FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. INPUT JACK
The 1/4” phone jack is a high impedance instrument input designed to handle
both active and passive basses in conjunction with the ACTIVE switch.
2. BLUE JEWEL LIGHT (POWER INDICATOR)
The POWER switch turns on the amplifier and is indicated by the large blue
jewel light over the input jack. This light also indicates the condition of the power
supply. If it the SPEAKER OUTPUT is shorted or if it is loaded below it’s minimum
rating, the power supply may shut off to protect the amp (see PROTECT LED).
If the power indicator goes out while playing, reset the amp by turning the
POWER switch OFF for about 10 seconds. Check your speaker connections
and the 2 OHM SWITCH setting (see 2 OHM SWITCH on rear panel). Turn the
POWER switch back ON.
3. MUTE SWITCH (FOOT-SWITCHABLE)
The MUTE switch turns off the output of the amplifier. A blue LED indicates
the MUTE switch is on. The MUTE switch is ideal for changing basses and silent
tuning on-stage. The rear tuner output is never muted. The mute feature can also
be switched with the optional FS22 footswitch.
4. ACTIVE SWITCH
Set the ACTIVE switch to the IN position for standard bass pickups. If your bass
uses a battery with an onboard active preamp, put the switch in the OUT position.
A blue LED indicates the ACTIVE switch is on.
5. DI LEVEL (DIRECT OUT) AND PRE/POST SWITCH
The DI LEVEL controls the output level of the XLR DIRECT OUTPUT jack.
The PRE/POST switch determines the source of the Direct Out signal.
Set OUT, the Direct Out signal is PRE and is only affected by the DI LEVEL. The
IN position is POST and the Direct Out is affected by the DRIVE, COMPRESSOR
and TONE controls, 9-band EQ and Effects Loop.
6. DRIVE CONTROL
The DRIVE control adjusts the input level to the CLASS A preamps. The DRIVE
control serves two purposes. The DRIVE can be used to adjust the input sensitiv-
ity for the differences in bass pickups. The DRIVE will also change the harmonic
content of your sound. Turning the knob closer to 10 will create a more overdriven
tone. The DRIVE will also change the volume of the amplifier, use it in combination
with the MASTER control to achieve the desired volume.
7. CONTOUR CONTROL
The CONTOUR control provides a variable mid-range scoop. When this control
is set to “FLAT” there is no change to the mid-range frequencies. As you turn
the contour control clockwise, the mid range is scooped at the center frequency
at 350Hz. When the CONTOUR control is set to maximum the mid-range is cut
by -15dB at 500Hz.
8. BASS and TREBLE TONE CONTROLS
The BASS and TREBLE controls are custom shaped tone controls designed to
deliver punchy lows and crisp highs for a variety of bass sounds. When a control is
turned to the right it boosts the signal and when turned to the left cuts the signal.
The affected frequencies for the BASS start at 80Hz and can deliver a great deal
of volume. Be careful not to distort the output or overpower your speakers. The
affected frequency for the TREBLE control begins at 5kHz.
9. SEMI-PARAMETRIC MID SWEEP TONE CONTRL (LO MID, HI MID & FREQ)
Start with the LO MID sweep. The FREQ control does not function if the GAIN
control is set in the center “0” position. To demonstrate, turn the GAIN to the right
for full boost. Now play your bass and turn the FREQ control from left to right
and notice how the added mids change frequency. Now turn the GAIN to the full
left and turn the FREQ control again and notice the mids disappear at different
frequencies. Try this with the HI MID also. The mid sweep system controls can
be very effective to fine tune your overall sound.
10. COMPRESSOR
The compressor reduces the volume of the incoming signal as it reaches a preset
maximum level. As the COMP knob is turned up (clockwise), the compressor
reduces a percentage of peak signal. This percentage is called the “compression
ratio”. When the knob is at the OFF position (full counter-clockwise) the ratio is
1:1, where all of the input signal passes through the compressor without being
affected. At the MAX setting, the compression ratio is 3:1.
The advantage of a compressor is to the reduce peaks and other sudden tran-
sients of your playing so you can increase your overall volume. For example,
in slap bass playing the plucked notes can put out peaks that would distort the
amplifier at normal playing volumes. If the amp’s volume was adjusted for these
peaks, the rest of the notes would be too quiet to hear with the band. When the
compressor is adjusted to where the LED comes on for loud peaks, the amplifier
can be played louder without distortion. It’s like having someone re-adjust the
volume of the amplifier to help prevent distortion when the peaks occur.
11. 9-BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER and EQ IN SWITCH (FOOTSWITCHABLE)
The 9 band graphic EQ has been designed with center frequencies most
requested by professional bass players. This EQ can be used to fine tune the
tonal content of the amp’s output. Since the graphic EQ is switchable with
either the optional FS22 footswitch or the EQ switch on the front panel, it can
be used during passages of a song when the bass needs to punch through.
Musicians that play more than one bass on stage will also find this useful
to get the sounds they desire out of each instrument. The BLUE LED located
above the GRAPHIC EQ IN switch signifies when the graphic EQ is working.
NOTE
: When the front panel GRAPHIC EQ switch is off, it cannot be turned
on with the footswitch.
12. MASTER VOLUME
Use the MASTER to control the overall volume of the amplifier. Reduce the MASTER
if your sound becomes overly distorted. Using the COMPRESSOR will also help
prevent distortion or overloading of your speakers.
13. POWER SWITCH
The POWER switch turns the amp ON or OFF. It is normal for the PROTECT LED to
stay on for approximately 2-4 seconds after the the POWER switch is turned on.
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