Low Gain input
This is a low-sensitivity input. Guitars plugged into it have more
headroom before distortion sets in (meaning that you can crank up a channel's volume a
little louder before you experience Preamp distortion). This is a good choice for a clean
overall sound, and is especially well-suited to active pickups or guitars equipped with
Preamps.
Channel 1
Both channels are voiced differently. Channel 1 has an added gain stage which
gives it more gain than most of the other Rivera models. It’s definitely geared toward
creating impressive crunch and thick textured lead tones while retaining a vintage feel
(think of as a great "British" tone). Grit, grunge, dirt, progressive--whatever you're looking
for in the distortion department is here, from sweet and singing to hard-driving to
maximum sustain. Note: Like the controls on all classic amps, the Treble, Middle, and Bass
interact, creating smooth, musical tone changes. All three controls operate with even
response throughout their ranges. This amp has so much potential gain and sustain, you
should not assume that the Volume controls should be set on a typical "10" to start with.
You might try 3-5 as a starting point.
Volume (with channel-select Pull-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 push 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-7R footswitch also selects channels; the Volume's pull switch
can be activated with the FS-7R plugged in or not, but to control the amp from the
footswitch, keep the switch pushed in. ). See info on the FS-7R 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. The bass EQ curve has been
specially tailored to complement the maximum bass response of the RIVERA cabinet.
Also, the internal speakers of the Rivera Amplifiers have been chosen to complement the
circuitry and cabinet size.
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 dramatically 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 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.
