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 blues overdrive
distortion out of Channel 2 too, 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 (with 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. As the Volume control is increased past about "5", the bright switch's
effectiveness will be decreased.
Middle (with Pull Notch switch)
The midrange circuit has a slight notch in the frequency
spectrum at about 550 Hz, and turning the knob alters the depth of that notch. Its Pull
Notch switch shifts the frequency center of that notch down to about 250 Hz. (For
reference, most 1950s tweed amps as well as many British amps have their notch centered
at 550 Hz, while classic "blackface" American amps have theirs centered at 250 Hz.)
Experiment with this, especially if you're looking for a uniquely expressive rhythm
texture.Typically, a humbucking equipped guitar already has a lot o bass and midrange. If
you are seeking clean comping or rhythm tones, having the notch pulled out (250Hz) will
allow for more string definition and headroom. Conversely, a single coil equipped guitar
has less mids and may need the fat sound of the notch switch pushed in (550Hz).
Bass
The "chunk" and support that form the backbone of your tone come from this control.
Also, when using a singled coil guitar for a jazz or bebop tone, this control will add the
needed fatness to the lower strings.
Reverb
This control allows for the excellent "Hammond 6 Spring Long Pan" Reverb to be
enjoyed. This is a "Parallel" effect, and is adjustable for intensity up to 50%. Adjust to
taste. The Reverb is assignable and footswitchable.
Focus
This control is another RIVERA exclusive that actually lets you change the
speaker's response characteristics, from tight to loose. The effect can give closed-back
cabinets a sound more akin to an open one, and vice-versa, plus you can "custom blend" the
amount of hardness your final sound has. The Focus and Presence controls will also be
modified in their sweep, increasing their effectiveness.
Presence
The Presence control is incorporated as a vital part of the power amp section.
Think of it as a final brightness control after all the EQ, distortion and effects.
Standby
By turning the Power on and the Standby off (the down position, labeled with a
"0"), you can warm up the amplifier before applying full voltage to the Preamp and power
output tubes. This prolongs tube life. Using the Standby switch when you're taking a break
also helps to extend the tubes' life, plus it keeps the amp constantly at the ready. Just flip
the Standby switch to the up ("I") position, and you're ready to play.
