tech21 SansAmp PSA 2.0, Owner'S Manual

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GUIDE TO CONTROLS
The SansAmp PSA gives you access to specific tone-shaping characteristics
within the tube amplifier sound spectrum. The controls offer tremendous flexi-
bility in adjusting tonality, gain structure, and harmonic content. Controls of this
nature are traditionally inaccessible on stock amps and adjustments like these
are ordinarily achieved only by professional permanent modification.
Tonality, for instance, can be adjusted in a variety of ways. Buzz, Punch, Crunch,
and Drive offer different results than the post EQ section (Low and High).
Gain structure can be adjusted via the Gain control, which results in a different
kind of overdrive than the Drive control. Additionally, Buzz, Punch, and Crunch
each affect the gain structure within specific frequency bands.
As you experiment and become familiar with the interrelationship of the con-
trols, you’ll be able to customize your own sounds and store them in the
SansAmp PSA’s memory.
GAIN
This is the input sensitivity control. It adjusts the signal level going into the
input section of the SansAmp PSA.
BUZZ
Controls the low-end break-up and overdrive. You can boost the effect by turning
clockwise from the center point indicated by the arrow, and cut by turning counter-
clockwise. When you turn towards maximum, the sound becomes (you guessed it)
buzzy. For a clean setting, increase the setting in small increments. For increased
definition when using distortion, position the knob at its midpoint or towards mini-
mum.
PUNCH
Sets the amount of midrange break-up and overdrive. Boost or cut from the
center point indicated by the arrow. Decreasing from the center point pro-
duces a softer, Fender ® -style break-up. Increasing its setting creates a harder,
heavier distortion. At maximum, it produces a sound similar to a wah pedal at
mid-boost position placed in front of a Marshall
®
amp.
CRUNCH
Controls the top-end break-up and crunch. Boost or cut from the center
point indicated by the arrow. Increasing from the center point brings out upper
harmonic content and pick attack. Decreasing from the center point warms up
brittle single coil pickups.
DRIVE
Like the volume control on a non-master-volume tube amp, Drive increases the
amount of power amp distortion. In live applications, we recommend using less
Drive than when direct recording. This compensates for the natural sustain
achieved at high volumes.
LOW
AND
HIGH
Active shelving EQs, cut or boost ±18dB from unity gain at 12 o’clock, with
pivot point at 1kHz.
LEVEL
Adjusts the output level.
TRIM
For live performances, this control globally adjusts the level of
all
presets so
you don’t have to individually adjust each setting on stage. Be aware that if you
have any settings with the Level programmed close to/at minimum or maxi-
mum, the Trim pot will not be as effective.
5 6
DISPLAY AND SWITCHES
3-DIGIT LED DISPLAY
Because the SansAmp PSA is fully programmable, everything you do
is monitored by its internal processor. And everything you need to
know is in these three digits. This display is readable from any angle,
in daylight or darkness. It tells you which program is active, whether
any knob’s setting has been changed, when a program is stored, and when MIDI
functions have been activated. (Refer to the sections on programming your
SansAmp PSA and using MIDI for specific information regarding the display’s
functions.)
SAVE SWITCH
The Save switch stores your custom settings in the memory of the SansAmp
PSA. It also gives you access to the Special Page function menu (see page 10).
UP
AND
DOWN FOOTSWITCHES
Pushing either of these switches once counts up or down through the pro-
grams one at a time. Holding the switch down moves quickly through the pro-
gram numbers.
ACTIVE / SEARCH FOOTSWITCH
Allows you to alternate between two modes:
Active Mode:
Depressing the Up or Down footswitch allows you to step-scroll by in-
creasing or decreasing the program number one at a time.
Search Mode:
The LED numerical display flashes. Depressing and holding the Up or
Down footswitch allows you to speed-scroll to a desired location --
without sending any program change information. Depressing the Ac-
tive/Search footswitch a second time re-engages the Active mode and
instantly changes to the program desired.