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1. Power Switch and Lamp
The power switch is located on the rear panel next to the IEC AC power connector. When the
Small Block is powered up, the power lamp which is located on the front panel illuminates
red for standby, mute or protect and illuminates blue when the amp ready to use.
2. 0dB/Passive and -6dB/Active Inputs and Clip LED
The Small Block input circuit has been designed for most basses but all basses have not
been created equally. Some basses have higher signals while others have very low signals.
For optimum clarity, use the 0dB input for bass guitars with standard single-coil pickups or
the -9dB input for active or extremely ‘hot’ pickups such as humbuckers. For an overdriven
edge or “crunch,” use the 0dB input. In either case, the Gain control setting will be a factor in
establishing the type of clean or overdriven sound you prefer.
User Tip: Do not use both inputs at the same time to connect a second bassist or other
musician. The preamp is not designed for more than one instrument to be played at a time.
3. Mute Button
As an aid to tuning your bass silently, the mute function disengages the preamp signal from
all outputs (Line Out, Phones when post EQ switch is on and the amp’s speaker) except the
Tuner jack. When this function is enabled the power light changes color to Red.
4. Gain Control
The Small Block Gain control allows you to set the level of the signal before it’s sent to the
tone controls. This controls the tonal ‘sensitivity’ or ‘definition’ of the amplifier. Higher Gain
settings will give more ‘growl’ to your bass.
5. Tone Controls
A wide-range of sonic adjustment is achieved by using the four overlapping active tone
controls. These tone controls have a range of ±15 db covering the entire audio spectrum. The
center position of each control denotes a neutral or nominal setting. The Bass control adjusts
the level of the low frequency; Low Mid, the next frequency range up; the Hi Mid covers a
higher frequency range and the Treble regulates the upper frequency range.
User Tip: When starting out, it’s a good idea to center all tone controls. Adjust these controls
while playing until you achieve the desired tone. Keep in mind that all tone and EQ circuits are
gain-related, which means it may be necessary to re-adjust the Gain control once the desired
tone is achieved. This will help you to retain the amount of clarity or ‘growl’ you desire.
6. Low Expander Control
The low expander shapes the tone of the bass by contouring the gain throughout the mid
frequencies around 400 Hz while expanding the low frequency. Re-shaping the frequency
response in this manner provides an expanded tonal palette.
7. AUX Input
The 1/4-inch jack can be used an input for an external sound source such as a digital audio
player or smart phones etc. A stereo source will be summed electronically when fed into the
AUX Input jack using a TRS (stereo jack). The AUX Input is fed to the signal flow after the
tone controls, which does not affect its tonality.
8. Phones Jack
Connect headphones here for practicing or recording. When you plug phones in, you mute the
amplifier’s speakers and Line Out jack; the output sent to the Tuner output jack is not disabled.
9. Tuner Out Jack
Connect your instrument tuner here using a standard shielded (e.g. guitar) cable.