Using The Tone Controls - SWR California Blonde Owner's Manual

Most feedback in acoustic instruments occurs in the lower registers. If ample volume is not obtained by using the
phase switch or changing 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.

USING THE TONE CONTROLS

USING THE TONE CONTROLS
To get the most out of the Tone Controls of your California Blonde, it would be best to first understand how the
Aural Enhancer (Instrument channel only) works, and how it interacts with the
controls. Think of the Aural Enhancer as a variable tone curve. As you raise the control from its "0," or fully coun-
terclockwise position, you are elevating the whole range of sound (lows, mids, and highs) at frequency points dif-
ferent than those selected for the individual Tone Controls.
This remains true up to about the "2 o'clock" position, at which point selected mids start to drop off. The curves
involved here are gentle, as opposed to the very extreme curves you can create with the Tone Controls. Most sig-
nificantly for basses, the Enhancer will help bring out the fundamentals of your lower registers without masking
them with overtones, such as the Bass control would. At the same time, it opens up the sibilance characteristics
of all instruments without being harsh.
Most players prefer setting the Aural Enhancer between 10 and 2 o'clock. Try playing a chord and move the Aural
Enhancer from one extreme to the other. You should find a setting that is pleasing to your ear.
TONE CONTROL SECTION
The California Blonde's Tone Control section is a three-band set of level controls centered around the frequencies
Bass
80 Hz ( ), 800 Hz (
15dB. Each control has a flat (center click) position that defeats its function. In this position, the tone controls
are inactive.
For each tone control, rotating the knob counter-clockwise from the "center click" position will cut or reduce its
designated frequency. Rotating the knob clockwise will boost its designated band or frequency.
Bass
The control works in a range that will be useful under most "normal" conditions. Its musical use might be
thought of as a "fatness" control. The overall "punch" of your instrument will be determined with this control.
With passive instruments, this will be straightforward. With active instruments containing bass-boost/cut func-
tions, more exploration will be worthwhile.
Mid Range
The control operates in a crucial area for most instruments. Many basses (particularly those strung
with roundwound strings) and some pickups for acoustic instruments can have a very "honky" or nasal sound.
Mid Range
Dropping the
what sounds best when you're listening to your tone by yourself may not be what works best in a band or when
recording. Sometimes that objectionable quality may be just the right "hair" on your note to still have an audible
presence in the track or on stage.
Treble
The control operates in a tonal area that extends through and beyond the usual treble range. It may be
thought of as a "transparency" control. Over time, we have found this approach to result in a more musically useful
treble. Boosting the control will open up the sound of a dull instrument, particularly in conjunction with the high
end super-tweeter in the California Blonde. However, this is also the range of string rattle, finger slides, pickup
clicks, etc. Again, we recommend you experiment with the control alone with your instrument while finding your
tone, and listen again in a band context, both near to and away from the California Blonde. Qualities like punch,
fatness, presence and bite can be fairly well spread out. Treble, despite the broad dispersion of the super tweeter,
is a very directional quality. Spend some time exploring what you can hear in this area as you move around.
EFFECTS BLEND
The effects loop circuitry in the California Blonde is a "side chain" design, the same concept as used in studio
mixers and consoles. The
coming from your effect. With the
heard. As you turn this control clockwise, more of the effect can be heard in the overall sound. When the Blend
4 4 • CALIFORNIA BLONDE OWNER'S MANUAL
Mid Range
) and 5kHz (
control can go a long way toward smoothing out your tone. We suggest, though, that
Effects Blend
control mixes the signal coming from your instrument with the sound
Effects Blend
Treble
). Each control can cut or boost its band a maximum of
control fully counter-clockwise, no signal from your effect will be
Bass Mid Range
, and
Treble