4
Instrument input selector (push in to activate the instrument input). Creamer Plus and Creamer SE also have a dedicated Line input with a
separate 1:1 transformer. Great to insert into a master buss (or any individual track) for tonal coloration. To use the Creamer Plus instrument
input, simply push the switch for “Line” and insert a ¼ plug into the front panel jack.
5
¼” unbalanced instrument input. Good for guitar, bass or keyboards. The input impedance is 2.2MΩ.
6 and 6a
Maximizes tube gain when depressed. For C Std and Plus, it yields just under 5dB of boost in triode and about 9dB in pentode mode.
For CSE, the gain increase is uniform between Lo, Mid, Hi and Max gain. 6a: 3-way gain switch (Creamer SE only).
7
Bi-color LED (green/red) signal presence/overload indicator. Red indicates clipping distortion. To eliminate it, disengage the “gain up”
and/or “+6dB” switch, and take the tube into “triode” mode (switch out). The last resort is the pad.
8
Output level. Does not affect tube gain or overload level, just determines how hard the output buffer, transformer, and ultimately the load
are driven. The Creamer may drive your next unit (Compressor, EQ, Converter, Mixer) into clipping even though the red light doesn’t indicate
any distortion. In that case, reduce Creamer’s output level. Its always better to start with lower output level and then increase it as much as your
audio chain allows, as distortion can occur at more than one point.
9
Output select: low-distortion solid-state IC or transformer (driven by a discrete buffer). Solid-state mode will sound somewhat cleaner,
and the transformer rounder and fatter. Creamer “A” has Ni/Fe (50/50), and Creamer “B” 100% Fe transformers. B sounds more vintage.
10
Phase reverse (at the very output of the preamp). Affects both mic and instrument inputs.
11
Power switch.
12, 13
and
14
(Creamer Plus and SE only) Low and high frequency shelving boost starting at 400 or 600Hz, and 2.2kHz or 7kHz respectively.
Mid position is flat. “Gain up” (G/MAX for CSE) switch will bypass this filter. This is a subtle tone control meant for a gentle boost, adding depth
or air to the signal.
It does not use a separate stage; rather, it utilizes the tube gain stage (only one in the signal chain). The boost level can be adjusted by 2
trim-pots, accessed from the top lid, between the boost switches and about an inch in from the front panel (
13
, marked by a red pointer).
Use a mini slot (.098”/2.5mm Ø, .031”/0.8mm wide) or hex (.104”/2.64mm hex x .055”/1.4mm deep) screw driver to adjust pots.
The default settings are maximum: 4.5dB in triode, 9dB in pentode mode. 6dB/octave. Low boost uses a real inductor for a fat tone.
15
Microphone input impedance. The lower the impedance, the more of a load will the preamp input present to the microphone.
Standard values will be 10kΩ for the middle position (HI), 900Ω for the left (LO) and 2400Ω for the right (MED). The Creamer can also be
ordered with custom impedance values, please call us or email for that. “PAD” and “+6dB” switches will also influence the resultant mic input
impedance value. Changing input impedance is more likely to influence the tone of dynamic mics, to some degree ribbons, and to a lesser degree
or not at all condensers. Lower impedance values will roll off some high end.
