R Series V1.0 p 7
Volume (with channel-select switch)
Although it's labeled "Volume," this control does a lot more than determine how loud
Channel 1 is. It regulates the preamp's volume and works with the Master to set the
level and distortion amount. A simple rule of thumb is, the higher the Volume is set, the
more distortion you get. The pull switch selects which channel is active. Its circuitry is
designed so that you don't hear a pop or click when the channel is changed. (The FS-7
footswitch also selects channels; the Volume's pull switch must be pushed in for the FS-
7 to choose channels. See the later section on the FS-7 and its functions.)
Bass
The "chunk" and support that form the backbone of your tone come from this control. Its
effect on your overall sound will be different at high and low volumes due to the
speaker's characteristics and how much distortion you use.
Middle
The midrange circuit provides the "meat" that fills out your sound. It has a slight notch in
the frequency spectrum at about 550 Hz, and turning the knob alters the depth of that
notch, letting you change the overall voicing of your tone.
Treble
Whether you're looking for edge, slash, or just a little shimmer, this knob's for you. Like
the Bass control, the apparent effect of the Treble changes with the loudness and
distortion you dial in.
Master (with Pull Boost switch)
Think of the Master as a sort of governor that sets the maximum loudness for the
channel. Also, think of it as the second half of what the Volume knob does. With the
Volume turned down and the Master up, there's less distortion than if you crank up the
Volume and set the Master lower. The Master control comes after all distortion and
tone-shaping on Channel 1, so its level doesn't have a bearing on your basic tone.
When you pull out the Boost switch on Channel 1, it adds a whole range of harmonics,
and not just gain. This is easy to hear by playing a power chord and comparing its
sound with the switch pushed in and pulled out. With the switch activated, the tone
blooms, going from fat to ferocious.
Channel 2
Channel 2 is extremely flexible, with a flavor that brings to mind the great classic
American tones and textures. You can get some pretty impressive lead overdrive
distortion out of Channel 2, and as a rhythm channel it brings out every subtlety of your
playing. The range of tones can be anywhere from sparkling-clean to perfect for bluesy
rhythm--the kind of sound that has an attitude and gets meaner as you pick harder.
Volume
The Volume knob regulates the preamp's volume and works with the Master to set the
level and distortion amount. A simple rule of thumb is, the higher the Volume is set, the
more distortion you get.
Treble -
Chubster, Suprema, R55-112, and R100-212 include Pull Bright switch
This treble control is similar in operation to the one on Channel 1. In addition, it has a
built-in Pull Bright switch. When pulled out, it adds bright highlights to the tone.
