User Manual

GUIDE TO FUNCTIONS and CONTROLS
(in order of signal flow)
C
OMP Section
Comp utilizes old school, all-analog, FET-based technology from the ‘50s
and ‘60s, which is inherently warmer, more transparent and more musical
than other methods of compression.
COMP: A single, continuously variable control to dial in just the right
amount of compression you need. A little goes a long way, from soft
and barely noticeable to super squashy, infinite sustain.
LEVEL: Adjusts the output level of the Comp section.
CHANNEL with Character Switch
Channel switches between each set of Drive and Level controls:
Drive 1 and Level 1 / Drive 2 and Level 2
Character Switch gives you a choice of sonic modes:
IN position = SansAmp Bass Driver DI
Offers a variety of classic bass tube amp tones (including Bassman-
style, SVT-style, etc.).
OUT position = VT Bass DI
Offers a more specific focus on Ampeg-style tones and is more
mid-range rich.
SANSAMP Section
The all-analog SansAmp technology enables the Bass Fly Rig to run di-
rectly into mixers of recording desks and PA systems, as well as augment
your existing amplifier set-up. It can also be used to enhance previously
recorded tracks. The SansAmp section focuses on clean tones within the
tube amplifier sound spectrum. To dirty things up, you have the flexibility
of using the Drive controls, the Character switch, or you can add distor-
tion with the Fuzz in the EFX section. Or all three! Each method achieves
different tones.
DRIVE 1 and DRIVE 2: When the SansAmp section is engaged,
adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the
output section of a tube amp is being pushed. Activated by the Chan-
nel footswitch, you can set one clean and one dirty, or one dirty and
one dirtier. The first half of the rotation will increase the volume as
well as the overdrive.
NOTE: When the SansAmp section is off, the corresponding Drive and
Level knobs (1 or 2) will remain lit, but the controls will be inactive. This
lets you know which Channel was previously on.
LOW, MID, HIGH: On-board post-EQ section gives you full con-
trol, like having a studio mixing board at your fingertips. Unlike passive
tone controls that only cut, these active controls cut and boost. At 12
o’clock, they are flat.
LOW is tuned to ±12dB @ 80 Hz
MID is tuned to -12dB @ 1 kHz / +12dB @ 2 kHz
HIGH is tuned to ±12dB @ 3.3 kHz
LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2: Adjusts the output level of the unit when
the SansAmp section is engaged. Activated by the Channel footswitch,
you can set one soft and one loud, or one loud and one louder. This
control has an exceptionally wide range for maximum compatibility
with a variety of equipment. Level Tip: When running the Bass Fly
Rig Output directly to the PA, set the SansAmp Levels fairly high to
achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio.
NOTE: When the SansAmp section is off, the corresponding Drive and
Level knobs (1 or 2) will remain lit, but the controls will be inactive. This
lets you know which Channel was previously on.
BITE Switch: Engaged (in position), Bite activates a presence boost
to the SansAmp tube amplifier emulation circuitry to provide extra
clarity to the top end. It enhances your attack in distorted settings and
adds definition to your notes when playing in clean settings.
SPEAKER SIMULATION
Speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp circuitry. It is de-
signed for a smooth, even response as would be achieved by a multiply-
miked cabinet, without the peaks, valleys, and notches associated with
single miking. The shape of the speaker curve will not adversely effect
or interfere with the frequency response of your own cabinet. The
speaker simulation works in tandem with the EQ controls to custom
tailor the overall sound.
The built-in speaker simulation can also be used independently from
the SansAmp section. This enables you to run the Comp section, or an
external pedal (OD, fuzz, distortion, etc.), through the speaker simula-
tion. This is useful for running into a full range speaker system or
recording interface.
If desired, you can defeat the speaker simulation by disengaging
the speaker switch (up position).
NOTE: The speaker simulation defeat function will only affect
the 1/4” output. It will not defeat the signal going through the
XLR Output.
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