Front Panel
Channel 1
1. Input 1 - 1/4" Jack
Plug your instrument in here. This channel features a very high impedance input
circuit (hi-Z). This is ideal for direct connection to instruments with piezo pickups.
Always use a good quality screened instrument lead.
2. Phase
This will reverse the phase of the signal within the preamp. Use this to help to
suppress acoustic feedback.
3. Gain
This controls the input gain of Channel 1. Turning it clockwise increases the input
gain. The Sonnet preamps each include specially designed ‘dynamics control
processing’. At low signal levels and GAIN settings this is not applied and is therefore
transparent. The higher the signal level and higher the GAIN is set, then the more
the dynamics control will come into operation. This has two advantages: Firstly it
smooths out the peaks that can sound harsh on electronically amplified acoustic
instruments. The result is more like a nice studio recording. Secondly it allows much
higher headroom with the preamp and therefore less likely to clip. This is like having
an in-built sound engineer helping you sound your best at all times.
4. Shape
This switches between two basic EQ shapes. In the ‘out’ position, the EQ is relatively
flat which will be a good natural sounding starting point for most instruments. The
‘in’ position applies a mid cut as well as some low and high boost for an alternative
sound that can help create definition and space within a mix of instruments and/or
vocals. In both settings the normal channel EQ controls can be used to further fine
tune the tone.
5. Low
The LOW control adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies in your tone. This amp
has active tone shaping circuits which allow the low frequencies to be precisely
controlled for both the desired sound and also to help control instrument resonances.
6. Mid
The MID control adjusts the amount of middle frequencies in your tone. The middle
frequencies are particularly important in setting the amount of ‘body’ your tone has.
7. High
The HIGH control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the
sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warm and darker in
character. As the control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter
and more lively.
8. Reverb
The Reverb control sets the overall level of the reverb effect. With the control fully
counter clockwise there will be no reverb. Turning the control clockwise will increase
the amount of reverb.
English
9
Channel 2
9. Input 2 - Combination XLR / Jack
Plug your microphone or another instrument in here. Always use good quality
screened XLR or instrument leads.
10. Gain
This controls the input gain of Channel 2. Turning it clockwise increases the input
gain. As with Channel 1, this channel also has in-built ‘dynamics control’ and
operates in the same way.
11. Shape
This switches between two basic EQ shapes, operating in the same way as Channel 1.
12. Low
The LOW control adjusts the amount of low-end frequencies in your tone. This amp
has active tone shaping circuits which allow the low frequencies to be precisely
controlled for both the desired sound and also to help control instrument resonances.
13. High
The HIGH control allows exact adjustment of the treble frequencies within the
sound. At low settings (counter clockwise) the sound will be warm and darker in
character. As the control is increased (clockwise) the sound will become brighter
and more lively.
14. Reverb
The Reverb control sets the overall level of the reverb effect. With the control fully
counter clockwise there will be no reverb. Turning the control clockwise will increase
the amount of reverb.
15. Reverb Type
The switch enables you to select between two reverb types;
Hall
– This simulates the lush natural reverb of a large hall
Plate
– This simulates the shine and density of a vingate studio plate reverb
This will apply to both Channel 1 and Channel 2 reverb controls.
16. Reverb Time
This control adjusts the length of the reverb tail. At minimum settings the reverb tail
will be short and at maximum settings the reverb tail will be long. We recommend
trying different Reverb levels and Reverb times to achieve the effect desired.
17. H.P. Filter
This controls a High Pass Filter. Adjust this trim pot to roll off low-end frequencies
from your amplifier’s output. At the minimum setting the frequencies filtered will
be below 25Hz, and at the maximum setting, the frequencies filtered will be below
180Hz. Rolling off low frequencies can help with definition in a mix with other
instruments.
English
10
