Getting Started; Top Panel Features - SWR LA 12 User Manual

GETTING STARTED

Remove the A/C cable from the accessory pack and connect it from the amp's A/C RECEPTACLE to
a standard wall outlet. Make sure that the VOLUME control is set to the minimum position (fully
counter-clockwise). Locate the POWER SWITCH on the right side of the top panel and turn the
amplifier on. The switch should illuminate in red. Upon powering up, don't be surprised if you hear
a small pop. This is absolutely normal.
Plug your instrument into the INPUT jack. Turn your instrument's volume up to at least 75% of
maximum and slowly turn up the amp's VOLUME control until you reach your desired loudness. If
you turn it up to the maximum (fully clockwise), you may hear the automatic limiter compress the
signal. This is normal and is designed to protect your LA Series amplifier from unwanted
distortion and other undesirable by-products of clipping the power amplifier. More information is
available in the section marked "Volume Control."

TOP PANEL FEATURES

Input Jack
This jack accepts a standard 1/4" phone plug as found on standard instrument cables, and can
be used with passive and active basses alike. Be sure to insert the cable plug straight down into
the jack, not from an angle. Also be sure to insert the cable plug fully into the jack. You should
feel three "latches" as you insert the cable plug, and after the third latch your cable should be
fully inserted. (This is true for all jacks in the LA Series.)
Volume Control
This control is used to set the volume of your L.A. Series amp. When the knob is fully-counter
clockwise, there should be no sound at all. As you turn the knob clockwise, the sound will
gradually become louder.
The optimal setting for the L.A. Series VOLUME control will depend on what kind of bass you use
and how hard you play the strings of your instrument. There are two kinds of electric basses:
active and passive. An "active" bass contains "active" electronics, requires a battery for proper
operation, and usually contains EQ controls that can boost a signal significantly. A "passive" bass
does not require a battery, and generally has a lower output than an active bass. (If you don't
know whether or not your bass is active or passive, check the owner's manual to make sure.)
Since an active bass has a higher output than a passive bass, the optimal setting for the L.A.
Series VOLUME control will most likely be lower for active basses than for passive ones. As
always, use your ears to make the best determination.
8 • L.A. Series