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Thunderfunk Bass Amp Owner’s Manual
April 2007 - revision 8
Thunderfunk Bass Amp Owner’s Manual
Dual Input Jacks
– The left jack is designed for a standard Switchcraft “280“ ¼ inch plug, from either a
passive or active bass system. Passive systems have been around since the invention of the electric
bass, and active systems typically include a 9-volt battery inside the Bass, or use an external supply, e.g.,
some Alembic models.
The second ¼ inch plug can be used in two ways, and both inputs can be utilized at the same time.
The first application is as a line-level mono insert. The output from an alternative source such as a
drum machine, CD/tape player, or even a mix from the PA can be added. Set the volume for the
second source using the remote controls. This can be used for practicing or live use.
The second ¼ jack can also be used to provide an output signal to your tuner. NOTE: Since the
second input doubles as a signal input, the Mute Switch will kill both inputs.
Mute Switch
with LED indicator - This pushbutton mutes the input signal, with the Red LED lighting to
indicate muted operation.
Since the second input “tuner out” jack doubles as an input, it is also
muted by the Mute Switch.
Gain/Limit
with LED indicator – This control sets the preamp gain of the amp, and sets how much
limiting is done when the Limiter Switch is pushed IN.
The Gain Control works in conjunction with the Volume Control (the last knob on the right). While you
might think of the Volume Control as a “Master Volume” it is not. The amp is designed to not distort. If you
want a “Fuzz Bass” you should use a pedal in front of the amp, or through one of the Effects Loops (back
panel)
Limit Switch
– The Limiter is engaged when the Limit Switch is pushed IN. In this position, the Limiter
will prevent the input signal from exceeding a preset level and is adjusted by the Gain/Limit Control.
A limiter is used to squeeze the sound into a smaller dynamic range. It can be used to restrict excessively
loud signals from going through the amp, such as clicks, and pops when playing a “slap” bass style. It is
also used to “raise” the lower level signals to a higher level by “limiting” the higher level signals. Its effect
is similar to a compressor. But, while a compressor squeezes all the signals continuously, a Limiter
“clamps” the higher level signals only, thereby allowing you to set a higher overall Volume level without
creating excessively high “peak” signals.
A small time delay is built into the Limiter to prevent it from “riding” the low frequencies, causing an
audible “pumping” effect. Using any limiter or compressor will affect your sound, so you should adjust it
by ear. A red LED is provided to indicate when the Limiter is taking affect. The higher you set the
Gain/Limit control, the more the Limiter will clamp the signal, and the longer the LED will light. Excessive
use of the Limiter will add a distorted sound to your instrument. Some bass guitars with weak output
signals will not fire the limiter.
Setting the Limiter
– Turn down the Gain/Limit, and Volume controls on the amp. Make sure the
Limit Switch is pushed IN. Then turn the volume and tone controls on your bass all the way up and also
set any effects to as high an output level as you will use. Now play the instrument aggressively, and turn
the Gain/Limit control up until the red LED indicator light flashes on. Now increase the Volume Control
