“MAX,” the “clean” bass signal will still be present…along with plenty of sub-octave effect. As always,
your ears and the desired musical application will be the best judge in setting this control.
(Keep in mind that the Bass Level control will have a significant impact on the perceived level of the
SubWave™ effect as well, as it follows immediately after the SubWave™ in the signal chain. Please read
below.)
BLACK BEAUTY – ACTIVE TONE CONTROL SECTION
BASS CONTROL
The Bass control employs a shelving-type circuit and boosts or cuts the bass re /–15dB, from about
30Hz to 100Hz. Starting at the control’s mid-position (“center-click”), turning the control counter-clockwise
cuts the bass response, and turning the control clockwise boosts the bass response.
You’ll find that the Bass Level control will boost or cut the SubWave™ effect along with the “clean” bass
signal. That’s because of the range of frequencies covered by this particular control. You can use both the
Bass and SubWave™ Level controls to get a good balance between how much bass you want in your clean
sound, and how much of a bass boost you want when engaging the SubWave™. Some users will want a
significant boost, while others may be striving for a more consistent level (or “unity gain”). Again, let your ears
and musical taste be the judge.
NOTE
:
Setting both the Bass and SubWave™ Level controls near or at maximum boost will increase the
overall amount of bass in your signal VERY SIGNIFICANTLY! We’re all in favor of that, just so long as the
peak levels don’t exceed the internal speaker’s excursion limit, which would be obvious to your ear. Adjust
the controls slowly, and use common sense.
MIDRANGE CONTROLS
Your Black Beauty comes equipped with two different controls for setting the amount of midrange present:
one for boosting and cutting the level of midrange, and another for setting the specific midrange frequency
that will be adjusted in level.
MIDRANGE LEVEL CONTROL
The Midrange Level control cuts or boosts the frequency set by the Midrange Frequency control. Starting
at mid-position, turning the Level control counter-clockwise cuts the desired tone. Turning the Level
control clockwise boosts the desired tone (set by the Midrange Frequency control). When the level
control is set at mid-position (“center-click”), turning the frequency control will have no effect on the
sound.
To find the midrange area you are looking for:
1. Adjust the Midrange Level control to the full boost or cut position.
2. Rotate the Midrange Frequency control until the desired area you wish to cut or boost is found.
3. Adjust the Midrange Level control to the desired amount of cut or boost.
MIDRANGE FREQUENCY CONTROL
The Midrange Frequency control sets the area that is to be cut or boosted by the Midrange Level control.
If the Midrange Level control is set at mid-position, turning the Frequency knob will have NO affect.
Some hints: If you need to “cut through” the band a little more, try boosting 200 to 400 Hz. If you like a
more transparent or “scooped” sound, try cutting at 800 Hz. The midrange controls are especially useful
in controlling fretless basses and their inherent qualities.
TREBLE CONTROL
The Treble control employs a shelving-type circuit and boosts or cuts the high frequencies (and their
subsequent octaves) +/–15dB from about 2kHz to 14kHz. Starting at mid-position, turning the control
counter-clockwise cuts the treble response, while turning the control clockwise boosts the treble response.
EFFECTS BLEND CONTROL
The Effects Blend Control “blends” the signal sent from your instrument with the signal coming from your
6 • BLACK BEAUTY OWNER’S MANUAL
