INTRODUCTION
A series of compact amplifiers for Bass instruments like nothing you have seen or heard before. These full frequency,
extended headroom, integrated combo amps could be used for virtually any amplified instrument but are specifically tuned
to the unique needs of Electric and Upright Bassists.
Our considerations in these amp designs were multifold and our objectives are to provide:
• An affordable amplifier for the discerning musician.
• A gigging amplifier for the seasoned professional.
• A teacher’s amp where both the student and the teacher can plug in simultaneously while playing musical examples
with a music player through the auxiliary input.
• An amp for rehearsals, where space and sound levels are limited.
Here is a short explanation of the underlying design concepts.
CLASS A OPERATION
Class A amplifiers are typically more linear and as such are less complex than other amplifier classes. In Class A amplifiers, the
amplification circuitry is designed so that it is always conducting electrical current. This means that the active elements are always on,
thus avoiding the problem of crossover distortion.
LOW-Z CIRCUITRY
Thermal noise is a critical design issue when it comes to audio electronics. By lowering the impedance of components inside an
electronic circuit, the overall thermal noise is substantially reduced. The Low-Z circuitry inside all of our amplifiers makes it possible to
achieve consistently noise-free operation.
DYNAMIC DISTORTION LIMITER
TM
Distortion occurs when an amplifier works beyond its range, when the power supply cannot supply the power any more to
take the amp higher. A common method to control distortion in amps is to use a limiter, a device that stops the signal going
beyond a specific level. Audio limiters work by setting a threshold signal level where the circuit kicks in and keeps signal
levels within the capabilities of the power supply. This method is not very precise and often causes audible effects such as
pumping and thumps.
We designed a circuit that instead reads the distortion level in the power amp and starts limiting as soon as the amp shows
even miniscule amounts of distortion. This means our amps always stay within 0.3% distortion (THD) when most amps are
rated at between 5-10% distortion (that means that to get your 20 Watt out of a 20 Watt amp you will get it audibly distorted
and if you want a clean signal the power will be a lot less). There are desirable types of distortion, but these are not usually
associated with transistor amplifiers, but more commonly associated with tube amps and effect pedals. Warwick’s goal is to
give the user a great, clean sound allowing the user to decide how much, and what kind of distortion to employ.
INTEGRATED SPEAKER DESIGN
All the speaker drivers and cabinets have been designed in tandem with the electronics to create units that work together
efficiently. Careful consideration has been taken to modify all parameters, thereby achieving the best results in sound and
performance. All components reflect a custom designed solution to give the end user optimum control over his/her tone,
volume and configuration.
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