BASS
This controls the low frequency content of your sound. Higher levels of bass can be good
at low volumes, but take care when running the amp louder – you may find you need to
reduce the bass control. As with all the EQ pots, adjust to taste!
PRESENCE
This controls a different part of the high frequency response of your amplifier than the
treble control. You might like to see it as a ‘master high end’ control that helps you tame,
or perhaps enliven your tone depending on your environment, without having to change
your EQ. As the Master Volume is post phase-splitter on the Sheriff 44, the Presence
control is positioned between the outputs of the Phase Splitter rather than in the more
conventional position in the negative feedback line. This means that it works more
effectively over the range of the Master Volume control. It also incorporates a passive
tone circuit to tailor the high frequency content of the sound. It has a distinct effect on
how your guitar feels, so play, listen and set to taste.
MASTER
The Master Volume control is used to set the stage or overall volume of the Sheriff 44. If
this is turned to maximum, then the 44 becomes a non-master volume amplifier where
either Volume control in conjunction with the Volume control on the guitar allows for a
wide range of Volumes & Gains to be achieved. This can be very powerful for tone
shaping.
The Master Volume control is positioned after the phase splitter valve and after the FX
return.
OFF – STANDBY – ON Switch
The Sheriff 44 should always be switched to STANDBY first to allow the valve heaters to
warm up. The amplifier is now in a preheat mode with just the valve heaters and low
voltages on. This allows the valves to heat up before they get 100s of volts up them, (it’s
less of a shock).
Ensure the Master Volume is turned down to avoid sudden deafness and after around 60
seconds, the amp can be switch to ON.
Please always leave at least 30 seconds before switching from Standby back to Off. This
will ensure extended valve life and avoid any power-down noise. This is especially
relevant if you are mic’d up and running through a large PA system as any small pop may
become amplified to audience death levels; this may limit your music career.
