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3. Gain Control
The Traynor Small Block series Gain control allows you to set the level of the signal before it’s sent to the tone
controls. This allows control of the tonal ‘sensitivity’ or ‘definition’ of the amplifier. Higher Gain settings will
give more ‘growl’ to your bass.
4. Tone Controls
A wide range of sonic adjustment, covering the entire audio spectrum, is achieved by the four active tone controls.
Each tone control has a great range of ±15 db. The center position denotes a neutral or nominal setting for all con-
trols. The Bass control adjusts the level of the low frequency and works with the Low Mid, the next frequency range
up. The Hi Mid covers the next higher frequency range and the Treble control adjusts the upper frequency range.
User Tip: When starting out, it’s a good idea to center all tone controls, adjust these while playing until the
desired tone is achieved. Keep in mind that all tone and EQ circuits are gain-related, which means it may be
necessary to re-adjust the Gain control once the desired tone is achieved. This will help you to retain the amount
of clarity or ‘growl’ you desire.
5. Low Expander Control
The Low Expander shapes the tone of the bass by extending the low frequency and reducing the mid frequencies
(around 400 Hz). By re-shaping the frequencies in this manner this provides an expanded tonal palette.
6. Master Volume Control (SB115)
The Master volume control adjusts the overall signal level of the amplifier; consider it your “loudness” control.
7. Aux Input
The 1/4-inch jack can be used an input for an external sound source such as a digital audio player or smart phones
etc. A stereo source will be summed electronically when fed into the AUX Input jack using a TRS (stereo jack). The
AUX Input is fed to the signal flow after the tone controls, which does not affect its tonality.
8. Phones Jack
A Phone jack has been provided for connecting headphones so that you can practice or record without making any
audible sound for the speakers. When you plug your headphones in, the amplifier’s speakers are disconnected; the
XLR Line Out, Tuner jack and Effects Send jack still function.
9. GND Lift Switch (SB112 and SB115)
The GND Lift switch (SB112 and SB115only) enables the ground pin to be lifted on the Line Out XLR jack.
In the Lift position, the button disconnects Pin 1 of the XLR which might help reduce ground loop hum when
routing signals directly to other equipment or mixing consoles. If ground loop hum is not present, you may get
superior shielding from outside noise sources with the button in the GND setting. In most cases, it is recom-
mended to have the switch set to GND.
User Tip: When using the XLR Line out for recording direct-to-computer, we would recommend you
insert a suitable device between the amp and computer such as A.R.T.’s TubeMP with USB for extra gain
control and USB conversion.
10. Line Out XLR
The XLR Line Out allows the user to connect the Small Block preamp directly to a mixing console or other audio de-
vice when performing live or recording. Depending on the available inputs on the mixer, or other audio device, use a
standard XLR mic cable. If only 1/4-inch inputs are available on the mixer, or other audio device, it is recommended
to use an XLR female to a 1/4-inch TRS patch cable. It’s usually best if a 1/4-inch TRS line-level input is used on the
mixer (or other audio device) to help match gain levels.
11. Limiter Switch (SB115)
To prevent hard clipping of the power amp, a selectable peak limiter is provided.
12. Tweeter Defeat/Active Switch
In the defeat position, the Tweeter Defeat switch disconnects the internal tweeter which provides a softer and more
classic bass amplifier tone, for more brightness set the switch to the Active position.