TC Electronic BG500/210, User Manual

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SpectraComp in Depth
Gain Reduction / Compression Meter
When using SpectraComp™, the compression meter (16)
indicates how much compression is applied to the signal.
Auto Make-up Gain
As compression by nature reduces the loudest parts and peaks
of the signal, you may feel that many conventional compressors
“eat” the level of your signal, resulting in a lower output volume.
SpectraComp™ automatically compensates for compression
gain reduction, giving you an even output volume.
Spectral Compression vs. Full Band Compression
Virtually any compressor used for bass guitars on the market is
based on the “full band” principle. This means that the
compressor will respond to the full (20 Hz to 20 kHz) frequency
range and apply the same compression over the whole range.
From the low E (or B) string to the G string: The electric bass
has a very wide dynamic range. When using standard
compressors, the low E string will – due to its higher energy –
control when and how the compressor responds to and shapes
the entire signal. The typical result is that either the G string is
not compressed at all or that – just when the G string starts to
sound right – the low E string is compressed too strongly. In
other words: You are constantly dealing with a tight and difficult
compromise.
With Spectral Compression, the BG500 Combo amplifier uses a
different approach that allows for independent compression of
the Low, Mid and High frequency areas. This way, the right
amount of compression is added to the individual strings of your
bass, resulting in a smoother and much more transparent
compression.
4/5/6/7 – TONE Controls
The BG500 Combo has four tone controls: Bass, Lo-mid, Hi-mid
and Treble. These controls have been tuned carefully to address
four relevant bass frequency areas, and should allow you to dial
in your sound with ease.
Tone Controls Center Frequencies:
Center Freq: 160Hz (Gain: +15/-24dB)
Center Freq: 400Hz (Gain: +15/-24dB)
Center Freq: 800Hz (Gain: +15/-24dB)
Center Freq: 1600Hz @ Gain: -24 to 0dB;
4000Hz @ Gain 0 to +15
OPERATION – FRONT PANEL
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EN