Owner's manual

2. Adjust the input gain so that the Drive LED illuminates with the chosen
source material. You should notice an audible change in sound
character as the input gain is driven harder and the valves start to
generate more harmonics.
3. If more output is then required then adjust the output level control
accordingly. Beneath the input gain there is a red “Peak” LED. This
lights up to warn that the signal is 5dB below clipping. This LED
monitors both the input stage and the output stage. If the Peak LED is
lit when the output gain is very low, then this means the input gain may
be set too high. Alternatively if the LED lights up when the input gain is
low, then the output level control is too high. The normal gain setting
would be such that the Drive LED is illuminating regularly (indicating
that the valve stages are being driven correctly) with occasional lighting
of the Peak LED on transients. Because the Peak LED illuminates 5dB
before clipping, there is still headroom available before distortion
occurs, so don’t be too afraid of seeing this LED active - just trust your
ears!
4. With each EQ band set ‘flat’ (i.e. no cut or boost applied to any band)
activate the EQ-ON switch. Starting with any band you can then
familiarise yourself with the three controls: Gain, Frequency and Q.
Section 4.8 outlines a common technique of identifying frequencies,
and with the Q control at its narrowest the effect of each band will be
most pronounced. You’ll see how broadening the Q value will make the
sound a little more rounded and musical - hence the use of broad Q
values of general sweetening and narrow Qs for more serious surgery!
5. The addition of significant boost in one or more EQ bands can provoke
the Peak LED to illuminate - remember that there is a huge amount
of gain potentially available - so in this case reduce the output level
control to compensate.
6. The ‘FAT’ contour switch can be activated, and you should be able to
notice a subtle but effective lifting of the LF and HF - almost like the
‘Loudness’ button on some hi-fi units. This effect can be used on its
own as a general purpose sweetener, or used in conjunction with the
other EQ controls.