does not require a batter y, and generally has a lower output than an active bass. (If you don’t
know whether or not your bass is active or passive, check the owner’s manual to make sure.)
Since an active bass has a higher output than a passive bass, the optimal setting for the LA
Series
VOLUME
control will most likely be lower for active basses than for passive ones. As
always, use your ears to make the best determination.
Tone Controls
The preamp and tone control circuit in all SWR LA Series amps is the same basic circuit featured in
our acclaimed Professional and Workingman’s lines. We’ve condensed many of our “Pro” features
into the circuit… so now the SWR sound is “automatic.”
For each tone control, rotating the knob counter-clockwise from the center “click” position will
reduce (or cut) the level of bass, mid or treble. Rotating the knob clockwise will boost these lev-
els.
(See the LA Series Specifications for the center frequencies of these controls.)
The
BASS
control works in a range that will be useful under most normal conditions. Its musical
use might be thought of as a “fatness” control—it determines the overall “punch” of your instru-
ment. With passive instruments, this will be straightfor ward. With active instruments containing
bass-boost/cut functions, more exploration will be wor thwhile. Remember, this control can boost
bass up to 15dB, so adjust it carefully.
The
MIDRANGE
control operates in a crucial area for most instruments. Many basses (particularly
ones with roundwound strings) can have a very “honky” or nasal sound. Dropping the
MIDRANGE
control can go a long way toward smoothing out your tone. We suggest, though, that what sounds
best when you’re listening to your tone by yourself may not be what works best when playing with
other musicians, or along with a CD when practicing. Use your ears to determine what you like best.
The
TREBLE
control operates in a tonal area that extends through and beyond the usual treble
control range. Over time, we have found this approach to result in a more “musically useful”
treble. Boosting the control will open up the sound of a dull instrument, especially one with dead
strings. However, this is also the range of string rattle, finger slides, pickup clicks, etc. Again, we
recommend you experiment with the control alone with your instrument while finding your tone,
and listen again when playing with other musicians or with a CD.
Tuner Out Jack
This jack allows you to connect an instrument tuner to your LA Series amp without having to
unplug and go back and for th from amp to tuner to amp. Simply plug in a shielded patch cord
from this jack to the INPUT of your tuning device. Turn the amp on and you're ready to go. If you
don’t want to monitor your sound while tuning, turn down the
VOLUME
control all the way. This jack
also functions as a “preamp out” jack. Simply connect a shielded patch cord from the
TUNER OUT
jack to another power amp, or a powered monitor, or even a live mixing board or studio console.
The tone controls WILL affect the signal present at this jack.
Headphones Jack
By inser ting a set of STEREO headphones into this jack, you will be able to monitor your sound or
practice without disturbing your neighbors. Once you inser t the headphone plug into this jack, the
internal speaker system will automatically shut off.
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