SWR Mo' Bass, Owner'S Manual

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Bassynth
Based on the design of a classic analog synthesizer, this effect generates a sawtooth waveform that can be altered by the
Filter, Resonance or Envelope controls. It then can be blended with the original bass signal using the Mix control. This is the
most dynamically sensitive and complex of all the effects on the Mo' Bass. We strongly recommend that you read the entire
Bassynth section carefully - both the control knob definitions and the guide to using them - so you can get the most out of
this incredibly musical effect.
Bassynth Filter Control
This control allows the user to take away certain overtones that are present in the raw waveform (otherwise known as
"Subtractive Synthesis"). In simple terms, it acts like an equalizer for the waveform - taking away treble but not adding bass.
When set counter-clockwise to the minimum position ('0'), the filter is "fully closed" and will subtract as many overtones as
possible.
When set clockwise to the maximum ('10'), the filter is "wide open" and subtracts nothing. In addition to the control knob,
input gain and how you attack your strings are just two of the many things that can affect when the filter opens and closes.
Please refer to the "Using The Bassynth" section for more details.
Bassynth Resonance Control
This function allows a narrow band of frequencies (the resonant peak) on the filter to become relatively more prominent.
Filter resonance is also known as "emphasis" and "Q". It is also referred to in some older instruments as regeneration or
feedback, because feedback was used in the circuit to produce a resonant peak. It produces a very distinctive sound in the
analog filter process, and is an important part of the overall sound produced by the Basssynth.
When set clockwise to the minimum position ('0'), there is no resonant peak present and the frequencies are sent evenly
across the spectrum through the filter. As you increase the knob, the prominent band of frequencies sent through the filter
will narrow and the effect will become more dramatic. Please refer to the "Using The Bassynth" section for more details.
Bassynth Envelope Control
The Envelope Control is a signal-processing device in the Bassynth that controls amplitude over a certain time frame. In not-
so-technical terms, it gives the sound its shape. The Envelope Control tells when the Bassynth should go up and down in
volume, and the time it should take to go up and down. In addition to the control you have on the knob itself, these
parameters are also in the hands of the player as they can be controlled by the dynamic articulation of the musician through
string attack. This control creates the "wah-wah" type effect.
When set clockwise to the minimum position ('0'), the Envelope will affect the signal as quickly as possible, so quick that it
will have practically no affect at all. As you increase the knob, the Envelope effect will slow down, allowing you to hear the
shift in amplitude. Please refer to the "Using The Bassynth" section for more details.
Bassynth Mix Control
This control allows you to blend your original bass signal with the Bassynth signal to suit your musical taste. The mid-
position of this control is a 50/50 split between clean and Bassynth signals. When set counter-clockwise to the "bass"
position, you will hear 100% original bass signal and no Bassynth. When set clockwise to the "synth" position, you will hear
100% Bassynth and no original bass signal.
Using The Bassynth
The Mo' Bass Bassynth will react differently to every single user. Factors such as the kind of bass, the EQ of the bass, the
pickup selection on the bass, the technique of the player, the Pre-Amp volume of the Mo' Bass, the control settings of the
Basssynth itself, and the Bassynth Mix control will all come into play. Spend some time with it and become comfortable -
you'll probably stumble across a sound that we haven't even heard yet. Here at the factory, it happens to us all the time!
The following is a "road map" for getting acquainted with the Mo' Bass Bassynth. For simplicity's sake, we used a Jazz bass
for the following examples.
Start by setting the Pre-Amp Volume on the Mo' Bass to '4'. Set the Filter, Resonance and Envelope Controls to minimum
('0'). Now set the Bassynth Mix Control all the way to "Synth." Press the Bassynth switch and the amber LED should illumi-
nate. Start playing your bass. You should hear practically nothing. Don't panic - this is normal. (continued next page)
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