1. Preamp Select Switch
Depending on your preference, choose either solid-state or tube gain input for the preamp.
2. 0dB / Passive and -6dB / Active Inputs
We suggest the following: use the 0dB/Passive input for bass guitars with passive
electronics, like single-coil and humbucking pickups; use the -6dB/Active input for active
pickups (or extremely ‘hot’ pickups). However, you may prefer to run your active pickup bass
guitar into the 0dB/Passive input for an intentional aggressive sound – you are in control.
User Tip: Don’t use both inputs at the same time as they’re not intended for connecting more
than one instrument at a time.
3. Gain Control
The Gain control is a volume adjustment for the preamp, which is selectable - using either
solid-state or tube circuitry. The tube circuitry features a single 12AX7A (dual-triode) preamp
tube. The Gain control should normally be set around the middle, which should be the
position for most basses. If your bass has an unusually low output, increase the Gain control
to the desired level, conversely for higher output basses use a lower setting. Increasing the
Gain control also affects the level of drive when the Tube-Drive feature is engaged.
4. Compressor
To increase the consistency of your tone and further the performance of the power amplifier,
we have provided an adjustable compressor. This compressor is fairly simple to use, with
only a simple threshold control to make adjustments. The compression ratio is 2:1 and the
attack/release-time is preset optimally.
Note: To use the Compressor, rotate the control clockwise until the desired threshold is
reached. It will be apparent to you audibly as well as visually; a red LED (located to the right of
the control) will illuminate as the compressor limits the signal. The LED will also indicate how
much compression is being applied by its intensity and duration.
5.
TUBE
Drive Switch, Mix and Control
The
TUBE
Drive feature controls the amount of tube-overdrive (saturation) in the signal. The tube-
overdrive is powered by a 12AX7A, dual-triode preamp tube. Activate the circuit by depressing
the
TUBE
Drive mode switch or using an optional footswitch (AFS-2). The green LED, above the
TUBE
Drive switch, will illuminate indicating
TUBE
Drive mode is active. To achieve higher levels of
overdrive, increase the Gain control at the preamp stage. If you want your overdrive level to
go beyond the usual threshold into modern lead-style distortion, increase the
TUBE
Drive control
fully clockwise. Naturally, there will be some extra noise coming out of the amplifier at this high
setting. This is a normal compromise when achieving so much overdrive.
User Tip: Many unique sounds can be obtained by changing some controls in conjunction
with the
TUBE
Drive control. Some bassists prefer minimal distortion with a lot of Scoop, some
may prefer massive overdrive (and lots of midrange growl) and others may go for that deep
dry bass. These sounds can be achieved easily by adjusting the Scoop, the
TUBE
Drive and the
TUBE
Drive’s Mix controls in conjunction with each other.
User Tip: The
TUBE
Drive circuit can also be activated by an optional footswitch (AFS-2). A green
LED, located directly above the
TUBE
Drive switch, will illuminate. Some players find this useful
as a boost for loud passages or soloing.
Note, when using the footswitch the front panel
TUBE
Drive selection switch is deactivated.
The Drive Mix control becomes active when the
TUBE
Drive mode is activated. This control
blends an underlying clean tone below the overdriven tone. In the Dry counter-clockwise
setting, clean signal is allowed to dominate the mix with no overdrive. When rotated clockwise,
into the Wet region, the overdriven sound becomes more apparent. The
TUBE
Drive overdrive
will continue to increase until it is the dominant sound in the mix (fully Wet position). This helps
you achieve a perfect Wet/Dry blend between a completely clean and completely saturated
overdrive tone. This is a handy feature that puts you in control of your overdrive tone.