STRAWBERRY BLONDE OWNER’S MANUAL •
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alone with your instrument while finding your tone, and listen again in a band context, both near to and away from the Strawberry Blonde.
Qualities like punch, fatness, presence and bite can be fairly well spread out. Treble, despite the broad dispersion of the piezo tweeter, is
a very directional quality. Spend some time exploring what you can hear in this area as you move around.
EFFECTS BLEND
The effects loop circuitry in the Strawberry Blonde is a “side chain” design, the same concept as used in studio mixers or consoles. The
Effects Blend control mixes the signal coming from your instrument with the sound coming from your effect. With the Blend control fully
counter-clockwise, no signal from your effect will be heard. As you turn this control clockwise, more of the effect can be heard in the over-
all sound. When the Blend is fully clockwise, no dry or unaffected signal is heard other than the output of your effects device.
This type of control and patching arrangement is very effective in reducing noise caused by effects units and in maintaining a more natur-
al sound. If your effects device has a similar control, we suggest leaving it set to its maximum effect/minimum dry signal position and
using the Effects Blend control for this function. Please read the “Effects Loop” section for more information.
REVERB CONTROL
The Reverb control blends signal from the internal spring reverb with the main signal. The reverb circuitry is on a side chain as well, so the
natural sound of your instrument is always maintained. Rotating this control clockwise will add more reverb to the overall sound.
MASTER VOLUME
The Master Volume adjusts the signal level going to the power amplifier, Stereo Headphones jack, extension speaker and the internal
speaker system. It does NOT affect the Balanced XLR Line out. For optimum signal to noise ratio, it should be used in conjunction with the
Gain control. Losses caused by effects units can be recovered by increasing the Master Volume.
STEREO HEADPHONES JACK
By inserting a set of stereo headphones into this jack you will be able to monitor your sound or practice without disturbing your neigh-
bors. The volume level is adjusted by the Master Volume. We suggest you begin with the Master Volume off (fully counter-clockwise), then
slowly bring the volume up to your desired level. If you hear distortion in your headphones that is not present with the speakers on, turn
down the volume as you are probably overdriving your headphones and could cause them damage.
To practice silently, position the 3-way selector switch on the back panel to the “Head Phones” (middle) position. Any impedance stereo
headphones will work. However, optimum impedance is 75 ohms. Do NOT use mono headphones as they will short out one channel.
3-WAY SPEAKER PHASE SWITCH
This switch serves two purposes. First, it sets the phase position of the speaker output. Second, it can act as a speaker mute for silent
practicing or tuning.
When the switch is set to the IN (up) position, the output (speaker) is in phase with the input. In the OUT (down) position, the reverse is true.
The purpose of this feature is too inhibit regenerative feedback. This method is superior to a notch filter as it does not alter the overall
tone. If your instrument starts to feedback, set the switch down to the OUT position to reverse the phase. It should be noted however, that
the distance between you and the cabinet is a factor. Depending on your proximity to the cabinet, changing the phase could actually
cause an increase in feedback.
Most feedback in acoustic instruments occurs in the lower registers. If ample volume is not obtained through use of the phase switch or
changing your position in relationship to the amp, try putting the Strawberry Blonde on a chair or stand off the floor.
The middle position, labeled HEADPHONES, disconnects the signal going to the internal speakers and extension speaker jack. Use this
position when listening through headphones only or for silent tuning (refer to "Tuner Send" section). The Headphones jack is always active
regardless of the position of this switch.
POWER SWITCH
Pressing the Power switch to the “On” position activates the Strawberry Blonde’s electronics as indicated by the green LED above the
switch. A slight pop will occur when the unit is first turned on. This is normal and will not harm any of the components in your amp or
speaker cabinet.
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