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Page 19
Chrome Tone
User’s Manual
Pre
The primary source of noise in most guitar signal paths is dc and 60 Hz hum. These unwanted
signals are automatically removed with the low cut filter in the Pre section. The low cut
frequency range extends down to 75 Hz, and a variety of Pre types are available to color the
input signal (subtle bass boosting, more gentle filter roll offs, vintage pre models).
A common use of products like Chrome Tone is to re-amp the already recorded guitar track.
Using the Pre ‘vintage’ modes, this affect can be achieved on a directly recorded guitar track.
Noise Gate
The Chrome Tone Noise Gate is designed to minimize the amount of noise heard at
the output of the Chrome Tone Amp plug-In. Large amounts of gain common to
most guitar amplifiers raise the noise floor of the input signal considerably. When
the performance from the guitar or other input stops, this noise floor becomes very
audible. The Gate section automatically reduces input gain to zero when the input
signal drops below the selected threshold. The Attack, Hold, and Release controls
allow the Gate to open and close in a way that does not interfere with the actual
performance.
The Noise Gate controls are:
• Threshold - the level at which the gate is engaged (closed). When the input signal drops below the threshold, the
gate closes and no more signal is outputted.
• Attack - the rate at which the gate opens.
• Hold - the amount of time the gate remains open once signal level rises above the Threshold.
• Release - the rate at which the gate closes.
Compression and Sustain
The Chrome Tone Amp Compression section provides a compressor and sustainer to
further amplify and compress the incoming signal. The Compression controls are:
• Threshold - the level in dB at which the compression starts.
• Response - the rate at which the compressor attacks the signal once it exceeds
the Threshold value, and the rate at which the compressor releases once the
signal level drops below the Threshold value. The ‘C’ LED indicates when
compression is occurring.
• Sustain - the level to which the signal is boosted as its compressed.
• Release - the rate at which the sustain action occurs. The ‘S’ LED indicates when sustaining is occurring.
• Compression Ratio Popup - the ratio of input to output as determined by the compressor.
The combination of the compressor and sustainer create a gain-slew affect, common to many amplifiers when operated
at high volume levels. The amplifier attempts to restrict output levels at a maximum, while boosting lower levels to
the desired gain. Using the compressor and sustainer to further drive the Distortion section produces heavily distorted
sounds.
The compressor and sustainer can also achieve long sustained sounds, while reducing the transient signal levels (initial
string plucks for example). Instrument solos and many guitar styles benefit from these effects.
