With a mixer and an amp: If you are going to the mixer via the XLR and using the 1/4”
Output
to feed an amp (with its own AC ground), you should set the switch in the up position for
“Ground Lift” mode. If you experience hum and/or buzz with the switch in either position, there
is probably a problem with the AC outlets you are plugging into.
NOTE: If using vintage equipment without proper grounds, take extra care connecting it
to modern grounded equipment. The inadequacies of the ground in vintage gear could result in
damaging anything it is connected to.
NOTE: While operating under phantom power, we recommend keeping a 9V alkaline
battery installed at all times to avoid the previously mentioned “pops” when lifting the ground (see
Standard Audio Procedure on page 2).
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
CHARACTER
sweeps through an entire range of tonal possibilities associated with each style of
amplifier. In addition to modifying the frequency response, Character also influences the attack and
drive characteristics of each particular amplifier style. Therefore, you may need to adjust your gain
and tone settings after tweaking the Character control.
DRIVE
adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output section of a
tube amp is being pushed.
LOW, MID, HIGH*.
On-board post-EQ section gives you full control, like having a studio
mixing board at your fingertips. Unlike passive tone controls that only cut, these active controls
cut and boost.*
LEVEL
adjusts the output level of both the 1/4” and XLR outputs.
PROGRAMMING THE CHANNELS
HOW TO SAVE A PROGRAM
Select a channel where you want the setting located. Set the knob controls to taste. Double click
on that channel’s footswitch and it’s saved. It’s that easy.
HOW TO FIND KNOB POSITIONING WITHIN A PRESET
When you turn a knob from its stored position, it “unlocks” and the channel indicator LED will
blink. The slower the blink, the farther away you are from the preset point. The faster the blink,
the closer you are. At the preset point, the LED stops blinking and remains on.
LAZY POT™
Another Tech 21 first, this is a unique safety feature engineered for the Drive and Level controls.
When you “unlock” the EQ settings, for instance, they will “jump” to the new setting of the knob
position. For the Drive and Level controls, however, this could result in you jumping out of your skin if
they’re at a high setting. With the Lazy Pot, there’s a gradual increase to the new setting position, giv-
ing you time to turn it down. This will only happen when you initially unlock a preset. Once unlocked,
the pot will react according to how you reposition it.
BYPASS
The SansAmp Character Series Deluxe can go into bypass mode from any of the three channels.
Whichever channel you’re already in, hit that channel’s footswitch once and you’ll be in bypass
mode.
BANK A and B
You can program 3 presets per bank, for a total of 6 presets. You can utilize 3 per instrument or
all 6 for one. Just follow the same save procedure for each channel in each bank. When you alter-
nate between banks via the footswitch, the corresponding LED lights up to let you know which
bank you’re in.
EFFECT LOOP
Allows you to connect and control external effects. Run the input of your effect to FX SEND;
output of your effect to FX RETURN. We recommend time-based effects (i.e., chorus or delay) be
inserted in the Effect Loop and external distortion/wah pedals be placed between the guitar and
the SansAmp.
To engage/disengage the effect loop, double-click the Bank/FX footswitch.
NOTE: The effect loop automatically stores the position of the last state it is in. For example, if
the effect loop is on when you save a program, it will engage when you recall that preset. If you
should spontaneously disengage the effect loop during a performance, the next time you recall
that preset, the effect loop will be off.
SPEAKER SIMULATION*
Speaker simulation is an integral part of the circuitry. It is designed for a smooth, even response as
would be achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet, without the peaks, valleys, and notches associated
with single miking. The shape of the speaker curve will not adversely effect or interfere with the
frequency response of your own cabinet. The speaker simulation works in tandem with the EQ
controls to custom tailor the overall sound.
If desired, however, you can defeat the speaker simulation by disengaging the speaker switch
(up or left position, depending on exact model). This will provide a slight 6dB per octave
high-rolloff. As many amplifiers have a pre-amp section with highs emphasized, this compen-
sation will provide a more natural pre-amp sound when going into the front of such an amp.
Conversely, when going directly into a power amp or an amp without highs emphasized, you may
need to increase the High control on the pedal to compensate for the lack thereof.
*For more details and sample settings,
see separate insert specific to your model.
PLACEMENT ORDER OF OTHER EFFECTS
One of the key attributes of any SansAmp is its responsiveness to the dynamics and nuances of
your playing technique. In most cases, your bass should be plugged directly into the SansAmp. We
suggest experimenting to find the order that’s best for you. As a general guide, we recommend:
Place the following effects BEFORE the SansAmp:
Wah-Wah, Pre-Amp, Compressor, Fuzz Box, Envelope Follower.
Place the following in the FX loop or AFTER the SansAmp: Chorus, Delay, EQ,
Pitch Shifter, Reverb.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES
1) SansAmp is very responsive. Our controls are unusually sensitive and powerful. You
need not set everything at max to get maximum results. For instance, to brighten your sound,
rather than automatically boosting Treble all the way up, try cutting back on the Bass first.
The tone controls also help compensate for the EQ curves found in instrument amplifierss. To
find the best settings for interacting with your amp, start with the tone controls at 12 o’clock and
cut or boost as necessary. Be aware that amplifiers vary greatly and some may require you to use
radical EQ settings on the SansAmp to achieve your desired sound. You need not be discouraged
or suspect something is wrong with the unit. If you’ve got your sound, you’ve simply found the
right balance for your particular amp.
2) The noise level of SansAmp is exceptionally low. However, it may amplify noise
emanating from the input source. To minimize noise going into the SansAmp Character Series
Deluxe, we recommend active electronic instru-ments have the volume set at unity gain/maximum
and tone controls positioned flat. If you need to boost, do so slowly and sparingly.
Also check for pickup interference by moving your guitar or turning the volume off. Be aware
single coil pickups are more likely to generate noise.
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