Front panel features – SWR Sound California Blonde User Manual
Page 5
CALIFORNIA BLONDE OWNER’S MANUAL • 3
FRONT PANEL FEATURES
INSTRUMENT CHANNEL (Ch.1)
INSTRUMENT INPUT
Accepts a 1/4" mono phone plug. The input “senses” either a magnetic or piezo pickup, therefore separate inputs or a selector switch are
not needed (as on other acoustic amplifiers).
If you should hear some distortion when using this input, make sure the LED overload indicator is not lighting and don’t forget to check the
battery in your instrument.
STEREO INPUT
Accepts a stereo 1/4" phone plug. This unique feature was provided for instruments having a stereo output. For example, some acoustic
guitar players have a piezo bridge pickup and a soundhole microphone. These combine for a stereo or dual output signal. As well, some
pickup manufacturers have a dual pickup system culminating in a stereo jack.
The tip of the stereo input gets routed to the instrument channel. The ring goes to the mic/aux channel. This allows the user complete
independent control of the tone shaping and levels of each pickup/mic system! The two are blended together at the end of the signal
chain. The
Master Volume
and
Reverb
both affect this blended signal.
The California Blonde can be run in stereo. Please refer to “Stereo Operation” located in the “Rear Panel Features” section of this guide.
GAIN CONTROL
Proper use of this feature will ensure maximum signal-to-noise ratio (quiet operation) and unwanted clipping (distortion) in the preamp sec-
tion. Whether you are using the Instrument channel or the Mic/Aux channel, the following procedure should be followed.
1. Turn the
Master Volume
to the “MIN” position. Plug your instrument into the desired input jack.The volume control on your instru-
ment should be set at maximum (because we all know sooner or later it will get there!). Start with the
Tone
controls in the “0” flat position
and the
Aural Enhancer
(if applicable) in the 12 o’clock position.
2. Starting from “MIN,” raise the
Gain
control while striking your loudest chord or note. If setting up with a microphone, sing or speak
loudly into the mic as you would during a performance. Find the setting on the
Gain
control that causes the LED O/L indicator to flash.
Now back off the
Gain
until the LED overload indicator no longer comes on.
3. Use the
Master Volume
to set overall desired loudness.
The
Aural Enhancer
and
Tone
controls can have an affect on the optimal setting of the
Gain
control. After you have set these to
your liking, go back and repeat steps 1 through 3.
To accommodate a wide range and variety of instruments and mics, the
Gain
control’s taper or action was designed to start slowly. This
allows finer control of the proper gain setting for your instrument or mic. In other words, you may notice that the volume changes more
rapidly after the Gain Control reaches about the 11 o’clock position. This is normal.
The
Gain
control also “drives” the effects send signal and internal reverb circuitry. Effects units used in the effects loops should be able
to accept line level signals. If your effect is being overdriven at the input, you can turn down the Gain to alleviate this condition. Reset your
Master Volume
for desired overall volume.
PULL PHASE FUNCTION
This function reverses the input to output phase. In the “in” position, the output (speaker) is in phase with the input. In the “out” position, the
reverse is true. The purpose of this feature is to inhibit regenerative feedback. This method is superior to a notch filter as it does not alter
the overall tone.
If your instrument or mic starts to feedback, pull the
Gain
knob out to reverse the phase. It should be noted however, that the distance
between you and the cabinet is a factor. Depending on your proximity to the cabinet, changing the phase could actually cause an increase
in feedback.
Most feedback in acoustic instruments occurs in the lower registers. If ample volume is not obtained by using the phase switch or chang-
ing your position in relationship to the amp, try using the tilt back handle feature on the bottom of the cabinet.You may also try putting the
California Blonde on a chair or stand off the floor.
LED OVERLOAD (O/L) INDICATOR
If the preamp circuitry is overdriven or clipped, the yellow LED will light. To correct this condition, lower the Gain control. The O/L monitors
the Gain, Aural Enhancer, tone controls and effects loop circuitry.