SWR 350x Operating Instructions Manual page 13

The Effects Blend circuit is similar to that used on recording consoles with the effects loop on a "side
chain" to the normal circuit. Unless the control is set to the full "wet" position, you will always get the full
sound of your instrument AND get the diversity an effects unit offers. This circuit is also effective in reduc-
ing noise generated by effects units because it is located after the gain stages in the preamp.
The Effects Blend control functions only when the Effects Loop is being used. It is activated when a 1/4"
phone plug is inserted into the Effects Receive jack (for more information, please see the heading titled
"Effects Loop" in the "Rear Panel Features" section later in this guide).
Limiter/Compressor Circuit
The Limiter found in the 350x is a soft knee type limiter. The Limiter circuit is located after (post) the
Master Volume and before (pre) the power amplifier. Therefore, the Limiter is driven by the Master Volume
control. Its threshold (starting point) is preset by the factory so that the user can get maximum overall
apparent volume without unduly overdriving (or "clipping") the power amplifier, which can eventually dam-
age the unit's internal circuitry. This can also be helpful in preventing speaker damage when running your
system at high volumes.
Activating or Defeating the Limiter Circuit
You may either activate or defeat the Limiter circuit via the Effects Blend control, which doubles as an
on/off switch for the Limiter. The "In" position activates the Limiter Circuit, and is the default setting as
shipped from the factory. To defeat the Limiter, simply pull "out" on the knob of this control until you hear
and feel a "click." To re-engage the Limiter, push the control back in to its original position.
Limiter Active LED
When the threshold (starting point) of the Limiter circuit is reached, the Limiter Active LED will light, indi-
cating that the Limiter Circuit is active and helping to protect your power amplifier from clipping. The
Limiter LED will not illuminate when: a) the Limiter has been defeated by pulling out on the Effects Blend
control; b) when playing at levels not high enough to engage the circuit.
Note: If you have defeated the Limiter and you hear a loud, sharp distortion present in your sound –
and the Preamp Clip LED is not lighting up – re-engage the Limiter by pushing the Effects Blend con-
trol back in. If the distortion goes away, you were probably clipping the power amp, which is not a
good thing. Remember, the Limiter circuit is there to protect your amplifier from such a state of opera-
tion.
Master (Volume) Control
The Master (meaning "Master Volume") control adjusts the level being sent to the power amplifier in your
350x – it controls the overall volume of the unit. Turning the control counter-clockwise reduces the overall
level, while turning the control clockwise boosts the overall level.
Two notes: The Master control never affects the level present at the various audio output jacks on the
rear panel – it only affects the level being sent to the power amplifier, and subsequently, your speaker out-
puts only. Also, losses caused by external effects units can be recovered by increasing the Master control.
Power On/Off Switch
This switch turns the complete unit on or off. Setting the switch upwards to the "On" position turns on the
unit, and the switch itself will illuminate in red. Setting the switch downward to the "Power" position will
turn the unit off, and the red light inside the power switch will turn off as well.
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