER stage.
The ValveSonic also features HIGH CUT control to adjust the High Frequency cut in order to roll off some
of the high end “sizzle” when the high gain is used. The Master control determines the output level of the
preamp.
The ValveSonic series has been carefully designed to provide pristine tone, no matter what your style of
performance.