9

DescriptionEQ type
Based on a digital EQ unit popular in the 1980s and 1990s. This EQ
is useful for sculpting the hyped highs, booming lows, and scooped
mids associated with the era’s rock and metal music styles.
Modern
Replicates the tone section of a “retro modern” boutique amp. It
excels at precise EQ adjustments, though its tone may be cleaner
than desired when used with vintage amplifiers. This EQ is a good
choice if you want a cleaner, brighter sound.
Boutique
Using Amp Designer’s Gain, Presence, and Master Controls
The amp parameters include controls for the input gain, presence, and master output.
The Gain knob is found to the left in the knobs section and the Presence and Master
knobs are to the right.
Gain
Presence Master
• Gain knob: Sets the amount of pre-amplification applied to the input signal. This control
affects various amp models differently. For example, when you are using the British
Amp, the maximum gain setting produces a powerful crunch sound. When you are
using the Vintage British Head or Modern British Head, the same gain setting produces
heavy distortion, suitable for lead solos.
• Presence knob: Adjusts the high-frequency range—above the range of the Treble
control. The Presence parameter affects only the output (Master) stage.
• Master knob: Sets the output volume of the amplifier going to the cabinet. For tube
amplifiers, increasing the Master level typically produces a somewhat compressed and
saturated sound, resulting in a more distorted and powerful—that is, louder—signal.
High Master settings can produce an extremely loud output that can damage your
speakers or hearing, so ramp this up slowly. The final output level of Amp Designer is
set with the Output slider at the lower-right edge of the interface. See Setting Amp
Designer’s Output Level.
25Chapter 1 Amps and Pedals